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CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES B.C. DIVISION SPRING 2013

ELECTION SUPPLEMENT CUPE'S guide on the issues

employee

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS Adrian Dix charts the NDP’s plan for B.C.

LOCAL ECONOMY SUMMIT

ONLINE POLICY

PRICEY CONSULTANTS

KEN DAVIDSON

leading us barry o’neill

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“We must continue the struggle for economic and social justice, both here at home and abroad.”

Stronger than ever, thanks to all of you! elcome to the Convention issue of Public Employee, which marks the 50th anniversary of CUPE BC. As you all know, this is my final Public Employee column as president of CUPE BC. It has been my great privilege to lead our great union for sixteen years – far longer than I’d anticipated when I first ran for the position in 1997. When I step down from the position at the end of our 50th annual Convention, I’m confident that our union will be in good hands – because it’s in your hands, the more than 85,000 members in almost every community in B.C. As we gather in Victoria for Convention, we are just over a month away from the provincial election, which we hope will bring positive change to our province, and an end to the mean-spirited, confrontational and divisive approach of the BC Liberals. As you’ll see in the special supplement to this edition, we’ve provided you with plenty of information about the upcoming election.

I truly hope you will all get involved in this election. As some folks say, “democracy is too important to be left to the politicians.” A successful democracy and a successful society depend on ordinary folks getting involved in the electoral process. And that means more than voting. It means getting informed, and staying informed. It means talking with our families and friends and neighbours about the issues. It means talking about the direction we want to see our communities and our province take. While we as CUPE BC members have much to be proud of, we also have much work left to do. We must continue the struggle for economic and social justice, both here at home and abroad. We must continue to stay active in local elections to ensure our members’ voices are heard and understood by those who seek to lead our communities. And we must continue to work with local governments, businesses, and other community groups to strengthen our local economies.

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CELEBRITY SIGN-UP Author Linda McQuaig, seen here with Barry O’Neill at February’s Local Economy Summit, gives the Ten Percent Shift a big thumbs up.

There are so many people to thank as I step down from the executive, far too many to list here. But I do want to single out a few people in particular. To the CUPE BC support staff, who all started with CUPE BC in my term as president, I give thanks. Without Lori, Darci, Shirley, Sandi, Ron, and Brenda, we would not be where we are today as a union. Brother Mark Hancock has not only served ably as secretary-treasurer and done a terrific job with our union’s finances; as importantly, he has been a great leader for CUPE as well as a dear friend personally to me. I also want to thank Sister Sharon Prescott, my executive assistant for the past 12 years. Anyone who has been to a CUPE BC convention or conference – or even just wanted to schedule a meeting with me! – knows how hard Sharon works for our members. Sharon's support and friendship to me has made it possible to do what needed to get done, even if that seemed impossible at the time. Of course, I also want to thank my wife Charmaine, our children and grandchildren, who have sacrificed so much in allowing me to do this job I have loved so much. Finally, thanks to every CUPE member in B.C. – and across the country. I will get a chance at the convention to thank many of you who have gone above and beyond for CUPE – this column is far too short to recognize you all. Our union is strong, and getting stronger, thanks to the work you do every day, on the job and in your communities. CUPE members truly do build strong communities, and it has been an enormous privilege to serve as your president. In solidarity,

CUPE CUP E ac actt io ion n members on the front line

Core service reviews targeted CUPE members are effectively fighting back against core service reviews (CSRs) and have been successful in defending public services across B.C. In Prince George, where city council budgeted $350,000 for a CSR, the “I Heart PG” campaign was successful in keeping boulevard grass cutting and bylaw enforcement public. CUPE locals 399 and 1048 continue to work with other community groups and residents as discussions continue around possible privatization of the Four Seasons Leisure Pool and Civic Centre. The City of Nanaimo voted down a CSR last December, while the City of Abbotsford has postponed a consultantdriven CSR and is examining alternatives. If you hear of a CSR or any type of ‘organizational review’ in your community, please contact CUPE BC’s privatization coordinator Zoe Magnus at [email protected].

50 YEARS OF CUPE BC A special edition of Public Employee will feature an in-depth look at CUPE BC’s first half-century, as well as a feature on the 50th annual convention and the provincial election. Look for it in June.

GROWING MOVEMENT Barry O'Neill with Summit keynote speaker Michael Shuman, CUPE National president Paul Moist, Community Savings CEO Doug Eveneshen and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson on opening night.

