Location: Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: CUPE Local 15 545 W. 10th Ave. Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K9 Date & Time: The Boardroom at Kensington Community Centre – 5175 Dumfries Street in Vancouver Wednesday, November 25, 5:30 p.m. National Financial Report “Workers didn’t cause the recession, but they’re paying the price,” says Moist. “Even in times of recovery, we will see rollbacks demanded from workers.” By Paul Faoro, President con’t on page 6
The newsletter of CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers NOVEMBER 2009 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: CUPE Local 15 545 W. 10th Ave. Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K9 The Members’ voice General Membership Meeting NOVEMBER Date & Time: Wednesday, November 25, 5:30 p.m. Location: The Boardroom at Kensington Community Centre – 5175 Dumfries Street in Vancouver Under Discussion: • Notices of Motion: see page 3 • By-election for College Sector Representative • Under Discussion: COV 2010 Operating Budget General Meetings provide all members with an opportunity to participate in decisions that affect the union. Please note that there will be a short VMECW Society meeting following the union meeting to deal with the 2010 proposed budget. (Childcare assistance and Interpretation available upon request.) 2009 By Paul Faoro, President I am very pleased to report that Vancouver City Council just passed a motion submitted Councillor Geoff Meggs that gives notice to the GVRD Labour Relations Bureau of its intention to withdraw from membership effective December 31, 2011. Our union has been lobbying the City to pull out of this outdated and ineffective organization for years, especially after the role this body played in fueling the unions’ three-month strike in 2007. The City of Vancouver pays over $700,000 annually to the GVRD Labour Relations, which could be better spent enhancing public services and programs in Vancouver. The motion was passed by a 9-1 vote. NPA Councillor Suzanne Anton voted against the motion. Former NPA Councillor Elizabeth Ball found her way back to City Hall to speak against the motion as well. I am surprised Sam Sullivan didn’t make an appearance. Breaking News submitted on behalf of CUPE Local 15 Convention Delegates, by Leanne Toderian, 2nd Vice President It was a great honour and privilege to attend CUPE’s 24th National Convention in Montreal last month. I am pleased to be reporting on behalf of the 14 members who attended this very empowering and dynamic event. On behalf of our delegates, I would like to thank the membership for approving and sending us to this very important convention. Our National President, Brother Paul Moist opened convention at Montreal’s Palais de Congrès with words of praise for our members and activists, words of encouragement to our brothers and sisters involved in disputes; and words of promise to the commitment our national office gives to each and every one of our 600,000 plus members and what we collectively give each other. CUPE’s 24th National Convention Montreal, October 2009 “Workers didn’t cause the recession, but they’re paying the price,” says Moist. “Even in times of recovery, we will see rollbacks demanded from workers.” “Workers didn’t cause the recession, but they’re paying the price,” says Moist. “Even in times of recovery, we will see rollbacks demanded from workers.” “This is a pivotal moment, not only for CUPE, but for the labour movement as a whole. We must collectively decide that we will not march backward. We will get through this recession, and we will have a plan for the future.” “Our work is cut out for us. Luckily, we’re up for the challenge. In our union are some of the most committed activists I have ever seen. When we are united, we are an unstoppable force. I know it has been said attendance at conventions suggests long dull sessions that delegates have to sit through, but I assure you, it was far from dull and a very full and productive convention. “ National Financial Report Our sound financial situation will allow us to continue our fights for public services, equality Paul Moist, CUPE National President con’t on page 6
Transcript
The newsletter of CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community WorkersN
OVE
MBE
R
2009
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:CUPE Local 15545 W. 10th Ave.Vancouver, BCV5Z 1K9
The Members’voice
General Membership MeetingNOVEMBER
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 25, 5:30 p.m.
Location: The Boardroom at Kensington Community Centre – 5175 Dumfries Street in VancouverUnder
Discussion: • Notices of Motion: see page 3• By-election for College Sector Representative• Under Discussion: COV 2010 Operating Budget
General Meetings provide all members with an opportunity to participate in decisions that affect the union. Please note that there will be a short VMECW Society meeting following the union meeting to deal with the 2010 proposed budget. (Childcare assistance and Interpretation available upon request.)
2009
By Paul Faoro, President
I am very pleased to report that Vancouver City Council just passed a motion submitted Councillor Geoff Meggs that gives notice to the GVRD Labour Relations Bureau of its intention to withdraw from membership effective December 31, 2011. Our union has been lobbying the City to pull out of this outdated and ineffective organization for years, especially after the role this body played in fueling the unions’ three-month strike in 2007.
The City of Vancouver pays over $700,000 annually to the GVRD Labour Relations, which could be better spent enhancing public services and programs in Vancouver. The motion was passed by a 9-1 vote. NPA Councillor Suzanne Anton voted against the motion. Former NPA Councillor Elizabeth Ball found her way back to City Hall to speak against the motion as well. I am surprised Sam Sullivan didn’t make an appearance.
