/
/
/
/
/
Bringing Tap Water To The People

Bringing Tap Water To The People

COMOX—Last weekend’s Vancouver Island Music Festival (July 11-13) once again highlighted the pivotal role that CUPE can play in promoting sound environmental policy and the importance of keeping public water public.

Since 2009, the VIMF has been working to completely eliminate plastic water bottles from their operations through “Living Green” initiatives including a Water Crew dedicated to bringing Vancouver Island tap water to the people. CUPE BC signed on early as a sponsor and has continued its role in each subsequent year, enabling the festival to purchase water pumps and carts and deliver more than 6,000 litres of tap water to thirsty audiences over the three-day festival.

Three years ago, CUPE 556 (employees of the Town of Comox, Comox Valley Regional District, City of Courtenay and the Village of Cumberland) signed on as a “Living Green” sponsor. The Local took responsibility for the Water Crew last year, partnering with the Vancouver Island District Council. This year, they combined for joint advertising in the festival programme with the message “Take Back The Tap – Say No To Plastic Bottles.”

CUPE 556 president Cindy Major and former vice-president Cheryl Sellers are passionate about raising awareness of the need to protect access to high quality public water in the Comox Valley. Last year they provided subsidized stainless steel water bottles to festival goers; this year, they equipped the Water Crew with CUPE 556 t-shirts and green umbrellas that made it easier for people to locate the mobile water stations.

“Water Crew members ranged from teens to grandparents, with CUPE members, their families and community volunteers coming together to make sure that safe, clean drinking water was available for all,” said Sellers.

CUPE BC regional vice-president Doug Sprenger joined Sellers and the Water Crew throughout the 2014 Festival. See more of his photos in the Gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cope491
Share this

Latest News

Budget 2024 tackles economic uncertainty with investments in public services and affordability – CUPE BC

Budget 2024 tackles economic uncertainty with investments in public services and affordability – CUPE BC

February 22, 2024
VICTORIA— Budget 2024 continues the BC NDP’s record of making meaningful investments in the public services that matter to people and communities, and creating and expanding programs that make life…
VICTORIA— Budget 2024 continues the BC NDP’s record of making meaningful investments in the public services that matter to people and communities, and creating and expanding programs that make life...

District of Chetwynd workers ratify new contract

District of Chetwynd workers ratify new contract

February 15, 2024
CHETWYND – After a collaborative round of negotiations CUPE 3052 members, municipal workers in the District of Chetwynd, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract. The new agreement includes wage…
CHETWYND – After a collaborative round of negotiations CUPE 3052 members, municipal workers in the District of Chetwynd, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract. The new agreement includes wage...

CUPE 1978 ratifies new agreement with Greater Victoria Housing Society

CUPE 1978 ratifies new agreement with Greater Victoria Housing Society

February 13, 2024
VICTORIA – CUPE 1978 members at the Greater Victoria Housing Society have ratified a new five-year agreement that provides improved working conditions for CUPE members, as well as enhanced supportive housing…
VICTORIA – CUPE 1978 members at the Greater Victoria Housing Society have ratified a new five-year agreement that provides improved working conditions for CUPE members, as well as enhanced supportive housing...