PENSION FIGHT | NDP GOV’T | JAIL GUARDS RALLY | #METOO | FERNIE TRIBUTE
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE WINTER 2018
SHAKING UP THE HOUSE LABOUR CAMPAIGN DRIVES BIG CHANGES AT PACIFIC BLUE CROSS
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LEADING US
PAUL FAORO, PRESIDENT
Working with our friends Although the last provincial election seems like years ago now, the reality is that the new BC NDP government led by Premier John Horgan has been in office for just six months as you read this edition of Public Employee. While much has already been accomplished, much more remains to be done after 16 years of right-wing BC Liberal government. (For a more detailed assessment of the government’s first six months, see Page 10.) For 16 years, our organization has stood in strong opposition to the BC Liberal governments of Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark. Their policies caused Paul Faoro widespread damage to our society and reduced an entire generation’s opportunities to succeed. CUPE BC stood up for our members and our communities in combatting BC Liberal policy, whether it was attacks on public services or taxation policies that favoured the wealthiest at the expense of working people and the middle class. And we worked hard in every election to defeat the BC Liberals and elect a government that would do what’s right for the majority of British Columbians, not just the privileged few. We also knew the BC NDP would be forced to clean up some messes left behind by Christy Clark — none more difficult or complicated to deal with than the Site C project. While some are disappointed by the government’s decision to keep the project running, Premier Horgan should be commended for making a tough, fact-based decision rather than letting short-term partisan political issues rule the process.
An open door makes a difference The question for CUPE BC now is: how do we transition from an oppositional to a supportive role while continuing to stand up for our members and communities? In my view, our primary role — to advocate for and support our members, Locals and District Councils — doesn’t change at all. But with respect to our relationship with the provincial government, much has changed. For one thing,
NEW HOPE CUPE members showed up in force on September 24 as more than 50,000 people gathered in Vancouver to participate in the Walk for Reconciliation. our voice is now welcomed and respected by the new government. I have had many meetings with cabinet ministers and senior government staff on a wide range of issues since the swearing in, and will continue to do so. CUPE BC has had the opportunity to provide advice and policy submissions on everything from the first full NDP budget coming in February to the re-establishment of a BC Human Rights Commission, an important public entity whose With respect to elimination by the Campbell Liberals our relationship left our province as the only with the provincial jurisdiction in Canada without one. government, much I know that many members in the has changed. For one K–12 sector are frustrated by the thing, our voice is challenges school districts are facing now welcomed and as they implement the Supreme Court respected by the new of Canada decision re-instating the BC Teachers Federation’s collective government. agreement that was torn up in 2002. As the government works to restore proper levels of funding for our education sector, local school districts and the provincial government are being made increasingly aware of the lack of resources for education support staff, including Education Assistants.
Fixing K–12 no easy task One of my first priorities was to meet the Education Minister and brief him on how this impacts our 27,000 members in this sector. While I share our members’ frustration, it’s important to remember that the new government is still operating on the BC Liberals’ financial framework. I’m confident that Budget 2018 will begin to address these funding issues and those in other sectors like postsecondary, health care, and social services. Our job at CUPE BC is to work to make our members’ lives better. That’s what we’ve always done, and it’s what we’ll continue to do. Having a government in Victoria that listens to us, and takes action, makes a world of difference. It also shows why political action is so important. FOLLOW PAUL ON TWITTER @paulfaoro
MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE
Stepping up for retiree benefits
CUPE ACT ION
CUPE NATIONAL CONVENTION
COQUITLAM | CUPE 561 members really stepped up to the plate after hearing in May that School District 43 was cutting post-retirement health benefits for all workers who retire after December 31, 2017. They got involved, first by LOUD AND CLEAR Members of CUPE 561 telling their stories and being had a strong message for SD43 on why postphotographed for an advertising retirement health benefits must be preserved. campaign that included transit shelters, newspaper and radio, and then by that 2018 is an election year.” rallying in support of benefits. Participants wore red T-shirts with the At an evening rally in November that message “Stop the Cuts” and carried led straight to the regular school board placards calling for post-retirement health meeting, a crowd of more than 75 benefits to be restored. After rallying members and retirees of CUPE 561 and outside, they handed out brochures while other locals called on SD 43 to restore parading through the small school district meeting room. post-retirement health benefits. CUPE 561 represents 1,600 K–12 education CUPE 561 President Dave Ginter thanked support workers and 80 library workers in everyone who braved the dark and chilly Coquitlam, 200 BC Transit workers in the night. “We’ll be respectful,” said Ginter. Fraser Valley, and 650 retirees. “Write to each trustee. And don’t forget
STRATEGIC DIRECTION SET TOWARD 2019 TORONTO | At CUPE’s 28th biennial national convention (October 2–6, 2017), delegates passed an action plan for steps the union will take over the next two years to expand public services, create stable and secure full-time jobs, raise the wages of all workers, and deepen our connections with our allies. Delegates also re-elected national officers Mark Hancock and Charles Fleury as president and secretary-treasurer, respectively, and CUPE BC President Paul Faoro as regional vice-president. Hospital Employees’ Union Financial Secretary Donisa Bernardo was also elected as regional vice-president. Two activists from B.C. were honoured at convention. CUPE 1936 President Sheryl Burns — capping an emotional year in which she assumed the local mantle from long-time activist Michael Lanier, who died suddenly early in 2017 — won the Disability
K–12 Presidents’ Council takes action on violence RICHMOND | The most urgent issues identified at the October meeting of the K–12 Presidents’ Council were the lack of hours for education assistants and related issues of recruitment and retention, unreasonable custodial workloads due to inadequate staffing, and violence in our schools. The council unanimously passed a motion to strike a task force on violence
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in the workplace, develop contract language, and produce tools to help reduce violence. CUPE BC President Paul Faoro, speaking about the current political landscape in B.C., encouraged presidents to read the 2017 Confidence and Supply Agreement, a comprehensive document about government goals that sets out a roadmap for the next four years.