Breaking News
submitted on behalf of CUPE Local 15 Convention Delegates, by Leanne Toderian, 2nd Vice President
It was a great honour and privilege to attend CUPE’s 24th National Convention in Montreal last month. I am pleased to be reporting on behalf of the 14 members who attended this very empowering and dynamic event. On behalf of our delegates, I would like to thank the membership for approving and sending us to this very important convention.
Our National President, Brother Paul Moist opened convention at Montreal’s Palais de Congrès with words of praise for our members and activists, words of encouragement to our brothers and sisters involved in disputes; and words of promise to the commitment our national office gives to each and every one of our 600,000 plus members and what we collectively give each other.
CUPE’s 24th National Convention Montreal, October 2009
“Workers didn’t cause the recession, but they’re paying the price,” says Moist. “Even in times of recovery, we will see rollbacks demanded from workers.”
“Workers didn’t cause the recession, but they’re paying the price,” says Moist.
“Even in times of recovery, we will see rollbacks demanded from workers.”
“This is a pivotal moment, not only for CUPE, but for the labour movement as a whole. We must collectively decide that we will not march backward. We will get through this recession, and we will have a plan for the future.”
“Our work is cut out for us. Luckily, we’re up for the challenge. In our union are some of the most committed activists I have ever seen. When we are united, we are an unstoppable force. I know it has been said attendance at conventions suggests long dull sessions that delegates have to sit through, but I assure you, it was far from dull and a very full and productive convention. “
National Financial Report
Our sound financial situation will allow us to continue our fights for public services, equality Paul Moist, CUPE National President
con’t on page 6
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Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon has crossed the line with his move to legislate the 3,500 striking CUPE 873 Ambulance Paramedics back to work.
As I write this message Bill 21 is being debated in the Legislature in Victoria where Minister Falcon is claiming the legislation is necessary because of mounting stresses on the health care system. Mr. Falcon cites burned-out ambulance managers
and the growing demands of the H1N1 pandemic. While our NDP MLA’s will force the debate as long as they can Bill 21 will most likely pass which is extremely troubling.
If so the BC Liberals will make history as
it will be the first time a government in Canada has imposed a collective agreement on public sector employees at the same time that their union is conducting a vote on a final offer from the same government. You wouldn’t think this is the kind of history a government would want to be remembered for.
I am even more angered by this legislation knowing that the Vancouver Organizing
Committee for the 2010 Olympics (VANOC) had their hand in the creation of Bill 21. It turns out that rather than spending time polishing Olympic medals VANOC Director of Medical Services, Dr. Mike Wilkinson, sent a memorandum to the CEO of the BC Ambulance Service, Lee Doney and other government officials about the labour dispute in the ambulance service. According to a CUPE BC press release Dr. Wilkinson stated in his memorandum “VANOC Medical Services (and thus the IOC) requires definitive confirmation by October 1, 2009 that all required ambulance services will be provided as planned. These services include the ability to engage the VPCs and BCAS members in full venue planning as soon as possible. This confirmation must also include a guarantee that no services during the Games will be disrupted or reduced from what has been planned.” The memo further states “if we are unable to obtain that guarantee (through either settlement of the strike or legislated “detente” for the Games) then VANOC will be required to initiate alternative contingency plans to avoid cancellation of the Games.”
The Vancouver 2010 website hosts the words “the Vancouver 2010 mission is to touch the soul of the nation and inspire the world by creating and delivering an extraordinary Olympic and Paralympic experience with lasting legacies.” Bill 21 is not the kind of lasting legacy I think British Columbians want. I think the people at VANOC
should reconsider their slogan “With Glowing Hearts”. It is appalling that this unelected organization has interfered in this manner.
Bill 21 swiftly takes away the fundamental right of a union to bargain freely, which should concern every labour union member in British Columbia. With this move by government you cannot dismiss the premise that this form of legislation may be used again. Remember, this is the same government that tried to rip up collective agreements in the health care sector. When you think that just about every provincially funded collective agreement will expire next spring we must be more prepared than ever to fight for the right to negotiate freely and to reach a fair and respectful settlement. In CUPE 15 our members employed by the Vancouver School Board, Langara College, Emily Carr University, and Vancouver Coastal Health have collective agreements that expire March 31, 2010. These groups represent almost half of our membership.
I know over the coming days CUPE 873, CUPE British Columbia Division, and the BC Federation of Labour will examine all avenues to have Bill 21 torn up. Nothing can be as important.
Falcon’s decision is for the birds President’s Messageby Paul Faoro
Update from your Executive Letters, Notices, & Updates
WRI
TE T
O U
S!
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.
