O’Neill calls on Premier to confirm ’09 library grants

BURNABY—On the eve of a meeting between the Minister of Education and the BC Library Trustees Association (BCLTA) that could determine the outcome of funding for public libraries next year, the Canadian Union of Public Employees has written to Premier Gordon Campbell and the minister requesting that the BC Liberal government maintain or increase funding […]

Harvey Oberfeld speaks up about paramedic dispute

VANCOUVER—Respected television and print journalist Harvey Oberfeld has added his voice to those urging government action to bring the BC Ambulance Paramedic’s strike to an end. Oberfeld commented that being forced to work overtime through essential services was “almost like slavery” when speaking this morning on CFUN 1410. Oberfeld called on the government to appoint […]

Cultus Lake workers vote strike and seek mediation

CULTUS LAKE—CUPE 458 members are sending a strong message to the Park Board. The Cultus Lake park workers voted Thursday evening with 100% voting in favour of a strike. “We’ve been unable to reach a settlement and are applying for mediation,” says Bryan Bickley, unit chair of CUPE 458’s Cultus Lake Park Board Local. “This […]

B.C.’s ambulance paramedics in Court today

VANCOUVER—Ambulance Paramedics of BC – CUPE 873 are expected to be in the Supreme Court today to answer charges that they are in contempt of the essential services order that they continue to work under. Ambulance Paramedics of BC president John Strohmaier says that the government is trying to deal with the longstanding labour dispute […]

Paramedics win victory in Court

VANCOUVER—The Supreme Court of BC would not permit the contempt charges the government attempted to bring against the Ambulance Paramedics of BC yesterday due to short notice, requiring the application to follow the rules of the Court. The judge also would not grant the employer’s application for alternative relief during the Celebration of Lights events, […]

Colour Me Pink Triangle

CUPE 391 activist Peter DeGroot, a member of CUPE BC’s Committee Against Racism and Discrimination and CUPE National’s Pink Triangle Committee, spreads the multi-union message at the Pride parade in Vancouver on Sunday, August 2. The annual event, which celebrates the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities, attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the […]

Support for paramedics doubles: union website

VANCOUVER—Ambulance Paramedics of BC – CUPE 873 report that the number of people logging onto their website has doubled in the past two weeks. “We’ve had thousands of visitors to our site this week alone,” says Ambulance Paramedics of BC president John Strohmaier. Strohmaier noted that as more people are finding out about the strike, […]

Paramedics in Campbell River rock on!

CAMPBELL RIVER—Striking Ambulance Paramedics of BC, CUPE 873 members, held a 24-hour sit-in this weekend at the landmark 30-foot high big rock outside of Campbell River on Hwy 19A. Paramedics from all over North Island dropped by to stand on the rock for a few hours. They handed out hot dogs and water. Paramedics spoke […]

Lifeguards showcase skills in Langley competition

LANGLEY– Lifeguards tested skills against other teams from B.C. at a one-day lifeguard competition held on Saturday, August 8 at the Walnut Grove Community Centre. CUPE 403, Township of Langley municipal workers, were sponsors of the event that is open to lifeguards 16 years old and up from British Columbia. Kari Britton, Aquatic Leader at […]

Kootenay paramedics picket for public safety

TRAIL—Ambulance Paramedics of BC are picketing at the Castlegar District Health Centre (Unit 709 – 10th Street, Castlegar) this morning in response to the BC Ambulance Service taking the only Critical Care paramedic in the West Kootenays off shift without notice. “The decision to pull Trail’s only highly-trained paramedic is irresponsible and shortsighted,” says Ambulance […]