/
/
/
/
/
O’Neill announces retirement

O’Neill announces retirement

Longest-serving CUPE BC president to step down in April

VANCOUVER—After sixteen years in office, CUPE BC President Barry O’Neill announced today that he won’t be seeking re-election at the union’s 50th Anniversary convention in April.

“It seems like just yesterday that CUPE BC members first put their trust in me as president,” said O’Neill. “And I have loved every minute of my time as president. But it’s time for me to move on, and it’s time for CUPE BC to write the next chapter in its history.”

“I know I speak for the entire Executive Board when I say how disappointed we all are that Barry won’t be running for re-election in April,” said CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Mark Hancock. “But we also know how hard Barry worked on behalf of the membership, and for how long, and he has certainly earned his retirement. On behalf of all 85,000 CUPE members in BC, I want to thank Barry for his years of service and dedication, both to our union and to the principles and traditions of the trade union movement. He truly will go down in history as a giant of the labour movement.”

O’Neill was first elected president in 1997. Prior to that election, he served several terms as a vice president, and then general vice president. He was re-elected 7 times to two-year terms, making him by far the longest-serving president in CUPE BC history.

“I’m sure Barry has plans to spend a lot more time with his wife Charmaine and their kids and grandkids,” said Hancock.  “And I’m sure he intends to spend more time on the golf course, but I also know he will continue to ‘be there’ for CUPE BC, whether it’s continuing to promote the Ten Percent Shift, or just helping the new president with the transition.”

The next president will be elected by delegates to CUPE BC’s 50th Anniversary Convention in Victoria, April 10-13, 2013.

cope491
Share this

Latest News

Budget 2024 tackles economic uncertainty with investments in public services and affordability – CUPE BC

Budget 2024 tackles economic uncertainty with investments in public services and affordability – CUPE BC

February 22, 2024
VICTORIA— Budget 2024 continues the BC NDP’s record of making meaningful investments in the public services that matter to people and communities, and creating and expanding programs that make life…
VICTORIA— Budget 2024 continues the BC NDP’s record of making meaningful investments in the public services that matter to people and communities, and creating and expanding programs that make life...

District of Chetwynd workers ratify new contract

District of Chetwynd workers ratify new contract

February 15, 2024
CHETWYND – After a collaborative round of negotiations CUPE 3052 members, municipal workers in the District of Chetwynd, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract. The new agreement includes wage…
CHETWYND – After a collaborative round of negotiations CUPE 3052 members, municipal workers in the District of Chetwynd, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract. The new agreement includes wage...

CUPE 1978 ratifies new agreement with Greater Victoria Housing Society

CUPE 1978 ratifies new agreement with Greater Victoria Housing Society

February 13, 2024
VICTORIA – CUPE 1978 members at the Greater Victoria Housing Society have ratified a new five-year agreement that provides improved working conditions for CUPE members, as well as enhanced supportive housing…
VICTORIA – CUPE 1978 members at the Greater Victoria Housing Society have ratified a new five-year agreement that provides improved working conditions for CUPE members, as well as enhanced supportive housing...