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November Presidents Report
My gosh, Autumn has been a beautiful fall so far! Are we spoiled by the weather or what? A few things are worth mentioning here. We are still plugging away at work, as usual. And as usual I am still super impressed with how much we are able to accomplish. The results of the municipal elections are in. A few new faces have been elected as Trustees and we will see if that makes a difference in our future interactions with the board. As usual for this time of year, we’ve had another claiming day. It seems like there was quite a bit of interest in new positions for the evening shifts. Good luck to everyone in your new positions!
I know I’m sounding like a broken record on this issue, but I have to say: if there is a rental in your building and you are the only person working, you must stay inside the building during your half-hour break and you must be paid for your half-hour break. There have been some misconceptions on this issue in the past, but the reality is; whether you require picking up your dinner or not, you have a half-hour break. That break is yours to use as you choose. So if you like to walk, ride a horse, be like me and do 1000 push-ups (NOT), you have every right to secure the building and leave the premises - unless there are rentals inside. It is your personal time, but if you are looking after rentals then you must stay in the building and be paid for your break.
I have had many discussions with administration about how CUPE382 is not being treated like all other bargaining groups in in regards to spring break accrual time. All the other groups are participating in spring break accrual with open arms, and no real discussion. But with us, the employer is defiant on this issue, saying things like “we are so busy,” and, “there are so many projects on the go.” We are always very busy. We always have many projects on the go, whether school is in session or not. What we are asking for is to be treated equal to everyone else. Spring break accrual is happening everywhere across the province, and with all locals, except CUPE382.
Our next general meeting is Nov 10, at Eagle View School. Come join us for some coffee and treats, and information. Bring a work buddy with you! Hope to see you all there.
Fred Schmidt
CUPE 382
President
Victoria Municipal Elections 2018
The City of Victoria Municipal Elections will be taking place this weekend. The elections will be held this Saturday, Oct 20th, 2018. The seats up for election are; one Mayor, eight Councillors, and nine School District Trustees. It is important that CUPE members voice their opinion in Municipal Elections because the persons appointed as School District Trustee will have a lot of influence over CUPE work and the direction of CUPE employers. Many candidates have said nice words to CUPE members during the election cycle, but think back over the last two years – how helpful have the Trustees been to CUPE382?
In this election you are able to vote for as many or as few Trustees as you choose, however; CUPEBC is only endorsing two candidates.
The two candidates endorsed by CUPEBC are Vincent Gornall and Ryan Painter.
Vincent Gornall is active in many community organizations throughout Victoria. He has a child entering the school district, and is a Union Steward himself! Vincent Gornall is also sponsored by Victoria Labour Council. You can learn more about him by visiting his website: https://vincentgornall.ca/
Ryan Painter’s moto is “be heard, build bridges, build relationships.” Ryan painter has a bachelor’s degree in History, he was a teacher in China, and currently works as an Administrative Officer at UVIC Faculty Association. He is also a strong mental health advocate. You can learn more about Ryan Painter by visiting his website: https://ryanpainter.ca/
This Saturday, vote for as few or as many candidates as you like. But remember, the two candidates endorsed by CUPEBC are Vincent Gornall and Ryan Painter.
For more information, including where to vote and what identification you need, visit: https://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/city/municipal-election/information-for-voters.html
Don’t live in Victoria but want to know who CUPEBC is endorsing in your area? Follow this link: https://www.cupe.bc.ca/vote
October President Report
Can you believe it’s already October? Wow…… The wet season has begun, and I know it is going to get a lot wetter. With the bad weather come Municipal elections. I would like to encourage all of you to go and vote, especially for the school trustees. When you place your ballet, I suggest you make your selection wisely. If you look at our past, what have the current trustees done to help us?
Provincial bargaining has been completed. The next step is to sit with the employer, as soon as possible, and go through our local bargaining process. After local bargaining has been completed, the membership will vote on the packages entirely. I must commend the CUPE members that sat in front of the provincial employer and got us our deal. Thank You to the K-12 Presidents Bargaining Teams.
Claiming day will be coming shortly, If any of you are interested in a night position I suggest that you go. I am not sure how many runs will be available, I’m guessing more than 8. I’ve heard some Spare-Board employees say, “I am not going. I don’t have chance of getting any run.” Well you never know unless you go.