'LOCAL FIRST'

Economy summit a big success VANC OUVER | If British Columbians all shifted their household spending by ten per cent toward “local first,” B.C. would see 31,000 net new jobs and $940 million in new wages. That’s the most significant finding announced at the Local Economy Summit in February. The findings are included in “Independent B.C.,” an analysis of B.C.’s retail economy prepared by renowned local economy researchers Civic Economics. (To see the report, go to www.localeconomysummit.com.) The Summit’s opening evening saw an entertaining and thought-provoking

keynote address from the “godfather” of local economic development, Michael Shuman. Hosted by Vancouver Sun political columnist Vaughn Palmer, the Summit attracted more than 200 delegates to learn about the latest tools and ideas to build stronger local economies. O’Neill closed the Summit by encouraging delegates to take what they’d learned in Vancouver and put it to work in their communities. “If we all work together, “ he said, “if we all talk to our friends, families and neighbours about this issue and how important it is to our communities, we can all make the shift.”

NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED IN VARIOUS SECTORS CUPE’s organizing department has been busy in the library sector, having recently organized a number of branches of Okanagan Regional Library, as well as public libraries in Invermere and New Westminster. “The employees of the New Westminster library are now CUPE 387 members,” says CUPE Organizing rep Rob Limongelli. “The employees were represented by a staff association, and

working with them we applied for a transfer of bargaining rights which was approved by the labour board.” In the municipal sector, CUPE is the bargaining agent for water workers at the Regional District of North Okanagan, having achieved a first collective agreement a few months ago, and for employees at the Pitt Meadows Golf Course. CUPE was also successful in organizing early childhood educators employed by the City of Surrey.

PROUD TO BE CUPE CUPE 5139 members Deanne Abrams and Nicole Pawlak take some time out from bargaining their first collective agreement for Invermere Public Library workers. SPRING 2013

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CUPE CUP E ac actt io ion n

VOICES “The issues are getting more complex, and it requires expertise and experience. We knew we would need to make a change because we didn’t have that expertise and experience.” Chrisanne Pennimpede, president of the New Westminster Public Library Staff Association, on why her members decided to join CUPE Local 387. The New Westminster Record, Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

“I certainly agree with this on many levels and will be watching this initiative with great interest.” CUPE 4879 (Thompson River University support staff) president Lois Rugg, on a new Living Wage for Families campaign, which is challenging Simon Fraser University (SFU) to become the first university in Canada to commit to wages that would enable workers to cover their families’ basic expenses. The Kamloops Daily News, Saturday, February 23, 2013.

“The minister clearly had no comprehension of what the board has been going through or what the ramifications of that letter would be.” CUPE 716 president June Kaiser, on a letter from Education Minister Don McRae requesting the province’s school boards to look within their budgets for additional savings that could be used to increase wages for public school support workers. The Richmond News, Friday, February 15, 2013.

“We should be celebrating, not eliminating, these employees.” CUPE 454 president Darryl Robison, on lay-offs of custodial guards at the Delta police who are members of CUPE 454. The Delta Optimist, Friday, February 8, 2013.

“There was even a 20-minute period in the afternoon when the pool was at capacity and they had to make some kids wait 20 minutes. It was pretty popular.” CUPE 50 president John Burrows, on CUPE’s sponsorship of a free swim at Crystal Pool on B.C.’s first Family Day. About 1,040 people took advantage. The Victoria Times Colonist, Wednesday, February 13, 2013.

www.cupe.bc.ca + News + Commentary + Members’ voices M ORE ON L I N E

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COMPARING NOTES CUPE's assistant regional director in B.C., Rhonda Spence (second from right), joins a panel discussion at the national bargaining conference in Ottawa in February.

CUPE faces the challenges Activists from across the country share strategies at national bargaining conference OTTAWA | More than 1,000 CUPE members from across

the country gathered in the nation’s capital this February to attend the union’s first ever national bargaining conference. The three-day event was a rare opportunity for members, staff, activists and leaders from across the country to exchange ideas related to the current state of free collective bargaining and develop strategy on how to tackle the challenges we face moving forward. CUPE members heard informative panel discussions from a variety of speakers, met with other members within their own sector and attended provincial strategy sessions. “It was great to have the opportunity to discuss bargaining strategies with other CUPE members,” said CUPE 1048 president Janet Bigelow, recalling one comment from the conference that really stuck with her: You start preparing for bargaining the day after you sign your collective agreement. “The importance of engaging and communicating with your members was highlighted at this conference,” said Bigelow. “I know that’s something we’ve taken back to our local and will be working on.”

WESTERN MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE This year’s Western Municipal Conference, hosted by CUPE BC, will be held from June 18-21 at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria. For more information, visit: www.cupe.bc.ca

CUPE CUP E ac actt io ion n members on the front line CSS workers get deal BUR NABY | After a marathon bargain-

ing session of 13 days, the multi-union Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) reached a tentative collective agreement with the employer in early March, ending a lengthy stalemate that culminated with province-wide job actions that began in the fall.

