For women and for our union, not one step back – March 8: International Women’s Day

March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD).

Across the country, CUPE members are participating in community events celebrating women’s activism and reaffirming our commitment to gender justice. And this year, CUPE members and women around the world have a very clear message: Not one step back.

Recent events in Canada, in the U.S. and around the world demand that we remain vigilant and continue to resist all forms of oppression. We are witnessing an increase in hate crimes, and we know that women marginalized by racism, colonialism, ableism and homo/transphobia are disproportionately affected.

The Trudeau Liberal government presents itself as feminist, but it drags its heels on the actual issues that women care about, including pay equity, the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and others. The Trudeau government’s actions on health care and child care fall far short of what’s needed. And while the expansion of the Canada Pension Plan is a big win, the omission of caregiver and disability “dropouts” from the calculation is a form of pay discrimination that mostly hurts women.

Take action: Not one step back

CUPE has joined a campaign by the Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA) and over 100 other organizations calling on the federal government to Step Up for Women’s Equality. CUPE encourages members to write their MP, tell friends about the campaign and join on social media, using #StepUp4WomenCA.

CUPE’s new poster for IWD features the militancy and leadership of marginalized women. The poster shows women from different communities united and advancing together in the fight for gender justice and declares, “not one step back.”

  • Download your poster today! You can use these at union, workplace and community events.
  • Take a photo of yourself with the CUPE IWD poster and use social media to say what you want the federal government to do.

Check out these additional resources:

On International Women’s Day, we declare “not one step back.” And we commit to regaining ground on justice for all women.

This was the spirit on January 21 when over four million people marched for women’s rights in the U.S., with hundreds of thousands more marching around the world.

We vow to keep marching. Not one step back.

(reposted from CUPE National – For women and for our union, not one step back)

Unist’ot’en Camp Benefit Concert: March 16, 7-10PM, Alix Goolden Hall

On Thursday, March 16th, please join at Alix Goolden Hall (907 Pandora) for an Unist’ot’en Camp benefit concert. Doors open at 7PM, event begins at 7:30, and runs until 10PM.

The Unist’ot’en have sustained an unbroken relationship with their territory for thousands of years and have continued to practice their traditions in spite of intense and ongoing colonial encroachment. Today those practices include harvesting food and medicine from their territory, building a Healing Centre to address impacts of colonialism, and running many camps and workshops to share skills and knowledge. They are also currently resisting, among others, the Pacific Trails Pipelines and Coastal GasLink project, which are intended to transport fracked gas from Treaty 8 territory to LNG plants on the west coast.

Learn more about the Unist’ot’en Camp.

The event will begin with a welcoming from Esquimalt and Songhees First Nation representatives, and a presentation from the Unist’ot’en hereditary Chiefs and Camp spokesperson Freda Huson. We will then start the music and enjoy performances by Natu Bearwolf, Betty Supple, Zoubi Arros, Rae Spoon and Compassion Gorilla.

Tickets are by donation, from $15-$20 (no one turned away for lack of funds), and can be purchased at the door or in advance – online or in person at Wildfire Bakery or Camas Books.

We would like to acknowledge the time that many people in our community are donating to put on this event – from postering and hosting to playing music and raising funds – and would humbly request your help in spreading the word about this benefit concert. It would be thrilling to us to pack Alix Goolden Hall and show the Unist’ot’en that people here support their courageous and important resistance. Thank you!

 

Information about event accessibility and performer bios.

FaceBook event page

 

REMINDER – CUPE SD Fund

Greetings,

A reminder to submit your full application package/s to CUPE SD, c/o the Human Resources Department, Lansdowne, by March 15 for review by the CUPE SD Fund Subcommittee. (Do not send applications to the Union Office!)

Do you have any outstanding SD applications for 2016-2017 you have not yet submitted? If so, get them in now. Don’t miss out!

* * * Any applications for activities occurring during the period April 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017 MUST be submitted before MARCH 31, 2017 to receive reimbursement. * * *

Thanks!

The Triangle Factory Fire Project

One afternoon in 1911, 146 people – mostly young, immigrant women, some as young as 14 – died in one of the worst industrial tragedies in U.S. history. Using words spoken by real people of the time, this play dramatically traces the events and the labor and safety problems that led up to the fire, the horror of the fire itself, and the trial of the factory owners.  Still relevant in today’s world, given recent headlines, this is a “searing play, which reminds us why theatre exists” (The New York Post).

WHERE:  1701 Elgin Road in Oak Bay – upstairs in the Performance Hall, off the central courtyard.

WHEN: Thursday March 2nd at 2 pm, Friday March 3rd at 7:30 pm, Saturday March 4th at 2 pm

There will be a brief celebration of International Women’s Day after the Saturday performance. Please book early – we expect this to sell out quickly.

Book your tickets here and please don’t hesitate to invite others! (not recommended for ages under 13 yrs)

From saving bears to building a better BC

My name is Bryce Casavant. I am the NDP candidate for Oak Bay – Gordon Head and you’ll likely remember my story. In 2015, I was the BC Conservation Officer that was suspended for saving the lives of two orphaned bear cubs. The story gained international attention, and a petition of over 300,000 signatures was collected to support my reinstatement. In the end, I was transferred to another branch of the BC provincial government. At my core I know that my purpose is to serve the public and to serve you. It’s what I have done my whole life and it is an honour to represent you in this next election.