Once again I must commend our people on the work that is being done throughout this district. I am amazed by what we accomplish, despite the increased workloads that have been put on us. Thank you all for that. On that same note, we have lost our two rental-relief positions. I recommend that you keep track of rentals in your building on a daily basis. You are owed 10 minutes of extra help per rental. Also, if in the evening you wish to take your break at your usual time, but rentals are in the building, please call your foreman and inform him or her that you would like to do something outside the building during your break. If you have to stay in the building during your break, you will be paid for your break. Please ensure this information is explained to all evening staff, as we do not do work for the employer unless we are paid.
There are still people starting early, working through their breaks, and staying late. I understand the dedication to your work, and wanting to do a good job; but you must not forget our employer is the one that increased our workloads by almost 30%. If there are areas that struggle, pick up the phone and ask for help.
I’m hoping to see more people at our general meeting, Saturday, Oct 13, 10AM at Eagle View. We are all busy, but many of you have concerns that should be brought forward at the meeting. Hopefully we can help, and you can have a coffee and a treat while we do so.
Thank You
Fred Schmidt
CUPE382 President
President’s Report - September
Well summer is done, almost……. And the start of a new school year is upon us. Soon it will be time to start our daily schedules and get “back to the grind.” I’m hoping everyone had an enjoyable summer and enjoyed the amazing weather, which seems to be our normal now. It is nice to wake every morning to sun, so enjoy it while it lasts!
I know there were a lot of projects on the go this summer, and leading into the school year. I commend every one of you out there for giving so much time and effort, knowing wholeheartedly, that we have a tremendous amount of work on our plate. Not only are we looking after maintaining the aging buildings, but we are also building new structures for the employer as well. I personally would like to thank everyone for a job well done this year, again. It amazes me how much unrecognized effort we put forward to have the schools ready for the children of this district.
This year will be interesting. There have been a lot of changes in our administration; Shelly Green is our new Superintendent, Chuck Morris is our new Director of Facilities, and Read Jorgensen will be our new Director of Human Resources. We are also losing Rob Lumb as Maintenance Supervisor. He is moving to Saanich to be their Director of Facilities. With all these changes, it will be interesting to see what direction we will be heading in our immediate future.
I know it has been a struggle out there with workloads and time restraints. It is very important to remember, you can only do the best you can. From what I understand, there are still people out there starting early, not taking breaks, and staying late to get their jobs completed. I understand that with all the work that has been pushed on our small crews, which should be at least 30 percent larger, it’s tough to see work being left incomplete. But please, if the day does not give you enough time, there is nothing wrong with asking for extra help to get the work completed.
There is a bargaining meeting late in September, and I will be bringing forward information in regards to provincial bargaining items at our October general meeting.
Job posting are coming out shortly. If anyone is interested in a position change, it is your responsibility to keep an eye out for the postings. There will be evening C1 positions coming out shortly as well.
Our first general meeting back from summer break will be on Sept 8th, at Eagle View Elementary, at 10:00am. Come join us for a coffee and a treat, and get updated on the goings on around this district. Hope to see you there.
Fred Schmidt.
CUPE382 Notice of Motion
Notice of Motion - This is to notify all members of CUPE382 Greater Victoria School District, that a proposed Apprenticeship Program will be discussed and voted upon at the next General Assembly. At this time, we will also be nominating members for the 2019 Bargaining Committee.
The next General Assembly is on May 12th, at 10Am. The location is at Eagle View Elementary, 97 Talcott road. Victoria, BC. The assembly is held in the Library. There will be snacks and coffee. We hope to see you all there.
CUPE K-12 Bargaining Survey
The CUPE K-12 Bargaining Survey is now live.
CUPE members are urged to fill out this survey regarding the upcoming bargaining. You may be asked your CUPE local number and school district number. We are CUPE local 382, school district 61. Please keep the survey private and confidential.
If you have any difficulty accessing the survey, please don't hesitate to contact a union representative. They will be able to make the survey accessible to you.