SETTING PRIORITIES K–12 presidents from across B.C. met to discuss challenges and make plans to address members’ issues and concerns at the K–12 Presidents’ Council meeting in October.
OUTSTANDING CUPE 1936 President Sheryl Burns was honoured for her role as a disability rights advocate. Rights Activist award. Burns, a community social services worker, was honoured for her trailblazing role in educating people about the importance of accommodation within her workplace, her community and our movement. And Joanne Foote, a 30-year activist from CUPE 6095 (Hospital Employees’ Union), won the Grace Hartman Award, presented to a CUPE activist who embodies the qualities and legacy of CUPE’s first woman president. Convention closed on Friday with the first public speech by federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, elected five days earlier.
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CUPE ACT ION
MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE
VOICES
CUPE MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA
“We were glad to negotiate improvements that support young and new workers and their families. This will help to ensure they can live, work, pay taxes and otherwise contribute to the region over the long term. A wish we have for all workers.”
TIME FOR FAIRNESS Lynda Davy, a CUPE 338 vice-president for the Commissionaires, led the November 29 rally.
— CUPE 50 President John Burrows, in a letter to the editor, responds to an editorial that questioned what the City of Victoria had agreed to with the union. Victoria Times Colonist, October 31, 2017.
Community holds rally in support of CUPE jail guards
“I encourage them to save their toonies. I have the best crowd of people that you’d ever meet.”
KELOWNA | CUPE BC President Paul Faoro was on hand as a crowd gathered in a local park on November 29 to support a fair first contract for CUPE 388 members who work as jail guards at the Kelowna RCMP detachment. After more than six months of negotiations, the 17 jail guards were still without a contract and headed for job action as Public Employee went to press. Faoro, speaking at the rally, sent a strong message to Commissionaires BC and the City of Kelowna. “Commissionaires BC has told CUPE they aren’t a public sector employer, so their employees shouldn’t expect the same compensation as other municipal jail guards. Perhaps they shouldn’t be in the business of providing a public service,” he told the crowd. “Maybe it is time the City seriously considers bringing this service and these dedicated employees back in house.” CUPE 338 President Lee Mossman said that wages were the final outstanding issue. CUPE 338 has asked for a wage increase of $2 per hour, $1 of which would be retroactive to when bargaining started and the other $1 increase would be retroactive to October 19, 2017. “At their current rate of pay, if working full time, jail guards are barely living above the poverty line,” said Mossman. “Commissionaires BC makes a profit from providing this service, and yet they choose to pay their employees less than a living wage. We don’t see how this fulfills their commitment to providing ‘meaningful employment.’” While no further bargaining dates have been scheduled, the union is prepared to return to the table for meaningful discussions. CUPE 338 represents 1,000 members who provide vital community services to Kelowna area residents and businesses.
— CUPE 561 retiree Irene Oloman, on her fellow retirees who — in what has become an annual tradition —join with Riverside secondary students every December to participate in the Caring Neighbour program. Run by Share Family and Community Services, the program matches sponsors with families that are struggling to make ends meet. In addition to food to last through January, the hampers provide a gift card and personalized gifts for each member. Local 561, which represents SD43 support workers, also provides funds to sponsor two families. Tri-City News, Friday, November 24, 2017. “Providing more hours for EAs …[and] addressing incidences of violence in classrooms, of which EAs take the brunt, would also help draw more people into the field.” — CUPE 728 President Ryan Groundwater, on epidemic shortages of replacement education assistants in B.C. Surrey Now-Leader, November 23, 2017. “The reality is that our members are paid less than other workers in comparable positions and that is causing retention issues as well as health and safety concerns.” — CUPE 338 President Lee Mossman, on why unionized jail guards at the Kelowna RCMP detachment voted in favour of strike action after talks with the Commissionaires and City of Kelowna broke down. The Daily Courier (Kelowna), October 5, 2017. “This is a perfect example of what can happen when everyone involved negotiates in a respectful manner with reasonable expectations.” — CUPE 1048 President Kelly Boudreau, commenting on bargaining with the City of Prince George that resulted in a new four-year agreement for his local and CUPE 399. Prince George Citizen, October 4, 2017.
