At our national convention last November, delegates voted to establish June 23 each year as Communities Day. This day will be an annual celebration of public services and the people who deliver them. This year CUPE is working to lay a solid foundation for future years of celebration and advocacy. The first step is working with your municipality to proclaim June 23 as Communities Day. We’ve developed a sample resolution - in both traditional and clear-language formats - for your local to submit to your municipal council. The focus of this year’s Communities Day will be celebrating CUPE members and locals as community builders, profiling the vital role you play as workers – and as neighbours -- in your cities and towns. Day in and day out, CUPE members deliver the services that make our cities and towns great places to live. In addition, CUPE as a union is there for the community. Whether it’s supporting a scholarship, sponsoring a sports team or lending a hand in times of need, CUPE members and locals are at the heart of their cities and towns. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing the stories of some community builders – and will be asking you to add your story. We’ll be looking for stories from every sector and region. Watch for details on cupe.ca, and get ready to share what your local does to make your city or town great. In the meantime, please work with all CUPE locals in your community to put this resolution before your municipal council as soon as possible. When a Communities Day resolution is passed, be sure to let us know. Send us an email to communities@cupe.ca.  

After 83 days on the picket lines, striking animal workers from the Lincoln County Humane Society will return to work sometime next week, pending ratification by both parties of the tentative agreement reached on May 16, 2012.  “Eleven members started the strike standing in solidarity with a strong belief that their shelter will not be a two-tier workplace,”said Dean Mainville, CUPE National representative for CUPE 1287. “After 83 long days on the picket lines, these eleven members remain united, standing proud and still believing in a fair and equitable workplace.”  “These workers could not have been on the picket line from winter to spring, and now the summer, without the support from CUPE sisters and brothers from far and wide, our community members and residents who supported us every step of the way,”continued Mainville. “A strike is never easy, but, with the strong support we received every day, our members can walk proudly back to work knowing that there is purpose in a union, even in these difficult times.”

Social service workers at St. Stephen’s Residences of Ottawa joined the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) to improve their working conditions, including fairer treatment and better job security in their workplace.  “As cutbacks continue in many workplaces, more and more workers are keen on having CUPE on their side,” said Colette Proctor, CUPE organizing representative. “Our union has always promoted public services and it is a natural fit for workers to want CUPE to champion their cause.”  The 52 new members will now be part of CUPE 4266. The social service workers help clients with mental and physical disabilities in three locations in greater Ottawa.

Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 966, Ontario Works Unit, voted on Wednesday night to reject an offer from the Region of Peel. “Our members have spoken very clearly,” said Mary Jo Falle, president of CUPE 966. “They will not be treated as second-class workers. As it stands, they are offering us a two-tier system and that is not acceptable.”  The Region of Peel is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada with a very diverse population. Peel delivers services to 1.3 million residents in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.  “If the Region is going to continue to increase its capacity and provide quality services to its ever-increasing population, it’s reasonable to expect them to treat their employees with respect and dignity,” said Michel Revelin, vice-president of Local 966.  “While others are moving forward in the Region, the administration is asking our front line workers to go backwards. This is not conducive to a healthy and productive workforce.  “We are standing strong not just for our Ontario Works members, but also for our other Local 966 brothers and sisters and for the non-union employees as well. Public employees have traditionally set the bar for workers,” Falle concluded.    For further information, please contact:  Mary Jo Falle President, CUPE Local 966  (289) 233-3714 Michel Revelin Vice-President, CUPE Local 966  (416) 822-3779 Helen Manning CUPE National Representative  (416) 220-9794 Wendy Forbes CUPE Communications (416) 892-8716

