Member's Voice May 2011

8
The newsletter of CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: CUPE Local 15 545 W. 10th Ave. Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K9 General Membership Meeting MAY Date & Time: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 5:30 pm Location: Italian Cultural Centre 3075 Slocan St. Vancouver, Room 5 Under Discussion: Notice of Motion - CUPE 15 Equality Statement Bargaining updates from Langara College, Emily Carr University &Vancouver School Board Vancouver School Board budget & calendar CUPE BC Committees - seeking names of interested members Executive Board By-election - Member at Large Health Sector (HSPBA) General Meetings provide all members with an opportunity to participate in decisions that affect the union. (Childcare assistance and Interpretation available upon request.) 2011 The Members’ voice MAY 2011 VANCOUVER—CUPE BC’s 48th annual convention drew to a close today, with more than 500 delegates re-electing President Barry O’Neill for a seventh term and Secretary- Treasurer Mark Hancock for a fourth term. In addition, delegates re-elected General Vice- Presidents Debbie Taylor, Paul Faoro, Cindy McQueen and Trevor Davies. Delegates also elected six Regional Vice-Presidents and alternates, two Diversity Vice-Presidents and alternates, and two Trustees. The convention also adopted a new two-year action plan that will see CUPE BC engage its members in political and community action to defeat the BC Liberal government and elect the BC NDP. Throughout the four-day meeting delegates heard from guest speakers like CUPE National President Paul Moist and Secretary- Treasurer Claude Généreux, author Linda McQuaig, interim NDP Official Opposition Leader Dawn Black and South African labour leader Gati Malete. The theme of the convention was “Community Action—It Works!” Prior to Black’s speech, O’Neill invited former NDP Leader Carole James to the stage to receive thanks and appreciation from CUPE BC for her seven years of service to the party. Delegates gave James two standing ovations during the presentation. United Steelworkers of America’s Steve Hunt joined O’Neill to pay tribute to former BC Federation of Labour Secretary-Treasurer Angela Schira, who retired last year. O’Neill thanked Schira for her more than 25 years of dedication and service to the labour movement, and said her role as mentor to hundreds of women activists continues to be an inspiration to all British Columbians. Delegates adopted a wide variety of resolutions, committing CUPE BC to actions such as advocating for a comprehensive public childcare system for B.C. and Canada, and demanding the BC Liberal government restore appropriate levels of funding to education. Next year’s CUPE BC convention will be held in Victoria. CUPE BC Convention sets course for 2011-2012 O’Neill, Hancock and GVPs re-elected by acclamation CUPE BC Executive elected by 48th Annual Convention President: Barry O’Neill Secretary-Treasurer: Mark Hancock General Vice-Presidents (4): Trevor Davies, Paul Faoro, Cindy McQueen, Debbie Taylor Diversity Vice-President, Workers of Colour: Dal Benning, Michele Alexander (alternate) Diversity Vice-President, Aboriginal: Dale Whitford, Edie Charlie (alternate) Regional Vice-President, Okanagan: John Hall, Brent Soroka (alternate) Regional Vice-President, Vancouver Island (2): Doug Sprenger, Keith Todd, Alison Pringle (alternate) Regional Vice-President, Kootenays: Susan Blair Brian Harvey (alternate) Regional Vice-President, Fraser Valley: Darlene Smith, Paul Albrecht (alternate) Regional Vice-President, North: Cathy Whalen, Brad Kent (alternate) Regional Vice-President, Metro (3): Ian Norton, Colin Pawson, Michael Lanier, Ken Davidson (alternate) Trustees (3): Frank Lee (3 year term) Laurie Whyte (2 year term)

description

Member's Voice May 2011

Transcript of Member's Voice May 2011

Page 1: Member's Voice May 2011

The newsletter of CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:CUPE Local 15545 W. 10th Ave.Vancouver, BCV5Z 1K9

General Membership MeetingMAY

Date & Time: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 5:30 pm

Location: Italian Cultural Centre3075 Slocan St. Vancouver, Room 5Under

Discussion: • Notice of Motion - CUPE 15 Equality Statement• Bargaining updates from Langara College, Emily Carr

University &Vancouver School Board• Vancouver School Board budget & calendar• CUPE BC Committees - seeking names of interested members • Executive Board By-election - Member at Large Health Sector

(HSPBA)General Meetings provide all members with an opportunity to participate in decisions that affect the union. (Childcare assistance and Interpretation available upon request.)