STANDING STRONG CUPE 4627 members on the picket line earlier this year.

Colleges settle, strike drags on at SFU The two-year agreement includes an across-the-board wage increase, a labour market adjustment review for all General Service and Community Living classifications, and improvements to benefits. Aboriginal Services workers reached a settlement just before Public Employee went to press. “Our three months of rotating strike action sent a clear message to government,” said CUPE’s community social services coordinator, Cheryl Colborne. “We want to express our gratitude and thanks to all the workers who took to the picket lines in support of our sector and our bargaining objectives.” The CSSBA unions were invited back to the bargaining table in February after their latest strike action impacting 3,900 members in community living and family services.

DRINKING WATER WEEK CUPE BC encourages locals to support “Drinking Water Week” in B.C., May 20-26. Consider giving a tour of your community’s water facilities or hosting an event to highlight the importance of public water. For more information visit: www.drinkingwaterweek.org.

CUPE 4627 workers at Vancouver Community College and CUPE 15 members at Langara Community College have reached collective agreements in line with the rest of the post-secondary sector (averaging four per cent over two years). Meanwhile, at Simon Fraser University, the strike dragged on at press time, despite a ruling from the BC Labour

SOCIAL MEDIA Don't assume you have privacy Can I read or update my Facebook page on my employer’s computer during work hours? No. This is known as “time theft.” Do it at lunch. What can I do on my employer’s computer and network? Check their policy. In many workplaces, personal browsing is prohibited. Can my employer monitor what I’m doing on their computer? Yes. It’s their computer. In fact, they can probably see what sites you’re visiting, and for how long. Can my employer monitor my online activity without telling me? Yes. Your

Board that SFU has been bargaining in bad faith. The ruling came after the university insisted on keeping demands that CUPE bail it out of its pension problems at the bargaining table. Sadly, SFU has chosen to fight the ruling rather than return to good-faith bargaining. CUPE 3338 has been without a contract for three years.

AT WORK computer habits can expose your employer to liability. If your kids shouldn’t see what you’re doing on the computer, then you shouldn’t be doing it on company time. Forget about those dumb jokes people send around: forward them from your home computer, if you must.

What about cell phones? The same rules apply: If you’re given a cell phone for work, it’s not yours. So don’t treat it like it’s yours. And if you’re on your own cell phone but using their network, remember: you’re on their network (see #1 and #4). SPRING 2013

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CUPE CUP E ac actt io ion n RAINIER WOMEN KEEP UP THE FIGHT FOR FUNDING The film A Long Journey Home documents the fight to save the sole women’s-only addiction treatment centre in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. “It is both the story of the 40 women residents’ struggle, and a call to action,” says film director Colin Askey. Since funding ended on December 3, the women – with support from CUPE 1004 – have been campaigning to urge the B.C. government to restore the program. The film includes footage of a funeral procession walk in which more than 300 supporters carry black coffins for the 10-kilometre route to the constituency office of Christy Clark. Watch the film at www.rainierhotel.ca.

SEEKING FAIR PLAY CUPE National president Paul Moist and CUPE BC secretarytreasurer Mark Hancock join members of CUPE 4964, and other Local members in support, during the lockout at Quilchena Golf Course.

Golf course workers locked out Employer ends bargaining on consultant’s advice RI C HM OND | Thanks to the advice of

WORTHY FIGHT CUPE's support for the Rainier Hotel treatment centre helped raise public awareness about much-needed addiction treatment services.

an outside consultant hired to conduct negotiations on management’s behalf, 19 CUPE members at Quilchena golf course received notice from their employer on February 4 that they were being locked out. The lock-out occurred after only nine days of combined mediation and bargaining. Management refused to continue negotiations. “In the past we have conducted negotiations directly with the employer and

been able to achieve an agreement that is acceptable to both parties,” said CUPE National representative Sung Wong, questioning the wisdom of using a consultant for such a small group with a decent labour-management relationship, thus adding unnecessary cost to negotiations. “The local has received tremendous support from CUPE National, CUPE BC and many CUPE locals,” he added. “We appreciate their donations and support on the picket line. We remain hopeful that management will end this lockout so we can resume negotiations and so members can get back to work.”

