From illiterate dropout to published author
Ed Thomas living proof of union program’s value VANCOUVER—CUPE 5167 (City of Hamilton) long-time activist Ed Thomas shared his story at CUPE BC convention about how literacy changed his life. “Literacy empowers our members,” said Thomas. “It’s inclusive and provides them with the confidence and opportunity to fully participate in union activities.” A recent resolution […]
CLC pushes for pension security
VANCOUVER—The Canadian Labour Congress has set its sights on retirement income. CLC Pacific Regional Director Amber Hockin dropped by the CUPE Convention to let delegates know about the ambitious plan. The CLC’s goal, said Hockin, “is to dramatically improve retirement security for every worker in Canada – both union and non-union.” Calling the 1.6 million seniors living […]
Keep up to speed on the latest from Convention
VANCOUVER—Couldn’t make it to CUPE BC’s 48th Annual Convention? Check out the Convention page of the website here to read highlights in each day’s Coffee Break News. cope491
Common front for CUPE post-secondary locals
VANCOUVER—CUPE locals in post-secondary institutions across B.C. will be working more closely together in the coming year. Following a well-attended forum at the 2011 CUPE BC convention, college and university locals have agreed to hold a series of meetings to discuss common interests and possible joint actions. Advocating for post-secondary funding, affordable options for students […]
Stop the Pipeline: Sign the Petition
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 […]
CUPE 3799 welcomes new members at UNBC
PRINCE GEORGE—English Language Associates at the University of Northern BC have voted to become CUPE members. CUPE 3799 president Dale Laluk says that the local is very pleased to have them join. “We have been seeking to organize these members for two years, and after overcoming some hurdles, they have finally become members. I believe […]
CUPE BC Convention starts Wednesday
VANCOUVER—More than 600 delegates to the CUPE BC Convention will arrive in Vancouver tomorrow as the union kicks off its 48th annual convention Wednesday evening at the Hyatt Regency. The convention theme is “Community Action—It Works!” In addition to President Barry O’Neill’s opening address Wednesday evening, delegates will hear from guest speakers like South African […]
SkyTrain workers ratify three-year deal
BURNABY—Members of CUPE 7000, SkyTrain workers, have ratified a three-year agreement with the British Columbia Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC). The agreement includes improvements to language such as shift differentials; a comparator wage adjustment of three per cent with a one-half per cent lift for trades in the first year; wage increases in years two and […]
Come out and walk for community social services!
VICTORIA—This month’s annual community social services awareness events will culminate with B.C.’s biggest public event of the campaign, the walk for community social services, on March 26. The walk, which begins and ends at Centennial Square in Victoria, is a fun-filled event featuring a barbeque and live entertainment aimed at raising awareness about the vital […]
Strike votes begin for CUPE’s community social services
BURNABY— CUPE members in the community social services sector will begin taking strike votes throughout B.C. tomorrow (April 7), a process made inevitable by the last proposal tabled by the Community Social Services Employers Association on March 30. All nine member unions in the Community Social Services Bargaining Association walked away from the bargaining table […]