2011

The Members’voiceMA

Y

2011

VANCOUVER—CUPE BC’s 48th annual convention drew to a close today, with more than 500 delegates re-electing President Barry O’Neill for a seventh term and Secretary-Treasurer Mark Hancock for a fourth term. In addition, delegates re-elected General Vice-Presidents Debbie Taylor, Paul Faoro, Cindy McQueen and Trevor Davies. Delegates also elected six Regional Vice-Presidents and alternates, two Diversity Vice-Presidents and alternates, and two Trustees.

The convention also adopted a new two-year action plan that will see CUPE BC engage its members in political and community action to defeat the BC Liberal government and elect the BC NDP. Throughout the four-day meeting delegates heard from guest speakers like CUPE

National President Paul Moist and Secretary-Treasurer Claude Généreux, author Linda McQuaig, interim NDP Official Opposition Leader Dawn Black and South African labour leader Gati Malete.

The theme of the convention was “Community Action—It Works!”

Prior to Black’s speech, O’Neill invited former NDP Leader Carole James to the stage to receive thanks and appreciation from CUPE BC for her seven years of service to the party. Delegates gave James two standing ovations during the presentation.

United Steelworkers of America’s Steve Hunt joined O’Neill to pay tribute to former BC

Federation of Labour Secretary-Treasurer Angela Schira, who retired last year. O’Neill thanked Schira for her more than 25 years of dedication and service to the labour movement, and said her role as mentor to hundreds of women activists continues to be an inspiration to all British Columbians.

Delegates adopted a wide variety of resolutions, committing CUPE BC to actions such as advocating for a comprehensive public childcare system for B.C. and Canada, and demanding the BC Liberal government restore appropriate levels of funding to education.

Next year’s CUPE BC convention will be held in Victoria.

CUPE BC Convention sets course for 2011-2012O’Neill, Hancock and GVPs re-elected by acclamation

CUPE BC Executive elected by 48th Annual Convention

President: Barry O’NeillSecretary-Treasurer: Mark Hancock

General Vice-Presidents (4): Trevor Davies, Paul Faoro, Cindy McQueen, Debbie Taylor

Diversity Vice-President, Workers of Colour: Dal Benning, Michele Alexander (alternate)

Diversity Vice-President, Aboriginal: Dale Whitford, Edie Charlie (alternate)

Regional Vice-President, Okanagan: John Hall, Brent Soroka (alternate)

Regional Vice-President, Vancouver Island (2): Doug Sprenger, Keith Todd, Alison Pringle (alternate)

Regional Vice-President, Kootenays: Susan BlairBrian Harvey (alternate)

Regional Vice-President, Fraser Valley: Darlene Smith, Paul Albrecht (alternate)

Regional Vice-President, North: Cathy Whalen, Brad Kent (alternate)Regional Vice-President, Metro (3):

Ian Norton, Colin Pawson, Michael Lanier,Ken Davidson (alternate)

Trustees (3): Frank Lee (3 year term)Laurie Whyte (2 year term)

Page 2: Member's Voice May 2011

The Members’voiceMA

Y

2011

2

WWW.CUPE15.ORG CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers

I would like to thank the membership of CUPE 15 for re-electing me as President for another term. I am truly humbled by all of the support and trust I have received. Once again I pledge that I will continue to focus all of my energy

towards working for the betterment of our membership and union. Last month at the CUPE British Columbia Convention I was also re-elected as a General Vice President of CUPE BC which was heartwarming to say the least. I am truly proud to be a CUPE member and I look forward to

the coming weeks, months, and years in my leadership roles.