PRESIDENT REPORT – MARCH 2018
Spring has almost sprung. I'm hoping that everyone is doing well. With the resignation of our current director, we are yet again grappling with an unpredictable future. The district has announced more in-house portable buildings to be made. The union is hoping that we are building these for our increasing enrollment, instead of building them for private enterprise gains, "Day Cares." I think it's great that we are getting new work and that the district is hiring temporary trades people - hopefully we can turn these temporary workers into permanent workers, not through attrition but through true hiring. We know our workloads have dramatically increased. Now we are not only maintaining our schools but we are also building new buildings! Our permanent membership is now below 200 people. With such a heavy workload, and so few workers, I am constantly amazed at how much we are able to accomplish. Despite the lack of appreciation from the employer, they are lucky to have our support, experience, and expertise.
On top of the additional work we are doing, we are now being asked to input data for the employer. This input of information does not directly help us do our work. There also seems to be issues arising from not only the SR system but also the time sheet input system. It has been brought to my attention that this software was not designed for our work specifically. As such, it appears that the board is trying to manipulate our workloads to fit into the software, instead of fitting software to fit our workloads. This is the likely reason so many people are having problems with it.
It has been brought to my attention that some schools are having functions on the weekends without the proper custodial time. If anyone finds out about school functions that went on without custodial time, please make your supervisor aware. It is our top priority to keep the district buildings safe, clean, and secure. This is in our job descriptions, its in our collective agreement, and we are hoping the employer understands how important it is to keep cleaning and maintenance in house.
If anyone has any questions in regards to your workloads please contact your supervisor about it. If you are not satisfied with the answer, please call any Executive Member and discuss the issue with them.
Our next general meeting is March 10, 2018. Come join us at 10:00 AM in the Eagle View Library for coffee, treats, and great discussions.
PRESIDENT REPORT – FEBRUARY 2018
Hello everyone, hoping you are all doing good or better. We are now into February and time is flying by. Through all the difficulties people are having around the new work loads, and the extras that have been put on us, it is truly amazing how we continue to drudge forward and complete our tasks. In one of our many letters to the employer, always talking about work loads and looking for better outcomes for everyone, the employer said that there were things mentioned in the President's Report that were not very positive towards them. I will state now, publicly, that I would never tell a fabrication or an untruth in any of my reports or correspondences to administrators or the public.
Moving forward, the employer has decided to hire many new managers and assistants, which is rather interesting. The question going around is, "how does this help our students in the schools?" The expression has always been that we shouldn't spend money on things that are furthest away from the classroom.
We also have a new Superintendent, Shelly Green. We are happy that the district has decided to hire internally and we hope to have a positive and fruitful relationship with her.
I understand that there people are still starting work early and finishing late. Please remember that we have start times and end times for a reason, and we must adhere to them. One concern is that if you start early, without the employers authorization, and you become injured, that Worksafe would not cover you.
The question of employer finances keeps coming up. Where is the employer getting all this money from? If you are wondering this yourself, feel free to call your supervisor and ask. I'm sure they will have an answer for you. I have learned through my many years with the union, as well as life experiences, that if someone tells you something that doesn't make sense then it's probably not true. So remember that in your discussions.
Our next general meeting is on Feb 17th 2018, at 10:00 AM, in the Eagle View library. I hope to see you all there for treats, coffee, and good conversation.
Fred Schmidt
President CUPE 382
PRESIDENT REPORT – JANUARY 2018
Happy New Year Everyone. I know this is coming a little late, but as always said, better late than never. This is a busy time of year. There is a lot of things going on around the district, and we as an executive are sure there are some things happening that we don't know about. If there is something happening around your school or job site that you are not quite sure of, then please contact your foreman. If your foreman doesn't know what is going on then please contact your supervisor. You are an employee of the district and you have the right to know what is going on in your work space.
A hot topic as of late is carpet care. A short time ago the director sent out a directive on carpet maintenance, and we must adhere to this directive. We understand that some principals are unhappy with the carpet maintenance, but we must follow the guidelines and instructions from the director. We know the restructuring has been difficult for everyone, but we only have so much time to get our work done - and people shouldn't be working through their breaks, starting work early, or staying late. The only that happens if you work outside of your scheduled time is you cheating yourself. Does the school benefit from your extra work? Yes it does, but again you are cheating yourself.
The relief positions will be posted shortly. If anyone is interested in a change of work, for a period of time, they should submit an application. I have heard so many people say "I should have put in for that position." Now is your chance to apply. Even if, for whatever reason, it doesn't work for you when you receive that call you have the right to say, "sorry not right now. " Many people don't apply for a position they are interested in because they don't have the most seniority. But if the person who does have the most seniority turns the position down, then it goes to the next, and so on. You can't get a position if you don't put in for it.
