Layoffs, privatization for ambulance service
RICHMOND – Paramedics say proposed layoffs and privatization are a major blow to the quality of ambulance service in B.C. Ambulance Paramedics of BC, CUPE 873, president John Strohmaier said privatization of non-emergency ambulances will only hurt the service. “We need only look to the private transfer fleets operating in Ontario and the U.S. to […]
Meeting tonight on district budget shortfalls
Education minister should accept VSB invite VANCOUVER—The first of a series of public meetings on the Vancouver school district budget is being held tonight and Paul Faoro, president of CUPE 15, is hoping that Margaret MacDiarmid will accept the board’s invitation to attend. “The public deserves to see Minister MacDiarmid here tonight to hear firsthand […]
Win for public sewage treatment in Victoria
VICTORIA—Residents of Greater Victoria have the option of choosing fully public sewage treatment and resource recovery. On March 31, Capital Regional District (CRD) directors gave final approval to a business case that will see public operation in at least five, and possibly all seven communities mandated to develop sewage treatment. “We know there is more […]
Province sends paramedics to health sector
VICTORIA – The BC government has moved to break up the unified bargaining unit for the province’s 3,600 ambulance paramedics. The Ministry of Labour released the announcement late Wednesday after cursory “consultations” with CUPE 873 and other health sector unions and employers. The government decided against creating a bargaining unit specifically for paramedics. The decision […]
Haitian activist to bring thanks to CUPE BC convention
BURNABY— The leader of Haiti’s largest union will bring greetings from his earthquake-ravaged country, and a message of gratitude for international support in the relief effort, at the 47th annual convention of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, B.C. division (April 21-24). Dukens Raphael, secretary-general of Haiti’s Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers, is […]