Stepping back to our local’s Executive Board elections I would like to congratulate the members who were elected to our Executive Board and thank everyone who allowed their name to stand in the election. I would also like to acknowledge everyone who assisted with running the election. It couldn’t have happened without your help - thank you. Our Executive Board elections really put meaning to the words “CUPE is a democratic union” that are

printed in the preamble of our union’s national constitution.

One of the real positives for me from our election, aside from being re-elected, was getting out to some of the worksites and talking to members about our union. Getting

constructive feedback on the past two years and suggestions for moving forward was great. As well, it was helpful to hear concerns and important issues members have in their workplaces. This has certainly been a good reminder for me to try to get out to worksites more often which I will definitely put time towards. I also plan to discuss with our incoming Executive Board the idea of setting up regular contract group meetings at lunch time or after work to check in with members.

With our union having just under 6,000 members working for 17 employers at over 150 worksites in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, and North Vancouver, I plan to continue expanding the use of social media and the internet to provide information to our membership. We continue to receive positive feedback on our use to date and encourage members to ensure our union office has your current home email address so we can sign you up for our cupe15online service. For Facebook users please join our CUPE 15 group for what’s current, and for Twitter users you can follow me for the latest news @paulfaoro.

During the last two years we faced one of the worst economic recession that we have ever seen which challenged our union to fullest degree. Our employers and communities were hit hard. I am proud of the work CUPE 15 did getting our membership through these difficult times. Without the dedicated women and men who serve on our Executive Board and as shop stewards, committees members, and union staff we couldn’t have done it. Protecting jobs was always at the forefront of our minds and operating in a compassionate, strategic, and professional way.

Looking forward CUPE 15 will continue to operate in a compassionate, strategic, and professional manner as I know that is what our membership expects and are entitled to from their union.

Thanks for the Support by Paul Faoro, President

Update from your Executive

by Leanne Toderian, Secretary Treasurer

“As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” Bill Gates

April is always a busy month around the union. We sent 18 delegates to the CUPE British Columbia Convention which was held in Vancouver at the Hyatt Regency Hotel from April 13-16. Convention highlights can be found on the CUPE BC website at www.cupe.bc.ca.

Among other important business the executive board of CUPE BC was re-elected and I am happy to report that our president, Paul Faoro, was re-elected as a General Vice President of CUPE BC. Having input and voice at this level is a privilege that can only help this local serve its members well, not to mention the contacts and solidarity

built with other locals across this province. Congratulations Paul.

The union office was also taken over by our auditors this past month or so and those who attended the AGM heard the report of the auditing firm of Fairhall and Associates on the health and well being of our finances. I am pleased to report his findings were very positive. He praised our practices, goal setting, and management of the local’s finances. While this is a collaborative effort with the Executive Board, I would like to thank our Trustees Joseph Lau, Michele Alexander, and Arthur Lum, and staff Mark Gloumeau for their hard work and dedication to this process. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Arthur who decided not to run for another term of Trustee and will take a break from this work. Thanks Arthur.

Other elections of course were our own at Local 15; congratulations to those elected. I look forward to working with those returning for another term and the new members who will bring a fresh outlook to our proceedings. Walter Cronkite once said, “We are not educated well enough to perform the necessary act of intelligently selecting our leaders.” I can say confidently he is wrong for a number of reasons.

I hear from the candidates there was some great dialogue with the membership about our goals and commitments in the workplace and the local as a whole. Members came out in record numbers to vote largely due to the four advance polling stations. We rolled out a new draft policy on elections and through this process we have identified new goals that the Executive Board will task on your behalf.

When members question and seek answers it is an opportunity to take a look at how we do business and re-examine our goals so that we can keep evolving to meet the needs of the membership. Healthy debate in a safe place where we can work through issues and concerns and find resolve that makes sense to the membership can only make the union stronger. This is true and a goal shared by union activists and trade union workers across this local and province. We are a collective and as always, we gain our strength in numbers.

On a closing note, special thanks to all those not elected this time around who I am sure will continue to work to strengthen our union and its membership. Everything we do together will ultimately serve our members in the best possible way.