Speaking of positions, elections are happening this weekend. Come out this Saturday and help select your executive. Have a coffee and a treat while you vote!
Once again I am proud to go around the district and look at all the schools and building, and know that we are the driving force of this district. We are the first ones on site and the last ones to leave. That alone says so much. And if there are ever any emergencies we are the people that look after it, whatever it is.
Thank You
Fred Schmidt, President CUPE 382
Seasons Greeting!
I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. We would like to wish you all a happy and safe holidays, a merry Christmas, and a fantastic new year!
Looking forward to seeing you all in the new year.
In Solidarity,
Cupe 382 Executive Board
Notice of Upcoming Elections
Elections will be taking place on January 13th, 2018, during the Annual General Membership Meeting.
Upcoming elections will be for the following positions:
President 2 year term
Recording Secretary 2 year term
2nd Vice-President 1 year term
Sergeant-at-Arms 1 year term
Members-at-Large 1 year term
Members-at-Large 1 year term
Trustee 1 year term
The meeting will be held at Eagleview Elementary at 10:00 AM.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.
In Solidarity,
Cupe 382 Executive Board
PRESIDENT REPORT – DECEMBER
December is here and things are still not running smoothly.
The portables have been completed and are now in use, and they look great. There was a lot of extra stress put on us during this time, with staff and the general public anxious to get into these new spaces, and poor communication between our employer and the general public about project deadlines - did not make our jobs easier. Despite this, our teams did an amazing job on these buildings and we should feel proud of the work that we did. Thank you everyone for your expertise and your patience with this project. These portables are looking like the gems of the district.
There is still some confusion about how the carpets get cleaned - carpets get vacuumed according to the direction you received from your supervisor. We have heard that some principals are asking you to do additional cleaning on the carpets. Our staff puts the highest standards on our work, however; please explain to your principal that we have not been given extra time to complete these tasks. If you have extra time then you can get into additional carpet cleaning.
Some people are having difficulty getting in touch with their supervisor by phone - if this is the case, I recommend that you email your supervisor, that way their is documented proof of when you tried to communicate.
It saddens me to say that it appears administration does not trust the facilities employees, and possibly all employees. We are under a greater amount of surveillance then ever before. Facilities staff have been notified that they are on video - we have counted 7 security cameras around the yard and gas pump. We have all received a district cell phone, which gives administration access to our cell phone calls, social media activity, internet activity, and our physical location. Please be aware of this when using your district phone. There is GPS monitoring in all vehicles, and if you require gas, you must use another fob to get fuel. Additionally, as you read this our mechanic is installing another fob in the vehicles to provide administration with information about who is driving each vehicle. Lastly, the Ameresco Service Request system is asking us to document what work is done and how long it takes to do it.
The union is left with a lot of questions: why don't they trust us? are we being monitored? Administrators say that we aren't being monitored, but their actions indicate otherwise. A lot of decisions that have been made have not been in the best interest of employees.
Do not fret brothers and sisters. We will make it through this disastrous administration and the problems that it has created for itself. Everyone knows that we are the backbone of this district. We get the schools ready for the little ones. We are the people everyone turns to when problems arise. We are the experts. The schools can't run without us.
On a happier note, Dec 9th is the last general meeting of the year. Please come and join us at Eagle View this Saturday at 10am. There will be finger foods, coffee, juice, and pop. Following the meeting is the Christmas Dinner and Dance. I am looking forward to seeing you all there. Tickets are selling fast so get yours now!
Last but not least, we the executive would like to wish everyone a great and safe winter break to you and your family.
Thank You
Fred Schmidt, President CUPE 382
November 3, 2017 - President's Report
Link
November 3, 2017 - XMAS PARTY! - December 9th
November 2, 2017 - Motions & Steward Elections
Please follow this link for important information about these two announcements.
October 30, 2017 - General Meeting Change
The November general meeting has been moved to November 18, 2017 due to the Remembrance Day long weekend. Hope to see you all there!
October 2, 2017 - General Meeting
Reminder the next General Meeting will be October 14th at Eagle View School at 10:00 am.
September 28, 2017 - Bursary Applications
It's that time of year again, if you are looking to apply for the CUPE 382 Bursary fund please submit your application ASAP.
