VANCOUVER – CUPE Local 3495-17 and QMUNITY, a multi-purpose resource centre serving the needs of B.C.’s LGBT communities, have ratified a new collective agreement that includes improvements to overtime provisions, scheduling flexibility, and wages.

VANCOUVER – After seven months of bargaining, including four full days this week, CUPE 2950 reached a tentative collective agreement with UBC late last night. The term of the tentative agreement is April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2019.

Contract details will be released pending ratification by members at an upcoming information and ratification vote meeting, location and date to be determined.

CUPE 2950 represents library, clerical and theatre workers at UBC.

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RICHMOND—With the assistance of mediator Vince Ready, CUPE 873-03 and
SN Transport have agreed to terms for a tentative agreement.

Details of the first collective agreement for the local, reached last night after one session of mediated talks that began yesterday, will be disclosed to members at a ratification meeting scheduled for Tuesday (June 16).

NEW WESTMINSTER—On the second full day of job action against SN Transport, CUPE 873-03 members were joined today by HEU members and other union supporters for a four-hour picket line held at Royal Columbian Hospital.

“HEU’s support has been tremendous. We really appreciate the solidarity shown by individual members who have come out to the picket line,” said CUPE National Representative John Strohmaier, noting that 26 HEU members showed up with placards and flags.

He also thanked members of the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union and others who attended the picket line.

BURNABY— In mid-May, the CUPE BC Library Committee launched a survey to look at changing safety conditions for CUPE members in library workplaces across B.C.

The survey is open to all CUPE members who work in library workplaces in B.C., including public libraries, school and campus libraries. As it will remain open until June 30 all CUPE workers in library workplaces, are encouraged to take a few minutes to fill in the survey.

BURNABY – CUPE EAs are invited to participate in a survey by Kamelia Dousti-Stee, a Masters of Education student at Vancouver Island University, who is working on her thesis.  She is studying how teachers and educational assistants see consultation and collaboration in their everyday work.  Dousti-Stee is hoping to discover what is working and what additional supports are needed to improve and cultivate the relationship of EAs and teachers.

RICHMOND – CUPE 873-03 members have begun strike action at SN Transport after repeated attempts to reach a first collective agreement have failed. The union is critical of the employer for its delay tactics and unwillingness to bargain a first contract with the workers who provide patient transfer services in the Lower Mainland.

Critical Care Paramedics (L–R) Kevin Lambert, Chris Naples, and Rico Ruffy brought home the Gold from the Rallye Rejviz International Medical Rescue Competition on May 29.RICHMOND—For the third year running, CUPE 873 paramedics from B.C. made it to the podium at the Rallye Rejviz International Medical Rescue Competition in the Czech Republic. After winning silver twice in a row, on May 29th the team placed first – winning GOLD – thanks to their amazing teamwork and expertise.

VANCOUVER – CUPE 873-03 served 72-hour strike notice to SN Transport yesterday after attempts to reach a first collective agreement failed. The union represents 115 workers who provide patient transfer services in the Lower Mainland.

“From the moment this group of workers joined CUPE and we started bargaining their first agreement, the employer has resisted and used foot dragging tactics,” said CUPE National Representative John Strohmaier. “No-one likes to go on strike, but this employer has done nothing to reach a fair first collective agreement but put up obstacles.”

NORTH VANCOUVER—A donation of $20,000 from CUPE BC will help the North Shore Search and Rescue Society (NSR) develop a new rope rescue catwalk training facility that will provide additional training capacity for the Society.

CUPE BC President Mark Hancock and Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro presented the donation to NSR Team Leader Mike Danks and Society members at the NSR headquarters.