April is always a busy month at the union

Leanne Toderian Secretary Treasurer

Paul Faoro, President

Our Executive Board elections really put meaning to the

words “CUPE is a democratic union” that are printed in

the preamble of our union’s national constitution.

Page 3: Member's Voice May 2011

The Members’voice3

MA

Y

2011

WWW.CUPE15.ORG CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers

Letters, Notices, & Updates

Thank you so much for the incredible celebration of International Women’s Day that you organized at the WISH Drop-In Centre. It was so thoughtful of CUPE to remember to share this important day in a meaningful way with sisters of all backgrounds. We also gratefully received a contribution of $500 from CUPE BC.

Please pass on our enthusiastic praise to the team of women involved in this event.

Mavis DixonDirector of DevelopmentWISH Drop-In Centre Society

Local 15 OmbudspersonI would like to take this opportunity to thank the Executive and members for electing me as the Interim Ombudsperson. My role is temporary until the local has a more formal training opportunity for those interested in becoming an ombudsperson for Local 15.

One definition of an ombudsperson is:

OMBUDSPERSON (NOUN) - A person who investigates complaints and mediates fair settlements, especially between aggrieved parties such as consumers or students at an institution or organization.

Why have ombudspeople? The CUPE 15 Executive is in the process of revisiting the Local bylaws, Policies and Procedures, and guidelines around elections. Within this is the creation of a Members’ Code of Conduct which will be brought to you for approval. Much like the CUPE National Code of Conduct we have tweaked, borrowed, and added pieces to suit the needs of our own members.

The Executive then voted to place an interim Ombudsperson as a test at this year’s CUPE BC Convention. At all CUPE conventions there are nationally or regionally appointed members to act as intermediaries. I was honoured to do this on CUPE 15’s behalf. This opportunity was a perfect spring board for discussion on effectiveness and specifically an Ombudsperson’s role at such large functions. I will report back within the newly struck bylaw committee.

Thank you.Joseph Lau, Trustee

International Women’s Day Celebration

Thanks for the SupportI have had the privilege of being nominated and elected for the position of Sector Representative for K-12. I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you who were able to break away from your busy schedules and come out to vote.

It has been a humbling experience and I intend to carry on the position with honour as a member of the CUPE 15 Executive team. I will continue to move our local forward on your behalf and will vigilantly advocate in the interest of all our members.

Thank you again for your support.

Warren WilliamsK-12 Sector RepresentativeBargaining Committee Co-Chair

CUPE 15 Election Results

President - Brother Paul Faoro2nd Vice President - Sister Sally Bankiner

City Sector Representative - Brother Santino Scardillo

K-12 Sector Representative - Brother Warren Williams

Park Sector Representative - Sister Barb Dickinson

Health Sector Representative (HSSCBA) - Sister Pat Taylor

College Sector Representative - Sister Reba Noel

Trustee - Sister Karla Mairena

VSB Job ShareI am looking for an SSW job share position starting September 2011. I prefer to work Wednesday, Thursday, and every 2nd Friday. (I do not own a position but am looking to share with someone who does.)

Please contact Judy Heintz at [email protected] or call 604-873-0105.

Notice of By-electionMember at Large – Health Sector (HSPBA)

There is a vacancy for a Member at Large - HSPBA for the balance of a two year term ending in May 2012. Election for this position will take place at the May General Membership Meeting on May 25th. Only members from the HSPBA Sector are eligible to vote.

The Executive DecidedBy Leanne Toderian, Secretary Treasurer

Highlights of the May 4, 2011 Executive and Society Board meetings• Incoming Board members were

welcomed• Executive recommendation to include

the Equality Statement in the bylaws• Donation to Mother’s Day Liberation

Rally in support of low income and single mothers

• Donation to the David Eby campaign in Vancouver West Point Grey

• Approved two members to attend Naramata Labour Education

• Approved Local 15-VMECW support for the City of Vancouver Family Day event

2nd VP, Thanks to all Members

I would like to thank everyone who was able to participate in our democratic process at the advance polls and the AGM in April. I truly appreciate the support and encouragement I have received over the past year as your 2nd Vice President and look forward to the next two years in office working and serving our diverse membership.

