CRESTON—CUPE BC general vice-presidents Deb Taylor and Paul Faoro, along with regional and area office staff, travelled to the southeastern corner of the province last week to take part in the Kootenay District Council (KDC)’s third annual all-presidents meeting.

The Oct.

BURNABY— At a time when some local businesses have been forced to close and lay off staff because of transportation and security adjustments for the 2010 Games, VANOC’s decision to dole out $30 million in bonuses to staff following the event is an outrageous waste of money that should trigger an immediate audit of VANOC operations, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

BURNABY-CUPE’s 24th national convention concluded in Montreal on October 9.

RICHMOND—More than 200 delegates from across B.C. are expected to attend the annual convention of the Ambulance Paramedics of BC, CUPE 873 that starts on Monday.

CUPE 873 president John Strohmaier will chair the proceedings.

BURNABY—Justice Peter Voith dismissed Catalyst Paper’s suit against four coastal communities today. The corporation had refused to pay their assessed municipal taxes in Port Alberni, North Cowichan, Campbell River, and Powell River and had sued the municipalities, claiming that the tax rate they were being assessed was unreasonable and illegal.

“The failure of corporations to pay property taxes threatens the health, well-being and sustainability of B.C.’s communities,” says CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill.

BURNABY— Premier Gordon Campbell’s announcement of a new task force on electoral reform in B.C.

VANCOUVER—CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill has slammed the head of the BC Ambulance Service for “fear mongering”.

O’Neill’s comments came during negotiations between striking Ambulance Paramedics of BC (CUPE 873), and the provincial government. The government delivered a “settlement offer” Monday, which CUPE 873 president John Strohmaier told his members he would present to them for a vote.

BURNABY—CUPE Community Health sector members from Locals 15, 1978, 3495, and 4816 held a one-day bargaining conference this weekend at the Metrotown Hilton.

Health Care President’s Council president Frank de Waard welcomed the 30 members to the conference.

“We are the most valuable asset that the Health Authority has,” said de Waard.

VANCOUVER - CUPE BC’s Champions for Public Education conference promises to be a stimulating experience for CUPE members in the K-12, college and university sectors.

The conference runs from Monday, October 26 to Wednesday, October 28, 2009 in Vancouver. And the registration deadline is Friday, October 9, so get your registrations in as soon as possible.

Distinguished UBC law professor and author Joel Bakan is the keynote speaker and will open the conference on Monday night. Mr.

PRINCE GEORGE—CUPE’s newest B.C. local is looking forward to their first visit from CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill.