Public Employees B.C

BURMA CANADIAN ON THE UNION OF RADAR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES B.C. DIVISION 5 WINTER 2010 eemployeemployee

Members unite in wake of attack on paramedics NEGOTIATE, DON’T LEGISLATE!

EDUCATION CONFERENCE 2010 BARGAINING CIVIC AWARD LIBRARY CAMPAIGN leading us barry o’neill

“A contract or a settlement means an agreement was reached. This was no agreement; it was a clear abuse of government power.” ‘With glowing hearts’… we defend public services As British Columbia prepares to “welcome the world” in ‘‘February, it’s worth considering some of the sacrifices that have been made by working people and the lesser privileged in this province to pave the way for the Winter Olympic Games. Don’t get me wrong: as CUPE members, and as members of our communities, we too are pleased to see our athletes compete in this world-class event – and we will continue to support them. However, that does not mean that we FRIENDS INDEED CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill and CUPE 873 director of public education B.J. Chute presented a cheque for will not or should not continue to support our communities $50,000 to BCGEU president Darryl Walker on December 3. GEU as well. members missed work in support of CUPE picket lines during the 873 We all deserve such things as ambulance services when strike. we, our friends, and our neighbours, are in need. In such times, our families should feel confident that they can rely clear abuse of government power. Adding insult to injury on the lifesaving skills of a qualified paramedic. But this was the premier’s decision – unprecedented in Canadian emergency service, along with seniors care, library services, labour history – to legislate an end to the dispute while the education, and health care have all felt the impact of deep paramedics were voting on the government’s last offer. cuts at a time when people need these services most. We in the B.C. labour movement have never taken this What the BC Liberal government did to the paramedics kind of legislative assault lying down. We have fought in when it passed Bill 21 in November was not only an insult the legal arena, as with the successful Supreme Court of to CUPE 873 members; it was a signal to the public that Canada challenge of Bill 29, which trampled on the HEU’s the world-class service our ambulance paramedics provide collective bargaining rights. We have fought in the political is not worth funding. The same could be said for the other arena, with letters and e-mails and petitions to MLAs. And public services I’ve just mentioned, all of which have fallen we have taken this fight to the streets – as we have been under the knife even as the government continues to spend doing with community actions in every corner of the prov- hundreds of millions of dollars on the Games. ince since November. My heart doesn’t exactly glow with pride at this vision The strike by ambulance paramedics may have ended, of an uncaring British Columbia. It’s certainly not a vision but the real labour dispute – and the struggle to define what of the province I would feel comfortable sharing with our vision of B.C. will prevail – has only just begun. international guests. The government did not impose a “contract” or a “settle- Barry O’Neill is president of CUPE BC. ment” on paramedics. A contract or a settlement means an MORE ONLINE www.cupe.bc.ca + News + agreement was reached. This was no agreement; it was a Commentary + Leaders’ voices

2 THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE CCUPUPE aacctiioon members on the fr ont line

PUBLIC EDUCATION CONFERENCE INSPIRES CUPE BC’s October Champions for Public Education conference informed and inspired more than 200 CUPE members from the K-12, university and college sectors. President Barry O’Neill opened the conference and talked about the important links between CUPE’s more than 40,000 education workers and all CUPE members. UBC law professor Joel Bakan, author of The Corporation: The COMMITTED TO LIBRARIES Re-elected National executive members Barry O’Neill, Mark Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Hancock and Colin Pawson (third from left) were joined on the sidelines at the CUPE National Power (later adapted into the highly convention in Montreal by CUPE 391 (Vancouver and Gibsons Public Library) members Ed Dickson, Alex Youngberg, Mark Whittam, and Peter DeGroot. successful film), gave the keynote address. Describing CUPE as a fighter for public services and a National convention builds solidarity defender of the public education sys- Delegates support B.C. ing to support local economic develop- tem, Bakan talked about the follies of paramedics, strategic plan ment and fight privatization. privatization. CUPE BC’s Barry O’Neill and Mark boosts bargaining efforts Hancock and HEU president Ken MONTREAL | Record numbers of new Robinson were re-elected to the national delegates converged on Canada’s sec- executive board, while Colin Pawson ond-largest city for CUPE’s 24th nation- (CUPE 1091) was elected as a national al convention in October. Some 2,500 trustee. delegates and staff set a course for the The BC/Alberta/HEU social evening next two years and pledged continued drew hundreds to Montreal’s old town. support for B.C.’s striking ambulance And national communications awards paramedics in CUPE 873. went to CUPE 4227, B.C.’s Francophone ANTI-CORPORATE Keynote speaker The CUPE strategic plan focuses on Education Authority School District, Joel Bakan praised convention delegates for their role as frontline fighters for improving pensions, strengthening bar- and to CUPE BC’s Public Employee. public education. gaining capacity, fighting concessions, For more on the national convention, supporting shop stewards, and continu- visit cupe.ca. K-12 and university delegates then participated in panels and workshops specific to their sectors, while college Garbage, recycling helped the CAO make the case for public participants attended a board of gov- sector provision of solid waste, recycling, ernor training session. go public again and compostable yard waste. CUPE BC secretary-treasurer Mark GRAND FORKS | CUPE 4728 members “Thanks to a great collaborative effort Hancock closed the successful con- will once again provide with our Local and the CAO, ference by encouraging participants garbage and recycling residents will win,” says CUPE to keep championing public educa- collection starting on 4728 president Ross Idler. tion in their communities. See the Canada Day 2010 – “Concern about inadequate conference video and pictures at thanks to the Local’s service quality from the private cupe.bc.ca. five years of work to contractor and the ability for bring solid waste col- us to provide a higher level of lection back in-house. service that meets our resi- CUPE 4728 members in Grand Forks dents’ needs sold Council.”

