Bargaining Update – Ready to bargain: first day Feb. 8
After months of training, research, consultations and discussions, the K-12 sector provincial bargaining committee is confident it’s ready to start negotiations. This week, the K-12 Presidents Council gave its overwhelming endorsement to the bargaining committee’s proposals and priorities for a provincial framework agreement. Guided by the results of the provincial bargaining survey, the top bargaining […]
Bulletin – Guide to WorkSafeBC COVID claims
If you contract COVID from work, or where it is likely you contracted it from work, you should file a claim with WorkSafeBC. This would include when you are sick and unable to get tested, but your symptoms are consistent with COVID. Even with mild symptoms, it possible that long-term or permanent secondary conditions (i.e., […]
Health Care Presidents Council prepares for 2022 bargaining
BURNABY—CUPE’s Health Care Presidents Council (HCPC) met today to discuss preparations for bargaining, review the existing cost share campaign, approve the strategic plan for 2022, and hold elections. “We’re currently neck deep in preparations for bargaining for both provincial associations,” said CUPE Health coordinator Tanya Paterson. “Bargaining will be done virtually, and we’ll pass on […]
Bulletin – Clarification on PHO vaccination disclosure order
The Provincial Health Officer has issued a new order regarding the reporting of vaccination status of K-12 staff. According to the PHO and Ministry of Education, this order enables local Medical Health Officers (MHOs) to direct school boards to obtain the vaccination status of school staff and share that information with the local MHO. Like […]
Bulletin – Rapid Antigen Tests rolling out to K-12 sector this week
Over 200,000 self-administered COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are being sent out this week for immediate use in the K-12 sector. This initial allotment from the provincial government is specifically for use by school and district staff. They are being sent to districts early this week, with each district getting enough for two tests per staff […]
Bulletin – Presidents Council discuss back-to-school issues
The K-12 Presidents Council held a special meeting last week in advance of the full return of students to schools. Presidents compared how their respective districts were implementing updated safety plans to help curb COVID cases in schools in response to the recent surge causes by the Omicron variant. The Council provided feedback on enhanced […]
School support workers call for daytime cleaning to keep schools open
Burnaby – With students returning to B.C. classrooms, the union representing over 30,000 school support workers is calling for additional measures to reduce absences due to COVID-19 and other illnesses, in particular adding daytime cleaning. In the face of the Omicron variant and the Public Health Officer advising school districts to prepare for functional closures, […]
Community health workers expose pandemic mental health issues
New video reveals CUPE members’ steadfast dedication despite workload, other challenges BURNABY—CUPE members in B.C.’s community health sector are dedicated professionals who are committed to caring for the people they serve. But as their lives have become increasingly stressful after nearly two years of working through the COVID-19 pandemic, they need to know that health […]
Bulletin – Guidelines released for January 10 return to school
With students returning to school next week, the Public Health Officer (PHO) and Ministry of Education have released updated protocols in response to the recent surge in COVID cases caused by the virus’ Omicron variant. The protocols are in place for the full return of students on January 10 with the goal of keeping schools […]
CUPE BC Racialized Workers Committee partners with provincial government to address systemic racism
BURNABY—CUPE BC’s Racialized Workers Committee is partnering with the B.C. provincial government to learn more about race-based data collection and is inviting members of the BIPOC community in B.C. to participate in an upcoming virtual townhall. Are you from the BIPOC Community in British Columbia? Do you have feedback for the B.C. government about race-based […]