I had hoped to have some specifics to report with regards to the Shared Service Review but we are still waiting for more detailed information with respect to how
the decisions will impact our members. Clearly, the lack of information is having a negative impact in the workplace. Rumours persist and add to the stress inherent in this type of situation. Obviously we are encouraging folks to not accept rumours as facts but to wait for substantive information to come from the union or the employer, however challenging it may be
to adhere to this advice.
On a more positive note I am pleased to report that the Finance Committee has completed its work on the 2010 budget, which is printed in this issue for your perusal.
The document will come before the membership at the November 25th General Membership Meeting, which will again be held at Kensington Community Centre.
Brother Jordan Parente, who has been a Trustee for the local for a number of years, has stepped down from his position and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his years of service. At the October 28th General Membership Meeting Brother Arthur Lum accepted the nomination for the vacated two year Trustee position. Brother Lum, who is a Parking Enforcement Officer, is a welcome addition to the Finance Committee.
The CUPE National Convention was held in Montreal this year and Local 15 sent a contingent of activists who had an opportunity to become familiar with how the individual locals interact with their provincial bodies (in our case CUPE BC) and with the National labour body. Significant opportunities are provided for activists to gain knowledge about issues and make contacts with members from right across the country.
Brother Paul Moist, President of CUPE National, welcomed the delegates and provided the gathering with an overview of the fight back campaigns, strikes, job action, and successes of the past two years. Brother Claude Généreux, National Secretary Treasurer, provided a comprehensive report on the finances of the National Union. Canadian Labour Congress President Ken Georgetti addressed the convention as did Ken Lewenza, President of Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), who gave an inspiring speech about the importance of labour
activists broadening the activism to include action in politics and in support of social issues.
The Education Committee is very busy planning for the upcoming year in terms of requesting courses from the CUPE National Education Department and planning our own internal training sessions including our activist training weekend. We currently have three members scheduled to attend steward training in November, and two other members who were unable to attend this course being offered in Surrey are on a wait list for the next available course. It is very rewarding to be able to work with members who are enthusiastic about attending training in order to assist other members in the workplace.
The Retirement Planning Course planned for November has been cancelled due to low enrollment. The Municipal Pension Plan staff who participate in this training require that we have a minimum of 35 participants for this course. I have requested that the course be rescheduled for as early in the New Year as possible and encourage anyone interested to contact the union office as soon as possible.
Lots done at CUPE Convention, lots more to do
Betty McGee, Acting Secretary Treasurer
submitted by Michele Alexander, on behalf of the Education Committee
Union education is a valuable service provided to our members and we encourage active participation. We welcome your feedback and ideas about the courses that are offered. Here are the upcoming courses for November:
• Resolving Conflict
• Basic Effective Stewarding
• Preparing for Collective Bargaining and Note Taking
Please note the Retirement Planning course planned for November has been cancelled.
A list of workshops and courses can also be found on the CUPE BC website at www.cupe.bc.ca If anyone is interested in becoming a shop steward please contact the union office at 604-879-4671 or a member of the Education Committee.
Bursary Thank-yous! Thanks to the membership for my Education Bursary. I am currently doing a PhD with UBC’s Language and Literacy Department.
I have worked for the Vancouver School Board for over eight years and I also work in the theatre arts. With a young family, it’s an expensive challenge to pursue my program of study and I am sincerely grateful for the support.
Yours truly,Donnard MacKenzie, VSB
I am a CUPE 15 member who has been working as an SSSW in Vancouver for the past two and a half years. In the summer of 2008 I went back to university full time and am now completing an honours Georgraphy degree at Simon Fraser University. My study interests lie in promoting social equity and livability in urban areas, which I believe are core values of CUPE as well.
I’d like to express my gratitude for the union’s generosity in awarding me a $1,000 bursary to help me complete my degree. Contributions like this are increasingly needed for post-secondary students to get through university, and I am thankful to have the financial support of my union while living on a tight student budget.
Micah Davison, VSB
Notices of MotionUnion:1. BudgetThe Executive recommends adoption of the proposed 2010 Union budget.
2. DonationThe executive recommends that the membership approve a $2000 donation to CUPE Local 1000 whose 51 members have been on strike for over four months.
Notices of Motion - Society
BudgetThe Executive recommends adoption of the proposed 2010 Society budget.
Notice of By-ElectionThere is a vacancy for College Sector Representative. Election for this position will take place at the General Membership Meeting on November 25th. Only members from the College Sector can vote for the College Sector Representative position.
Importance Notice
The CUPE 15 office will be temporarily closed on November 30th for staff training. In addition we will be closed from noon on December 24th until January 4, 2010 for the holiday season. For urgent matters please call our office at 604-879-4671 and follow the instructions.
The Executive/ Members Decidedby Betty McGee, A/ Secretary Treasurer
At the October 2009 Executive and General Membership meetings the following decisions were made:• To extend an honourary lifetime
membership to Sister Sylvia Skene.• To approve up to five delegates for
Langara Board of Governors training at a cost of $75 per delegate.