WINTER 2010 3 CCUPUPE aacctiioon

VOICES

“It is extremely frustrating because if all they were going to do was force us back to work they could have done that a long time ago and saved us all a lot of work and heartache.” Elk Valley CUPE 873 steward Amy Chris on Bill 21, the BC Liberal legislation that ended the ambulance paramedics’ strike while the union was voting on the government’s last offer. The Free Press (Fernie), Thursday, November 5, 2009.

“All UBC has been asked to do is to adhere to standards and LONGTIME PRESENCE Okanagan Mainline District Council regulations that all other public bodies are governed by. We celebrated its 45th Anniversary in November with cake, camaraderie fail to see the problem with that.” and congratulations. CUPE 116 president Colleen Garbe, in a letter to the editor, takes issue with criticism that Metro Vancouver’s redevelopment bylaw proposals put funding at UBC at risk. CUPE BC hails court ruling The Province (Vancouver), Wednesday, November 25, 2009. on Catalyst tax complaint “What’s really unfortunate is the government blamed H1N1 DUNCAN | The BC Supreme Court’s rejection of Catalyst when we know VANOC had a deadline (to resolve the Paper’s taxation complaint against the District of North dispute).” Cowichan is likely to influence other cases involving corpo- CUPE 873 regional vice-president Richard Vollo, on the rate tax avoiders, CUPE BC said in praising the decision. government’s explanation for introducing Bill 21. In a judgment released on October 16, Justice Peter Voith Williams Lake Tribune, Tuesday, November 10, 2009. said that municipal bylaws North Cowichan used to set Catalyst’s tax rate are reasonable. He dismissed Catalyst’s “Every one of us has a close call story. It’s good to see we’re claim that they are unfair because they bear no relationship to doing some preventative maintenance on the roadside.” the services Catalyst consumes. In a decision bound to influ- CUPE 626 chief shop steward Aaron Cyr, on a City of Vernon ence outstanding cases involving other Catalyst communities campaign that uses images of real workers and their children to Campbell River, Powell River and Port Alberni, Voith said the remind drivers to slow down when passing construction zones. courts would not interfere in North Cowichan council’s delib- Thursday, December 3, 2009. Vernon Morning Star, erations in arriving at tax rates. “You’re going to see, right through the Olympics, rotating “The failure of corporations to pay property taxes threatens rallies and large groups of people expressing their displea- the health, well-being and sustainability of B.C.’s commu- sure around Bill 21. This will carry on until there is a resolve, nities,” CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill told the Courier- or they rethink their choice.” Islander newspaper. “We’re pleased that the Court will not overturn the local CUPE Local 873 Island-North regional vice-president John Hosie, describing the provincewide campaign against Bill 21. government’s authority. This decision will protect local gov- The Daily News (Nanaimo), Friday, November 27, 2009. ernment and communities from devastating consequences.” “It’s not as complicated as people might think if they get a SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED few basic things done. To me, all things are inseparable.” CUPE 3500 member Anne Grube, one of two winners of a YMCA/ This year’s winners of CUPE BC’s Aubrey Burton-Reg Ford YWCA Peace medallion, on how citizens can live their lives to Memorial Scholarships have been announced. promote sustainability. Receiving $500 each from secretary-treasurer Mark Hancock Kamloops Daily News, Saturday, November 21, 2009. on behalf of CUPE BC are Brittany Derrick and Jennifer Bantugon of North Vancouver (CUPE 389) and Alexandra Skodyn of Kelowna (CUPE 1123). MORE ONLINE www.cupe.bc.ca + News + The annual scholarship is awarded to Commentary + Members’ voices CUPE members, or their children, who are planning on entering post-secondary education. 4 THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE CCUPUPE aacctiioon members on the fr ont line

