VANCOUVER—Today (March 21) is the International Day for the Elimination of Racism, the 51st anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa, when police opened fire on hundreds of South Africans protesting against Apartheid’s passbook laws, killing 67 and wounding 186.

Members from CUPE BC’s Women’s Committee Leah Murray (CUPE 116), Joyce Griffiths (CUPE 389), and Annaliese Hunt (CUPE 7000) attended the Equality breakfast event held in Vancouver.VANCOUVER—CUPE BC was proud to sponsor West Coast LEAF’s 24th Annual Equality Breakfast celebrating International Women’s Day. Keynote speaker was Canadian journalist and best-selling author Linda McQuaig.

She addressed a full hall, speaking on equality and social justice. McQuaig praised the work done by West Coast LEAF.

Speakers and MLAs at the IWD breakfast (L to R: Mable Elmore, Agasel Lindawan, Judy Darcy, Dawn Black, Shelagh Day and Kathy Corrigan).BURNABY-The annual BC Federation of Labour International Women’s Day breakfast held special meaning this year as union women marked the 100th anniversary of IWD. CUPE BC had a table at the event.

Hosted by Irene Lanzinger, secretary-treasurer of the BC Fed, the morning was kicked off by interim leader of the BC NDP Dawn Black.

The grand finale – a cake from the VCC baking programCOQUITLAM-Evergreen Cultural Centre was done up in style to welcome women in the Tri-Cities to a celebration of International Women’s Day.

CUPE Metro Vancouver District Council vice-president Cindy McQueen welcomed a full house to the second annual event.

VANCOUVER- The community celebrated International Women’s Day in style on Saturday, March 5 with a parade down Vancouver’s Commercial Drive, followed by an indoor festival at the WISE Hall.Joyce Griffiths (CUPE 389), Sheryl Burns (CUPE 1936) and Joyce’s partner Mickey Holloway carried new CUPE BC women’s banners at festivities in Vancouver on Saturday, March 5

In honour of the 100 year anniversary of IWD, the parade featured women representing different times from the past.

BURNABY—The CUPE BC women’s committee marked the centenary of International Women’s Day with a piece of original art commissioned from Wells, B.C. artist Claire Kujundzic. Copies of the poster have been shipped to all CUPE BC locals.

“We were thrilled to be able have Claire’s talent and sensibility to help us mark this very important day for women everywhere,” said Deb Taylor, chair of the CUPE BC women’s committee.

BURNABY—In an effort to promote an active and inclusive union and to promote equality in our society and our workplaces, CUPE BC and its members celebrate black history every year during the month of February.

This is a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the many contributions made to British Columbian society, and to our Union, by Canadians of African origin, past and present.

BURNABY—CUPE BC representatives joined others in labour and the community at a breakfast this morning to mark the National Day of Remembrance Action on Violence against Women.

Breakfast participants also heard from NDP women’s issues critic MLA Kathy Corrigan on failure of provincial government to support essential women’s services throughout the province.

MAKING IT HAPPEN—Delegates and staff pose following adjournment of the high-energy, two-day conference. The workshops produced several recommendations for CUPE BC to pursue in advancing human rights.

Conference ends with key recommendations on several issues

RICHMOND—CUPE BC’s first human rights conference wrapped up on November 20 with delegates united and excited about the union’s role in advancing equality in B.C.

DIVERSITY NOT BLACK AND WHITE—Erica Williams addresses delegates on the gender continuum as co-panelists Michael Byers and Arthur Manuel (left) and conference co-chair Shehnaz Motani (right) look on.

RICHMOND—CUPE BC’s human rights conference got down to business on November 19 with a compelling panel discussion that explored current challenges in the field of human rights.

Arthur Manuel, spokesperson for the Indigenous Network on Economies and Trade (INET), began the plenary with a talk on aborigi