CONVENTION RETURNS TO VANCOUVER CUPE BC is already gearing up to make Convention 2018 a great experience for delegates and also for members who can’t be there but want to follow along from home. We’ll again have a great group of guests, keynote speakers, plenty of debate, and our popular Convention App. Convention runs April 18 to 21, 2018 at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver.
MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE
CUPE ACT ION
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Darcy up to the challenge VICTORIA | When new B.C. Premier John Horgan unveiled his gender-equal cabinet on July 18, it was no surprise to see New Westminster’s Judy Darcy among the MLAs taking on leadership roles in the new government. As many CUPE members know, Darcy served as CUPE’s national president from 1991–2003 and as the Hospital Employees’ Union’s business manager from 2005–2011. Darcy was appointed as the first cabinet minister to lead the new Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. The ministry was established to focus government resources on the twin challenges of tackling an opioid overdose epidemic that has seen thousands of overdose deaths while modernizing and improving the province’s mental health services. Judy Darcy A wide range of CUPE members in B.C. deal with the overdose crisis every day. Members of CUPE 1004 and 1936 who work at the Portland Hotel Society’s facilities in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and Victoria — including Insite, the first supervised injection site — have helped save countless lives. Ambulance paramedics in B.C. (CUPE Local 873) are often first on the scene of suspected overdoses, and the massive growing volume of such calls is taking a serious personal toll on many paramedics. In addition, CUPE members working in municipalities, community centres and libraries all over the province also frequently deal with suspected overdoses. “Thousands of British Columbians have lost family members, friends, loved ones and coworkers to this epidemic of opioid overdoses,” said CUPE BC President Paul Faoro. “I’m confident that the new government’s approach will help prevent additional deaths, and I’m particularly confident that Judy Darcy is the best person to take on this important work.”
NEW LEADERSHIP At the Local’s annual convention in October, members of CUPE 873 (Ambulance Paramedics of BC) elected a new executive. Cameron Eby (centre right, in purple shirt) succeeds Bronwyn Barter as president.
Ambulance paramedics, dispatchers get new standalone bargaining unit RICHMOND | Delegates to the 2017 convention of CUPE Local 873 (Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of B.C.) received a good news surprise on October 24 by way of a video greeting from Health Minister Adrian Dix, who announced that the new government had begun a process to establish a standalone bargaining unit for the province’s 3,700 paramedics and dispatchers. Dix also thanked paramedics for their exemplary service during last summer’s wildfire crisis, as well as during the ongoing opioid overdose epidemic. The new standalone bargaining unit comes after the former government transferred the paramedics to the Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA) in 2010. “We believe the creation of a standalone bargaining unit for B.C.’s paramedics and dispatchers is in the public interest, creating a venue to work collaboratively with government on important issues, such as ambulance response times, paramedic resources, the opioid crisis and patient care,” said CUPE 873 president Bronwyn Barter. “We value our relationship with our colleagues in the FBA, and thank them for their support and collaboration over the last seven years. This move is an acknowledgement by the government that our paramedics and dispatchers have a unique role in providing a vital service to patients and the public.”
CUPE BC Celebrates Library Month Across Canada, October is celebrated as Library Month to recognize the important role that libraries and library workers play in our communities. CUPE proudly represents more than 4,500 members who work in academic, public and school libraries throughout B.C. and every day provide vital services in our schools, communities and college and university campuses. The CUPE BC library committee works throughout the year to promote the value of public library services and to encourage library workers to become CUPE activists. This year, the committee is once again asking CUPE locals with library workers (including K–12, college, and university locals) to consider joining the BC Library Association (BCLA). It is important that CUPE has a voice at the table, as the BCLA is an influential advocate for libraries across the province. For more information on joining the BCLA, visit: bclaconnect.ca/membership/ You can also visit librariesrock.ca for more info on CUPE’s library sector.
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LINKING LABOUR
ROBIN JONES, REGIONAL DIRECTOR
t Conflic ion t lu reso
nce Grieva res u d e c o pr
Bargaining strategies
Work life e balanc
Succession planning: the never-ending challenge REPLACING A GENERATION OF EXPERIENCED ACTIVISTS AND STAFF IS NO EASY TASK As with most large organizations, succession planning remains an ongoing concern for CUPE—and that goes for our union locals as well as staff. Across the country, we’ve lost 50 per cent of our staff in each of the last three years, and that trend seems to be continuing. In B.C. alone I anticipate at least five Robin Jones retirements coming this year, with more on the way. At the local level, we’re seeing this trend throughout the ranks from top to bottom. CUPE is losing a generation of experience and expertise, but we’re working hard as a union to reverse that brain drain and are actively recruiting all the time.
