‘The best way forward for the union movement in BC’—O’Neill
BURNABY— CUPE BC, BC’s largest union, with more than 85,000 members, has endorsed Michelle Laurie and Trevor Davies for President and Secretary Treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour, president Barry O’Neill said today. The BC Fed holds its biannual constitutional convention next week in Vancouver from November 26-30. Elections for officers take place on Thursday, November 29.
“Under Michelle Laurie’s leadership, I’m confident that the BC Federation of Labour will become more relevant to rank and file union members all over the province, and position the Fed as a source of new ideas, and not just protest,” said O’Neill. “While it’s important for our movement to take strong stands on the issues, it’s equally important that we renew our focus on proposing new initiatives and solutions to the issues that matter to working people.
“CUPE BC is proud to endorse Michelle Laurie as President of the Federation. Michelle has an ability to bring people from different backgrounds and perspectives to find common ground, and that’s crucial at this stage of the labour movement’s history.”
“Trevor Davies is one of the brightest lights in the next generation of labour leaders, and we enthusiastically endorse him for Secretary Treasurer of the Fed,” said CUPE BC Secretary Treasurer Mark Hancock. “Trevor’s contributions to our union, first as president of his own local, and over the past two terms as General Vice President of CUPE BC, have been outstanding, and are great examples of the approach he’ll bring to the position. Trevor will be a terrific and dedicated steward of the Fed’s finances.
“The Federation stands at a crossroads,” said Hancock. “We have an opportunity to refocus our efforts and make the labour movement in BC stronger and more integral to the lives of union members in every community in the province, and the best way to do that is for delegates to support Michelle and Trevor and their campaign to Renew the Fed.”