• To send two members from Emily Carr and six members from the K-12 Sector to the CUPE BC K-12 University Conference held in Vancouver.
• To donate $250 to Media Democracy Day.
• To donate $150 the Gresham and Old Continental Lodges Christmas dinners.
• To approve the quote from Intellinet for the supply and installation of a server at a cost of $33,113.
• To approve the quote from Intellinet to provide ongoing system support and maintenance to the server and all existing PCs and laptops.
• To replace a computer at a cost not to exceed $1,500.
• To reaffirm a previous decision to replace three computers a year.
• To donate $1,000 to Women’s Information Safe House (WISH).
Thank-you! I am an occupational therapist working with Vancouver Coastal Health. I recently applied for funding to attend the International Seating Symposium, being held in Vancouver in March, 2010.
I was thrilled to open my mail box yesterday and find a cheque to cover the full amount of the three day conference. I love working in the community. My job gives me immense satisfaction. But in this climate of health care funding cuts my ability to find ways to meet the needs of my clients becomes increasingly challenging. There are more limitations to the funds my employer can provide for education and yet education is one of the things that makes me a more knowledgeable therapist and gives me an opportunity to grow professionally.
To be supported in my work by my union means a lot to me and I want to let everyone know how very much I appreciate the thoughtful assistance of CUPE. Please convey my sincere thanks to those who worked to put together this education fund in order to provide these opportunities for union members.
Sincerely,
Susan McCalla, Occupational TherapistVancouver Coastal Health
Lost and FoundA few items have been found in the union office over the past few months.
If you have lost:• a pink jacket
with a union pin• a set of keys
with a GM vehicle key and two personalized photo tags
• a pencil pouch with an assortment of pens and a USB storage unit
...then please contact the union office at 604-879-4671.
The Members’voiceNO
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4 The Members’voiceNO
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Budget Budget
Jan
01 t
o 20
0920
10
Sep
30/
09
Bud
get
Bud
get
Inco
me
705
· Ban
k In
tere
st 4
03
1,00
0 1,
000
710
· Inv
estm
ent I
nter
est
20,
060
20,
000
26,
000
715
· Fur
nitu
re L
ease
& M
embe
r Ser
vice
s 11
8,35
0 15
7,80
0 15
3,00
0
720
· Fac
ility
Fee
s U
nion
113,
625
151,5
00
132,
000
725
· Fac
ility
Fee
s CU
PE -
Loca
l 391
2,4
90
4,9
80
6,0
00
727
· Tra
nsfe
r - H
ealth
Mem
bers
60,
133
- -
Tota
l Inc
ome
315
,061
3
35,2
80
318
,000
Tran
sfer
s to
Re
serv
es
810.
Bui
ldin
g Fu
nd 3
0,00
0 3
0,00
0 3
0,00
0
815
· Con
tinge
ncy
Rese
rve
Fund
30,
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30,
000
30,
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Tota
l · T
rans
fers
to R
eser
ves
60,
000
60,
000
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000
Expe
nses
Build
ing
820
· Ins
uran
ce -
Bui
ldin
g &
Offi
cers
16,6
89
25,
000
25,
000
825
· Mai
nten
ance
Bui
ldin
g 5
,119
10,0
00
10,0
00
830
· Sup
plie
s Bu
ildin
g 2
,211
3
,500
3
,000
835
· Tax
es -
Build
ing
27,
384
35,
000
35,
000
840
· Util
ities
10,5
67
18,0
00
18,0
00
Tota
l · B
uild
ing
61,9
70
91,5
00
91,0
00
Leas
es &
Mem
ber S
ervi
ces
905
· Lea
se A
ddre
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stem
5,6
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7,0
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908
· Lea
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ax M
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3,0
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· Lea
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ail M
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7
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- Lea
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0
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- Lea
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elep
hone
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8
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8
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940
· Bur
sarie
s 9
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2
2,00
0 2
2,00
0
945
· Chi
ldre
n’s
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tmas
Par
ty -
10,0
00
10,0
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955
· Dep
reci
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n Ex
pens
e -
2,5
00
2,5
00
960
· Don
atio
ns &
Fin
anci
al S
uppo
rt -
19,0
00
19,0
00
965
- Flo
wer
s/Fr
uit B
aske
ts
1,86
7 5
,000
3
,000
970
· Leg
al/L
TD P
lans
resi
dual
- 2
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1,
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975
· Mai
nten
ance
- A
pp/E
quip
men
t 4
,133
7,0
00
7,0
00
980
· Mem
bers
Act
iviti
es 6
25
5,0
00
5,0
00
985
· Mem
bers
Ser
vice
s - B
BQ, S
ocia
ls -
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10,0
00
990
· Mem
ber S
ick
Cont
inua
nce
5,8
53
36,
000
36,
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· Pro
fess
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l Dev
elop
men
t - H
ealth
10,3
95
- -
Tota
l · L
ease
s &
Mem
ber S
ervi
ces
59,
116
168,
050
161,0
00
Gen
eral
855
· Aud
it Fe
es 1,
260
3,5
00
3,5
00
860
· Ban
k Ch
arge
s, A
nnua
l Fee
s 2
29
400
4
00
870
· Don
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ns/C
hris
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Hou
ses
- 2
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2
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· Fili
ng F
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ria -
Soci
ety
25
25
25
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· Har
dshi
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rant
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Tota
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ener
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5
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5
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Tota
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NET
INCO
ME
131,6
61
9,8
05
75
VMEC
W -
Soci
ety
prop
osed
bud
get 2
010
By Betty McGee. Acting Secretary - Treasurer
The CUPE Finance Committee has been involved in budget preparations for the past several months and the 2010 proposed budgets are printed here for your consideration. The development of a budget for an organization with approximately 6,000 members, two full time paid officers and a staff of nine, is a time consuming challenge. In addition to the Union budget our committee is also responsible for developing a separate Society budget.