We have been faced with some challenging times in the past few years and moving forward, I am committed to using my energy, enthusiasm, and strong voice to bring about positive change.

In solidarity,Sally Bankiner, 2nd Vice President

Page 4: Member's Voice May 2011

The Members’voiceMA

Y

2011

4

WWW.CUPE15.ORG CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers

News newsbytes focus

Notice of MotionThe Executive Board recommends to the membership the adoption of the CUPE Local 15 Equality Statement (following) and for it to be added as an appendix to the By-laws. Further, replace Section 9.1 Order of Business of the By-laws with Article B.VIII of the CUPE Constitution which includes the reading of the Equality Statement at membership meetings.

CUPE Local 15 Equality StatementOur local union solidarity is based on the principle that all members of CUPE Local 15 are equal and deserve mutual respect at all levels. Any behaviour that creates conflict within our local prevents us from working together to strengthen our union.

As members of CUPE Local 15, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We should neither condone nor tolerate behavior that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any member, or that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for them.

We believe that discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic or homophobic hurts and thereby divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of ability, age, class, religion, language and ethnic origin.

Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate. Harassment should not be treated as a joke. The uneasiness and resentment that it creates are not feelings that help us meet the needs of our members or grow as a local union.

Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different; and they reduce our capacity to work together on shared concerns such as decent wages, working conditions, and justice in our workplaces, society and in our union.

CUPE Local 15 policies and practices must reflect our commitment to equality.

Members, staff and elected officers must be mindful that all sisters and brothers deserve dignity, equality and respect. -

Submitted by Keith Graham, Staff Representative

The Union and Employer have reached a resolve on a grievance which concerns the compensation of staff believed to have performed Group 1 work for Group 2 wages.

The following agreement provides members a 60 day period until June 21, 2011 to provide information as per the points below to verify that you were doing Group 1 work but only being paid Group 2 wages.

1. The Employer agrees that active employees who are able to reasonably demonstrate that they have performed Group 1 work (eg. employee can provide pay stubs that align with brochures for a particular time frame indicating that they were performing Group 1 work in a specific classification) but were only paid Group 2 wages, be compensated for (wages and benefits) by way of a one-time lump sum payment as follows:

• $200 (less statutory deductions) where such work is believed to have been performed in any or all of the years 2000 through 2003 and

• $50 (less statutory deductions) for each additional year between 2004 and 2010 where such work is believed to have been performed.

2. The parties agree that where an active employee comes forward with information that confirms that they have worked in a position which should have been designated

Group 1 for a minimum of 20 hours per week, in one classification for not less than 6 consecutive months in any or all of the years from 2000 to 2010, and establishes that they have not been paid Group 1 wages, they will receive a one-time payment of $1000 (less statutory deductions) for wages and benefits.

3. The parties agree that active employees seeking payment per point numbers 1 and 2 above must come forward no later than 60 days following the signing of this agreement. Should an active employee come forward after the identified end date they will not be eligible for any compensation.

Note: The parties agree that the issue of unlicensed after school care work remains an issue of dispute between them and that the mechanisms for compensation identified in this agreement, specifically a claim that such work should be paid as Group 1 and not Group 2, will not be addressed under this agreement.

4. The parties agree that nothing contained in this agreement is intended to alter or impact upon the existing criteria or terms and conditions set out in the Letter of Understanding – Park Board and Community Association Staffing signed between the parties May 11, 1990.

Information and all necessary documents should be provided no later than June 21, 2011 to Keith Graham at CUPE 15, 545 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 1K9.

Attention Members:Park Board Grievance Resolve/Group 1 Work

CLC pushes for pension securityVANCOUVER—The Canadian Labour Congress has set its sights on retirement income. CLC Pacific Regional Director Amber Hockin dropped by the CUPE Convention to let delegates know about the ambitious plan.

