Let’s face it, for most people in our society, the real meaning of Labour Day has faded over the years.

What’s the best way of creating jobs and building a stronger economy in British Columbia?  Many economic development “experts” and political figures focus on attracting big business to set up shop through tax breaks and subsidies, even though the verdict of economists is that most of these jobs vanish quickly when another region or jurisdiction across the world offers more attractive incentives.  A better way to boost the economy – one that is entirely in our control – lies in our own wallets and shopping patterns.

CUPE BC is honoured to add our voice to the growing chorus of support for the grassroots Idle No More movement. Canadian Union of Public Employees members in BC stand in solidarity with First Nations and aboriginal peoples across Canada in their long fought struggle for justice. 

CUPE BC calls on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to do the right thing and truly engage in an open and honest dialogue with the first peoples of Canada.

CUPE BC is honoured to add our voice to the growing chorus of support for the grassroots Idle No More movement. Canadian Union of Public Employees members in BC stand in solidarity with First Nations and aboriginal peoples across Canada in their long fought struggle for justice. 

CUPE BC calls on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to do the right thing and truly engage in an open and honest dialogue with the first peoples of Canada.

Did we miss the proclamation of “P3 Week” in British Columbia? Earlier this week, the Sun ran three op-ed pieces in two days, all lauding the supposed virtues of “public private partnerships (P3s).”

The three op-eds had a couple of things in common. First, they were written by people with a bias in favour of P3s. Two were written by law firms that make big money from P3s. The last was written by the head of a health authority which has had P3s foisted on it by the provincial government.

Every year at this time, union leaders like me are asked to share our thoughts on the significance of Labour Day and the contributions of working people to the communities where we live and work. CUPE BC represents more than 85,000 working people in BC. Our members work and live in nearly every community in the province. Quite literally, our members are your neighbours, and they want the same things we all want: safe, sustainable communities with quality public services and opportunities for their kids to stay in town and raise families of their own.

I want to wish all CUPE members and their families in BC a really great summer. 

While much hard work is still being done this summer at the bargaining table, I hope that members will be able to enjoy some time away from the workplace.

The theme of CUPE BC’s 49th annual convention, held April 25-28 in Victoria, was “Working to make communities work,” and I can’t think of a more appropriate description of our union and the work our members—you—do every day in communities all across B.C.

BCTF Job Action Update - What all CUPE members in BC need to know

The provincial budget for 2012 was released on February 21.  I’m disappointed, though not surprised, to have to tell you that Premier Christy Clark has missed a significant opportunity to support communities hit hard by the economic downturn that’s hit our province so hard.