There are no particularly significant changes in this budget from the 2009 budget with the exception of the line item on Negotiating, but I would like to highlight a few of the relatively minor changes.
UNION
Our dues revenues will be approximately $4.38 million in 2010 of which $2.25 million will be paid out in affiliation fees, leaving an operating budget of approximately $2.1 million. Contract enforcement remains a priority for the local and we are confident that the amount budgeted will meet or exceed our needs.
The substantial increase in line 5200-Negotiating is reflective of the fact that we have health, VSB,
and College/University bargaining units entering bargaining in 2010. In addition to bargaining with the employers in these sectors, CUPE Local 15 will be entering bargaining with our staff who are represented by CEP Local 467 and an increase in line item 5390 has been included to cover projected costs in this area.
Shop steward costs have been increased in this budget and I am pleased to inform you that this is, in part, the result of an increased number of stewards and from the work of the Education Committee in ensuring that training is being made available to this important group of members.
Consistent with last year’s budget we have allocated $25,000 to the political action reserve budget line. Any funds that are contributed to a political party by a CUPE local are matched by both CUPE BC and CUPE National and can have a significant financial impact on a campaign.
SOCIETY
We continue to contribute to the Building Contingency Fund established in previous years and as this fund grows we are able to look to the future when our space needs will exceed our current office space.
We have again budgeted for the Children’s Christmas Party which is a highlight of the year for many folks with small children, and certainly one of the most enjoyable events of the year for the Executive members who are involved in coordinating the event.
IN CLOSING
These budgets will be put before the membership at the November General Membership Meeting, which will be held at Kensington Community Centre on the 25th of this month. It will not be finalized until ratified by the membership.
The Finance Committee for the local who assisted in the development of this budget are Donald Rounding, Joey Lau, Jordan Parente, Mark Gloumeau (Accounting Coordinator), and Betty McGee (Acting SecretaryTreasurer), who will be available at the November meeting to answer any questions you may have. Please note that there will be a short VMECW Society meeting following the union meeting to deal with the 2010 proposed budget.
It’s budget time!
Jan
01/
09
2009
2010
to S
ep 3
0/09
B
udge
t B
udge
t
Inco
me
· Inc
ome
4010
· Ba
nk In
tere
st 5
,101
6,0
00
8,0
00
4040
· D
ues
(1.9
5% o
f Reg
Wag
es)
3,3
61,6
48
4,3
50,0
00
4,3
80,0
00
4060
· $9
Initi
atio
n/Lo
cal 1
5 4
,572
5
,000
5
,000
Tran
sfer
from
Pol
itica
l Act
ion
Rese
rve
18,6
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000
10,0
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Tota
l · In
com
e 3
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,985
4
,386
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4
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Tran
sfer
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Re
serv
es
Tran
sfer
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oliti
cal A
ctio
n Re
serv
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Tota
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rans
fers
to R
eser
ves
25,
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nses
· Affi
liatio
n Co
sts
5001
· CU
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eg W
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) 2
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312
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3
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5002
· CU
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(.00
7% R
eg W
ages
) 12
,091
15
,700
15
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5003
· CU
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atio
nal (
.85%
Reg
Wag
es)
1,46
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1 1,
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200
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9,23
0
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· VD
LC (.
