CUPE BC Convention 2019 positions province’s biggest union to take on upcoming challenges
VICTORIA—More than 500 delegates wrapped up four days of debate at CUPE BC’s 56th annual convention in Victoria today, electing a new executive board, debating a wide range of resolutions, and passing an action plan to guide the union over the next two years. CUPE BC President Paul Faoro, re-elected by acclamation, said he was […]
BC Fed leader calls for more solidarity with Indigenous peoples
VICTORIA— The labour movement needs to build a solid relationship with Indigenous peoples and their elected leaders to further advance the goals of Reconciliation, BC Federation of Labour President Laird Cronk told delegates in his Saturday guest speech. Noting that he and Secretary-Treasurer Sussanne Skidmore had committed the Fed to more meaningful action on Reconciliation […]
CUPE BC Convention elects new Executive Board
VICTORIA—Delegates to CUPE BC’s 2019 Convention today elected a new Executive Board to guide the union between conventions over the next two years. President Paul Faoro and Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies were both acclaimed for another term, as were incumbent general vice presidents Karen Ranalletta and Michelle Waite. Joining the executive board for their first terms […]
‘Good budget year’ means more, better resources: Fleury
VICTORIA—Expanded growth in CUPE membership and per capita revenue has strengthened the union’s General and Defence funds—meaning an increase in resources and more opportunities to support locals in their work, National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury told delegates on Friday. Fleury said that CUPE’s per capita has begun growing at a faster rate than in recent years, […]
Big changes ahead for union: National officers’ breakfast
VICTORIA – Thanks to continued growth in our union and other developments, members can expect big changes at CUPE with respect to staffing, trial procedure and governance, delegates were told at the National officers’ breakfast. Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury, welcoming a packed room of delegates, spoke about the National Secretary-Treasurer’s Task Force on Staffing and encouraged […]
‘I will continue to be your partner in progress, and our government will keep fighting for people’—Horgan to CUPE BC
VICTORIA—Premier John Horgan arrived to speak at CUPE BC’s convention with a campaign-style entrance, and laid out many of his government’s accomplishments in its first 21 months in power. “After nearly two years in government, our list of accomplishments is growing,” said Horgan. “We’re building more affordable housing, we’re delivering quality childcare, and we’re teaming […]
Modernization of systems, diversification of revenue stream key to stronger union finances—Davies
VICTORIA—Presenting his annual financial report to CUPE BC’s 56th annual convention in Victoria today, Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies said that his ongoing modernization of financial systems coupled with a diversification of revenue streams are key to maintaining CUPE BC’s financial strength. “CUPE BC has been undergoing a quiet internal transformation over the last couple of years,” […]
Trans allies needed now more than ever: Coyote
VICTORIA – Thursday’s convention appearance by award-winning author and performer Ivan Coyote had delegates in bales of laughter, tears of sadness, and silent contemplation as they gained new insight into how to become effective allies for trans people. A renowned storyteller at conferences and festivals, Coyote read a passage from their* latest book, Tomboy Survival […]
Hancock brings greetings, urges member engagement and stronger commitment to mental health
VICTORIA—CUPE national president Mark Hancock addressed delegates to CUPE BC’s Convention today, urging them to work harder to engage members to increase union activism and make CUPE’s political action campaigns even more effective. He pointed out that with the recent election of Jason Kenney as premier of Alberta, “from here in BC you now have […]
CUPE BC’s 56th annual convention kicks off in Victoria with strong stance against hate and intolerance
VICTORIA—CUPE BC, British Columbia’s largest union, began its annual convention on Wednesday night in Victoria with a fiery speech from CUPE BC President Paul Faoro to an audience of more than 650. Faoro’s speech focused on the dangers of right-wing extremism masquerading as populism. “We have a political problem,” said Faoro. “It’s the coming together […]