CHILLIWACK – The Canadian Union of Public Employees is welcoming workers at the Chilliwack Crime Prevention Society as new members in Canada’s largest union. In a vote held earlier this month, nine Crime Prevention Society staff voted unanimously to join CUPE 458.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome these new members into our union and our local,” says Darlene Worthylake, president of CUPE 458. “We can’t wait to start working with our newest members to get them their first collective agreement.”
Chilliwack Crime Prevention Society workers provide crime prevention education and other services that enhance public safety in their community. They also oversee community programs such as Block Watch and Speed Watch, help coordinate community volunteers, and provide victim services.
“The workers are proud to provide vital services to their community, making it a better and safer place to live for everyone,” says Worthylake. “For too long, they have been underpaid compared to workers providing similar services in other B.C. communities. I’m confident, working together we can help make significant improvements in their working lives – improvements that will also benefit the people that depend on them every day.”
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.