No substitute for experience This is one sobering reality that CUPE constantly faces: for all the value of younger workers’ vitality and high tech-savviness, there are real disadvantages to doing our work when the gravitas of veteran experience is missing from the room. At the staff level, there are inherent challenges with bringing in new servicing reps who have little or no experience in the field; at the local level, there are similar difficulties when someone becomes president who is unfamiliar with grievance procedure, collective bargaining or conflict resolution. Retiring activists need to give a hand to the newcomers, and not just before elections. They need to always be mentoring potential activists, exposing them to local affairs so that they can confidently address the priorities of both their own union and the house of labour. Through CUPE’s Union Development Department,
local executive training helps executives deal with team building, conflict resolution, parliamentary procedure and other issues. The challenge of succession planning is nothing new, but it’s been getting harder in recent years because of shifting priorities in the job market. Informal surveys we’ve Retiring activists done recently show that, for the next need to give a hand generation of up-and-coming staff to the newcomers, and activists in the recruiting pool, work-life balance by far outweighs and not just before wages and benefits in terms of the elections. They need to “must haves.” This conflicts with always be mentoring another sobering reality: the trend potential activists. toward work-life balance has not been matched by any reduction in the work that CUPE does for its members, who still need our help as much as ever.
Nine-to-five does not apply There’s no denying that CUPE employment and activist commitment can be hard on people and a challenge for family life. But bargaining and attending labour-management meetings are part of the job. Skillful time management is needed, or the pace can become overwhelming. If you’re at the bargaining table, it’s pretty much a given that you’ll be working long hours. New staff quickly learn that servicing the membership is job one. Those who find that their assignment is getting in the way of their home life need to learn to be creative in finding ways to balance it. CUPE can help with time management skills, and we are always receptive to ideas on how to achieve work-life balance. If you’re a member who’s interested in joining staff, do talk to your servicing rep about the demands of the job, and attend as many union meetings as you can.
CUPE GALLERY
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS CUPE BC held its biennial One Big Committee Meeting in October, bringing together more than 200 CUPE activists from around the province to talk strategy and tactics as they began their two-year terms on the Division’s many committees.
JOINING THE FAMILY In Port McNeill, CUPE 401 welcomed outside workers who maintain the town’s roads and public parks. From left: Lee Hawley, Alisa Vanderberg, Carole Fraboni, and Scott Sinclair. Meanwhile, six new members from Kimberley Public Library were welcomed into CUPE 440, representing school support workers in Kimberley, Canal Flats, Invermere and Golden. Traci Illes and Michael Plait are pictured in front of their Christmas display.
EXCELLENT WORK CUPE 1091, representing Delta School District support workers, won the award for Best Website Redesign Produced by Volunteers at the annual Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) conference held this year in Toronto. CUPE 1091 member and web master Alexis MacPherson is Delta’s media technology coordinator for the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders.
PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY CUPE BC Executive Board members and staff take some time out at the union’s info booth at the Union of BC Municipalities 2017 Convention in Victoria in October. CUPE BC’s longstanding participation in the annual UBCM convention has built many positive relationships between the union and locally elected leaders.
SCHOOL TALK CUPE BC President Paul Faoro joined the BCTF’s Teri Mooring and BCPSEA CEO Renzo Del Negro on a labour issues panel discussion at the BC Association of School Business Officials conference in Vancouver in November. The dialogue featured a frank exchange of views on the importance of collective bargaining at both local and provincial levels.
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Shaking up the house COLLECTIVE ACTION LEADS TO PROGRESSIVE CHANGE AT PBC
BURNABY | CUPE 1816 President Beth Miller doesn’t hesitate when asked to identify the tipping point that signalled it was time for a new board of directors at Pacific Blue Cross. “It came after several months of failed bargaining, the employer’s refusal to take concessions off the table, and a resounding strike vote by our members,” she recalls. “After doing nothing to help prevent the first job action in company history, then saying nothing when PBC locked us out, the board sent us an e-mail expressing their unqualified support for the COVER employer’s position. That was the point STORY of no return.” When a collective agreement was reached in September, finally ending the 66-day lockout, many thought that CUPE 1816’s victory at the bargaining table — four years of wage increases, no concessions, and preservation of retiree benefits the company was trying to claw back — was a fitting end to the dispute. Instead, it was only the beginning of a more critical fight: a struggle for the heart of Pacific Blue Cross that would culminate with the election of seven progressive new board members at the non-profit benefit provider’s December 13 annual general meeting.
