Chopping volunteer program ‘hurts most vulnerable’
MAPLE RIDGE—The BC Liberal government’s decision to terminate a supported volunteer program funded by Community Living BC is a poorly conceived cost-cutting move that only punishes society’s most vulnerable, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees. The volunteer program, run by Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services, currently supports 28 clients referred by CLBC. The purpose […]
Hundreds rally for locked out SFU staff
BURNABY—CUPE hosted a rally yesterday, attended by hundreds of people to support the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) staff, members of CUPE Local 3338. The staff have been locked out by their employer since July 10. The rally brought together students, supporters and CUPE members from across the Lower Mainland. Speakers, including CUPE BC President […]
City silent on P3 plans
ABBOTSFORD – Calls for public disclosure on plans to privatize Abbotsford’s drinking water supply for the next 25 years were met with a stony silence from the Mayor and Council Monday. There were no kudos, comments, questions, or answers from Mayor George Peary and his Council on any of the comments and concerns raised by Water […]
PNE workers vote 92% in favour of strike
VANCOUVER—CUPE workers at the Pacific National Exhibition have given their bargaining committee an overwhelming 92-per-cent strike mandate. The vote was taken Sept 12-13. CUPE 1004 Business Agent Steve Varty says the result reflects the frustration that a deal has not been reached. This is the first time in 25 years an agreement was not signed […]
Strong strike mandate for Campbell River workers
CAMPBELL RIVER—CUPE members working for the City of Campbell River have voted 88.3 per cent in favour of strike action. CUPE 401 Campbell River Unit president Blaine Gurrie reports that of the 161 permanent and auxiliary employees, 137 members came out to vote this week on whether they should strike. “This is a very strong […]
Rally to support CUPE Local 3338
BURNABY—On Tuesday September 13, CUPE BC is hosting a rally and free BBQ to support the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) staff who have been locked out by their employer since July 10. Throughout the lockout, the SFSS Board of Directors has encouraged students to cross picket lines and they have disrespected our members by […]
Mission to press Ottawa on public water
MISSION—The Mission District Council has unanimously affirmed its opposition to the present federal government constraints on funding for public water services. At last night’s regular meeting, Council pledged to call on Ottawa to protect and enhance public water and public wastewater systems by not restricting federal infrastructure funding and maintenance to P3s (Public Private Partnerships). […]
CUPE supports public water declaration
MISSION—CUPE members will be on hand tonight to support a Water Watch Mission – Abbotsford delegation at the District of Mission Council meeting. The delegation will be encouraging Mission to reaffirm its commitment to keeping our water public. Water Watch Mission – Abbotsford representatives will be asking the District Council to support a resolution from […]
SFSS staff reject divisive, last-minute offer
BURNABY—In a last-minute effort to end its ongoing labour dispute, the Simon Fraser Student Society proposed a deal that would grandfather the wages of current staff, but would gut their employees’ collective agreement with pay reductions of up to 40% for future employees. That means $13 per hour for some employees, well below the region’s […]
CUPE BC donates $13,000 to help locked out SFU workers
BURNABY—As the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) lockout of CUPE Local 3338 staff entered its eighth week, CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill announced a donation of $13,000 to the 15 members who have gone without paycheques since the lockout began on July 10. “The misguided and ideological politicians running the show at the Simon Fraser […]