Thumbs down on Skytrain service cuts B U R NABY | CUPE 7000 (BC Rapid

Transit, Skytrain workers) launched an awareness campaign earlier this year about the impact of recent significant layoffs in the IT department. Members wore buttons that said “Less staff, less service” to emphasize critical shortages in scheduling, maintenance and other areas. CUPE 7000 president Bill Magri said the planned reduction of important IT 6

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work within BC Rapid Transit was in fact a reduction to the total service provided to the public. “We are amazed that the employer would be willing to lay off our unionized IT department to an extent that causes such a decline in access to critical information about important areas of the service,” said Magri. “So we want the public to know how this staff reduction will

affect their service.” CUPE 4500 also adopted the campaign, in response to the Coast Mountain Bus Company’s decision to cut transit supervisor positions.

CUPE CUP E

Crashing the party

focus bargaining Legal fees up, wage increases gone

At Capilano University, a small unit of CUPE 1004 represents students’ union (CSU) staff. They have been bargainMORE EMPLOYERS ARE HIRING PRICEY CONSULTANTS ing since May 2012 and for the first TO TELL THEM HOW TO GIVE LESS AT THE TABLE. time there’s a consultant involved: lawEmployers are finding out what more charged $1,200/day, but his fee cap of yer David Borins. The student paper and more CUPE locals already know: $7,500 came off the moment the library reported Borins getting $2,000 per many bargaining consultants are no board initiated the lockout. month from the CSU as far back as bargain at all. “We were locked out for three months. 2011. The legal bill for the CSU in 2010 The ‘consultant,’ usually a lawyer, The contract we eventually signed had was $180 for the entire year. approaches an employer and convinces very few changes – it was such a waste Prince George hired lawyer Adriana them their ‘freedom to manage’ is ham- of time. The community was unhappy Wills for negotiations with CUPE 399 strung by the union. Not to worry: the and the money spent on the consultant and 1048, despite having the city manconsultant can help gut the contract, could have paid for a year’s worth of ager and other HR staff at the table. chop wages and let managers rule unre- books or five years worth of library pro- CUPE 1048 president Janet Bigelow stricted. It could take a while, but don’t gramming,” says Strang. sums it up: “In a city that has always had worry. When Percifield productive negotia“One has to wonder how So the employer shells out tens of was hired by Oliver tions and just endured thousands of dollars, money that could for CUPE 608 nego- this is a good use of tax a $350,000 core serhave been used for wages, programming tiations in 2011, services review for ‘costor services. Negotiations drag on (the vicing rep Rachel dollars.” – JANET BIGELOW saving measures’, one longer they go, the more the consultant Champagne noted: has to wonder how this gets) and still end up in mediation. “They have chosen to put taxpayer’s is a good use of tax dollars.” Lockouts and service interruptions poi- money in the pocket of a hired negotiaConsultants are also finding work in son the workplace and the community tor who doesn’t even live in Oliver, over the private sector. CUPE 4964 workers suffers long after the consultant has the hardworking city employees who at the Quilchena Golf Course (see page bailed. live here.” After three months of acri- 6) have been locked out – and managemonious talks, Percifield left before a ment hired a lawyer for bargaining An expensive waste of time contract was settled. advice. A case in point is CUPE 2254 in Grand Forks. Heading into bargaining, committee chair Leanne Strang was optimistic. “We had a dozen housekeeping items,” she recalls, and there had never been a dispute at the five-member library local. But when they arrived for talks, there was consultant Don Percifield. “On Day One, he comes in with what looks like a 300-page rewrite of our 42-page collective agreement. We met a couple more times, but never really did any bargaining – it was pretty much ‘Take it or leave it.’ Then the board served lockout notice. Percifield SHAFTED Members of CUPE 2254 were locked out of the Grand Forks Library during consultant-directed bargaining.

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linking labour robin jones

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“What would happen if we just sat on our hands at election time? The results would not be pretty.”

Why we get involved in political campaigns CUPE members and staff alike have always understood why it’s important for the union to get involved in politics. For public sector workers, the most obvious reason is that every election is a chance to elect our own bosses. And after we elect them, we hold them to account. At the municipal level, we do it with programs like Council Watch and School District Watch. At the provincial level, we do it with pushback through CUPE BC’s “Strong Communities” campaign. The fact is, getting involved politically means more than just supporting NDP candidates at election time. It also means forming relationships with local government and police authorities through City Watch. At the provincial level it means consulting with both sides of the house through our legislative coordinator, forming or joining coalitions to defend public services, and sponsoring public meetings to oppose P3s. All of these activities are deemed “political,” and CUPE members and staff are committed to being involved at every level of the community. And why shouldn’t we? Our members are the frontline workers who keep our schools, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, community health and social services, and so many other public services up and running. So we know what’s happening on the ground. That means we know where the savings are and where efficiencies can be had. And we know we can do it without cutting EAs from the K-12 system, introducing tolls to pay for P3s, or bashing middle-to-lower income families and students by jacking up MSP premiums and tuition fees. What would happen if we just sat on our hands at election time? Well, the results would not be pretty. At the federal level, we are already heading into the kind of right-towork labour environment we’ve been seeing south of the border, with similar labour-bashing policy creeping up in Saskatchewan and Ontario. Right now we’re engaged in an uphill battle with the Harper administration over pension and EI reform. So let’s not also have to fight for the basic 8

