/
/
/
/
/
CUPE 561 rally calls on District to restore post-retirement health benefits

CUPE 561 rally calls on District to restore post-retirement health benefits

 561_rally.jpg

Around 80 members came out on a dark and cold night to support post-retirement health benefits for all retirees.

COQUITLAM – In an evening rally that led straight to the regular school board meeting on November 28, a crowd of more than 75 members of CUPE 561 and other locals called on School District 43 to restore post-retirement health benefits.  

CUPE 561 President Dave Ginter thanked members of his and other locals as well as retirees and members of the public, who braved the dark and chilly night to join the rally. Participants wore red T-shirts with the message “Stop the Cuts” and carried placards calling for post-retirement health benefits to be restored. After rallying outside, they handed out brochures while parading through the small school district meeting room.

“We’ll be respectful,” said Ginter. “Write to each trustee.  And don’t forget that 2018 is an election year.”

In May, School District 43 announced that post-retirement health benefits for all workers retiring after December 31, 2017 would be cut. Many members are retiring earlier than planned to ensure that they receive health benefits, resulting in a loss of experience and mentorship capability in the district.

CUPE 561 is running a campaign to let the public know what’s happening and ask for their support. As well as newspaper and radio advertising, the campaign includes transit shelter ads that feature CUPE 561 members.

“I believe we will be successful,” Ginter told the large crowd.

CUPE 561 represents 1,600 K-12 education support workers and 80 library workers in Coquitlam, 200 BC Transit workers in the Fraser Valley, as well as 650 retirees. 

See rally photos here.

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...