MISSISSAUGA, ON – A tentative agreement was reached late last night between Ontario Works employees who have been on strike for 13 days – since May 3 – and the Region of Peel. “We are planning a ratification vote with our members this evening,” said Mary Jo Falle, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 966. “Until both sides ratify the agreement, details must remain confidential. However, I can say that the Bargaining Committee is recommending the tentative settlement.” “It was a very difficult round of bargaining which ended early this morning after a marathon 16 hours at the table,” said Michel Revelin, vice-president of CUPE Local 966. CUPE Local 966, Public Works unit, requested a "no board" on Friday, May 11, and are in a legal strike/lockout position the first week of June. “Peel Public Works has the highest level of technology in water distribution in Canada,” continued Revelin. “The Region has the cleanest and safest quality of water in the country,” he concluded. CUPE Local 966, Transhelp unit, begins negotiations with the Region of Peel through a conciliator tomorrow, Thursday, May 17.   For more information, please contact: Mary Jo Falle President, CUPE Local 966                            (289) 233-3714 Michel Revelin Vice-President, CUPE Local 966                 (416) 822-3779 Helen Manning CUPE National Representative                   (416) 220-9794 Wendy Forbes CUPE Communications                               (416) 892-8716

Ontario Liberals must address flaws in health policy, cost-cutting and low pay for PSWs to fully recognize their contribution. TORONTO –  Wednesday, May 16, marked the third annual Personal Support Workers Recognition Day in Ontario. But many Personal Support Workers (PSWs), health care aides (HCAs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) are doubting the Ontario Liberals’ sincerity when it comes to valuing the contribution they make to supporting the sick and the elderly. Despite a growing and aging population, and with 29,000 Ontarians waiting for a long-term care (LTC) bed and 10,000 more on waitlists for home care, “the Dalton McGuinty Liberals intend to slash spending for health services. More hospital beds and staff will be cut while there is no increase in LTC beds and only a slight increase in home care services in the community,” says Fred Hahn, president of CUPE Ontario. PSWs, RPNs and HCAs provide direct patient and resident care in all health care settings. Although 57,000 PSWs work in the long-term care sector, 26,000 in home care and 7,000 in hospitals, the “quality of care is jeopardized by chronically low staffing levels in all settings. Simply put, we need more direct care support, not more cuts,” says Susan Schmidt, CUPE Ontario Health Care Workers Coordinating Committee chair. In Ontario, CUPE represents more than 20,000 PSWs. Research shows that, on average, there are lower staffing levels and poorer quality care in health services delivered for-profit than in home care and LTC where, respectively, nearly 70 percent and over 51 percent of service is for-profit. Last February at Queen’s Park, CUPE held a briefing for MPPs about the detrimental impacts of for-profit provision and compulsory contracting out in home care on service quality and the working conditions including dismally low wages for home care staff.   Despite academic studies showing a marked deterioration in the quality of home care for recipients under compulsory contracting out, “the Liberals have not addressed the quality care issues that result from contract competition,” says Michael Hurley, president of CUPE’s Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU). The home care sector has a staff turnover rate of 57 percent. “Caregivers flee for secure employment with benefits and a living wage in the institutional sector,” adds Hurley. CUPE intends to celebrate the work of PSWs over the entire year, not just on one day. “If the province is genuine about recognizing the contribution PSWs make they should end home care compulsory contracting out and ensure decent working conditions and wages for PSWs,” says Hurley. Watch CUPE’s video Who Cares: The Future of Ontario's Home Care about the home care sector under for-profit provision and compulsory contracting out   For more information please contact: Stella Yeadon CUPE Communications (416) 559-9300 

PRINCE ALBERT, SK – Members rallied at CUPE’s Prince Albert office last week to draw attention to the loss of 29 full-time temporary jobs as workers were laid off at North Sask Laundry Services. The jobs have been shipped to Calgary because the Saskatoon Health Region has decided to send their hospital linen to a private for-profit company, K-BRO, in Calgary Alberta. “This is a huge loss, not only personally to these workers and their families, but to our whole community,” says CUPE 3736 President Anita Labossiere. The barbecue and rally was well attended. Day and evening shift laundry workers from CUPE 3736 were joined by members from CUPE 4777 and CUPE Health Care Council representatives. They handed out leaflets and marched up and down First Avenue. The rally garnered positive feedback with members of the public stopping by to offer words of support and encouragement. Mayor Jim Scarrow and Councillor Charlene Miller attended the rally that drew media coverage from CJWW radio, CTV television, Prince Albert Daily Herald and PA Now. The rally and barbecue was supported by local business donations of food and supplies. “We really appreciate the public’s support and the donations from local businesses,” said Labossiere. “Keeping jobs here in Prince Albert benefits the whole community.” CUPE 3736 represents 111 workers who provide services at North Sask Laundry and Support Services (NSL) in Prince Albert. Rally photos