35 p
er m
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mo)
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Cost
s 1,
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Com
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Com
mun
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· La
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Mov
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t Sup
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866
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0,00
0 10
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5060
· Po
litic
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ent
48,
902
125,
000
100,
000
Neg
otia
tions
5200
· N
egot
iatio
ns
35,
997
40,
000
100,
000
5290
· Co
ntra
ct P
rintin
g 7
,344
2
0,00
0 2
0,00
0
Tota
l · N
egot
iatio
ns 4
3,34
1 6
0,00
0 12
0,00
0
Exec
utiv
e &
Com
mitt
ee C
osts
5305
· Cl
othi
ng C
omm
ittee
4,4
79
1,00
0 1,
000
5310
· CU
PE B
illin
gs M
etro
/BC
380
-
-
5315
· D
iver
sity
Com
mitt
ee -
1,00
0 -
5345
· Ex
ecut
ive
- Boo
k off
4,4
76
10,0
00
10,0
00
5350
· Ex
ecut
ive
- Gen
eral
11,0
97
10,0
00
14,0
00
5355
· Fi
ghtb
ack
Cam
paig
ns 2
60
25,
000
20,
000
5360
· Fi
nanc
e Co
mm
ittee
76
2,5
00
2,0
00
5365
· G
ener
al C
omm
ittee
(Site
Mee
tings
) 8
21
5,0
00
-
5470
· G
rieva
nce
Com
mitt
ee -
500
5
00
5373
· H
aras
smen
t Com
mitt
ee -
2,0
00
-
5380
· O
H&
S Co
mm
ittee
- 10
,000
2
,000
5385
· O
ther
Com
mitt
ees
- -
5,0
00
5390
· St
aff A
dvis
ory
Com
mitt
ee 3
,933
15
,000
3
5,00
0
5395
· U
nion
Edu
catio
n Co
mm
ittee
718
4
,000
4
,000
Tota
l · E
xecu
tive
& C
omm
ittee
Cos
ts 2
6,24
0 8
6,00
0 9
3,50
0
Mem
ber I
nfo
& M
eetin
gs54
55 ·
Conf
eren
ces
Mun
icip
al a
nd A
CCC
1,55
2 5
,000
5
,000
5457
· Co
nfer
ence
s A
pp -
Educ
atio
n Co
m/E
xec
24,
903
25,
000
30,
000
5460
· Co
nven
tions
-Nat
iona
l/CLC
/CU
PE B
C 4
3,54
1 7
5,00
0 3
0,00
0
5465
· D
eleg
ates
/Sem
inar
s M
embe
rs -
2,5
00
2,5
00
5470
· G
ener
al/M
eetin
gs M
embe
rs 5
,954
12
,000
12
,000
5472
· M
embe
rs R
ecog
nitio
n 2
54
2,0
00
2,0
00
5475
· M
embe
rs’ V
oice
Prin
ting
& P
osta
ge 4
8,46
5 8
0,00
0 8
0,00
0
5480
· W
ebsi
te M
aint
enan
ce 2
,050
4
3,00
0 8
,000
5485
· Co
mm
unic
atio
ns -
- 15
,000
Tota
l · M
embe
r Inf
o &
Mee
tings
126,
719
244
,500
18
4,50
0
Shop
Ste
war
d Co
sts
5505
· A
ctiv
ist T
rain
ing
Wee
kend
35,
903
40,
000
40,
000
5515
· Ch
ief S
hop
Stew
ard
5,0
27
10,0
00
12,0
00
5560
· O
rient
atio
ns 7
,314
3
0,00
0 3
0,00
0
5565
· O
ut o
f Tow
n Co
urse
s 3
9,61
8 2
0,00
0 3
0,00
0
5567
· Sh
op S
tew
ards
- G
ener
al &
Boo
k O
ff 16
,610
4
0,00
0 4
0,00
0
Tota
l · S
hop
Stew
ard
Cost
s 10
4,47
2 14
0,00
0 15
2,00
0
Secr
etar
y-Tr
easu
rer C
osts
5610
· Se
cret
ary-
Trea
sure
r W
ages
44,
472
65,
850
68,
500
5620
· Se
cret
ary-
Trea
sure
r Ben
efits
8,8
94
13,18
0 13
,700
5630
· Tr
ansp
orta
tion
- 1,
000
1,00
0
Tota
l · S
ecre
tary
Tre
asur
er C
osts
53,
366
80,
030
83,
200
Pres
iden
t Cos
ts56
60 ·
Pres
iden
t W
ages
44,
725
65,
850
68,
500
5670
· Pr
esid
ent B
enefi
ts 8
,945
13
,180
13,7
00
5675
· Tr
ansp
orta
tion
108
1,00
0 1,
000
Tota
l · P
resi
dent
Cos
ts 5
3,77
8 8
0,03
0 8
3,20
0
Fiel
d St
aff E
xpen
ses
5704
· Ca
r Allo
wan
ce -
Perm
anen
t Rep
s 2
2,56
1 3
0,00
0 3
0,60
0
5710
· Fi
eld
Staff
Car
s - G
as, M
aint
& In
s 13
,621
2
0,00
0 2
0,40
0
5715
· Fi
eld
Staff