Link to form here.
June 8, 2017 - Custodial Runs
If you haven't heard yet, all custodial runs have been posted in the STAFF section of the GVSD website. Please take a look at any runs you are interested in for preparation for the forthcoming job changes/postings to be announced later by Operations.
https://www.sd61.bc.ca/staff-support-portal/
April 18, 2017 - Board Meeting Support Take 2!
To All Members;
We would like to invite anyone available to come to the next School Board Meeting where we will have three people speaking on our behalf on the latest issues and ways to improve the District moving forward. A large CUPE 382 presence would help really drive home the message that we as a Union are dedicated to making this the best District in the Province and that the Executive has the full support of the Membership to maintain jobs while delivering a high level of service to the schools.
Please come out, show your support and let's show the Board and management team that we are committed to our schools.
Meeting Date: April 24th, 2017
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Tolmie Building (556 Boleskine Rd.) Board Room
March 13, 2017 - Important Meeting Tonight
Scheduled tonight is our presentation to the board to illustrate our beliefs in the proposed "structure change" plan presented earlier this year by the Director of Facilities. As you know we have made steps in voicing our opposition to job loss loud and clear. Tonight we do so again in this presentation at the Tolmie Building held in the large board room. The meetings starts at 7:30 and we are asking anyone who ISN'T working tonight to come and show up as a sign of our resolve and solidarity to our brothers/sisters whose livelihood is being threatened. A united show of opposition will help drive home just how bad we believe any job loss at the District will be and how our schools will suffer from some of the changes proposed.
Hope to see many of you there!
Meeting Time: 7:30 (Please show up by 7:15)
Locations: Tolmie Building (Large Board Room)
Address: 556 Boleskine Road
March 8, 2017 - President's Newsletter
The latest President's Newsletter is available to be read here.
March 2, 2017 - Media Release
The GVTA, CUPE947 and CUPE382 have come together in a effort to stop loss through the proposed structure changes within our district. These changes will not only effect the families of those whose jobs are threatened but all families and students within the district. Below is a joint statement.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2017
Eliminating custodial positions bad for schools, bad for kids.
At a recent presentation to CUPE 382 members, Greater Victoria School District Director of Facilities, David Loveridge, introduced the elimination of a majority of "non-cleaning time" for daytime custodians in all schools. This change will result in the elimination of 16 full-time custodial positions with the cost savings used to hire trades personnel. Custodians already have workload issues. This flawed plan has the potential to create unsafe schools as cleanliness is paramount to student and staff health and well-being. With a projected increase of up to 2000 students in the coming decade, this move seems counter-intuitive. In addition, the Board of Education has recently hired five additional administrative positions that do not work directly with students. How can the employer justify the elimination of front line custodial positions, while at the same time increasing middle management? This decision makes no sense.
For further information contact Fred Schmidt, CUPE 382 President, Jane Massy CUPE 947 President, or Jason Gammon, GVTA President
February 16, 2017 - President's Newsletter
This months President's Newsletter has been released. In it our President speaks on the recently announced changes to our District. It can be found here.
January 31, 2017 - Union Meeting Change
The next union meeting has been changed to February 18th in regards to the upcoming long weekend. This meeting will be particularly important with the changes that have been communicated to the district. If you have questions or need information this is the meeting to be at. Hope to see you all there.
January 30, 2017 - A Letter To Upper Management
With a new year comes change. Usually we see people making resolutions to do better, to improve aspects of their life or perhaps themselves. Usually these changes impact those around them in positive ways. Unfortunately this year has brought about some changes to the District that while may seem positive on the surface, how we get to those changes has a very negative and damaging impact on the people that do their best to make positive impacts on the District that they work and make their livelihood in. We at CUPE 382 believe that these changes can be brought to fruition through methods other than on the backs of CUPE 382 members and their families. They aren't the only ones that will be negatively impacted however, our schools we see a very real impact of losing these hard working people. Our children will also feel these cuts to the work force as well. Below is a link to a letter sent by our President to upper management. The Union will not stand for problems in the District being solved through attrition to the labor force.
A Letter To Upper Management.
January 30, 2017 - Changes Coming to the District
Click the link below to see the changes that are coming to the District.
Proposed Changes
January 1, 2017 - President's Newsletter
The January edition of the President's Newsletter can be found here.