PRINCE ALBERT, SK – Members rallied at CUPE’s Prince Albert office last week to draw attention to the loss of 29 full-time temporary jobs as workers were laid off at North Sask Laundry Services. The jobs have been shipped to Calgary because the Saskatoon Health Region has decided to send their hospital linen to a private for-profit company, K-BRO, in Calgary Alberta. “This is a huge loss, not only personally to these workers and their families, but to our whole community,” says CUPE 3736 President Anita Labossiere. The barbecue and rally was well attended. Day and evening shift laundry workers from CUPE 3736 were joined by members from CUPE 4777 and CUPE Health Care Council representatives. They handed out leaflets and marched up and down First Avenue. The rally garnered positive feedback with members of the public stopping by to offer words of support and encouragement. Mayor Jim Scarrow and Councillor Charlene Miller attended the rally that drew media coverage from CJWW radio, CTV television, Prince Albert Daily Herald and PA Now. The rally and barbecue was supported by local business donations of food and supplies. “We really appreciate the public’s support and the donations from local businesses,” said Labossiere. “Keeping jobs here in Prince Albert benefits the whole community.” CUPE 3736 represents 111 workers who provide services at North Sask Laundry and Support Services (NSL) in Prince Albert. Rally photos

In the past months, there has been increasing awareness of the devastating impact that homophobic bullying can have in high schools. The same issues exist in workplaces, and hurts worker’s morale, and the company bottom line. Mental harassment and psychological disorders, bullying and professional psychological illnesses are just a few of the damaging side effects of discrimination. Loss of productivity and staff turnover are another. On May 17, CUPE is joining the International Day to End Homophobia with a message about homophobia in the workplace. The theme of this year’s campaign is: Sexual diversity in the workplace, it pays off! The goal of the campaign is to point out the positive aspects of sexual diversity in the workplace as well as its benefits for employers, companies, institutions and workers alike. “Discrimination on the workplace comes at a cost to employers and to all workers. CUPE is proud to support the tenthannual End Homophobia Day and its message of tolerance in each and every workplace,” says CUPE BC Pink Triangle Working Group Chair Cindy McQueen. “All CUPE members have the right to a workplace that is welcoming and open to sexual diversity, so that all workers are given a chance to reach their full potential.” The Pink Triangle working group is comprised of McQueen, Kathy McMahon, Miriam Pulsifer, Brenda Voelk, Janet Bigelow, Crystal Broad, Michael Forrester, Kevin Robichaud, Michael Reed, Matt Quiring. More information: To learn more and to get involved with the committee, check out their website   For more information about the international Day to End Homophobia, visit www.homophobiaday.org   Check out the brochure, Speak out! Stop Bullying, with tips to take action in your workplace.

EDMONTON – Approximately 150 flight attendants with Canadian North Airlines have ratified a first collective agreement with their employer.  The flight attendants belong to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The employees voted 93 per cent in favour of accepting the agreement, which includes a six percent wage increase, giving them some of the highest rates of pay for flight attendants in the country. The settlement also increases per diem rates, clothing allowances, and other benefits. Canadian North is a 100 per cent aboriginal owned airline operating out of Yellowhead with bases in Edmonton and Calgary. Prior to joining CUPE, the flight attendants belonged to an independent staff association. The employees voted to merge with CUPE to achieve better gains at the bargaining table. CUPE Alberta President Marle Roberts welcomed the deal. “CUPE represents more flight attendants than any other union in Canada. By joining a larger organization, these employees were able to achieve significant gains at the bargaining table."   For mor information, please contact:   Marle Roberts President, CUPE Alberta 780.918.3061 

TORONTO – MPPs must pass legislation now to guarantee students the right to form gay-straight alliances, the president of Ontario’s largest union said at a rally supporting anti-bullying legislation on May 14. Fred Hahn, president of CUPE Ontario, stood with other members of the GSA Alliance at a Queen’s Park rally today to demand MPPs pass Bill 13, the Accepting Schools Act, before the end of the legislative session in June. This anti-bullying bill mandates school boards support students who want to set up anti-bullying organizations, including gay-straight alliances, a measure supported by the union’s members. “This legislation is important because it makes schools safer. As a part of this coalition, and as a union representing school board workers, CUPE Ontario supports Bill 13 and encourages all parties to work together to get the legislation passed before breaking for the summer,” said Hahn. CUPE Ontario represents more than 50,000 school board support workers in every school board in the province, working in diverse roles including educational assistants, custodians, school secretaries, IT staff, trades people, instructors and library technicians. “Delegates at our Partners Against Bullying conference in February unanimously supported the intent of the legislation and are committed to keeping schools safe for students,” said Terri Preston, chair of the CUPE Ontario School Board Coordinating Committee. At the last meeting of CUPE school board locals, delegates voted to support Bill 13, and Hahn is a member of the GSA Coalition steering committee. “Many people have to get involved to create safe schools. It takes custodians, clerical staff, education assistants, teachers and administrators working together. Our members are doing their part, and it’s time for MPPs to do theirs,” Hahn said.   For more information, please contact: Craig Saunders CUPE Communications 416-576-7316   More information: Check out the brochure, Speak out! Stop Bullying, with tips to take action in your workplace.

The union representing instructional support staff at the Halifax Regional School board says 27 library positions will be affected by the cuts announced this week. Ian Wilson, president of CUPE Local 5047, says, “While the cuts represent the equivalent of eight full-time Library Support Specialists, it will take the form of reductions in hours to 27 staff. “We have also been told by the Board that we will be losing four full-time, permanent Educational Program Assistants from the behavioural teams,” explains Wilson, “despite an actual increase in enrollment of special needs students.” Says Wilson, "Ask any teacher – or any parent, for that matter – and they will tell you that Library Support Specialists are an essential part of the learning process for educational staff and students. “Despite what the education minister may be claiming, these cuts are going to have a direct impact on students’ learning. Education is not limited to the four walls of a classroom in a school setting,” says Wilson.

Brandie Pritchard works with the Path Unit in Access to Housing at Ontario Works. She has been with department since 2008. Prior to Access to Housing, Brandie worked in Children's Services. She began in administrative work and then as a staffing coordinator, she coordinated staff at the 12 regional child cares centres. Brandie and the other members of CUPE Local 966 are currently on strike.  "I'm supportive of this strike because I truly believe in equity. I think all staff and management should be treated the same. If management and non-bargaining unit staff got two per cent than we should as well and need we to be treated with the same respect as they are."  Brandie is also the single parent of a 4 1/2 year old son named Riley. He goes to one of the licensed, regulated Region of Peel child care centres and his spot is subsidized. "So at least I have that [child care] covered. But, I'm living off my life savings right now for rent, food and all my other expenses because our strike pay doesn't kick in until we've been on the picket line for ten days," she says. "I'll be ok for a few weeks, if the strike goes that long, but then I'll have to find work. At this point I'm just taking it one day at a time." "To feel good on the line, we have music and we're keeping our spirits up. There's lots of dancing on the line. We get tons of honks from people driving by and that helps with spirits too." It is a frustrating job because of the long wait times, which are some of the longest wait times in the province. Managing client expectations is difficult because of these delays and the anxiety of the clients. Brandie says, "Sometimes the same person will call every week asking when there will be a spot and we have to tell them, over and over, that as soon as a spot becomes available we'll let them know. We have no idea when other people will move and moving up the list is slow."  Victims of violence, who get priority for available housing, have a three-year wait list. Seniors must wait three to seven years, and families an average of nine to twelve years. Brandie explains that it feel good when they are able to redirect clients to other services and agencies offered in the region, or to send people for mental health support and seniors to Community Care Access for assistance. "We work in high stress jobs and they have put a short cap on our sick days. Meanwhile I've been told that management and on-bargaining unit people start at 20 days." ________________________________________________________   CUPE 966 represents approximately 3,500 community and municipal workers in 18 different bargaining units, serving a diverse community of more than one million residents in the Region of Peel, Ontario. Visit the CUPE 966 website for more information

SMITHS FALLS, Ont. – Growing better futures for at-risk children is a priority for staff at Family and Children's Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 2577. That’s why they’ve decided to make a donation toward a much-needed new playground for Duncan J. Schoular School in Smiths Falls. The school will be hosting its 2nd Annual Golf Tournament on June 2, 2012 and CUPE 2577 will be sponsoring a hole at the event. “While ensuring children’s safety and well-being is part of our job, studies have shown that play is an important part of a child’s healthy development and we want to support that initiative in our community so that all children can grow in a better environment,” said Mike Burt, CUPE 2577 president. The donation for $500 was made last May 7, 2012 and presented to Nancy Hewitt and Nathan O’Neill from Duncan J. Schoular School by Mike Burt, on behalf of CUPE 2577 members, staff at Family and Children's Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. Look out for more initiatives from CUPE 2577 supporting children in our community.   For more information, please contact: Mike Burt, CUPE 2577 president: (613) 222-4901 Marjorie Savoie, CUPE Communications: (613) 864-9924

The City of Victoria is the latest municipality to demand protection from a new investment and trade deal between Canada and the European Union. Victoria city council has passed a motion demanding a permanent exemption from the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) being negotiated between Canada and the EU. Victoria joins a growing list of municipalities, school boards and other groups seeking shelter from CETA. The far-reaching deal would for the first time bind municipalities to controversial international rules affecting how local governments spend public money. Local content or local hiring policies attached to contracts, or occasional “Buy Canadian” rules would be banned outright. The proposed deal gives European corporations new powers to challenge decisions made by federal, provincial and municipal governments and sue for compensation -- a fundamental and unacceptable shift in our democracy. In recent days the Ontario municipalities of Kitchener, Wellesley Township and British Columbia municipalities of Saanich and the District of Sechelt have also passed motions expressing concern about CETA’s impact. The chorus of opposition to CETA is getting louder, despite the Harper government’s aggressive sales pitch. View the full list of municipal, school board and association resolutions - MAP.

The Green Economy Network (GEN) will be hosting its first public event May 24 in Windsor, Ontario to introduce GEN’s main ideas to citizens in that community who are interested in steering the Canadian economy in a greener, more sustainable and equitable direction. GEN is comprised of more than 20 labour, social justice and environmental groups working together to promote public transit and high speed rail, renewable energy, and building retrofits to foster good green job growth while cutting greenhouse gases that cause climate change. CUPE has been a member since GEN was established in 2008. The Windsor event will feature speakers from both the national and local stage, and will be held at the David Suzuki Public School in Windsor, a state-of-the-art, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum building. The public meeting will take place Thursday, May 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., preceded by a tour of the school’s environmental features at 6:00 p.m. for those who are interested. The event hopes to draw a diverse range of activists from Windsor and the surrounding area to build on GEN’s platforms and advance GEN’s ideas in Windsor through community support and action. More on GEN: http://www.greeneconomynet.ca  