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FOR OUR FUTURE Robin Jones with Kiara and Kaden AndersonHancock at the 2012 Labour Day picnic. Not getting involved in politics, says Jones, won’t help the next generation.

things our predecessors fought for: things like the right to join a union or take strike action, for instance. Now, this doesn’t mean that everything is going to be rosy if and when we elect Adrian Dix as British Columbia’s next premier. The economy is still in rough shape. What surprises might confront the NDP when they open the budget books left behind by the Liberals? Contrary to the spin of conspiracy-minded media pundits, who think Adrian’s in our back pocket, we are not going to get everything we want. But here’s one difference we can expect from a New Democrat administration: unlike with the BC Liberals, at the very least we will get our foot in the door. NDP governments actually listen and welcome meaningful conversation with organized labour. For the past dozen years, the BC Liberals have cut public services, increased inequality, consistently disrespected working people, and nickel-and-dimed us to no end. We can’t take any more of this, and we know we can do better. So that’s why we must all do our part. Robin Jones is director for CUPE’s British Columbia region.

www.cupe.bc.ca + News + Commentary + Leaders’ voices MO R E O NL I NE

CUPE CUP E

focus island water watch

A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE COMMON GOOD CUPE 401 works with the Snuneymuxw First Nation to supply safe public water N ANAIM O | While safe drinking water in First Nations

communities remains a national concern, City of Nanaimo (CUPE 401) water crews have modeled part of the solution through an innovative mentoring program with the Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN). The program, which began in November, involves SFN workers job shadowing CUPE 401 members to learn foundational skills in maintaining a quality public water system. “We’re working to assist SFN employees in becoming familiar with the hands-on, day-to-day work involved in a municipality’s regular water distribution maintenance programs, including emergency repairs and the installation of various components,” says CUPE 401 president Blaine Gurrie, a member of the Vancouver Island Water Watch Coalition. “Our goal is to build on our success and use these principals to expand the mentoring program out to First Nations communities across Vancouver Island.”

Everyone plays a role

GOOD PLAN CUPE 401 president Blaine Gurrie (right) thanks local member Brian Thomas, a water distribution foreman for the City of Nanaimo, for his work on the new mentoring project with Snuneymuxw First Nation. Thomas assisted the workers in putting together their uni-directional water main flushing program.

This would help end the argument that First Nations communities do not have the expertise to manage water distribution systems because of lack of skilled labour. Gurrie wants future agreements between First Nations’ councils, CUPE, Gurrie is concerned that the potential impacts of the Canadaregional district authorities, municipalities and improveEU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) ment districts which control water supply areas to provide a could allow European water utilities to challenge public conpositive public solution that will ensure safe drinking water trol of local water as unfair barriers to trade. for all Island residents. “With this model, First “We have proven that this expertise Human rights vs free trade Nations communities “CETA and Bill S-8 combined could prevent can be imparted without the need can supply safe, clean First Nations from building, owning and water in areas where for a private partner.” operating their own water and wastewater they have been given the plants,” adds Gurrie. “By not delivering the responsibility, but no other assistance from government education to make their legislation work, the federal governother than funding,” says Gurrie. “We have proven by ment is opening the door wider to further water privatizaexample that this expertise can be imparted to manage public tion.” water systems, without the need for a private partner.” The City of Nanaimo is one of a growing list of municiIn 2010, the federal government announced the Safe palities to pass the “Blue Communities” initiative from Drinking Water for First Nations Act (now referred to as Bill which the SFN mentoring program is one tangible project. S-8) to create health and safety standards. But there was no “Blue Communities” is based on the principle that water is mention of the training support needed to live up to them. a human right. SPRING 2013

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“One of the things that I’ve tried to do is change the way we do po li

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS Adrian Dix charts the NDP’s plan for B.C. BC NDP leader Adrian Dix recently took questions from CUPE members in an interactive Telephone Town Hall that allowed participants to grill the Opposition leader about his plans for an NDP government. “One of the things that I’ve tried to do is change the way we do politics, to be more positive,” said Dix as he welcomed members to the call. “We have raised issues, such as the scandal around the government’s strategy on multiculturalism, but we’ve also been respectful of people.”

