K-12 Bulletin #53 – Progress on standardization of EA credentialling
We’re making exciting progress on standardization of credentialling for education assistants across the province! Bulletin #39 on November 27 reported on some of the terms negotiated in the Provincial Framework Agreement to work toward these objectives: To standardize EA credentials and qualifications across the province, to prevent school districts from creating in-house EA qualification programs […]
CUPE 401 member supports community in times of emergency
PORT HARDY—When the District of Port Hardy decided to incorporate Emergency Support Services (ESS) into Susan Bjarnason’s day-to-day job, they knew someone would always be available in the event of an emergency. A 23-year district employee working as a finance clerk, Bjarnason has been the ESS director since April. “The problem with relying on volunteers […]
K-12 Bulletin #52 – Revised K-12 COVID-19 guidelines released
The Ministry of Education, in a collaborative process with provincial health officials, WorkSafeBC, CUPE and B.C.’s education partners and rightsholders, announced significant updates to the K-12 Health and Safety Guidelines earlier today. CUPE sits on the Steering Committee where we advocate for safer schools and increased guidance to the K-12 sector. As many of these […]
CUPE BC President Paul Faoro announces he will not seek re-election at May convention
BURNABY-CUPE BC President Paul Faoro sent the following message to CUPE Local Presidents across B.C. after announcing to the union’s Executive Board this morning that he will not seek re-election to a fourth term as president. He will continue to serve as president until CUPE BC’s online 2021 Convention, May 19-21, when delegates will elect […]
Celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month recognizes the important contribution of Black Canadians, the diversity of the Black community, and its importance to our history. Also known as African Heritage Month, it is a time to celebrate Black culture and to honour Black ancestors and leaders. “With what is going on in the world right now, it is […]
CUPE 1622 welcomes Surrey SPCA workers
SURREY—BC SPCA workers at the Education and Adoption Centre and at the Good Shepherd Barn voted to join CUPE 1622 in a Labour Board vote counted on January 27. The two groups work at the same location but in different facilities. “This will allow us to bring in and help more animals,” said CUPE 1622 […]
CUPE 4500 ratifies new agreement with BC Transit
VICTORIA—CUPE 4500 members have ratified a new three-year collective agreement with BC Transit that includes wage increases and significant improvements to benefits and contract language. The two parties reached a tentative agreement on January 14 after nine sessions of bargaining. Members ratified the agreement on Wednesday (January 27). “We’re very pleased to have reached this […]
K-12 Bulletin #51 – COVID one year later
Today marks the one-year anniversary of Canada’s first COVID-19 case. This is a difficult milestone for us all, but it is also an important moment to recognize the critical work you continue to provide during an extraordinary crisis. Thank you for the meaningful work you do every day—especially right now. For all British Columbians, this […]
K-12 Bulletin #50 – Government of B.C. rolls out vaccine plan
The Province’s immunization plan, announced today, applies an age-based approach. Phase 1 and Phase 2 focus on protecting those most susceptible to severe illness and death from COVID-19. Phase 3 and Phase 4 focus on the general population. Adults older than age 60 have at least 5 times increased odds of hospitalization and mortality, […]
K-12 Bulletin #49 – Keeping safe in the pandemic
Throughout the pandemic, the BCCDC and Provincial Health Officer have reiterated that transmission rates of COVID-19 in schools is low. Two recent research papers – from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools at McMaster University — appear to support this position, as does data […]