VANCOUVER – CUPE BC hosted a social event this past weekend for members of the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) who were attending their Annual General Meeting in Vancouver. CUPE BC sponsors the event in appreciation of the work trustees do. It provides an opportunity for CUPE BC executive, K-12 presidents and CUPE staff to meet and talk with trustees in an informal setting.
CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro opened the formal part of the evening. He welcomed BCSTA delegates and thanked them for the work they do every day in communities throughout B.C.
President Mark Hancock echoed that sentiment and told trustees that CUPE BC was pleased to host the reception in their honour.
Hancock referenced the BC Teachers’ Federation strike, telling trustees that CUPE members fully support the teachers. He complimented BCTF President Jim Iker and executive members for doing a great job, “not only representing teachers, but advocating for a strong, healthy education system.”
Hancock said that most agree that the provincial government is not fully funding education. The last K-12 contract was not funded and the government has mandated that school boards pay additional costs like Hydro and MSP.
He noted that these issues are not just important to CUPE because it represents 27,000 K-12 members.
“We are invested in our own kids and grandkids,” Hancock told trustees, mentioning his two children. “It is the responsibility of all of us – teachers, CUPE, PACs, Boards of Education, parents and citizens – to work together to make sure that K-12 is funded.”
Trustees voiced agreement with a big round of applause.
Approximately 200 delegates enjoyed the fine food and conversation throughout the evening.
View photos.