The CLC’s goal, said Hockin, “is to dramatically improve retirement security for every worker in Canada – both union and non-union.” Calling the 1.6 million seniors living in poverty “shameful,” Hockin said the CLC wants to double Canada Pension Plan benefits for all workers.

“The 38.5 per cent of workers who actually have a pension – like people in this room – are increasingly under attack. At bargaining table after bargaining table, we are fending off employer proposals to scrap defined benefits plans and replace them with defined contribution plans or RRSPs,” said Hockin. The

problem is that only one in four Canadians can afford to buy RRSPs every year.

“The answer is not RRSPs or the pooled registered retirement plans (PRRPs) proposed by the Conservatives,” said Hockin, the answer is to phase in small premium increases in the Canada Pension Plan over the next seven years.

“Addressing pension security for all Canadians through the Canada Pension Plan just makes sense – the CPP is universal, it’s portable and it covers 93 per cent of Canadian workers.”

Hockin called on the CUPE members to make a difference in this election in part by calling for the CLC pension security plan and pointing out to candidates that “84 per cent of Canadians support increasing CPP in order to increase retirement security.”

Page 5: Member's Voice May 2011

The Members’voice5

MA

Y

2011

WWW.CUPE15.ORG CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers

Bursaries

Twelve full time and eight part time bursaries for education at post secondary institutions are available annually to CUPE Local 15 members (member bursaries) and to the sons, daughters or legal dependents of union members (dependent bursaries). Member bursaries can only be applied for by completing the application form and forwarding it to the union office. The application form is available in the For Members section, under Sevices.

Dependent Bursaries are applied for directly through the educational institution. The policies for member and dependent bursaries are included in this issue.

Policy - Member Bursaries (for CUPE 15 members only) Must use Member Bursary Application Form Twelve bursaries are available annually to CUPE Local 15 members. The award selection will be made by the Executive for eligible members on the basis of aggregate length of service. An additional eight part time bursaries are also available (pro-rated to a maximum of $500).

EligibilityMust demonstrate a primary attachment to • CUPE Local 15 by holding union membership through a minimum of six months employment for each of the two years prior to the date of enrolment.Must be pursuing a field of study not in • contradiction to the aims of the labour movement.Bursaries in the amount of $1,000 are available • for the following post secondary institutions: UBC, SFU, BCIT, ECU, VCC, Langara, Capilano College, Kwantlen College, and Douglas College.Must be a current member or retired member • of the union at the time of application (excluding associate members).Applications for other public Canadian post • secondary institutions may be considered on a case by case basis as of September 1st if any of the nine bursaries have not been awarded.

SelectionThe award selection will be made by the • Executive. Awards are based on seniority (measured from start date).

Awards will be made to applicants who are • beginning or continuing studies/enrolment (as defined by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act), and who are capable of pursuing the course of study. An applicant for a bursary may only receive a • bursary once every four years.

ApplicationFull time bursaries are to a maximum of $1,000 • of tuition only.Part time bursaries are awarded to a • maximum of $500.Applications must be received at the Union • Office by June 30, 2011. Awards are paid directly to the institution • upon receipt of invoices and proof of registration.One half of tuition will be paid at the • beginning of the school year and the second half will be paid at the second half of the billing term (or as it becomes due). For institutions with the semester system, a year is defined as two semesters within the school year.Bursary recipients are requested to submit • proof of completion of the program/year for which the bursary was provided.Only the member applying is eligible to • receive the bursary.

Policy – Dependent’s Bursary (for dependents of CUPE Local 15 members only)Dependents must apply directly to the Financial Aid Office of the college or university listed below. Note: UBC is not listed. A different application process is in place for the dependent bursary at UBC. Please call the union office for more information.

Nine bursaries are available annually to dependents of union members. These bursaries will be awarded on the basis of financial need and academic criteria as established by the post-secondary educational institution.

