On behalf of CUPE BC

Pensions & Retirement Fact Sheet | CUPE BC Pensions Committee

A “Pensions and Retirement” Fact Sheet has been prepared by the CUPE BC Pensions Committee as part of its 2019-2021 Committee Action Plan.  The factsheet can be found here: Pension Fact Sheet May 2021

Aubrey Burton/Reg Ford Scholarship | Application Form | Aug 31, 2021

CUPE BC is now accepting applications for the Aubrey Burton/Reg Ford Scholarship.  Please find linked a copy of the application form, which is also available online on the CUPE BC website (click here).

Scholarships are awarded on both a competitive and lottery basis based on the following criteria:

1. Parent, Guardian or Spouse of Applicant, or the Applicant her/himself must be a member in good standing of a CUPE Local affiliated to CUPE BC at the time of application.
2. Applicant must have completed Grade 12 in the current or previous calendar year.
3. Applicant must be entering first year of a recognized public postsecondary institution in BC. A copy of the acceptance letter from the admitting institution must be supplied.
4. Applicant must complete an application form supported by copies of the Senior Secondary Statement and letter(s) of reference from school principal or counsellor.

All applications must be received by the CUPE BC Office (info@cupe.bc.ca) by end of day on August 31, 2021.

CUPE BC Web Conference | Build Your Resilience | June 15

Please join CUPE BC’s Summer 2021 Web Conference led by Diana Vissers, Occupational Health Consultant and CEO of Work to Wellness.  In this webinar, Diana will introduce a framework for understanding mental health and wellness and share tools for managing the stress of the pandemic.

Build Your Resilience: Tools for Managing the Stress of COVID-19 Date:  June 15, 2021 Time:  9:30-11:00 am PST (90 minutes) Presenter: Diana Vissers Free Registration: Click here Registration Deadline:  Monday, June 14, 2021 at 12:00 pm PST

Live captioning and translation in French will be provided.  Members of all affiliated and non-affiliated locals are welcome to attend.

CUPE BC Pink Triangle Committee | Video & YouTube Channel

The CUPE BC Pink Triangle Committee created a video and started its own YouTube Channel, both of which can be accessed using the links below:

“Sending Virtual Hugs” Video:  https://youtu.be/JT6x7AWs6IA

Pink Triangle YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG_VYpJP_fU9_GzX0GmUxUQ/featured

SD 73 Video | Brake for Buses | #brakeforbuses

Each school day, thousands of students leaving their school bus are at risk of being struck by vehicles that fail to stop at the flashing stop lights and signs.  Please click here to view a video produced by School District 73 (Kamloops-Thompson), which was cited by CUPE members during the 2021 CUPE BC Convention.

 Call to Action | CUPE Climate Change Emergency Declaration

The CUPE National Environment Committee invites all CUPE Locals, District Councils, and other CUPE contacts to sign a declaration recognizing the global climate crisis.  Please find links below to the climate declaration form (ENG/FR) and submit the completed form by email to  enviro@cupe.ca.

https://cupe.ca/sites/cupe/files/climate_change_declaration_eng.pdf

https://scfp.ca/sites/cupe/files/climate_change_declaration_fr.pdf

Trigger Warning: This post contains disturbing information about colonization/residential schools

CUPE BC and CUPE 2081 stand in solidarity with Indigenous colleagues, friends, and communities as they mourn and process the recent discovery of 215 Indigenous children buried at Kamloops Residential School (Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation).

We ask that you give Indigenous communities space and time for grieving as they process this traumatizing information. Please be mindful about what you share on social media as much of this information is triggering. It is not the job of Indigenous communities to educate non-Indigenous folks about these traumatic experiences. We encourage everyone to educate themselves, and resources are provided below. This is 215 more reasons to hold the federal government accountable for their role in systemic racism, Indigenous genocide, and violence towards Indigenous peoples.

For non-Indigenous folks, here are some education resources to consider:

http://www.trc.ca/resources.html for a comprehensive list of resources from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html for a free course that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada from an Indigenous viewpoint.
https://legacy.camosun.ca/about/teaching-learning/events/ttw.html  for Camosun employees, TTW is a free course which provides insight into an Indigenous worldview

For support services, here is a list of resources:

Indian Residential School Survivors Society: https://www.irsss.ca/
Indian Residential School Survivors and Family Crisis Line at: 1-866-925-4419. The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience.
The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support offers Counselling support. They can be reached at: 1-877-477-0775. They provide former Indian Residential School students and their families–regardless of status or place of residence within Canada–with access to counselling, cultural, and emotional support services.
KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
Tsow-Tun-Le Lum: 1-866-925-4419
Suicide Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2432
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text: 686868

We honour the survivors and their families who face intergenerational trauma as a result of residential schools. We must never forget the children who lost their lives, and we strive to do everything we can to meaningfully reconcile with Indigenous peoples.

