VANCOUVER—The weather was miserable, and the event was up against Writer’s Festival readings throughout the city, but that didn’t stop more than 100 people from showing up at the Vancouver Public Library’s Central branch for Thursday night’s CUPE 391 writers event,

VANCOUVER—Curious book lovers might wonder what Caroline Adderson has in common with Stan Persky, or how David Chariandy might interface with political columnist Bill Tieleman. But these four writers, along with Larissa Lai and Carellin Brooks, will comprise the panel on Thursday night for what promises to be a lively discussion on public library funding and why the local integrity of library collections needs to be defended from BC Liberal cutbacks and the contracting out of services.

RICHMOND—CUPE 873, Ambulance Paramedics of BC, gave a strong endorsement to their Executive Committee by returning all incumbents.

“This is a vote of confidence in our fight to improve ambulance services,” says CUPE 873 president John Strohmaier. “We are united as we move this strike forward.”

CUPE 873 delegates unanimously supported the entire executive and returned all incumbents to office.

Burmese human rights activist visits Canada, thanks CUPE for its support

BURNABY— As far as pariah states go, Burma is unlike any other place in the world—a place, as U2’s Bono once sang, “that has to be believed to be seen.” Ruled for the past 47 years by a brutal military dictatorship that tramples on human rights in every conceivable way, the country now known as Myanmar has gone from being the once-prosperous “rice bowl of Asia” to a place where 39 million of its people—most of the population—live below the poverty line.

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.

HOPE—Municipal workers have reached an agreement with the District of Hope and have a new contract, effective today. Members of CUPE 458 voted last night to accept the agreement and the District has also signed off on it.

The four-year contract includes 3% increases on January 1 of each year, some improvements to group life insurance, eye exam coverage and a boot allowance. The negotiating process was long, with some difficulties along the way.

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.