BU R NABY |

Next generation a priority

ON THE COVER NDP leader Adrian Dix addresses delegates at the 2012 CUPE BC convention in Victoria.

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Dix highlighted issues vital in this election, with specific attention to creating opportunities for young people. “We propose very specific initiatives to ensure that young people are not denied access to skills because they don’t have enough money,” explained Dix, committing to reinstate student grants eliminated by the BC Liberal government. Dix also expressed support for CUPE BC’s Ten Percent Shift campaign, saying that an NDP government would use procurement to support the local economy. “Whatever government organisation it is, [we need to] ensure that when a government can spend money in a community then we should do so,” he promised.

Eco-decisions must be made in B.C. One of the first questions for the BC NDP leader came from CUPE BC secretary-treasurer Mark Hancock, who asked how an NDP government would take on the important issue of protecting the environment. “A very significant issue that people in B.C. got involved with is the Enbridge northern gateway pipeline proposal,” said Dix. “In April of 2012 the NDP wrote to the National Energy Board, which is reviewing that pipeline, expressing our opposition to it on both economic and environmental grounds.” The current equivalency agreement takes the decision-making power away from province, he added: “That doesn’t make sense for us. We think that decision should be made in B.C.” Dix also revealed how cuts to public servants negatively affect both the government’s ability to regulate the environment, and to provide certainty in the economy. “Ironically what happened when the Liberals cut public servants, it meant that businesses involved in creating jobs saw that the number of jobs they were able to create was reduced because of wait time for permit approval,” he said.

o litics, to be more positive.” – ADRIAN DIX

CUPE members want action on transit Public transit was also a priority, garnering several mentions during the town hall event. Dix explained that transit is important for the environment, but also for affordability, and the economy. He also remarked that, while everyone pays the carbon tax, many British Columbians do not see the benefit. “Some of that carbon tax money needs to be dedicated to environmental purposes, principally transit,” Dix noted. While urging members to get out and vote, Dix lamented declining voter participation. “In the last election, 1.7 million people in British Columbia didn’t vote. That’s more than 50 per cent of those eligible.”

No time for complacency While polls show the BC NDP leading, Dix cautioned members that this election will not be easy. “I think this is going to be one of the most important campaigns ever, and we need very strongly your support, and people to be involved in the campaign,” urged Dix. “The Liberal Party has much more money than we do and will be able to buy much more advertising. The strength of our campaign is going to be door-to-door, member-to-member, in community centres everywhere across B.C., and in making the case for a positive change for the better in B.C.”

SMALL VICTORY Adian Dix with MLAs and candidates at an antiHST rally in 2011.

ADRIAN OFF THE CUFF Adrian Dix had these answers for CUPE members wondering what practical steps the NDP will take to change B.C. for the better. On seniors' care: “Ensure care home workers aren’t constantly laid off as contracts are flipped. It is unfair to seniors to see that happen to services.” “I don’t know very many seniors who want to go to institutional care, and so our focus is to ensure better primary care and better access to home support so seniors can stay in their home longer, and have more choices in the system.”

On raw log exports: “A good place to start is to enforce the present law, which says if there is a call by domestic manufactures for raw logs in the market, those domestic manufactures get access to those logs.”

On helping children with special needs: “The lack of support for special needs students hurts all students in the classroom.”

On progressive taxation: “One thing we did together was our campaign to get rid of the HST. It was a two-billion-dollar shift in taxes, from corporations on to individuals, mainly middle class individuals. So there’s one small victory for progressive taxation that occurred in the last few years.” “MSP premiums have been almost doubled over time, and they’re a flat tax. Whether you earn fifty grand or a hundred and fifty grand, you’re paying the same amount of money.”

On education: MAKING CONTACT CUPE BC election phone bank coordinator Bruce Richardson and political action coordinator Rachel Champagne with member volunteer Michael Herbrik at the BC regional office phone bank. With its member-to-member phone campaign, CUPE BC hopes to make a big difference on May 14.

“I don’t think the school bargaining system in general has worked well for students, never mind for support staff, or for teachers. We have to work together as partners to make sure education is improved. I think that if they have a government that’s prepared to work with them as partners, not as adversaries, then we can get a lot done in the next four years.” SPRING 2013

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CUPE CUP E communities SOLID SUPPORT FOR ‘RESPECT’ IN LANGLEY K-12 L ANGL EY | CUPE

JUSTICE NOW Diversity vice-president (aboriginal workers) Dale Whitford (with drum) led CUPE activists at a Vancouver protest in support of the Idle No More movement.

