SURREY—The message to Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon was loud and clear - get to the bargaining table tomorrow with paramedics and stay there until there is a fair collective agreement.

More than 100 paramedics, CUPE members and union supporters were on hand today in Surrey outside a Chamber of Commerce luncheon where Falcon was speaking inside on his vision of “the future of health care in B.C.”

Tomorrow (Dec.

BURNABY – A new poll shows solid support for B.C.’s ambulance paramedics in their demands to improve ambulance service in B.C. and negotiate a collective agreement.

When the provincial government passed Bill 21 “back to work” legislation on Nov. 7, the 3,500 ambulance paramedics had been on strike for seven months, but were already working under Essential Services orders.

ABBOTSFORD — Members of CUPE 1698 ratified a three-year collective agreement with the Fraser Valley Regional Library on Sunday, December 6.

The contract includes 3 per cent in each of three contract years, with the first increase retroactive to January 1, 2009. Significant improvements include an increase in shift premium for people working after 5PM, introduction of a First Aid premium, and increased flexibility around vacation scheduling.

VANCOUVER – CUPE members, faculty, activists and students braved the cold (for Vancouver) weather today to rally at the University of British Columbia in support of free collective bargaining.

The midday rally at UBC was the latest in a series of public protests against the provincial government legislating 3,500 striking ambulance paramedics “back to work” with Bill 21. That repressive legislation was passed Nov.

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. This award is a three-year certification and Prince George has achieved Level 4.

BURNABY—CUPE BC unveiled its new website today - the most significant overhaul of its design and architecture since the union first went online 10 years ago. “We’re pleased to announce that our revamped website is up and running,” said CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill. “Our members have been asking us for a website that not only looks good, but is easier to navigate around. The new site has certainly achieved these goals.”

The site features an attractive new banner with prominent CUPE BC logo and a revolving photo display featuring faces of CUPE members from throughout the province.

OTTAWA – The Canadian Labour Congress has voiced “increasing concern” over the deterioration of the B.C. ambulance service and the lack of a settlement in the paramedics’ dispute. CLC president Ken Georgetti said the CLC, which represents more than three million Canadian workers, hopes the provincial government will come to its senses and voluntarily bargain a new collective agreement with CUPE 873.

BURNABY—B.C.’s ambulance paramedics received a lot of support from the labour movement during CUPE 873’s seven-month job action—but especially from the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU), whose members stood behind picket lines throughout the province.

VICTORIA – More than 100 CUPE members, ambulance paramedics, UVIC students and community supporters came out in the provincial capital today to serve notice on the B.C.

BURNABY – The CUPE national website has launched an online letter campaign in support of B.C.’s ambulance paramedics and against plans to use scabs as “volunteer paramedics” at the 2010 Games.