The Green Economy Network (GEN) will be hosting its first public event May 24 in Windsor, Ontario to introduce GEN’s main ideas to citizens in that community who are interested in steering the Canadian economy in a greener, more sustainable and equitable direction. GEN is comprised of more than 20 labour, social justice and environmental groups working together to promote public transit and high speed rail, renewable energy, and building retrofits to foster good green job growth while cutting greenhouse gases that cause climate change. CUPE has been a member since GEN was established in 2008. The Windsor event will feature speakers from both the national and local stage, and will be held at the David Suzuki Public School in Windsor, a state-of-the-art, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum building. The public meeting will take place Thursday, May 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., preceded by a tour of the school’s environmental features at 6:00 p.m. for those who are interested. The event hopes to draw a diverse range of activists from Windsor and the surrounding area to build on GEN’s platforms and advance GEN’s ideas in Windsor through community support and action. More on GEN: http://www.greeneconomynet.ca  

CALGARY – The union representing city employees at the Calgary Zoo has filed an unfair labour practice with the Alberta Labour Relations Board.  CUPE 37 President Don Monroe said the union filed the application today because the city has been moving positions from city jurisdiction to the Zoo Society. Employees of the society are non-union and earn lower wages. About 16 positions are affected. “Our members are being told their positions are being terminated, but that they can apply for similar jobs with the society,” said Monroe. “But even if they are successful applicants - they lose wages, seniority and pension benefits.” “We have a responsibility to our members to protect their employment and their working conditions – so we are taking every legal action possible to prevent the city from doing this.” The union is asking the Labour Board to convene a hearing as quickly as possible.   For more information, please contact: Don Monroe President, CUPE 37 403.269.5333 

CUPE Nova Scotia President Danny Cavanagh says major job cuts announced at the Halifax, Chignecto Central and Annapolis Valley school boards this week will have a direct affect on classrooms and students. Says Cavanagh, “These dramatic job cuts should be reason enough to conduct a comprehensive review of our province’s P-12 education system. At the risk of stating the obvious, the current funding formula simply is not working. “This is the second year in a row of cuts to Nova Scotia school boards and the boards have also been told they must absorb inflation costs - another 3 per cent - and any wage increases. The provincial government is talking about 'getting back to balance - but at what cost,” asks Cavanagh. Says Cavanagh, “I would urge parents who believe these school board cuts are going too far to call their MLA and tell them balancing the budget at the expense of our schools is a bad idea.” Meanwhile, CUPE School Board Co-ordinator Kathy MacLeod says, “Every single one of these cuts is a blow to the system.  “From the bus driver who gets the children to and from school safely, to the teaching assistants who work in the classrooms with special needs students, the secretary at the front desk, the cleaners and custodians who keep the schools safe and clean, the library staff, and all the rest of the education team, every one of them plays a vital role in the system,” she says.

REGINA:  CUPE Local 21, City of Regina outside workers, are kicking off a campaign to raise awareness and involvement in Regina’s upcoming municipal elections. The campaign that starts today will run until October 23, the date of municipal elections. CUPE 21 President Tim Anderson notes that the union is not telling anyone who to vote for. “We’re not telling people how to vote. But we do want to provide the public with as much information as possible to spark interest and encourage debate in this election,” says Anderson. The campaign includes a website, posters on buses and billboards to remind residents about the upcoming municipal election. Anderson notes that elections are the time when incumbent politicians justify their voting record and discuss future directions. “It’s a great opportunity to learn about and participate in the democratic process,” says Anderson. “With scarce resources, not all needs and wants can be met.” CUPE 21 invites the public to check out their website and participate in the online polls.   The Local’s plans include sponsoring an all-candidates debate. As frontline providers of public services to Regina residents, CUPE 21 members recognize the importance of public services. Decisions made by municipal government have a big impact on the day-to-day lives of its citizens. “Elections provide a great opportunity for citizens to have their voices heard,” says Anderson. CUPE 21 represents 1,250 outside municipal workers in Regina who keep roads safe, provide recreational services, upkeep and maintain arenas and rinks, collect garbage, take care of sewer and wastewater treatment, build and repair sidewalks, and maintain fire hydrants. For more information contact: Tim Anderson President of CUPE Local 21 306-352-8282 or 306-527-5181