EligibilityOnly the dependent applying is eligible to • receive the bursary.The member upon whom the applicant is •

a dependent must be a current or retired member of CUPE Local 15 (excluding associate members). The member must have demonstrated a primary attachment to CUPE Local 15 by holding union membership through a minimum of six months employment for each of the two years prior to the date of enrolment.The applicant must be pursuing a field of • study not in contradiction to the aims of the labour movement.

SelectionThe award selection will be made by the • educational institution.Awards will be based upon financial need • provided that the academic performance as established by the educational institution is met.One bursary is available at each of the • following post secondary institutions: SFU, BCIT, ECU, VCC, Langara, Capilano College, Kwantlen College, Douglas College. A different application process is in place for the dependent bursary at UBC. Please call the union office for more information.Bursary applications for other public Canadian • post secondary institutions are considered on a case by case basis as of September 1st if any of the nine bursaries have not been awarded.The applicant must be beginning or • continuing full time enrolment and must be capable of pursuing the course of study.An applicant for a bursary may only receive a • bursary once every four years.

ApplicationBursaries are to a maximum of $1000 of • tuition only. Application must be made through the post secondary institution’s Financial Aid Office within their established deadlines. Awards are paid directly to the institution • upon receipt of invoice and proof of registration.One half of tuition will be paid at the • beginning of the school year and the second half will be paid at the second half of the billing term (or as it becomes due).Bursary recipients are requested to submit • proof of completion of the program/year for which the bursary was provided.

2011/2012 Bursaries - VMECW Society

By Paul Faoro, President

In the Fall of 2009 our members employed by Vancouver Coastal Health in the Community subsector were able to access retraining funds that were made available as a result of several unions successfully challenging the validity of Bill 29 in the Supreme Court of Canada. A decision on that challenge was issued in June 2007. The Supreme Court ruled that sections of Bill 29, the Health and Social Services Delivery Improvement Act, violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

As a direct result of that decision a settlement was reached between the union, the Health Sector employers, and the provincial government. The settlement set a pool of retraining funds

in place for employees in the subsector who were laid off after January 28, 2002 as a result of contracting out from a health care job in the Community subsector. Retraining funds were also available at that time to those who were eligible and who held a position in the Community subsector.

CUPE 15 has been advised that funds remain in the Community Bargaining Association Retraining Fund and therefore new applications are being accepted from members to access the fund. You may now be eligible for reimbursement of training costs if you were laid off after January 28, 2002 due to re-tendering, contracting out, or bumping from a health care job in the Community subsector. You may also be eligible for reimbursement of training costs if you are a

current employee in a Community subsector job and are interested in skills development.

Further information and application forms can be obtained by contacting the CUPE 15 office by email or telephone. The application deadline is May 31, 2011. If you have any questions please contact a CUPE 15 shop steward or Pat Taylor from our Executive Board.

All applications will be processed through the BCGEU who are administering the funds on behalf of the Community Bargaining Association.

I hope members can take advantage of these remaining retraining funds.

Community Bargaining Association Retraining Fund

Page 6: Member's Voice May 2011

The Members’voiceMA

Y

2011

6

WWW.CUPE15.ORG CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers

Convention 2011

Page 7: Member's Voice May 2011

The Members’voice7

MA

Y

2011

WWW.CUPE15.ORG CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers

VSB Bargaining

VSB Bargaining Committee busy with negotiationsYour Bargaining Committee continues to meet with the Vancouver School Board. We are in negotiations for a renewed collective agreement and are making slow but steady progress on some issues. A number of “housekeeping” items have been signed off and we have agreement on a number of other items as well.

At this point we have had little discussion on cost items and are constantly being reminded of the two year “net zero” increase mandated by the Liberal government. More bargaining dates are scheduled and we will continue to work toward achieving the best possible agreement for our members. The CUPE 15 Bargaining Committee is comprised of Craig Hopkins (Chair), Miriam Pulsifer, Warren Williams (Co-Chair), Paul Hayes, Kenny Brett, Carley Romas, and Tina Meadows, CUPE National Representative.

Submitted by Craig Hopkins with thanks to Bill Pegler, CUPE National K-12 Coordinator

The CUPE BC K-12 Presidents’ Council brings together 55 locals to coordinate provincial bargaining priorities and strategy and raise the profile of the work that CUPE members perform in support of public education. This means that the vast majority of support staff are bargaining together in BC’s public education system.

Locals are currently in bargaining for new agreements with K-12 (public school) employers, who are members of the British Columbia Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA). The Presidents’ Council seeks a provincial approach to bargaining to ensure that the most important issues are bargained provincially.

CUPE Local 15 has an elected bargaining committee that is presently bargaining local issues with the Vancouver School Board.

Local 15’s K-12 members voted to join the Presidents’ Council in 2009 and participated in determining our provincial demands around fair wages, job security, recognition and respect for unpaid work, and improvements to the funding for our Public Education Benefits Trust (PEBT). Brother Craig Hopkins is an alternate for the Metro region on the Provincial Bargaining Committee (PBC).

CUPE’s K-12 sector in BC includes 26,000 school support staff in most of the province’s 60 school districts. Members work in every support role within the public school system from helping children arrive at school (bus drivers and crossing guards) to supporting students in the system (noon hour supervisors, education assistants, cultural workers) through the clerical functions (such as payroll, bookkeeping, record keeping, accounting and secretarial in schools, resource centres, and district offices).

Keep in touch with the provincial bargaining scene by visiting www.bcschools.cupe.ca or follow us on twitter at @CUPEbcschools.

Members of the VSB bargaining committee dicussing bargaining and strategy at the Local 15 office boardroom. From left to right, Paul Hayes, Warren Williams, and Craig Hopkins.

Presidents’ Council yields great results for future bargaining

Page 8: Member's Voice May 2011

The Members’voiceMA

Y

2011

8

WWW.CUPE15.ORG CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers

Events & Credits

The Members’ Voice is published nine times a year for members of CUPE Local 15 - Vancouver Municipal, Education and Community Workers. The Deadline for submissions is 9:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. All submissions may be edited for brevity and clarity. Signed articles and letters do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of CUPE Local 15.

CUPE Local 15545 West 10th AvenueVancouver, BC V5Z 1K9Phone: 604-879-4671Fax: 604-879-7582Email: [email protected]: www.cupe15.org

Local 15 is a chartered affiliate of the Canadian Union of Public Employees and is also affiliated with the CUPE British Columbia Division, CUPE Metro District Council and the Vancouver & District Labour Council. CUPE 15 is a member of the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM).

CUPE Local 15 Executive Board

Table Officers:President: Paul Faoro

1st Vice President: Miriam Pulsifer

2nd Vice President: Sally Bankiner

Secretary Treasurer: Leanne Toderian

Sector Representatives:City: Santino Scardillo, Diane Brown

College/University: Emma Somers

Cultural: Matthew Quiring

Health/HSSCBA: Patricia Taylor

Health/HSPBA: Vacant

Parks: Anne-Marie McGee, Barb Dickinson

K-12: Peggy Wong, Warren Williams

Trustees:Joey Lau, Michelle Alexander, Karla Mairena

Staff Representatives:Kathie Currie, John Geppert, Keith Graham, Graeme Moore

Office & Administrative Staff:Mark Gloumeau, Accounting Coordinator Maureen Dorratt, Office Assistant Rosemary Matheson, Office Manager Barbara Simpson, Office Assistant

Building Maintenance:Jeff Zaharia

CUPE National Representatives:Justin Schmid, Tina Meadows, Matt Yun

Designed by talkingdog.ca

Leaders of Vancouver’s Civic Unions from their last regular meeting at Local 15 where there discussed emerging issues, contract matters and civic governance.

L-R Gord Ditchburn, President, Vancouver Fire Fighters Local 18; Mike Phelan, IATSE Local 118, Tom Stamatakis, Vancouver Police Union; Cheryl Popeniuk, Business Representative Teamsters Local 31; Alex Youngberg, President CUPE Local 391; Paul Faoro, President CUPE Local 15; Mike Jackson, President CUPE Local 1004