On behalf of the Canadian Labour Congress

Greetings,

The City of Burnaby is the first city in Canada to officially declare May 10, 2021, the “Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism”. Stand With Asians Coalition (SWAC), which brings allies together to raise awareness and to combat anti-Asian racism, is organizing a nationwide Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism E Rally via Zoom on May 10 at 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET. To sign up for the rally, please click here. Please note the rally will be in English.

SWAC has also put out a call to action through the following options:

1. Endorse the City of Burnaby’s proclamation. To do so, please contact SWAC organizer, Doris Mah, at 604-729-3107 or doriswkmah@gmail.com.

2. Please tell your members about the Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism E Rally and share the sign up link shared above.

3. Social Media Posting:

• Post about the rally and take a selfie with one of the rally signs (signs are attached here in PDF form, please send them along to your members)
• Post your selfie on your social media and please tag SWAC’s Facebook page
• Draft caption you can use when posting: “Join us on May 10 (5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET) the National Action Against Anti-Asian Racism E Rally Via Zoom”

In solidarity.

On behalf of the Legislative Coordinator, CUPE BC

PAID VACCINATION LEAVE: The provincial government recently passed legislation that entitles employees to up to three hours of paid leave to receive a vaccination against COVID‐19. The new provision is effective retroactive to April 19, 2021. The full new language can be found here.

THRONE SPEECH COMMITS TO SUPPORTING PEOPLE: Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin delivered the Throne Speech on April 12, which explains the government’s priorities for this legislative session, focused on recovery, housing, affordable childcare, expanding support for mental health care and tackling inequality and discrimination. The Throne Speech highlighted the work of K-12 support staff, including education assistance, clerical workers, custodial staff and school bus drivers for the work they have done keeping schools open safely and committed to continued investments in keeping schools safe and classrooms well supported

BUDGET 2021 FOCUSED ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY: The provincial budget was released in April and is focused on strategic investments in priority areas, such as K-12 public education and childcare, while laying the groundwork for post-pandemic economic recovery. The budget also provides significant funding to address the opioid overdose crisis, increases income assistance and disability rates and provides new investments in transportation.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE: The minimum wage will increase to $15.20 an hour on June 1, 2021. Also, the lower liquor server minimum wage will be replaced by the provincial minimum wage. Currently over 13% of all workers in British Columbia earned less than $15 an hour.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION: The current legislative session is scheduled to continue until June 17.

Today is the National Day of Mourning. Each year we take a moment of time to reflect on workers who have lost their lives serving their community. This year is another year where we reflect on the added risks for workers during a global pandemic. We must keep fighting for the health and safety of all workers in BC and in Canada.

Visit dayofmourning.bc.ca to watch or share a video message, or to view the digital memorial wall.
BCFED will be hosting an online commemoration ceremony today at 10:30am; please visit the event page by clicking here

We will be having our General Membership meeting today at noon.

Please check your email for the latest CUPE-ALL containing the Zoom link and attached documents.

You can also access the last general membership meeting minutes and today’s agenda below:

2021.04.27 Agenda – Special Membership Meeting
2021.02.01 – Minutes – General Membership Meeting

From CUPE BC, the Legislative Coordinator’s report

Job-Protected Leave for Vaccination or COVID-19 Caretaking: Part-time and full-time workers can now take the time needed to travel and receive the vaccine or to take a dependent family member to receive the vaccine. Also, workers can now take job-protected leave if they need to care for other family members because of COVID-19, and not only a child or dependent adult as previously defined. Improvements also allow workers with underlying conditions, who are undergoing treatment or who have contracted another illness that makes them more susceptible to COVID-19, to take the leave.

Community Partnerships Support Vaccination Efforts: More than 1400 tourism and hospitality workers will be employed in vaccination clinics through partnership with the provincial government. CUPE workers from Air Canada, Pacific National Exhibition, and WestJet who have been laid off due to the pandemic will have the opportunity to provide their expertise and support as nonclinical staff at immunization clinics to help people move through the clinics efficiently and safely. Some municipalities will also be helping with contributions of staff, furniture and supplies.

Basic Income Report: The Basic Income Expert Panel released its report with 65 recommendations. They do not recommend moving to a straight system basic income, but instead recommend stronger public programs and supports combined with a basic income or guaranteed minimum income for target groups, such as our most vulnerable citizens. The report also recommended a number of improvements to address precarious work through increased worker rights. The full report can be found here.