Accountability at issue
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Shortly after the lockout began in early July, Pacific Blue Cross President and CEO Jan Grude announced that PBC’s scheduled September 7 AGM had been cancelled indefinitely, citing the uncertainty caused by the labour dispute. CUPE challenged the move at BC Supreme Court, arguing that cancelling the meeting
violated the BC Societies Act by exceeding the 15-month limit between AGMs. Meanwhile, few were fooled by Grude’s explanation. Miller says that Pacific Blue Cross had cancelled the September 7 meeting only a day after receiving a special resolution calling for the removal of seven directors from the board. CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies, who questioned the board’s behaviour in his Fall column for Public Employee, was similarly unimpressed. “We saw this as a desperate move by the CEO to prevent the board from having to face accountability,” recalls Davies. “That was a clear signal that this board had lost its way. It was especially alarming to us that the labour members of the board had abandoned any sense of vision for steering the future direction of this organization. They had become part of the problem.” PBC did not finally schedule the December 13 AGM date until the end of October. By that time, CUPE BC and Local 1816 had already set the wheels in motion for a massive, multi-union campaign to replace the seven board members whose terms were up in 2017. Shortly after officially launching the campaign in November, CUPE announced a slate of candidates committed to advancing a progressive vision for Pacific Blue Cross (see sidebar). “Bad employers need to be held accountable wherever they emerge, particularly when they demand concessions from working people while purporting to be a progressive company — and the same goes for any board of directors that supports such demands,” says CUPE BC President Paul Faoro. “The board’s support for this anti-worker strategy inconvenienced countless plan members and put 600
workers on the street for two months. That’s why CUPE members and their supporters showed up in such strong numbers at PBC’s annual general meeting to vote for more progressive voices on that board.”
his confrontational approach and demands for concessions that led to the lockout — by no means guaranteed a brighter future for PBC. The CUPE-led campaign responded by ramping up its social media and communications strategy. “It was really important to get the message out that Grude’s leaving PBC was all the more reason to get out to the AGM and Getting the vote out vote,” recalls Allen. “This process was all about ensuring that Campaign coordinator Nathan Allen led a team of regional office the next leadership group at PBC is progressive.” staff and CUPE 1816 members who, in consultation with the BC MoveUp Vice-President Alicia Federation of Labour, helped recruit Gallo, one of the seven candidates slate candidates and get the word running for the board, agrees. out about the AGM, as well as “Pacific Blue Cross needed new addressing the various logistical, leadership that is in step with the legal, and communications issues B.C. labour movement’s values,” surrounding the election process. says Gallo. “Our team had the It was Community Organizer Tina experience to stand up for the Meadows’s job to line up enough millions of workers and their buses to transport nearly 800 families that depend on PBC’s unionized PBC primary plan holders extended health coverage.” to the AGM from various pick-up With that mission locations in the Lower Mainland. accomplished — all seven Two weeks after the official THAT’S DEDICATION Taking a shuttle bus candidates were elected on launch, the campaign got a boost from Chilliwack, CUPE 411 members (from left) December 13 — CUPE 1816 on November 15 with the news of Suzanne Abercrombie, Bonnie Fox, and Brenda members can finally rest assured Jan Grude’s sudden retirement. Moores arrived at the Westin Bayshore Hotel on that the future is much brighter Undoubtedly another victory December 13 just in time to cast their votes. than when its last round of for CUPE 1816, the departure of bargaining began. Grude — who was widely criticized for
BUILDING A BETTER PBC THE SEVEN INDIVIDUALS who ran on the labour-endorsed slate of candidates for the Pacific Blue Cross board of directors all have impressive backgrounds in community involvement, labour activism or knowledge of health and pension benefits. All elected, the new PBC board members are: MoveUp Vice President Alicia Gallo, BC Federation of Labour SecretaryTreasurer Aaron Ekman, Royal Columbia Hospital emergency room physician Dr. Sandra Jenneson, St. Paul’s Hospital general internal medicine specialist Dr. Stéphane Voyer, Hospital Employees’ Union pensions and benefits director Brendan Dick, UNIFOR Local 2200 President Joe Elworthy, and past B.C. Teachers’ Federation President Jim Iker.
Early in the campaign, the slate issued a policy platform aimed at returning PBC to its roots as a progressive, non-profit extended health benefits provider that respects both workers and plan holders.
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Bring transparent leadership that makes sure beneficiaries have a voice in the future of PBC.
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Re-establish a relationship with community and labour partners to attract new clients and encourage others to come back to PBC.
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Restore the Service Delivery Contracts to the high levels that clients expect and deserve.
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Propose innovative concepts and ideas to grow the organization and protect plan holders.
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Perform the fiduciary duties of the director’s role in a fair, efficient, and prudent manner.
With the platform, the candidates pledged their commitment to: •
Value employees that work every day on behalf of plan holders and their families.
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Make sure new executive leadership is installed that improves labour/ management culture and restores PBC’s status as a good employer.