To better introduce myself, I put together a blog and personal video about my education and experience. I have much to offer you and the community of Oak Bay – Gordon Head. You can read my new blog by clicking here.
Campaign Updates

Our campaign to turn this riding from green to orange is in full swing. I come with the strong progressive values that are at core of our movement and I am well  positioned to attract both green and conservative votes to our social cause. I know, that with your help, we can build a better BC.

For the past few weeks, I have already canvassed several neighbourhoods and attended many community events (including the Stolen Sisters Memorial March). I have attended meetings with the Oak Bay Community Association, Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society and Fair Vote Canada (regarding proportional representation).

I also met with students at the University of Victoria, as well as Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen, members of council and local elected officials (including MLA Carole James, MLA Lana Popham, MLA Rob Flemming, MLA Gary Holman and MP Randall Garrison and MP Murray Rankin). They have all provided me with valuable insights and support.

But my best meetings so far have been with you, the individuals and small business owners who make the community of Oak Bay – Gordon Head such a special place.

YOUR voice is loud and clear

There are several issues that need immediate attention. And I want you to know that I hear you. From derelict vessels to urban deer, you need someone to get things done and to help get you the attention and provincial support you deserve.

Over the coming weeks you’ll be hearing more from me and the many ways in which you can help be part of this important movement.

I can’t thank you enough for the very warm welcome and for all of your encouragement.

Always,

Bryce

Bryce Casavant
NDP Candidate Oak Bay – Gordon Head
www.BryceCasavant.ca
www.Facebook.com/BryceforBC
www.Twitter.com/Bryce_Casavant

P.S. – Even though I am a busy guy, I am always just an email or phone call away. Meeting and talking to residents in this community is a priority for me. Please contact me anytime at 778-533-6167 or Bryce@BryceCasavant.ca and let me know what I can do for you.

You and Your Union

On March 30, 2017, your Union will hold elections for representation on your Executive and various Committees. Representing your Union can be rewarding, whether it be as a Shop Steward, helping a co-worker Return To Work, bargaining the Collective Agreement, working on Job Evaluations, Health and Safety, or Labour Management; these roles and committees are very important to all of us.

There are many members who have spent time on the Executive and Committees during their career at the College and we thank them for their valuable contribution. If your children have now grown up, your career is a little more manageable, or you wish to expand your skill set, maybe you could find time to help out your fellow co-workers.

While representing your Union is sometimes difficult, it is critical that we have adequate representation. Your Union provides training through education and peer development, as well as leave, either from work for College initiated activities, or Union leave for Union activities.

With many key Union Representatives retiring or set to retire, it is absolutely critical to fill positions being vacated to ensure continuity of valuable knowledge.

Check out our Local’s website for more information, including the Bylaws on the Resources page, which provide specific details about the duties of each elected position.

In solidarity,

Keith Todd

On behalf of the CUPE Executive Team

Restoring Fairness & Balance in Labour Relations (BCFED)

Please find attached the final version of “Restoring Fairness and Balance in Labour Relations: The BC Liberals Attack on Unions and Workers 2001-2016” position paper written by John MacTavish and Chris Buchanan. This was issued by the BCFED. CUPE BC participated in the process.

I have attached a Position Paper LRB and its Executive Summary. It is also posted on the BCFED website at http://bcfed.ca/news/briefs/restoring-fairness-and-balance-labour-relations.

Please feel free to share this excellent document.

In solidarity,

Paul

Paul Faoro
President
CUPE British Columbia

 

Presidential Shout Out – Facilities Services staff

Good Day, Members,

I would like to give a SHOUT OUT to our hard-working Facilities Services staff for keeping our pathways and parking lots accessible. There have been some early mornings and long hours for these folks.

Although the rest of us have endured driving, walking, busing, etc., in these challenging conditions to get to the workplace, it might have been impossible, if not for the efforts of Facilities Services staff.

Personally, I can tell you I was involved in a no-fault accident, just minutes from the Interurban campus, which involved four vehicles and a bus! Fortunately, no-one was hurt.

As always, during these difficult seasonal weather conditions – BE SAFE!

On behalf of myself, our Executive Board, and the entire CUPE 2081 membership – THANK YOU, Facilities Services staff!

Keith Todd

 

Alex’s story prompts acting representative to recommend key changes in care system

Broken Promises: Alex’s Story illustrates how the B.C. child welfare system failed to act on opportunities to find Alex a permanent home with family and instead left him to drift through 17 care placements over 11 years until he ultimately leapt through his Abbotsford hotel window on Sept. 18, 2015. Alex was alone at the time, having been placed in the hotel room for 49 days as the Delegated Aboriginal Agency (DAA) caring for him could not find a more suitable option.

RCYBC News Release: Alex’s story prompts acting representative to recommend key changes in care system

RCYBC Report