Local Election Campaign Financing Rules Strengthened: New changes for local elections, which will take effect for the 2022 Local Government Elections, will extend the pre-campaign from 29 days to 89 days, limit sponsorship contributions to $1200, require elector organizations to register with Elections BC, and provide Elections BC with new investigative tools to support investigations and additional penalties. Elector organizations will also be required to register with Elections BC and complete annual financial reports. They will also be banned from accepting no one campaign contributions to pay for operational expenses in non-election years. More information can be found here.

Assistance Rates Permanently Increased: Starting with payments issued in April 2021, individuals on income assistance and disability assistance will automatically receive a permanent $175 per month increase. This will benefit more than 300,000 British Columbians who receive income assistance and disability assistance. There will also be an increase to the senior supplement of $50 per recipient, which represents the first increase to this supplement since 1987.

Legislative session: The Spring legislative session, which began on March 1, is on a two-week constituency break and will resume on April 12 with a Throne Speech and the budget will be delivered on April 20. The house will then continue sitting until June 17.

*This is no April Fool’s joke!*

After two years of reduced Staff Development (SD) allotments, we are excited to announce the SD fund is doing well again!
This means the SD fund will be increasing from the $1000 max back to $2000 max (per member) for the April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022 fiscal year. Of this $2000, up to $500 can be used towards recreation.

Additionally, it was agreed at Labour Management to allow for a pilot program to include Wellness Apps as an approved activity! We are excited to allow a maximum of $100 (out of your $2000 allotment) to be used to cover Wellness Apps (for phone, laptop, or tablet). These apps are subject to review and approval, so please review the table below for information:

If you have questions about the SD Fund, please contact Shelley Butler, Education Coordinator: Butler@camosun.bc.ca

Please see a list of links and resources to upcoming changes to the Municipal Pension Plan!
CUPE 2081 Members are affected. Please direct questions you may have to MPP, not CUPE 2081. Contact information for MPP linked below!

MPP Approaching Retirement Webinar
Are you planning for or within five years of retirement? This 75-minute webinar will help you learn more about your pension. Webinars are hosted using Zoom. You can find more information about using Zoom in your registration confirmation email. Different dates available, please click link to choose and register:
https://pensionsbc.arlo.co/w/mp/events/99-mpp-approaching-retirement-webinar

MPP Making the Most of Your Pension Plan
Are you establishing your career or several years away from retirement? Learn how the decisions you make throughout your career can affect your pension in this 75-minute webinar. Webinars are hosted using Zoom. You can find more information about using Zoom in your registration confirmation email. Different dates available, please click link to choose and register:
https://pensionsbc.arlo.co/w/mp/events/102-mpp-making-the-most-of-your-pension-webinar

MPP – Have Questions or Need Help?
https://mpp.pensionsbc.ca/web/municipal/contact-us

Greetings CUPE Local 2081 Members!

Thank you to all the members that were able to attend Monday night’s AGM! Below is a list of election results for positions that were available.
We look forward to serving the membership!

ELECTIONS

2 year terms

• Vice President: SHANE JOHNSON (elected)
• Secretary Treasurer: PETTY WONG (acclaimed)
• Recording Secretary: MICHEL TURCOTTE (acclaimed)
• Lead Shop Steward/Office Coordinator: ERYNNE GRANT (acclaimed)
• Job Evaluation Coordinator: MILO ANSTEY (acclaimed)

1 year terms

• Member at Large: RANBIR PRIHAR (acclaimed)
• Member at Large: NAJI YAZDI (acclaimed)
• Campus Shop Steward: JESSE SCOTT (acclaimed)
• Campus Shop Steward: SHIRLEY WENDLAND (acclaimed)
• Health and Safety Committee members elected at the Annual General Meeting: QUINN PARK and NANCY-ELLEN MABEY (acclaimed)

3 year term

• Trustee: MELISSA DAVIDSON (acclaimed)

Vancouver Island District Council (VIDC)

Representative: SHANE JOHNSON
Representative: KEITH TODD
Representative: MICHEL TURCOTTE
Representative: PAMELA VIVIAN
Representative: APRIL ATKINS
Representative: JESSE SCOTT
Representative: vacant
Representative: vacant
Representative: vacant
Representative: vacant

 Victoria Labour Council (VLC)

Representative: PAMELA VIVIAN
Representative: SHANE JOHNSON
Representative: NICOLE REINELT
Representative: APRIL ATKINS

CUPE BC Convention

CUPE 2081 at the CUPE BC Provincial Convention on May 19-21 2021. Five (5) Members elected by the membership to attend, plus President Keith Todd.
Elected Members:

ERYNNE GRANT
SHANE JOHNSON
JESSE SCOTT
JAYME WILKINSON
APRIL ATKINS

 

In solidarity.