December 20, 2016 - Elections
A new year brings a chance for you to participate in your Union Team. Elections for the following positions will be held at the next General Union Meeting on January 14th.
Treasurer
Vice President
2nd Vice President
Member at Large
Member at Large
Sergeant At Arms
December 12, 2016 - President's Newsletter
Christmas is approaching, we hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The newest President's Report can be read here. We also have the School Bursary Application Form up on the website now. Sorry for the delay and confusion on acquiring the proper document. It can be found here: CUPE382_-_Bursary.pdf
November 24, 2016 - 2016/2017 Stewardship Team Update!
A new year brings some new faces to our Stewardship Team. You can find updated information here.
November 7, 2016
The latest President's Newsletter can be found here.
October 21, 2016
Announcement: The next General Union Meeting has been changed to November, 19.
October 9, 2016
The latest President's Newsletter can be found here.
September 29, 2016
This is an alert to let all members know that our regular scheduled meeting on OCTOBER 8th has been MOVED to be held on OCTOBER 15th.
We will still be meeting at EAGLEVIEW SCHOOL at our normal time of 10:00 am.
Please come out and share your thoughts and ideas and questions to the Executive to help us better serve you!
September 12, 2016
The President's Newsletter can now be read here.
September 7, 2016
The president's newsletter is forth coming, we are just waiting on the results of our discussions in regards to the Spring Break accrual.
July 21st, 2016 - "Doing what I want, when I want" - Retired
Here is a insightful interview about Rick Parker's life and experiences working at School District 61. He has since retired and his absence will be sorely missed, but we wish him all the luck and success in this next stage in his life. A well earned reward for working so hard and diligently through his years of service.
June 14th, 2016 - “It took cancer to realize that being self-centered is not the way to live. The answer is to try and help others.” - Terry Fox
Help support our Sister in achieving her goal to help others who have been effected by this terrible disease.
Hello Everyone
My name is Danielle Parent, I am the day custodian at Victor. I am participating in The Ride To Conquer Cancer this year. It's a 240 km bike ride from Surrey to Seattle. I will be riding with around 2000 other people, and will be asking and collecting donations to support cancer research. The deadline is August 12th for the donations that are mailed in and August 26th for the online ones. I'm really happy to have joined team Nova, and will be riding with them. Each rider has a personal goal of a minimum of $2500.00 to raise. I'm super excited to be helping to support such a worthy cause and take part in this adventure. I would really appreciate any help to reach my goal and help fund some of that amazing research they have been doing. There are so many various kinds of cancer that far too many loved ones have and are suffering from. Every dollar gets them that much closer to a cure, please help. Here is the link and instructions on how you can help support me in supporting them:
Then click BC
Then click donate
Then type Danielle parent as the participant
Then search and click on the donate now below between my name and Team Nova.
Thanks And Take Care, :)
June 7th, 2016 - Congratulations to our Retirees!
Well you made it! Come and help celebrate our members who are retiring from a well deserved career here at the district! All information can be found here.
June 6th, 2016 - "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." - Fred DeVito
Once again our President has released everything that we have been working on and any news that you should be aware of. Please take some time to go over the newest President's Newsletter.
May 11th, 2016 -
The new President's Report is out. Please take some time a read what our illustrious President has been up to here.
Also there is a brochure out that talks about violence in the K-12 workplace and how to deal with these types of incidents. Please take some time and have a look.
May 4th, 2016 - "The state of the Union usually depends on the state of the unions."
Registration is open for May 20th, 2016 ProD
Should you have rentals during this time please be sure they're covered and your Foreman and Supervisor are aware you'd like to attend.
Registration closes May 13th at 4PM
Please note: All workshops are at Spectrum Community School, unless otherwise stated. There are NO workshops at Shoreline Middle School due to the upcoming seismic upgrade. As parking is always an issue at all Pro Ds, please consider carpooling, public transit or biking to the Pro D.
Your ProD Committee
May 3, 2016 - "In Golf As In Life, It Is The Follow Through That Makes The Difference".
CUPE Golf Tournament 2016
The Annual Golf Tournament and Dinner is coming up soon! Please click the link below for all the information.
GolfTournament.pdf
April 30, 2016 - "It's Time To Send Christy Clark Packing!" - Paul Faoro (President, CUPEBC)
CUPEBC Convention 2016
Brothers McGuire, Taylor and Klassen attended this event which brings together like minded people to learn, go over business ( change and or make resolutions) and network.
