BURNABY—The CUPE BC Environment Committee is calling on members across the province to say ‘no’ to dirty oil.

The committee is calling for CUPE members to sign on to a petition to US president Barack Obama to stop plans for a cross-border pipeline from the Tar Sands. The goal is 50,000 signatures.

Petition sponsor Avaaz explains that “Canada mines deadly oil that creates toxic sludge lakes and destroys forests in Alberta -- and Harper needs Obama's help to sell it.

VANCOUVER—The Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project will have an irreversible impact on the health of those who live near waterways into which tar sands toxins are released, on wildlife and on our environment.

Should an oil spill occur as a result of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project, taxpayers will be responsible for the cost of the cleanup to the tune of billions of dollars.

Sign CUPE BC’s Environment Committee petition and add your voice or write a letter against an Enbridge pipeline in B.C.  Visit: 

BURNABY—Citing this week’s Enbridge oil spill that has threatened a Michigan river and the earlier disaster by British Petroleum that devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast, the B.C.

Union submission opposes privatized incineration option for Lower Mainland

VANCOUVER—CUPE BC’s submission to a Metro Vancouver consultation on the Draft Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan calls for a “zero waste” strategy for the Lower Mainland that rejects a proposed incineration plan and urges more waste reduction and recycling as key elements of a “green jobs” strategy.

“We believe much more can

BURNABY—CUPE members are driving environmental action at work and in their communities.

On Earth Day 2010, we are focusing on some of the many wins CUPE members have made to help make the planet greener, healthier and more sustainable. These wins show that CUPE members have the power to take action on environmental issues and serve as an example to all workers.

Here in B.C., Steve Scott, CUPE 379 member and thirty year school custodian is a shining example.

BURNABY—Thirty-year school custodian and CUPE 379 member Scott Stove is the subject of a news feature posted this week on the Tyee.ca about the move toward non-toxic cleaning agents in schools.

Stove, working with his local health and safety committee following recommendations from Toxin Free Canada—and with the support of the school district—has led a campaign to remove all toxic substances from Burnaby schools.

On April 22 Canadians and people in over one-hundred and sixty countries will participate in Earth Day activities designed to promote a clean and healthy environment. CUPE’s Environmental Committee is working on specific plans that will move us towards sustainable communities. As part of your Earth Day activities, the Committee asks that each local union makes a formal request that their employer undertakes a specific environmental program.

Earth Day is for Kids!