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Work with unions and community organizations to deliver high quality service to workers who depend on PBC coverage.
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CUPE FOCUS
NEW GOVERNMENT
Off to a good start FOR THE HORGAN NEW DEMOCRATS, IT’S BEEN A PRODUCTIVE FIRST SIX MONTHS VICTORIA | For B.C.’s new government, the road to July 19 seemed like the longest wait ever. After 16 years in political opposition, the BC New Democrats had to wait again — for more than two months after the May 9 provincial election — before Christy Clark’s fragile minority collapsed and John Horgan was finally sworn in as British Columbia’s 36th premier. There was precious little time to savour the moment: after four terms of right-wing BC Liberal rule, first by Gordon Campbell and then by Clark, the BC NDP had a long list of issues to grapple with — and massive demand for immediate change. Horgan’s swearing in was followed by that of the first cabinet in B.C. history with gender balance. Two of the 11 women ministers Horgan appointed were from CUPE: Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows MLA Lisa Beare (Tourism, Arts and Culture) and New Westminster MLA Judy Darcy (Mental Health and Addictions — see story on page 5). With the six-month anniversary of the NDP government coming on January 19, it seemed appropriate and timely for Public Employee to look back at some of the progressive change already PLACE AT THE TABLE More than 30 CUPE members and staff attended the BC NDP 2017 Convention in Victoria in November.
The new government has also begun the process to restore the Human Rights Commission, reversing its elimination by the former government which left B.C. as the only province without one. The BC NDP have also initiated a process to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour and established a panel to create a referendum question on proportional representation. CUPE BC has delivered submissions to the Fair Wages Commission and the Human Rights Commission, and will be actively supporting the “yes” campaign for a fairer electoral system.
Fixing a broken system ON OUR SIDE CUPE BC President Paul Faoro introduces BC Premier John Horgan on the opening night of the BC NDP’s Convention 2017. delivered by a government that’s there for working people and not just for the wealthy and well-connected few.
Promises made, promises kept In the run-up to the NDP government’s first full budget, coming in February, the new administration acted on a number of campaign commitments. These included a ban on big money in our politics, the first increase in social assistance and disability rates in a decade (and restoring bus passes for people with disabilities), and the elimination of the BC Liberal tax cut for the richest 2 per cent of British Columbians.
Even though it’s only been six months since the new government was sworn in, it’s easy to forget the mess that the Horgan New Democrats inherited, notes Faoro, singling out the K–12 sector in particular. “The former government literally spent the past 16 years picking fights with workers, cutting funding and tearing up collective agreements,” he says. “So, the new government has the very difficult job of implementing the Supreme Court of Canada decision to restore class size and composition to the teachers’ contract, while at the same time working to ensure sufficient classroom and school support. “There have been some bumps in the road in this sector, and our K–12 locals are understandably impatient to see proper levels of funding restored to education. I’m confident we’ll see significant improvement in next month’s provincial budget, the NDP’s first full budget.”
GUEST COLUMN
SILENT NO MORE THE #METOO CAMPAIGN PRESENTS AN HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE
EMPATHY AND ACTION Delegates support BCGEU Executive Vice-President Sussanne Skidmore as she shares her #MeToo story at the BC NDP Convention in Victoria.
By Sussanne Skidmore Over the past few months, more and more women from all walks of life have felt empowered to talk openly about their experiences of sexual harassment and assault. Thanks to the #MeToo campaign, what was once a taboo subject is now the top of the news. Our society seems to have reached a turning point in recognizing predatory behavior as no longer acceptable. I have also experienced sexual violence. Misogyny has played a significant role in my life. It has made me feel pressured and unsafe. It has influenced the life decisions I’ve made. My reality is the reality of many other women. Recently women have sought me out, as a union leader with a high profile in the labour movement, to share their #MeToo stories. Stories of being hurt by someone in a position of authority. Some people think the #MeToo campaign began with last fall’s exposure of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and other highprofile abusers like him. But it didn’t. The first “Me Too” campaign was in 2006, when Brooklyn, New York-based activist Tarana Burke established a non-profit organization to help victims of sexual harassment and assault. In the last decade, the movement has been growing and building strength. Here in B.C., #MeToo has the potential to be an incredibly powerful force for change. I felt that power in November 2017 when March On Vancouver held a #MeToo rally. I felt it again at the BC NDP convention in Victoria, when I stood up at a microphone and spoke about sexual harassment and violence. I looked around to see more than a dozen people surrounding me at the microphone to support me and my message. Somebody put their hand on my shoulder. All of a sudden, I felt the strength of them all and those who’d walked this path before me. In that moment, I was not alone. I thought of the impact of what was happening then and there, and my great hope for the impact of #MeToo on younger generations.