GOVERNMENT’S P3 APPROACH FLAWED The BC Liberal government’s public- private partnerships (P3s) agenda was dealt another blow in a November report by respected economist Dr. Marvin Shaffer. The report reviews the methodology used by Partnerships BC (PBC) – the government agency that promotes P3s – to assess whether projects should be procured publicly or as P3s. Shaffer finds the methodology fundamentally flawed, providing no justification for selecting P3s over more traditionally READY FOR ACTION Secretary-treasurer Mark Hancock (right) joined the Young Workers procured, publicly-financed projects. Task Force during a break at CUPE BC’s One Big Committee Meeting in Vancouver in the “PBC’s methodology ignores the extra fall. The task force set a busy agenda for the next two years, with plans to organize regional socials, conduct a survey on what locals are doing to engage young workers, and produce an costs of P3s as opposed to traditional orientation package for new young CUPE members. government financing of new projects – it looks at the benefits but not the cost of P3s,” says Shaffer. INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY For more details about the report, visit keepitpublic.ca. Supporting human rights in Burma

Funding cuts spark BURNABY | CUPE’s support for the new partnerships people of Burma was highlighted in the fall with tours by two Burmese activists BC Liberal arrogance on education and a global rock supergroup. funding helped spur a joint letter On September 22, mem- A MODEL FOR HEALTH CUPE Library to BC Education Minister Margaret sector rep Lucy Zhang, City sector rep Sally bers of CUPE’s civic locals MacDiarmid from the BC Confederation Bankiner, Mae Tao Clinic rep Saw Aung, CUPE were on hand at City Hall of Parent Advisory Councils, the BC 1004 president Mike Jackson, and Parks as Mayor Gregor Robertson sector rep Barbara Dickinson (from left) School Trustees’ Association, the BCTF proclaimed “Dr. Cynthia posed after the mayoral proclamation for “Dr. and CUPE BC. Maung Day” in honour of Cynthia Maung Day” at city hall on September Provincial funding cuts to programs Kwehsay 22. the founder of the Mae Tao and the Annual Facilities Grants are Clinic in Mae Sot, Thailand. The clin- During this period, CUPE sponsored being felt by students in schools across ic treats more than 100,000 Burmese the printing of 20,000 post cards calling the province. people every year on the Thai-Burma on the Harper government to continue Sending a strong message in advance border. humanitarian aid for Burma and sup- of the March 2010 provincial budget, On October 13, CUPE members and port the adoption of a binding United the joint initiative has been paralleled staff at B.C. regional office attended a Nations Security Council resolution on at the school district level, with many presentation by Saw Kwehsay, a human Burma, also known as Myanmar. CUPE locals and other local partners rights activist whose visit was spon- The cards, which bore the logos of urging the government to reverse this sored by CUPE in cooperation with supporting organizations including year’s budget cuts and to properly fund CUSO-VSO, a non-profit international CUPE, were distributed during the B.C.’s public education system. development agency. CUPE’s Global Toronto and Vancouver concerts of Justice branch sponsors a volunteer for Irish supergroup U2. one of Kwehsay’s video projects near For more information visit cfob.org the Thai-Burma border. and justaid.ca.

WINTER 2010 5 CCUPUPE ffocusocus

CUPE WELCOMES NEW B.C. COLLEGE LOCAL

PRINCE GEORGE | CUPE’s newest B.C. college local had an early opportunity to work with colleagues from the K-12 and post-secondary sectors at the CUPE BC Champions for Public Education conference in October. CUPE 4951 represents operational staff at the College of New Caledonia in B.C.’s North Central Interior. The Local’s 300 members provide a wide range of jobs including registration, trades, library sup- MAKING LINKS Maude Barlow’s presentation on the value of public sewage treatment reached a new generation of community activists. Barlow visit boosts sewage campaign Speech by high-profile says that Barlow’s visit helped people make links. “Capital Regional District WELCOME TO CUPE Stacy Dingman activist builds on case politicians will make the final deci- and Michele Sinclair, executive members for CRD to go public of new CUPE Local 4951, at the College of sion on how sewage treatment will be New Caledonia, attend their first CUPE BC VICTORIA | With a decision sched- financed and operated in the next few education conference. uled for early 2010 on how the Capital months. Maude gave politicians some port, custodial and counselling services. Regional District’s sewage treatment very good reasons to listen to CRD resi- Local president Lily Bachand says that will be developed, Maude Barlow’s dents and go public.” her members appreciated the support November visit was timely. Speaking Barlow encouraged the audience, throughout the process of becoming to a full house at St. Ann’s Academy which included a group of students CUPE members. “The reception and feel- in Victoria, the Council of Canadians’ from the Lester B. Pearson internation- ing of being looked after by CUPE has national chairperson and best-known al college, to get active. “You are in the been great,” says Bachand. They will join face brought a global perspective to the final months of a process that will have CUPE’s Northern District Area Council local campaign for public sewage treat- a lasting and profound effect on your and become members of CUPE BC as ment. communities and your environment. well as CUPE National. Kim Manton, CUPE’s campaign coor- Now is the time to speak out loudly for dinator for public sewage treatment, public sewage treatment.” B.C. – ALBERTA JOINT CONFERENCE LIBRARY WORKERS IN ditions of employment between the Board and the Union; and to recognize the mutu- The CUPE Alberta/BC Trades and TALKS FOR FIRST DEAL al value of joint discussions and negotia- Maintenance Conference is being CRESTON | CUPE and the Creston & tions” on all working conditions. held from January 15-17 at the Coast District Public Library are negotiating a Despite this pledge, the employer has Plaza Hotel in Calgary. The first of first contract. The bargaining committee hired the same “labour consultant” used its kind, the conference promises for the 12 members of CUPE 4959 met in recent Grand Forks library negotiations to be a hit. Look for a full report in with the employer Dec. 7-8. who ordered the lock-out of employees the Spring issue. Both parties have pledged to “promote that lasted three months and charged the the harmonious relations and settled con- library close to $30,000.

