Women's Committee

This committee keeps members, locals and the executive board informed of issues affecting women members.

Members of the committee are:

Ranalletta, Karen - Chair, Local 2950
Bjorknas, Sarah - Local 23
Burns, Sheryl - Local 1936
Giesbrecht, Janet - Local 4177
Griffiths, Joyce - Local 389
Jurkic, Rose - Local 1123
Kinloch, Kayla 
Naismith, Kalinda - Local 774
Purvis, Ann - Local 440
Roberts, Julie - Local 4078
Skalozub, Patricia - Local 3500
Laurie Whyte - Local 951
Willems, Carla - Local 2950
Champagne, Rachel - Staff Representative

View Emma Watson’s moving UN speech about the “HE FOR SHE” campaign to support gender equality

Important Dates for December 

Important Dates for August

Important Dates for July

Important Dates for June

Important Dates for May

Important Dates for April

Links

CUPE National

International Women’s Day

We Can end Violence

LBGBTI Resources for BC

Women in Trades (Facebook)

Women in Trades

Career knowledge for Trades Women in BC

Women's Transition Housing and Supports

Codevelopment Canada

Women's Centres in Lower Mainland

Transition Housing Resources

Status of Women's Equality in B.C.

Ending Violence Association of BC

100 reasons women are amazing

Anti-poverty

Jane Doe - 31 THINGS BC CAN DO TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Gender studies at UNBC

BC Family Child Care resources

Children's & Women's Health Centre of British Columbia

Resources on food safety during pregnancy

The BC Family Law Act

Helping Women Quit Smoking

Electoral History of BC

Women and heart and stroke disease

Using law to further women's equality

Room is a space where women can speak, connect, and showcase their creativity. Each quarter we publish original, thought-provoking works that reflect women's strength, sensuality, vulnerability, and wit.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE MEMBER PROFILES

Jenna Ascroft
Corporation of Delta
CUPE 454
Animal Control Officer

 

 

Tell me about your work background. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always loved animals more than anything and knew I wanted to work with them. I originally started out working in a dog training facility where I became a Certified Canine Trainer. To gain more experience working with different kinds of dogs, I began working at the Delta Humane Society. When the Corporation of Delta took over the shelter in 2008 I became their full time clerk and moved into my Animal Control position in 2010. I enjoy so many aspects of shelter work that I never left!

When did you join CUPE? Do you remember what you thought about unions and about CUPE back then?
In 2008 when I was hired by Delta I had never been part of a union before and had no idea what to expect. I had seen a lot of news reports over the years about employees and their unions fighting for employee rights. I didn’t realize there are so many unions for all kinds of professions until I became part of one.

Do you think things have changed for women in CUPE since you joined? How?
That’s tough to say as I have only been a union member for six years. I think most of the major triumphs for women’s rights happened in the 20th century but it is great to know they continue to fight for our equality and support us in our endeavours.

What are the biggest challenges for you in your work and in your life?
Without a doubt, it’s that there is never enough time in a day. Our hours can be long and our workweeks are not standard, so it sometimes feels like you live at work.  Our job is never done either – there is always a new file to start or an old one to follow up on! I think we feel compelled to do as much as we can on a daily basis to ensure animals in our community are safe and being cared for. Working in animal welfare can be stressful and emotionally draining at times so it’s sometimes hard not to take your work home with you.

What are the biggest rewards?
There are so many and some are difficult to put into words. I think all Animal Control Officers do their job because they want to make a positive impact and you can make a difference in so many ways. It could be taking an injured animal to a vet to get them care and relief, educating an owner about how to improve the quality of their pet’s life, or seeing an animal that may have been abused learn to trust people again. Animals make such a great addition to so many people’s lives, but they don’t have the ability to speak up and defend themselves, so I love being their advocate.

What advice do you have for young women who are just starting out?
Be a reliable and hard working employee, but don’t forget to be a kind and supportive co-worker. Also, take advantage of opportunities to further your education.

Where should we be focusing our energies for women in CUPE?
One area that needs more attention is bullying and harassment in the workplace – so many women are faced with these issues every day.