NEW WESTMINSTER—On the second full day of job action against SN Transport, CUPE 873-03 members were joined today by HEU members and other union supporters for a four-hour picket line held at Royal Columbian Hospital.

“HEU’s support has been tremendous. We really appreciate the solidarity shown by individual members who have come out to the picket line,” said CUPE National Representative John Strohmaier, noting that 26 HEU members showed up with placards and flags.

He also thanked members of the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union and others who attended the picket line.

BURNABY— In mid-May, the CUPE BC Library Committee launched a survey to look at changing safety conditions for CUPE members in library workplaces across B.C.

The survey is open to all CUPE members who work in library workplaces in B.C., including public libraries, school and campus libraries. As it will remain open until June 30 all CUPE workers in library workplaces, are encouraged to take a few minutes to fill in the survey.

BURNABY – CUPE EAs are invited to participate in a survey by Kamelia Dousti-Stee, a Masters of Education student at Vancouver Island University, who is working on her thesis.  She is studying how teachers and educational assistants see consultation and collaboration in their everyday work.  Dousti-Stee is hoping to discover what is working and what additional supports are needed to improve and cultivate the relationship of EAs and teachers.

RICHMOND – CUPE 873-03 members have begun strike action at SN Transport after repeated attempts to reach a first collective agreement have failed. The union is critical of the employer for its delay tactics and unwillingness to bargain a first contract with the workers who provide patient transfer services in the Lower Mainland.

Critical Care Paramedics (L–R) Kevin Lambert, Chris Naples, and Rico Ruffy brought home the Gold from the Rallye Rejviz International Medical Rescue Competition on May 29.RICHMOND—For the third year running, CUPE 873 paramedics from B.C. made it to the podium at the Rallye Rejviz International Medical Rescue Competition in the Czech Republic. After winning silver twice in a row, on May 29th the team placed first – winning GOLD – thanks to their amazing teamwork and expertise.

VANCOUVER – CUPE 873-03 served 72-hour strike notice to SN Transport yesterday after attempts to reach a first collective agreement failed. The union represents 115 workers who provide patient transfer services in the Lower Mainland.

“From the moment this group of workers joined CUPE and we started bargaining their first agreement, the employer has resisted and used foot dragging tactics,” said CUPE National Representative John Strohmaier. “No-one likes to go on strike, but this employer has done nothing to reach a fair first collective agreement but put up obstacles.”

NORTH VANCOUVER—A donation of $20,000 from CUPE BC will help the North Shore Search and Rescue Society (NSR) develop a new rope rescue catwalk training facility that will provide additional training capacity for the Society.

CUPE BC President Mark Hancock and Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro presented the donation to NSR Team Leader Mike Danks and Society members at the NSR headquarters.

VANCOUVER— CUPE BC was very pleased to once again provide support to the 2015 B.C. Library Association Conference. This year’s conference theme was Creative Communities, focusing on the power of creativity in both the library and the world around us. The conference certainly lived up to its theme, from opening keynote Vancouver musician and performer Veda Hille, to the closing by Wade Compton, local poet and writer, with many engaging and informative sessions in between.

BURNABY - CUPE presidents from municipal and library locals across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley met yesterday to discuss upcoming bargaining. With most agreements expiring at the end of 2015, bargaining preparations are underway across the region. Locals shared strategy, identified key issues and discussed next steps. 

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POWELL RIVER – CUPE 798 members met last night to approve a new agreement, avoiding a labour dispute and service disruption for the community.

“We have had a very tough round of bargaining and we are relieved that we have certainty and stability for the future. Members were very clear that the City’s aggressive concessions package was a deal breaker and we successfully pushed back on that package,” said Danielle Craigen, CUPE 798 president.