6 THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE nnewsews bbriefsriefs

BC ASSESSMENT FIGHTS The meeting, this time devot- TO SAVE LOCAL OFFICES ed to a discussion of various VERNON | Employees of issues affecting the K-12 and BC Assessment are fighting municipal sectors in the area, government plans to close is annually attended by CUPE down two offices. CUPE 1767 local presidents from through- president Kevin McPhail dis- out the Kootenays. cussed the issue with Vernon “It’s an exchange of ideas, and Penticton politicians in because these people don’t get November. to see each other or talk about The plan calls for the offices their problems and concerns and 22 CUPE employees to very often,” said KDC presi- move to Kelowna. McPhail dent Gerry Schmon. GROUNDSWELL OF SUPPORT Vancouver residents are rallying said the move is not in the to save public services slated for cuts. Pictured are children who BC FED RESOLUTION best interest of the communi- made signs and started a petition in support of Children’s Farmyard in CONDEMNS BILL 21 Stanley Park. ties and added that Vernon The BC Federation of Labour Council has asked the prov- economy to avoid a repeat of budget shortfall. Local presi- convention unanimously ince to provide its business the current economic crisis.” dents Paul Faoro (CUPE 15), passed an emergency resolu- plan to justify the closures. The plan calls for everything Mike Jackson (CUPE 1004) tion supporting CUPE’s cam- from raising the minimum and Alexandra Youngberg KDC PRESIDENTS paign against Bill 21. wage to building a province- (CUPE 391) were still looking HOLD AREA MEETING The resolution condemned wide movement to oppose for clarification and details CRESTON | CUPE BC general the Campbell government for cuts to services. on the staff plan that cuts 177 vice-presidents Deb Taylor its interference in collective Full Time Equivalent posi- and Paul Faoro, along with bargaining and for its abuse CHILD CARE TOUR WIN tions. Planned cuts included regional and area office staff, of the rights of workers. It The Vancouver stop on loss of library hours, program gathered in the southeastern called for a negotiated contract CUPE’s national child care cuts for parks and community corner of the province on settlement for CUPE 873 para- tour in November was ener- centres, cuts to front line city October 16 to take part in medics. gized by a win at UVic, where services, and closing the icon- the Kootenay District Council The convention also a coalition that includes CUPE ic Children’s Farmyard and (KDC)’s third annual all-presi- approved an action plan to 951 had just convinced the Bloedel Floral Conservatory. dents meeting. “pressure governments to university to set aside a pro- fundamentally restructure the posal to bring in big box cor- STRONG PRESENCE FOR poration Kids & Co. CUPE AT UBCM IN ’09 A panel that included Susan CUPE BC renewed its com- Prentice, co-author of About mitment to make B.C. com- Canada: Childcare, brought munities stronger and more facts and figures – along with sustainable at the annual a lot of passion – to the call convention of the Union of BC for Canada’s governments to Municipalities in October. move to a publicly funded and The CUPE BC reception delivered system of early child- was once again popular with hood care and education. elected local government leaders. On the convention floor, a MUNI CUTS ON HORIZON motion requesting the provin- VANCOUVER | CUPE mem- cial government to abandon bers who provide municipal the Harmonized Sales Tax services in Vancouver are (HST) passed dramatically MEETING OF MINDS CUPE local presidents from the Kootenays, facing cuts to jobs and ser- along with CUPE BC GVPs and staff, met in Creston in October to after an initial miscount and a vices because of a $60-million discuss current and emerging issues in various sectors. standing vote.