Sexual harassment has been going on since time immemorial. #MeToo is right now creating a space in the world where women actually have an enormous platform. People are starting to pay attention to us — they’re realizing the damage that’s done when we don’t address these issues, when we sit back and let them fester. So, what do we do with all this momentum to bring about long-lasting change? This is a great opportunity to have a broad and far-reaching conversation, to make sure there are resources for women who need support. It’s a chance to talk about the lack of women in powerful positions: we know abuse is less likely to happen when women are in charge. We need more women elected to government to create strong legislation. Unions need to secure collective agreement language. Let’s talk seriously about what’s appropriate behaviour at work and how employers are responsible for making worksites safe from abuse. You should never go to work and feel unsafe. #MeToo can be the tipping point for creating safer workplaces. I’ll carry the memory of this BC NDP convention forever thanks to a youth delegate, aged about 15, who approached me after my turn at the mic to thank me for what I’d said. Maybe she hasn’t found her voice yet, and maybe she never will. Still, she feels supported because she’s not alone. I will never forget her. She may end up having a bigger impact on my life than I on hers. #MeToo is a reason to hope. The chance for a shift in the way we do things and talk about things. We cannot let it pass us by. SUSSANNE SKIDMORE is executive vice-president of the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union. In addition to holding the Vancouver #MeToo rally, March On Canada also organized last year’s Vancouver Women’s March. March On Canada is now putting together an anniversary rally on January 20. For more information, go to www.MarchOnCanada.ca.
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CUPE COMMUNITIES
MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Community honours victims of workplace tragedy FERNIE | Hundreds gathered here in November to remember and pay tribute to three men who lost their lives in a tragic workplace accident involving a lethal ammonia leak. Wayne Hornquist, 59, Lloyd Smith, 52, and Jason Podloski, 46, died on October 17 while making emergency repairs to the refrigeration plant at the Fernie Memorial Arena. Hornquist and Smith were both City of Fernie employees and members of CUPE 2093. Podloski was a CIMCO Refrigeration employee. Family and friends described the three men as compassionate and caring individuals who were deeply committed to their communities and families.
SPIRIT OF GIVING At the Local’s 25th annual Union Children’s Carnival on December 9, CUPE 402 members generously donated 26 boxes of food and approximately $800 to the Surrey Food Bank.
“To see how the community pulled together to support one another was incredible,” said CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies. “These three men were taken too early, and our thoughts continue to be with our members in Fernie and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
NEVER FORGET CUPE members were among those who attended a candlelight vigil for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Ending Violence Against Women at Surrey’s Holland Park on December 6. The vigil, held each year on the anniversary of the Montreal massacre, was hosted by the New Westminster and District Labour Council and Public Service Alliance of Canada. SUSSANNE SKIDMORE PHOTO
Celebrating public library services VANCOUVER | CUPE 391 members last fall were once again sponsors
of Word Vancouver, the primary literary festival for Western Canadian book lovers and literacy enthusiasts. The 2017 event took place on September 24 outside Vancouver Public Library’s main branch. “We are proud to support this festival annually because promoting literacy in our community is vital,” said CUPE 391 President Aliza Nevarie (in photo, far right). “Word Vancouver is an excellent opportunity to speak with the public about the services that are available at their local library and reinforce the value of the community services our members provide.” At its festival booth for 2017, CUPE 391 hosted author readings in which two local members, Danielle LaFrance and Cheline Knight, read from their published books.
MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
HAIDA GWAII STUDENTS, STAFF OBSERVE ORANGE SHIRT DAY SKIDEGATE | For indigenous people, wearing the colour orange on September 30 is a way of acknowledging losses of family, language, culture, freedom, parenting, self-esteem and worth — and the painful experiences of abuse and neglect that undermined children’s self-esteem in residential schools. There were no residential schools on Haida Gwaii, so Haida children were sent to schools located in Alert Bay, Port Alberni, Chilliwack and as far away as Edmonton. September 30 falls on the time of year that most children were separated from their families this way. “Orange Shirt Day is not a day of celebration,” said CUPE 2020 President Ken Evans, an education assistant at Sk’aadgaa Naay. “It’s a day of remembering and showing respect to things that happened in the past to promote reconciliation.” Schools in District 50 (Haida Gwaii) participated in Orange Shirt Day by doing their own individual events. At Sk’aadgaa Naay Elementary School in Skidegate, classes made a collage
HONOURING LOSS Children at Sk’aadgaa Naay Elementary School recognize Orange Shirt Day. Pictured is CUPE 2020 President Ken Evans with Grades 1 and 2 kids and Pepper the Pug, also wearing orange. board with cut-out orange shirts. Students each drew something or wrote about what Orange Shirt Day meant to them. Evans noted that there was a lot of diversity from the children and that the interpretations were insightful. The orange shirt taken from one child is a symbol of the many losses experienced by thousands of indigenous students, their families and communities over several generations.
CUPE COMMUNITIES
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CITY ON EDGE
A century of civic activism VANCOUVER | CUPE members have a special opportunity to visit City on Edge: A Century of Vancouver Activism, a photobased exhibition that explores how protest demonstrations have shaped Vancouver’s identity. The show runs until February 18 at the Museum of Vancouver (MoV). Take advantage of the special promotion for CUPE members by either printing the discount coupon (available at www.cupe. bc.ca), or just saying the promotional word “CUPE” when purchasing your tickets onsite. CUPE $5.00 off admission Sep tember 28, 2017 members are to February 18, 2018 also eligible for a $10 discount on memberships and 10 per cent off the purchase price of the City on Edge book (authored by retired Vancouver Sun research librarian Kate Bird) at the MoV gift shop. For info visit: museumofvancouver.ca Present this coupon for:
Limited one offer per customer. Expires February 18, 2018. Photo: Ross Kenward/Province
museumofvancouver.ca 1100 Chestnut St. at Vanier Park in Kitsilano
Ginger Goodwin: A memorial centenary
BIG THANKS Megaphone Executive Director Jessica Hannon awards Vendor of the Year honours to Bob Dennis, who’s sold the magazine outside Choices Market in Vancouver’s Cambie Village since 2000. CUPE BC is a proud supporter of the organization’s work on behalf of homeless and marginalized people in Vancouver and Victoria. PHOTO: KRISTA BUTLER, MEGAPHONE MAGAZINE
CUMBERLAND | July 27, 2018 will mark the hundredth anniversary of the shooting death of Albert “Ginger” Goodwin, one of the most celebrated labour activists in Canadian history. The Cumberland Museum and Archives plans to pay tribute in a number of ways. The month preceding the anniversary will feature a variety of participatory art and music projects, an exhibit (“Goodwin’s Reach”), a symposium, workshops, the re-enactment of Goodwin’s
funeral procession down Dunsmuir Avenue, and other engaging programming throughout the annual Miners Memorial (June 22–24). The centenary celebrations aim to bring to light the story of Ginger Goodwin and the ongoing fight for labour rights, both historically and within a contemporary context, to a wide audience. For more information or to get involved, visit the website, cumberlandmuseum.ca, contact the museum at: Engage@ Cumberlandmuseum.ca, or visit the Facebook page: Miners Memorial Cumberland.
14
POWER IN NUMBERS
TREVOR DAVIES, SECRETARY-TREASURER
Being smarter about our investments SOUND FINANCIALS AND SOLID VALUES ARE ALWAYS A UNION’S BOTTOM LINE I’m a high maintenance investor — and not afraid to admit it. I don’t know where it came from, because my family was middle class and always focused on the day to day. My parents owned a house in Kamloops, my dad had his defined benefit pension plan, and that was the extent of major “assets” in my family. But, as CUPE BC’s secretary-treasurer, Trevor Davies I spend a lot of time monitoring our investments in both the Defence Fund and International Solidarity Fund. I do this for two reasons: interest and concern. As the investors for our union, we are always concerned about our financial situation. No matter how many years of successful compounding growth we’ve seen, one bad year will come along and when a negative number appears you can be sure that someone will stand up at a meeting and yell, “You lost our money!” So, when it comes to investing, progressive union members are often extremely conservative.
‘Good’ money vs ‘bad’ money For most investors, it’s a straightforward game of positive vs. negative return. Some investors consider environmental or social issues at the request of their clients. And then there are public sector unions, organizations that care deeply about ethical investing and put a high value on where their money is going and who that money might be helping. Unions have a lot of strong opinions about private, for-profit corporations. One of the more central is our belief that public assets should be kept public and not sold to private corporations to profit from. This belief is enough to keep many unions out of the market altogether. But such a hands-off approach only leaves locals
with limited options, often forcing them to put their money into low-interest term deposits that often don’t offer returns greater than inflation rates. If you meet me in person, I’d be happy to further discuss my position on locals and term deposits (spoiler: We must be diligent — and I’m not a fan). vigilant — about ensuring that But in all seriousness, we are not investing our money being the investors for our union means we in companies that work against have the obligation of our interest or that of other growing the savings union members. of our union and using the returns for a specific purpose that helps the membership. Some locals have even converted some of their savings accounts into endowment type funds which provide a second source of income (the first being union dues). This second source of income can be used for a variety of items including building up a strike support fund, purchasing a building, or increasing educational opportunities for stewards and members in general.
Due diligence the key We must be diligent — and vigilant — about ensuring that we are not investing our money in companies that work against our interest or that of other union members. Our value system may be confusing to investment managers, and it might not always make sense to those outside of the union family. But our strong values are what makes this union great. These values motivate us to work for better wages, safer working conditions and stronger communities. So, perhaps I should revise my self-description: I’m not a high maintenance but a high standards investor. And, when it comes to our money, there’s nothing wrong with high standards. FOLLOW TREVOR ON TWITTER @tdaviescupebc
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