DISTRICT OF KENT—CUPE 458 welcomed 18 new members who work as fitness and recreation instructors in the District of Kent last week. Following a representation vote held in December, the Labour Board recently certified these workers as members of CUPE 458.
CUPE 458 President Darlene Worthylake said that this group of workers who provide health, fitness and wellness instruction for all ages at the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre and the Ferny Coombe Pool in Agassiz are important to the well-being of the community.
“This is such a great win for both our local and our newest members,” said Worthylake. “To be able to give these workers the same advantages, rights and liberties that our own people have is huge.”
Worthylake explained that the fitness and recreation instructors had to re-sign their contracts with the District every three months. “They had no job security or protections,” she said. “To have them come in under the same contract as our union members–that they are already working beside–is better all around.”
CUPE 458 also represents more than 500 members who are municipal workers providing services to the District of Kent, District of Hope, Hope Recreation, Fraser Valley Regional District, Cultus Lake Parks Board, City of Chilliwack, and the Village of Harrison Hot Springs.