WINTER 2010 7 linking labour robin jones CUPE focus

“When you’re defending somebody’s right under the collective agreement, you are the employer’s equal.” Union stewards front and centre in 2010 As we head into 2010 and the challenges facing us, I want to congratulate everyone for our victories in 2009. ‘‘Although the Liberals were re-elected provincially, here in Burnaby we elected one of our own, Kathy Corrigan, as MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake. An increasing number of activists got involved on the phones, on the streets, and on the job. And activists continue to stand up for free collective bargaining rights as we fight Bill 21 in every community in the province. OUR UNION’S FRONT LINE Stewards build our strength at the base — so it’s no wonder they have to be forceful and fast on their We continue to work closely with CUPE BC Division on feet, says Robin Jones. tons of issues and CUPE members are making a difference as we speak up for public services and collective bargain- will respect you in the workplace and respect your opin- ing rights. We won back work that was contracted out and ions. stopped privatization in Port Moody, on Haida Gwaii, and Stewards report workers’ concerns about working con- most recently in Grand Forks. ditions, benefits, wages, safety – the whole gamut – back We hired nine new staff in 2009 and in 2010 we’re to their executive. And those concerns have to be brought starting a new staff rep training program that’s based on a back to the executive so that in bargaining, collective agree- regional model. Locals from the education sector are work- ment language can be prepared to address them. Stewards ing with Union Development on customized courses to also bring information from their executive to members. prepare them for bargaining in 2010. Our national union is Stewards encourage people to participate in our union, revamping steward training courses and creating modules to take the time to provide input – whether that’s respond- as part of the strategic direction from Convention that desig- ing to a bargaining survey or coming to a meeting. They nates 2010 as “Year of the Steward.” open the door for debate.

Stewards are the front line of our union. They build our Being a steward takes you out of the realm of the strength at the base. Stewards deal with pay issues, safety employee. You have legal protection under the code. issues, and grievances. They have to be forceful and fast on When you’re defending somebody’s right under the collec- their feet at dealing with employers and get these day-to-day tive agreement, you are the employer’s equal. That gives issues resolved to the member’s satisfaction so that the exec- you an opportunity to understand your workplace better utive can focus on some of the larger issues like preparation and it gives you the opportunity to build strong, solid work- for bargaining. ing relationships. CUPE offers lots of courses to help you build skills as a Being a steward isn’t always easy. But active stewards go steward. Courses range in length from a day to a week and a long way towards winning fair collective agreements. include basic speaking skills, advocacy, collective agreement rights, and law. You’ll learn how to interpret contracts and Robin Jones is temporary director for CUPE’s British Columbia apply them. Even if the members don’t appreciate some of region. your answers, as long as you’re consistent and fair, people MORE ONLINE www.cupe.bc.ca + News + Commentary + Leaders’ voices 8 THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE CCUPUPE ffocusocus bargaining 2010

READY TO TALK CUPE’s K-12 Presidents’ Council takes a break at its September founding convention.

sector coordinator Ian McLean says Sitting down at the table that CUPE college locals, representing about 2,900 CUPE members, are look- Co-ordinated effort the working for boards of education in B.C. ing forward to cooperative construc- key as 60,000 CUPE this is a major sector, and the council tive and coordinated bargaining efforts will bring together significant resources within the college sector. members set to bargain and experience. CUPE’s K-12 sector CUPE’s community social services Of the estimated 200,000 provincially coordinator Bill Pegler says that work locals, which represent about 2,500 funded workers who will be bargain- to determine provincial priorities for workers, coordinate through the ing this year, more than one-quarter wages, benefits and working conditions Community Social Services Bargaining are CUPE members whose collective begins in early January. Association of Unions (CSSBA). Cheryl agreements expire in 2010. In antici- With collective agreements expiring Colborne, B.C. sector coordinator, says pation of this, CUPE locals across the between March and August 2010, and that CUPE’s bargaining proposals have public sector have been preparing to employers coordinating through the been finalized for discussion at the bargain. University Public Sector Employers’ CSSBA. Having watched the B.C. govern- Asso ciation, the 14,000 In the commu- ment’s mean spirited approach to CUPE mem bers at CUPE members in every nity health sec- CUPE ambulance paramedics, who B.C. universities are sector are determined to tor, CUPE’s 1,100 had a legislatively imposed “contract”, taking a coordinated members coordi- everyone anticipates a tough round of approach to bargain- bargain, despite the zero nate through both bargaining, CUPE members in every ing. University sector wage cost policy the Health Sciences sector are determined to bargain, how- coordinator Leann Professionals’ Bar- ever, despite the B.C. government’s Dawson says that CUPE locals have gain ing Association and the Health zero wage cost policy. put in place a formal structure to share Ser vices and Support Community Asso- Workers in the K-12 system will enter resources and coordinate bargaining ciation of Bargaining Agents. Fighting bargaining more coordinated than strategy, and have worked hard to build regressive ‘flexible benefits’ plans is a ever, and they will be at the table with the profile of CUPE’s university work- CUPE priority. employers in the BC Public School ers. CUPE 873’s paramedics served notice Employers’ Association. In September, In B.C.’s college and institute sector, to bargain in early December and will CUPE’s K-12 locals formed a historic, CUPE locals will coordinate through join many CUPE locals who will be provincial council to coordinate bar- the College Institute Support Staff seeking free collective bargaining in gaining. With some 26,000 members Bargaining Association. B.C. college 2010. WINTER 2010 9 NEGOTIATE, DON’T LEGISLATE! Members unite in wake of attack on paramedics

