K-12 Bulletin 59 – New pandemic restrictions announced
As we welcome our members in public education back from spring break, we are unfortunately faced with deeply concerning trends in COVID-19 cases. According to Health Minister Adrian Dix, “rising case levels, variants of concern, increased transmission, and an increase in more severe cases are huge concerns.” The Provincial Health Officer (PHO) amended several orders […]
Public Employee Spring 2021
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Indigenous teachings: benefitting students and staff across the school district
Through cultural learning, CUPE 389 member Dallas Guss is making a difference in K-12 NORTH VANCOUVER—When CUPE 389 member Dallas Guss reports for work at School District 44, he’s bringing with him cultural teachings that are thousands of years old. Guss, a member of the Squamish Nation, works as an educational assistant, Indigenous support worker, […]
CUPE 1004 members joining BC immunization efforts
VANCOUVER – Around 200 CUPE 1004 members, workers at the Pacific National Exhibition, will be joining the B.C. government’s immunization efforts. In a partnership announced Wednesday by B.C. Premier John Horgan, CUPE 1004 members laid off due to pandemic-related PNE closures will have the opportunity to work at Vancouver-area vaccination clinics. “We are very proud […]
Connecting with our members never stops
As you read this issue of Public Employee, we’re well into the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccines allow us to see light at the end of the tunnel, we’re still some distance from returning to “normal.”
Surrey K-12 school-based staff to begin receiving vaccines today
SURREY—CUPE 728 members who are K-12 school-based support staff in Surrey will begin receiving vaccines today. “This pandemic has been particularly stressful for K-12 workers throughout the system, and I thank all of them for the incredible work they’re doing every day to keep our schools open and safe,” says CUPE BC President Paul Faoro. […]
CUPE 7000 members ratify new contract with Southern Railway
BURNABY—Members of CUPE 7000 have signed off on a new, six-year collective agreement with Southern Railway that includes annual wage increases, improvements to benefits and work-life balance issues, and other language improvements. “We are extremely pleased to have a new deal that addresses so many of our members’ concerns,” said CUPE 7000 President Tony Rebelo. […]
CUPE mental health workers – the pandemic’s hidden front line
Vital outreach workers must deal with triple threat of COVID, opioid and housing crises BURNABY—Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared last year, the efforts of B.C.’s front-line workers have been widely and rightfully celebrated. Whether it’s fighting the coronavirus directly and saving lives or risking their own physical or mental health to keep vital public […]
The show must go on
How CUPE members at UBC’s Chan Centre have kept the arts alive during COVID VANCOUVER—UBC’s West Point Grey campus, one of the largest university properties in the country, is eerily quiet. With most students and many staff working and learning remotely, the place seems empty. However, if you know where to look you can find […]
K-12 Bulletin #58 – School support workers to have earlier access to vaccines
We are pleased with yesterday’s announcement by Premier John Horgan that education support workers will be included in Phase 2 and Phase 3 of B.C.’s vaccination plan. We have advocated for this on many levels. Many of our members are in workplaces with high rates of exposure or do not have access to barriers while working […]