CUPE BC supports Idle No More Call for big changes in aboriginal communities CUPE BC supports aboriginal peoples engaged in the Idle No More movement. President Barry O’Neill issued a statement in January of solidarity with First Nations across Canada in their long struggle for justice. “We urge Prime Minister Harper to remember the history of colonial oppression that Parliament has rightly apologized for, and to commit to work with First Nations in a respectful process that moves everyone forward,” stated O’Neill.

Bill-C45 is an action of bad faith. Without consultation this legislation amends the Indian Act to allow to the privatization of unceded territory. Under the same bill, lakes and rivers are stripped of their protection from destruction. Many First Nations communities subsist in substandard housing without drinkable water, while aboriginal people disproportionately fall victim to violence, homelessness and extreme poverty. In supporting Idle No More, CUPE holds true to its founding principles– an injury to one is an injury to all.

Remembering Ken Davidson VANC OU V E R | The CUPE family lost a

great activist and leader earlier this year with the passing of long-time CUPE 1004 member and CUPE BC executive board member Ken Davidson at his home in Gibsons on February 14. “This is a huge loss for Ken’s family, CUPE Local 1004, CUPE’s Metro District Council, CUPE BC and CUPE National, as well as for all his friends and colleagues,” 12

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said CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill. “His commitment to the values of the trade union movement was unparalleled; Ken really did ‘walk the walk’ and made Davidson a huge contribution to our union, and to his adopted hometown of Vancouver.”

1260 is wearing its pride on it sleeve. The Langley K-12 education workers are sporting t-shirts designed by a local Grade 11 student. CUPE 1260 shop steward Marnie Wilson says the local launched its “Respect” initiative to clearly identify CUPE K-12 workers in their community. “We came up with the idea of a logo depicting people as the actual support structure of a school,” she explains. Budding artist Kassundra Robson produced what Wilson calls “a logo that really tells who we are and what we do.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE CUPE 556 president Cindy Major presents cheque for $1,000 to Richard Wilburn, treasurer of Dawn to Dawn — Action on Homelessness.

On February 21, union and community activists by the hundreds poured into the PNE Gardens to share reminiscences about Ken’s storied career as a champion of working people and human rights. Ken’s family asked CUPE members to consider making a donation in Ken’s name to CoDevelopment Canada, #260 2747 East Hastings St. Vancouver BC V5K 1Z8.

CUPE CUP E communities members making a difference B.C. EQUALITY REP WINS CLC DISABILITY RIGHTS AWARD B UR NABY | CUPE’s National Equality representative for the B.C. region, Conni Kilfoil,

is one of the first winners of the Carol McGregor CLC Disability Rights Award. The award recognizes the outstanding contributions of workers who have made an impact in the union and/or the community by promoting and defending the rights of persons with disabilities. For more info, visit www.cupe.bc.ca JUSTICIA! On February 21, Barry O’Neill and USW president Steve Hunt (right) joined exiled Mexican union leader Napoleon Gomez at a rally outside the Mexican consulate in Vancouver.

Supporting workers’ rights in Mexico VA NC OU V E R | CUPE BC executive

board members joined members of other unions on Thursday February 21 at a rally outside the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver to support exiled Mexican union leader Napoleon Gomez. Prior to the rally, CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill joined United Steelworkers Western Canadian region director Steve Hunt, COPE 378 vice president Gwynne Farrell and BC Federation of Labour secretary-treasurer Irene Lanzinger in a meeting with the Consul General of Mexico. The leaders presented the Consul General with a letter outlining a series of steps the Mexican government should take to improve the rights and freedoms of working people in that country. To see the letter, go to www.cupe.bc.ca.

DIVERSE CITY CUPE activists joined an anti-racism rally on March 23 in observance of the International Day to Eliminate Racism and Discrimination.

CUPE shines at low vision forum NEW WES TM I NS TER | CUPE made its

presence known at a unique forum on February 23 aimed at raising awareness about and improving the lives of people with blindness and low vision. “Seeing Things Differently: Living with Low Vision” was organized by the New Westminster Lion’s Club in partnership with Century House Association - Low Vision Group. CUPE 1750 member Ray Smith from Ontario discussed his journey with blindness and how the labour movement provided many opportunities to get involved, from local to national levels. CUPE’s National Equality representative in B.C., Conni Kilfoil, discussed recent labour law changes to the employer’s duty to accommodate in the context of workplace realities for the blind.

PROGRESSIVE VISION CUPE 1750’s Ray Smith and CUPE National Equality representative Conni Kilfoil take time out from the “Seeing Things Differently Forum” at CUPE BC’s booth.

And Shawn Marsolais, a niece of CUPE 409 president Marcel Marsolais, had participants in stitches with her hilarious “Dos and Don’ts” presentation on appropriate etiquette for the sighted when encountering a blind person.

STROLLER DERBY Parents and their children joined a rally on March 9 calling for a fully funded childcare program. Then they marched to Premier Christy Clark's office to deliver personal messages about the issue. SPRING 2013

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power in numbers mark hancock

‘‘

“This election is too important to take anything for granted.”

An NDP victory is within our grasp

arlier this year, BC Minister of Finance Mike De Jong claimed to have balanced the budget through reduced spending and increased revenue. But where that revenue comes from, and where further cuts fall, only exposes the BC Liberals’ real priorities. On the revenue side, the government increased Medical Service Plan premiums and again hiked tuition fees. Clearly, the real cost of the balancing the budget is being paid out of the pockets of working families, students, and those least able to afford higher fees and service charges. Once again, the Liberals are saying “trust us” to the voters while they increase MSP premiums, make continued cuts to post-secondary education, and reduce their commitment to health care despite our aging population. Also, instead of working with local communities on economic development, we saw another fire-sale of public assets to pay for BC Liberal mismanagement. We’ll never know how many local jobs or opportunities those properties could have generated, now that the Libs have sold off the household furniture to pay for the mortgage. Meanwhile, the government continued to spend what will be in excess of $16 million in tax-payer funded partisan ads to bolster BC Liberal support. That’s why CUPE BC is investing time and energy in communicating, to every member directly, what is at stake in this election for working British Columbians. We need your help. Even if you can only spare a few hours, that could make a big difference in areas where the race is tight. This election is too important to take anything for granted. I urge you to get involved in your Local or

SOLIDARITY, COAST TO COAST CUPE National secretarytreasurer Charles Fleury, Université de Montréal’s Rachida Azdouz, and Mark Hancock take time out from the national bargaining conference in February.

community to help ensure that every voter has the information they need to make an informed choice on May 14th. This being my final column as your secretary-treasurer, I want to thank every member for the honour of serving you in this capacity for the past eight years. It has been a privilege to be entrusted with keeping this great union’s financial house in order, and I hope to be able to spend many more years in service to CUPE members. Of course, I would not be in the position to say this without having enjoyed the tremendous leadership, guidance and personal friendship of our outgoing president, Barry O’Neill. It’s safe to say that Barry will go down in B.C. labour history as one of the great union activists of all time. We have been fortunate for the 16 years he spent as our leader, and his vision and commitment to working people in this province will truly be missed – though we know he won’t “be a stranger.” On behalf of the executive and our 85,000 members, I want to wish Barry and his family all the best in his retirement and in all of his future endeavours. Mark Hancock is secretary-treasurer of CUPE BC.

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TEL 604.291.9119 FAX 604.291.9043 EMAIL [email protected] CUPE BC PRESIDENT Barry O’Neill SECRETARY-TREASURER Mark Hancock THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE EDITOR Daniel Gawthrop CONTRIBUTORS Clay Suddaby, Kathryn Sutton, Murray Bush, Nathan Allen, Susan Blair COVER PHOTO Josh Berson OTHER PHOTOS Josh Berson, Nicole Pawlak, Wes Payne, Michael Lanier, Blaine Gurrie, 14 THE PU B LIC EM PLOYEE 14 THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE Cindy Major, Marcel Marsolais DESIGN AND LAYOUT Working Design

COPE 491

Hundreds of thousands are injured. Countless thousands become permanently disabled or die from work-related diseases. April 28th is a day to pause, reflect and gather our resolve. Let’s use it to re-dedicate ourselves to the fight for improved health and safety.

Bookmarks and posters available National Health and Safety Branch, (613) 237-1590 or health_safety @ cupe.ca or vwolff @ cupe.ca

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CHOOSE YOUR COURSES FOR

2013

Powerful learning at its best!

Located in the heart of the Okanagan, the Naramata school has inspired more than three decades of CUPE members. This spring’s week-long sessions feature ten courses that will expand your horizons and WEEK 1 / JUNE 2 - 7 (Revised) sharpen your ■ Basic Occupational Health & Safety activist tools.

Naramata School ■ ■ ■ ■

Communicating CUPE / Social Media Financial Officers Grassroots Leadership (HEU Members Only) Steward Learning Series

WEEK 2 / JUNE 9 - 14 (Revised) ■ Basic Arbitration ■ Building Pension Activism ■ Creating Social Justice ■ Facing Management ■ Mental Health / Workplace Stress MORE INFO CUPE Education representative Greg Burkitt at 604-291-1940 or [email protected]

After 12 years with the BC Liberals, it might be time to move on and find somebody else.

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