HEN CUPE BC’S STRONG COMMUNITIES working group decided in late August to visit every district council in the province to talk about provincial campaigns, they had no idea how soon they would have a full-blown example with which to engage members. On November 2, the Liberals introduced Bill 21 (see sidebar), which forced a contract on B.C.’s ambulance paramedics. The campaign working group called an emergency meeting: Bill 21 was a prime example of regressive legisla- Liberal MLA Eric Foster’s office. CUPE BC gen- tion that required a response and reaction. eral vice president Cindy McQueen and CUPE 5523 president Mark Olsen spoke solemnly to Building a campaign the crowd, with Olsen asking: “Who runs this Within days of Bill 21’s passage an active cam- province – VANOC? The Olympics?” paign was underway, including e-mails to over On November 20, 150 people protested in 40,000 individuals, an international labour lobby front of Transportation and Infrastructure ON NOTICE CUPE 873 president John and a full calendar of meetings to talk face-to- Minister Shirley Bond’s office in Prince George- Strohmaier, attending face with CUPE members throughout B.C. Valemount. They came from as far away as one of several dozen On November 4, Parksville Fall School par- Prince Rupert, Fort St. John and Dawson Creek rallies held throughout ticipants were learning about actions they could to demand free collective bargaining for the B.C., challenged the take in their communities against Bill 21 and in 200,000 public sector workers whose contracts government to return support of free collective bargaining. expire in 2010. to the bargaining table. Negotiations for a A week later, members attending the 45th Minister Bond, interviewed later by a local new contract began in anniversary of the Okanagan Mainline District radio station, said the government had no choice December. Council held a spontaneous protest outside of but to pass the legislation because of the HINI

10 THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE HEU president Ken Robinson addresses Nov. 23 rally outside Kevin Falcon speech. Robinson reminded protestors that the Liberals used the legislative hammer to force a ‘contract’ on health care workers. A growing movement Residents of Kamloops know the issues that led to the CUPE 873 strike, including the critical condition of the BC Ambulance Service in rural and remote areas of the province. Members of CUPE 3500, 900 and 4879 collected thousands of signatures at minor hockey games and in threat. This despite the fact that a letter to the front of grocery stores. They rallied outside government from the Vancouver Organizing Liberal MLA Terry Lake’s office on November CUPE’s protest message Committee for the 2010 Olympics (VANOC), 27 and then again for a community event at is a reminder that Bill issuing an ultimatum to end the strike either Riverside Park on December 5. 21 has implications for bargaining in 2010. through negotiations or legislation, had come to CUPE 3500 member Dave Guinn, who spent light several days earlier. every weekend out gathering signatures, said that many of the people he spoke to are very Health services minister challenged concerned about the critical condition of the On November 23 – the first day of the BC ambulance service and slow response times. Federation of Labour convention – the BC “People are frustrated that these concerns are Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast in not being heard by the Terry Lake,” said Guinn. downtown Vancouver with Health Services “That’s why we decided to personally deliver Minister Kevin Falcon as keynote speaker. CUPE thousands of signatures to his office.” BC general vice president Paul Faoro, CUPE 873 On Vancouver Island hundreds of CUPE president John Strohmaier and HEU president members, paramedics and supporters held noisy Ken Robinson led 200 angry workers in calling rallies outside Liberal MLAs’ offices and at parks on Falcon to own up to his mistake about Bill 21 in Courtenay, Nanaimo and Victoria. and get back to the bargaining table. At press time there had been similar rallies in Robinson brought some recent historical per- Abbotsford, Queen Charlotte City, Vancouver and ON THE COVER CUPE members in spective to the rallies, as the HEU knows the Chase. More events were planned as the momen- Prince George march unfairness of being legislated. In 2002, the tum was building. Parents, teachers, health care and rally at Liberal MLA Campbell Liberals used Bill 29 to legislate the aides, steel workers, musicians – workers all – Shirley Bond’s office on HEU back to work – which the Supreme Court joined CUPE and the ambulance paramedics in November 20. later overturned. the fight for respect and fairness.

CORNERED The premier CAMPBELL’S FAVOURITE HAMMER couldn’t avoid a Bill 21 protest as he arrived for his annual WHEN GORDON CAMPBELL dispute – thanks to essential Christmas party at UBC. first used legislation to tear services orders imposed by the up collective agreements, B.C. Labour Relations Board. ers, they imposed their own a Globe and Mail editorial Bill 21 came despite the fact terms. noted: “This is not reform. It that the government had Thankfully, CUPE was not is legislative vandalism.” The already been slapped by the alone in resisting this ham- vandalism continues with Bill Supreme Court for imposing fisted approach. As well as 21 (The Ambulance Services collective agreements without same government. other unions, the BC New Collective Agreement Act), bargaining in 2002. The BC Liberals not only Democrats stood up for para- which imposed new working And, in a shameful Canadian refused to bargain; they also medics, with several MLAs conditions on B.C.’s 3,500 labour first, Bill 21 was refused independent, third- forcing all-night sessions ambulance paramedics. imposed by the provincial gov- party arbitration which could of the legislature before Bill Bill 21 was passed despite ernment while the union was have led to fair settlement. 21 finally passed early on that fact that paramedics were in the process of voting on a Instead, as they had done with November 7. still working throughout the contract offer from that very teachers and health care work- WINTER 2010 11 CCUPUPE ccommunitiesommunities members making a difference

BRINGING HOME “GOLD”

PRINCE GEORGE | CUPE municipal workers are to be congratulated as Prince George was recently awarded the prestigious Gold Canada Award of Excellence Quality Award from the National Quality Institute, based in Toronto. The award is a two-year certification and Prince George has achieved Level 4, which is the gold. CUPE members from Locals 339 and 1048 won kudos for their participation, feedback and suggestions on improvements to services, and the high quality of services they provide to Prince George residents. FUN-FILLED SCHOOL DAY CUPE 23 president Rick Kotar accepts gift from a Stride Elementary School pupil, as Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan looks on, during a school field trip to Burnaby City hall on October 29. Field trip puts ball in Translink’s court CUPE 23-sponsored tour councils work, while CUPE 23 president Rick Kotar talked about the union. highlights lack of funding A typical full-seated school bus costs BURNABY | A group of children from $550 a day to rent. For a half-day trip, southeast Burnaby had one of their most says Kotar, the cost could easily be sub- enjoyable school days ever on October sidized. 29, thanks to a CUPE 23-sponsored field “The fact that the schools cannot afford

A WEST VAN TRADITION CUPE trip. to hire a bus for these field trips is unfor- 873 paramedic Steve Williams carved 406 The outing included a visit to Burnaby tunate,” he said. “It’s our hope that both pumpkins and decorated his West Vancouver city hall where the children, Grade Four the provincial government and Translink yard for the 19th year running. Volunteer and Five pupils from Stride Elementary, will take a hard look at this situation and paramedics pick up sick children from their were introduced to Mayor Derek Corrigan make the funds available so that kids wards for a pre-Halloween tour. The pumpkin and invited into council chambers. Corri- can make going to a public library part of house raises funds for Canuck Place and Easter Seal House through donations. gan spoke to them about how municipal their curriculum.”

WE TRAVEL: YOUR PROGRESSIVE TRIP PLANNER VANCOUVER | The Lower Mainland has are CUPE members, and most of the plenty of travel agencies, but how many employees in the Ottawa office are as of them are unionized – or staffed by well. CUPE members? How many have pro- “We donate roughly 50 per cent Sinclair, is streamlined bookings for gressive investment policies? of our annual profit to labour initia- meetings and conferences. Union-owned and operated since tives through the Columbia Institute “Among our specialized services, we 1971, WE Travel is a full-service travel Foundation, SHARE, BC Forum and develop custom conference websites and conference provider that serves the through the fundraising initiatives of so that your members can go online to entire country with online booking and our union brothers and sisters,” says make their travel bookings,” he says. 24/7 telephone support. Ten of the 13 vice-president Ian Sinclair. For more info, visit www.wetravel.net. employees at W.E.’s Vancouver office One of WE’s main advantages, adds

12 THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE CCUPUPE ccommunitiesommunities members making a difference

MICK CURRIE ENDS LONG CAREER AT ASSESSMENT

MAPLE RIDGE | How do you appraise a career like Mick Currie’s? The business agent for CUPE 1767 is retiring as soon as his local gets a new collective agreement – which, given that this could have happened any time after December 9, speaks vol- umes about Currie’s dedication. PUBLIC FACE On September 27, CUPE 391 members (L-R) Jane Curry, Nancy Singbeil, Inder Pannu, Alexandra Youngberg (president), Peter de Groot and Kathy Juszko shared the CUPE 1767 represents BC Assessment message of locally-based, quality public library services at the annual Word on the Street staff. Currie, after starting out as festival. a property appraiser in Quesnel in 1975, spent 28 years as an assessor in High visibility for library issues Quesnel, Chilliwack, Williams Lake and the Lower Mainland. He also spent 12 VANCOUVER | CUPE BC and CUPE 391 years as president of CUPE 1767 and 11 had a big presence at Metro Vancouver years as the Local’s business agent. library events this past fall. His parting advice to BC Assessment: At Word on the Street on September “Care for your workers. Show them 27, held in Library Square at Vancouver respect – they are worth it.” Public Library’s Central branch, CUPE Asked his retirement plans, Currie has BC’s tent display featured various print- KEEPING IT LOCAL On October 22, two words: “Goin’ fishin’!” ed materials demonstrating CUPE’s local writers Stan Persky, Larissa Lai, Bill public role as a small publisher – Tieleman, Public Employee editor Daniel including a new leaflet highlighting Gawthrop (moderator), Carellin Brooks, budget cuts in libraries. The CUPE tent David Chariandy (hidden) and Caroline also featured a puppet show by CUPE Adderson listen as Youngberg describes 391 workers – well attended by kids big the importance of in-house acquisition and cataloguing services. and small – while CUPE 391 sponsored author readings by Caroline Adderson, Adderson, Carellin Brooks, Larissa Lai Anne Giardini and Susan Musgrave. and Stan Persky, as well as political col- On October 22, more than 100 peo- umnist Bill Tieleman. ple attended “CUPE Writers Fest – The purpose of the event was to high- Public Libraries: Keep Them Local,” light the importance of public libraries’ a panel discussion moderated by acquisition and cataloguing services in Public Employee editor Daniel Gawthrop protecting the local integrity of library and featuring local authors Caroline collections.