Sal
arie
s 2
31,7
49
304
,000
3
13,15
0
5720
· Fi
eld
Staff
Tra
inin
g 9
55
2,0
00
3,0
00
5725
· Te
mp
Fiel
d St
aff (i
nc b
enefi
ts)
9,3
79
25,
000
25,
000
5730
· Te
mp
Fiel
d St
aff-C
ars,
Tra
nspo
rtat
ion
703
5
,000
5
,000
Tota
l · F
ield
Sta
ff E
xpen
ses
278
,968
3
86,0
00
397
,150
Cler
ical
Sta
ff C
osts
5755
· A
ccou
ntin
g Co
ordi
nato
r Sal
ary
42,
417
55,
500
57,
150
5760
· A
cctg
- Te
mp
(inc
bene
fits)
886
8
,000
8
,000
5775
· Cl
eric
al S
alar
ies
125,
215
161,5
00
166,
350
5780
· Cl
eric
al T
rain
ing
987
2
,000
3
,000
5785
· Te
mp
Cler
ical
(inc
ben
efits
) 8
,452
2
5,00
0 2
5,00
0
Tota
l · C
leric
al S
taff
Cos
ts 17
7,95
7 2
52,0
00
259
,500
Build
ing
Mai
nt W
orke
r Cos
ts58
05 ·
Bldg
Mai
nt W
orke
r Sal
ary
24,
112
30,
800
31,7
50
5810
· Te
mp
BMW
(inc
ben
efits
) 2
,418
3
,500
3
,500
Tota
l · B
uild
ing
Mai
nt W
orke
r Cos
ts 2
6,53
0 3
4,30
0 3
5,25
0
Staff
Ben
efits
5905
· CP
P 19
,447
2
2,00
0 2
3,00
0
5910
· EI
8,3
56
12,0
00
10,0
00
5915
· Em
ploy
ee A
ssis
tanc
e Pr
ogra
m -
2,0
00
2,0
00
5920
· G
roup
Insu
ranc
e 4
,644
5
,000
6
,000
5930
· M
ed/E
x H
ealth
/Den
tal
43,
819
45,
000
48,
000
5935
· Pr
ovis
ion
for R
etire
men
t Pay
outs
5,3
45
20,
000
42,
400
5940
· Pe
nsio
n Pl
an 3
9,47
9 5
0,00
0 5
1,500
5945
· VE
SP S
avin
gs 8
,565
11
,000
11
,400
5950
· W
CB 5
0 2
,500
1,
800
Tota
l · S
taff
Ben
efits
129,
705
169,
500
196,
100
Offi
ce &
Adm
in C
osts
6005
· A
udit
Fees
3,3
60
12,0
00
12,0
00
6010
· Ba
nk C
harg
es a
nd F
ees
1,65
2 2
,500
2
,500
6013
. Bo
oks
& P
ublic
atio
ns 10
,776
10
,000
12
,000
6020
· Bu
ildin
g Le
ase
113,
625
151,5
00
132,
000
6025
· Ce
llula
r 3
,731
5
,000
5
,000
6035
· Eq
uipm
ent &
Fur
nitu
re L
ease
118,
350
157,
800
153,
000
6045
· Po
stag
e &
Cou
rier
13,3
10
25,
000
25,
000
6050
· St
atio
nery
/Offi
ce S
uppl
ies
14,0
37
23,
500
23,
000
6055
· Te
leph
one,
Inte
rnet
7,7
50
15,0
00
12,0
00
6060
· IT
Ser
vice
/Sup
port
- -
11,0
00
Tota
l · O
ffice
& A
dmin
Cos
ts 2
86,5
91
402
,300
3
87,5
00
Tota
l Exp
ense
s 3
,139,
442
4,3
83,8
60
4,4
01,3
15
Net
Inco
me
250
,543
2
,140
1,68
5
CUPE
LO
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The Members’voiceNO
VEM
BER
2009
6 The Members’voiceNO
VEM
BER
2009
7
National News National News
and social justice. - Claude Genéréux, National Secretary Treasurer [re-elected at convention] The report given by our re-elected National
Secretary Treasurer, Claude Genéréux was very positive. Our union has experienced a huge financial turnaround in the last 10 years under his determined guidance and with the support of CUPE members across the country our finances are in great shape. Despite many long running labour disputes/strikes our members have encountered across the country, our finances remain sound.
I’m proud to say that our union remains very solid. All of our funds, the General Fund, the Defence Fund and the Strike Fund, are our foundations. What the strength in our asset base means is that, today, no CUPE member needs to worry about strike pay again, no CUPE member needs to worry about the ability of their union to fight back against privatization, or the ability of their union to fight for social justice. Simply put - our strike fund remains strong standing at over $20 million after supporting over 30,000 members just this year. Really, its’ 48,000 members since last convention.”
