CUPE 951 stewards and executive officers covered most of the campus buildings where CUPE 951 members work. Pictured L– R: Barbara Gordon (Libraries), Laurie Whyte (Libraries - Chief Steward 951), Kara White (Science Stores - President 951), and Kirk Mercer (Printing Services).

BURNABY - On December 6, we mark the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, where 14 women were singled out because of their gender and murdered. One of those women, Maryse Laganière, was a CUPE member who worked at the school.

CUPE is challenging violence against women at the bargaining table, on the political front and in our communities. Many CUPE members and staff across the country work daily to end gender-based violence and support workers and families affected.

December 6 Events across B.C.

This weekend, the Council of Canadians is sponsoring free events in Kelowna and Kamloops focused on the new Water Sustainability Act.  The Council will present a report that examines what has changed in the Act with particular focus on some of the concerns raised by the new legislation. Join the Council of Canadians National Water Campaigner, Emma Lui, to learn more and to find out what you need to know in order to engage with the new Act.

World AIDS Day, December 1, challenges us to renew our commitment to the HIV and AIDS epidemic, at home and globally.

Earlier this year, CUPE launched new materials, including a booklet containing CUPE’s HIV and AIDS policy. This policy seeks to ensure the full protection of all human rights and labour rights for HIV positive workers, and those working or living with people who are HIV positive. It outlines CUPE’s vision for action in solidarity with those living with HIV in Canada and around the world.

VICTORIA – CUPE 3886, representing workers at Royal Roads University reached a tentative agreement late last week.

“The dedication and efforts of our bargaining committee are much appreciated,” said CUPE 3886 President Paul Allison. “We need to move away from provincial mandates that make collective bargaining so difficult.”

The agreement follows the five-year provincial mandate.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed each year on November 20 in memory of transgender persons who have lost their lives because of anti-trans violence. Started in 1998 to honour the murder of a young transgender woman in Massachusetts, the day is now marked by ceremonies in cities across Canada and around the world.

BURNABY—Today’s announcement by the BC Liberal provincial government that public sector workers, including many CUPE members, will receive a very small pay raise next year is welcome but does very little to help workers keep pace with the cost of living, CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro said today.

VANCOUVER - On Friday, November 13 CUPE locals 1004 and 1936 representing workers at the PHS Community Services Society launched a unique collaborative exhibition called frontline. Featuring the artwork of members with a focus on the work that they do in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), the exhibit demonstrates the caring and creativity of this special group of workers.

CUPE 1004 award winner Vera HorsmanVANCOUVER – The Drug Users Resource Centre in the heart of the Downtown Eastside is marking 1,000 people now trained to administer lifesaving Narcan for drug overdoses.

SURREY - The City of Surrey is bringing the Surrey Animal Resource Centre in-house with unionized city staff.  Surrey agreed with CUPE Local 402 that staffing the centre with CUPE workers will optimize customer service and provide excellent animal care.