We heard from some very inspirational speakers and acclaimed our CUPE BC President Paul Faoro, and the Secretary Treasurer Trevor Davies. Alison Pringle was elected General Vice President and Laurie Whyte elected trustee for a three year term.
The day of Mourning we attended a Ceremony on the front steps of the Legistrature. This featured a ceremonial guard of honor provided by Victoria Firefighters. Paul Faoro said," Just one worker killed or injured on the job is one worker too many." Keynote speaker Mohamed Fahmy shared his experience of survival in prison for 438 days. As an award winning Canadian Journalist while working in Egypt back in 2013, he was arrested on false terrorism charges and found himself sharing a prison cell with the likes of ISIS and Al Qaeda members. Since his release he has created the Fahmy Foundation to help other Journalists and prisoners unjustly imprisoned around the world. He is a crouagous advocate pushing for new laws to protect other Canadians from unjust laws and treatment of people simply doing their jobs. Giving the voiceless a say against degradation and repression. There is an essential role for UNIONS in the protection of human rights."
We had a lot of debate and passed a historical amendment to our constitution which added two diversity seats to the executive of CUPE BC.
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond was B.C.'s first Representative for Children and Youth. She spoke of how the BC Liberal policy is "Nothing short of a train wreck" for children and that "BC should not be standing along as the only province without a child poverty plan."
In Solidarity;
Rob Klassen
Web Editor's Note: We we sent to the convention as part of our duties to our Union Brother/Sisters and with that I collected as much information as I possibly could in an effort to get as much out of the cost of sending us as possible. Hopefully you find the following informative and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
(COMING SOON)
April 26, 2016 - "I pity the man who wants a coat so cheap that the man or woman who produces the cloth will starve in the process" - Benjamin Harrison (23rd President of the USA)
Pro-D Work Shops And You
May 20th, 2016 PRO D is fast approaching and for anyone who is interested please check out the following Web Page https://cupe947prod.sd61.bc.ca to see some of the sessions now available and get an idea of what you may want to participate in. Stay tuned for more workshops to be listed before registration date.
Registration opens on May 2nd at 6:00 a.m., and will be on a FIRST come FIRST Serve basis.
Should you have rentals during this time please be sure they're covered and your Foreman and Supervisor are aware you'd like to attend these sessions before May 2nd.
Registration closes May 13th at 4 PM.
Your Pro-D Committee
National Day of Mourning and International Worker Day (May Day)
April 28 every year we honor workers who have been killed or injured on the job. May 1st has long been an ancient European Spring holiday which also is the International Worker day which commemorates the Haymarket affair of 1886 in Chicago.
Just 200 years ago a normal working week was 6 days long and 10 to 16 hours per day. Child Labour was common. Then 150 years ago French workers won the 12 hour day after the February Revolution of 1848. In the UK introduction of the Factory Act of 1833 child labour was limited to those aged 9 to 13 could only work eight hours and those 14 to 18 could work twelve hour days. Children under nine were required to attend school. Organized labour movement adopted the slogan "eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest."
On May 3rd 1886 August Spies of Chicago spoke to a crowd of 6,000 which subsequently lead to police to open fire and kill four people and wounding many more. The next day May 4th 1886, a protest Rally formed in Haymarket Square. It began as a peaceful rally in support of workers striking for an eight hour day when police started to disperse the public meeting an unknown person threw a dynamite bomb at the police.
The bomb and gunfire killed seven police and four civilians with some (70) others wounded. August Spies and seven others were convicted and four were hanged including Spies.
The eight hour day didn't just happen because some Boss thought it was a good idea. Workers fought for it and gave their lives.
Community Action Day 2016
April 12, 2016
To: All CUPE BC Affiliated Locals, District Councils and Staff
From: Trevor Davies, Secretary-Treasurer
RE: May Day – Community Action Day 2016
May Day is celebrated and recognized as the International Workers’ Day, chosen over 100 years ago to commemorate the struggles and gains of workers and the labour movement. Out of the struggles came the 8-hour day, the five day work week, improved working conditions and child labour laws. These gains were not attained without the solidarity of workers and the communities the workers lived in. As workers, we must recognize and commemorate May Day for its historical significance and as a time to celebrate the contributions of workers today. CUPE Locals and District Councils celebrate May Day in a variety of ways including organizing food drives, clothing drives, barbecues, donating free access to community centre facilities and many other events. Proceeds from the drives and barbecues benefit local community organizations.
This year I am asking you to celebrate May Day in your communities by organizing events in your community that show that CUPE members care for the communities we live in. We can build on our successful events of previous years by again giving back to the communities we live and work in. The events may be planned during the first two weeks of May.
For your information, and for the information of your delegates to the CUPE BC Convention, there will be a community event celebrating International Workers Day under the banner Building Strong Communities in Victoria on Sunday May 1st.
The public will gather at 12 noon at Centennial Square downtown Victoria for a parade. From this point participants will march to the Fernwood Community Centre [1.5 kms] and enjoy a “no-money” market and labour celebration. There will be labour musicians, food and a free exchange and bartering of goods and services. A number of free workshops will be presented to the public on how to start a WorkSafe BC claim, bicycle repairs, Duty to Accommodate, urban gardening, women’s rights and others.
The CUPE BC Community Events Trailer will be stationed at the Fernwood Centre and will serve as the focal point for the day.
Please support CUPE members’ work in our communities by organizing a Community Action Day in your community or attending this Victoria event.
April 10, 2016 - A Call For Support
Our fellow Sister Chloe Deerenberg is in need of our help to spruce up her property and home in order to prepare it for sale. We lost our former Brother Peter Deerenberg recently and now is the time to show Chloe our support when she needs it most. This is part of what being in a Union is all about.
Please come on Saturday, April 16th to her home at 649 Seedtree Road in East Sooke.
We need volunteers to paint the inside of the house. Please bring any painting supplies or tools you have (trays, brushes, rollers, tarps).
We will also be taking care of the property by clearing the yard up, trimming hedges, bucking up several trees and general gardening. Again please bring any tools you think would be helpful to accomplish this goal (brooms, pruners, lopers, blower, rakes, chain saw).
Please bring food for the day and any other supplies to help our people show our support to Chloe.
All inquires or questions can please be directed to Steve @ 250-508-0050.
Please take some time, whether it be a hour or two, to come and lend a hand to a fellow CUPE Member when she needs us most.
April 7, 2016 - The April edition of the President's Report can be found here.
April 4, 2016 - The Annual Golf Tournament is coming up on June 5th! Please contact Terrance @ 250-858-1977 to register. You will be given a food choice for the dinner and this year you will have the option to play 9 or 18 holes of golf! Hope to see you all there!
March 9, 2016 - Please take the time to read the latest Labour Management Meeting Minutes and find out about issues and changes being worked on in co-operation with the Union and our Management Team.
CUPE_382_Labour-Management_Meeting_Minutes_-_February_16_16.pdf
March 5, 2016
CUPE 382
All Members Please be on the lookout for an email on April 25th letting members know what will be offered for MAY 20th ProD
Registration will open May 2nd at 6:00 AM and Close May 13th at 4:00 PM. This process will be online and will be first come, first served.
As well the Educational Facility Managers Association is pleased to offer four 4 $1,000.00 Bursaries to dependents of school district employees.
Deadline for these applications is April 30th, 2016.
And then we have our 382 Local Bursaries for dependents of our members as well. This Deadline for applications is May 31st, 2016.
Lastly your Executive will be hosting another Barbecue. Details to follow, so please come join us for coffee and treats at our next general meeting.
Eagleview Elementary School, 97 Talcott Road, March 12, 2016 in the Library.
In Solidarity
Rob Klassen
March 3, 2016 - The March President's Report is out. Take some time and get caught up on the issues the Executive and our President Fred Schmidt have been working on for the good of the Union.
President_Report_march_2016.pdf
March 2, 2016 - New Internal Postings - Lakehill / Oak Bay / Victoria West - Link Below
March 2 Postings
February 29, 2016 - Find below information and application form for the 2016 EFMABC Bursary. This bursary is available for students entering post secondary school in the 2016/2017 school year.
2016_EFMABC_Bursary_Information.doc
2016_EFMABC_Bursary_Application_Form.doc
February 24, 2016 - We would like everyone to observe their completion dates for Spring Break accrual as listed below.
January 6 2016 - Happy New Year, here is some information on Waste Water Treatment View
