VANCOUVER—By an overwhelming majority, residence advisors have voted to join CUPE 116 at the University of British Columbia in a Labour Board vote that concluded on April 13.
“We are enthusiastic to welcome this group of workers into our local,” said CUPE 116 President Dave Lance, noting that residence advisors are a good fit as the local already represents a wide array of staff at UBC housing including service workers, tradespeople and front desk representatives.
Lance said that they are looking forward to connecting with their newest group of 112 student employees who advise students who live in residences to help them integrate and get involved in life at UBC.
“We look forward to learning about their issues and doing our utmost to work with residence advisors to integrate them in our collective agreement,” said Lance.
Residence advisors (RAs) are undergrads who work with other students in residence, many of whom are international students living and learning away from home. For many of this group, belonging to CUPE 116 is their first opportunity to be represented by a union. RAs help deal with student issues and perform resident check-ins. According to recent articles in The Ubyssey, safety concerns for RAs have been heightened during the pandemic.
CUPE 116 members provide vital services that make UBC work. CUPE 116 is a large, diverse local representing more than 2300 members at UBC including technicians, tradespeople and labourers, service workers, housekeepers, food services workers, dental assistants, parking and security officers, student housing and bookstore workers.
