VICTORIA—Delegates to CUPE BC’s 54th annual convention today elected a new Executive Board to lead the union for the next two years. CUPE BC President Paul Faoro and Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies were acclaimed to continue in their roles, and Cindy McQueen, Tanya Paterson, Karen Ranalletta and Michelle Waite were elected to serve as General Vice Presidents. Delegates also elected four…
“We have lost a formidable leader who truly understood the intersection of social justice and labour rights.” — Larry Brown, National Union of Public and General Emplyees President Ottawa (21 Feb. 2017) — Canada’s unions are mourning the loss of a great and inspirational leader, former Canadian Labour Congress president Bob White, who has died at age 81. Bob White remembered as tough negotiator,…
BURNABY—February is Black History Month. This year, community events and programmes feature outstanding films, artistic and historical exhibits, as well as new strategies for fighting anti-black racism. CUPE National’s web coverage of Black History Month features a checklist on fighting racism. Here in B.C., the Vancouver International Film Festival will feature screenings of several films on black history, including the Vancouver premiere…
Following a surprise election victory for Donald Trump and the Republican party south of the border, CUPE is pledging support and solidarity with our labour and progressive civil society allies, as they face uncertain times. “CUPE will be reaching out to our sister unions and allies in civil society to offer our support and solidarity, as they fight for social justice and progress on…
In June, Canada’s federal and provincial finance ministers reached a historic agreement to expand the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). With pension plans under attack and private savings not delivering for most workers, this news is much needed and long overdue. Canadians are facing a real retirement crisis and CPP expansion is a step in the right direction. Changes to the CPP do not come easy.…
After declining for many years, support for unions has rebounded since the financial crisis. A growing number of Canadians also say they’d like to join a union. These are some of the reasons why: 1. Higher wages. On average unionized workers are paid $5.40 an hour or 23 per cent more than those who aren’t members of a union. The union advantage…