HOT STUFF CUPE staff and members Paul Mabasa, a member of CUPE 23 (Burnaby got into the spice of things at the annual WE HAVE Civic), is the winner of a trip for two anywhere in labour chilli cook-off in New Westminster B.C. with two nights’ accommodation. in November. CUPE’s entries didn’t win, A WINNER for CUPE BC’S The contest was a draw from CUPE members’ but CUPE BC community organizer Susan Zander, CUPE 409’s Shelley Brown and “GET CONNECTED” e-mail addresses announced in the Fall issue of CONTEST. Marcel Marsolais (president) and CUPE 402 Public Employee. president Laurie Larsen came back for more.

WINTER 2010 13 power in numbers mark hancock

“This is not about being anti-Olympics. It is about looking at the real issues and needs of CUPE members and the vast majority of British Columbians.”

PUTTING ON THE HEAT The election might be three years Campbell Liberals have away, but that doesn’t mean the BC Liberals should get off easy. CUPE BC will keep on reminding the public of the Campbell all the wrong priorities government’s long legacy of broken promises. The BC Liberals’ priorities seem to be pretty simple: there’s would further depress the economy and cost the province no end of taxpayers’ money available for the Olympics, but between 18,000 and 35,000 jobs. the cupboard is empty for British Columbians. These are CUPE BC’s submission also took on Campbell’s public the wrong priorities. sector wage freeze. Public sector wages buy groceries and Our economy is in recession. We need a government cars in communities large and small. A wage freeze means that gets the need to invest in people, in services and in local businesses will see fewer public sector dollars. communities throughout the province. But when the Given that government Liberal MLAs have a major- report of the BC Standing Committee on Finance and ity on the legislative committee, I was not surprised that Government Services was released in November with rec- the Budget 2010 report massaged and softened the many ommendations on B.C.’s 2010 provincial budget, it was recommendations to stop the bleeding in public services. clear that the BC Liberals didn’t get it. But I was surprised that the only mention of the 2010 Many organizations, CUPE BC included, offered the Olympics – which we know have had a profound impact on legislative committee (government and opposition MLAs) public spending – is in a section recommending that cuts recommendations that would make the lives of British to arts and cultural organizations be restored to “showcase Columbians a little better in tough times. not only the athletes but the breadth and depth of arts and Our submission said that the BC Liberal government’s cultural activities that make British Columbia such a great decision to cut spending during the recession while also place to live, work and visit.” cutting taxes would hurt those who need public services It’s hard to miss the irony here. This is not about being most, and would undermine the economic recovery. We anti-Olympics. It is about looking at the real issues and challenged the policy of cutting taxes while also cutting needs of CUPE members and the vast majority of British funds for many services. Columbians, and seeing in black and white just how out of touch the Campbell Liberals are. A government this out We know that the benefits tax cuts offer low- and middle- of touch needs to hear it loud and clear, and we will keep income people are nowhere near the value of the services sending that message and fighting for the right priorities. they lose to pay for those tax cuts. Research clearly dem- Mark Hancock is secretary-treasurer of CUPE BC. onstrates spin-off effects that spending cuts can have throughout the economy. Cuts of $1-2 billion, for example, MORE ONLINE www.cupe.bc.ca + News + Commentary + Leaders’ voices

PUBLISHED BY The Canadian Union of Public Employees, British Columbia Division 510 - 4940 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 4T3 POSTAL AGREEMENT # 40005740 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 Roseanne Moran, Janet Szliske, Murray Bush, Heather Inglis, Keith Reynolds COVER PHOTO Harry Nott OTHER PHOTOS Josh Berson, Sally Bankiner DESIGN AND LAYOUT Working Design 14 THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE

COPE 491 NARAMATA 2010 WEEK-LONG SCHOOL

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