BC NDP sets date for leadership vote

BURNABY—CUPE members who are supporters of the BC New Democratic Party should make sure their memberships are up to date so they can vote for the Party’s next Leader, CUPE BC Secretary Treasurer Mark Hancock said today. The NDP’s leadership election will be held on April 17, 2011 and is being held under a one-member, […]

Patience brings reward in Delta

DELTA—After ten months of bargaining, CUPE 454 members at the Delta Museum and Archives, a society that relies solely on grants and donations for operating costs, have a new collective agreement that includes wage increases and benefit improvements. “The agreement came about in part by the hard work of the bargaining committee and their ability […]

Harper Tories double-cross provinces with gift to big insurance companies and banks; BC Liberals abandon seniors—CUPE BC

BURNABY—The surprise announcement yesterday from Prime Minister Stephen Harper that the federal Conservative government is abandoning improvements to the Canada Pension Plan after reaching a broad national consensus on the issue is an affront to low- and middle-income seniors struggling to make ends meet, CUPE BC President Barry O’Neill said today. O’Neill said that next […]

Flaherty backs away from real pension reform

OTTAWA—Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s proposal for a pooled retirement pension plan is a step backward from real pension reform. Instead of improving the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Flaherty’s proposal is a sign Canada’s banks and financial institutions have hijacked this important issue, says Canada’s largest union. “A pooled registered pension plan fails to address […]

Grinch comes to town at Fernie Library

FERNIE—Fernie’s Heritage Library Board’s application for mediation denies the six women who provide public services the right to collectively bargain, says CUPE National Representative Keith Nielson. “The Board has brought in a consultant from the Coast,” says Nielson. “And in a Grinch-like move, have tried to stop bargaining and deny Fernie’s library workers a say […]

Community Futures CUPE local elects executive

SALMON ARM—Members of CUPE 5035, workers at Community Futures Group Shuswap elected their executive board last week. “Small businesses, entrepreneurs and people seeking employment appreciate the services we provide in the Shuswap region,” newly-elected president Tanja Carlson says. “We wish all our clients and community members a happy holiday and a prosperous New Year.” The […]

Talks break off as employer plays Grinch

Talks between the unions representing BC’s community social services workers and the employers association have broken off a little more than a week away from Christmas. The employers seem intent on playing the role of Grinch. The lost year Negotiations have dragged on for over 13 months. The collective agreement expired at the end of […]

Victory for public services and CUPE jobs at UBC

VANCOUVER—In November 2009 CUPE 116 at UBC filed an application with the Labour Relations Board in response to a growing trend for the university to contract out operations and maintenance of student housing and other services. The union was not only concerned that student housing was being eroded as part of the university’s core services, […]

Respect leads to three year Kamloops deal

KAMLOOPS—CUPE 900 members ratified a three-year agreement with the City of Kamloops on Monday. The agreement includes two percent increases in each year as well as improvements to dental benefits. Contract language was also clarified and updated. “The City of Kamloops has very good workers and with this agreement we’ll continue to provide excellent services […]

Help raise awareness of community health

Help spread the word about the amazing services CUPE community health members provide. Check out the website. Share this site with friends and family to help build support for these CUPE members. See the video and listen to the radio ads that introduce visitors to CUPE members and the services they provide. cope491