Strategic Directions Report
In 2003 CUPE moved away from debating individual policy papers on single issues to debating and adopting a unified program of action at convention. We are continuing this approach with this current policy paper. The many issues which lie at the very core of our labour values, such as organizing, privatization, stewarding, and health and safety, are covered in this document. This is a living document and can be and is debated at each convention. The contents can be found at CUPE’s website. Please take the time to review it. It provides a good snapshot of what we are working toward.
Report Finds Disturbing Growth in City Management
Regina recorded significant growth over the last eight years, but a new report released today shows the growth is most pronounced in one area: management positions at City Hall.
The CUPE Research Report, “Top Heavy: How many managers does it take to run a city?”
finds the number of management positions at Regina City Hall nearly doubled over the last seven years, from 60 positions in 2001 to 112 in 2008 – an increase of 86.7%. The new top heavy structure at Regina City Hall is costing taxpayers dearly without any improvement in city services, the report states. The report is available (in English only) at http://cupe.ca/municipalities/report-disturbing-growth-city.
Supreme Court Upholds the Right to Demonstrate
One of the beautiful things about attending National Conventions is being able to share in other local’s victories, which ultimately become ours. The Supreme Court of Canada last week refused to hear appeals from citizens demanding compensation for inconvenience suffered during a demonstration by Montreal blue-collar workers in September 2003. This is a huge victory for unions all across the country.
Initially, the Superior Court had ordered the blue collar workers to pay a fine of $25 to $35 to 435 people but subsequently, the Court of Appeal had concluded that the right to travel by
car without suffering undue delay does not fall under the Charter of Rights. The president of the Montreal blue-collar workers’ union (CUPE 301), Michel Parent, welcomed the news. “This court decision enshrines our right to demonstrate,” he said.
Resolutions
This convention was a banner year and delegates passed more resolutions than in previous years. Resolutions are the backbone of our union in regards to direction we take on every level of our organization, political, health and safety, social justice issues. These are also available on line. I urge you to check them out.
Among other resolutions, delegates supported a call for campaign on casual and part time work. With employers increasing the use of casual, relief and temporary workers, forcing mostly young and racialized workers in all sectors into low wage, precarious employment without benefits, it’s time for CUPE to mount a campaign for full time permanent jobs, delegates decided.
EMS Employees Meet at National Convention
Paramedics have been on strike in BC since April 1, 2009. An essential services order from the Labour Board has forced CUPE to maintain service levels of over 96%. In some areas, essential service levels are higher than staffing compliments before the strike. In an effort to enforce the service levels, the employer won
a legal decision that would put paramedics in contempt of court for failing to answer phone calls from their employer. A full report is available at www.cupe.ca
Disability Rights Award
Long-time union activist Sister Catherine Peters won this year’s CUPE national disability rights activism award. Health and safety remains a top concern for members across the country.
Elections
We are pleased to report that CUPE BC President Barry O’Neill, was re-elected as a General Vice President, and Secretary Treasurer Mark Hancock was re-elected Regional Vice President to CUPE’s National Executive Board. The work they do on behalf of our members in British Columbia and Alberta is phenomenal.
In closing, I would like to express my pleasure in the opportunity to meet and bond with members across the country, who share their struggles and successes with each other freely. The value in attending and participating in this democratic process is immeasurable. The collective power, passion and dedication to improving the workplace for all are palpable. The struggles we fight are being fought across the country in locals big and small. Together in solidarity we can achieve great things.
CUPE’s 24th National Convention Montreal, Oct 2009con’t from cover
The Members’voiceNO
VEM
BER
2009
8
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: Betty McGee
2nd Vice President: Leanne Toderian
Secretary Treasurer: Betty McGee (Acting)
Sector Representatives:City: Sally Bankiner, Diane Brown
College/University: Emma Somers
Cultural: Matthew Quiring
Health/HSSCBA: Patricia Taylor
Health/HSPBA: Caroline Mewis
Parks: Anne-Marie McGee, Barb Dickinson
K-12: Kenny Brett, Miriam Pulsifer
Trustees:Joey Lau, Donald Rounding, Arthur Lum
Staff Representatives:Steve Baker, John Geppert, Keith Graham, Graeme Moore
CUPE National Representatives:Justin Schmid, Tina Meadows, Matt Yun
Designed by talkingdog.ca
The Members’voice
NO
VEM
BER
2009 The Members’voice
Events & CreditsThe Members’voice
We have an exciting new venue to host our Annual Children’s Christmas Party. Refreshments and goodies will be available in the Host Boardroom. Science World staff can direct you to our location.
Date: Sunday, December 6thWho: Children of Local 15 members only - Under age 12Time: 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the Group Sales counter.Where: Science World
RSVP: By telephone to the CUPE Local 15 office 604-879-4671Deadline - 5:30 p.m. Friday, November 27, 2009
Please note the following:
• Once again there is a maximum of 4 admission tickets per family. We ask that you respect our goal to send as many children to our event as possible. There will be no exceptions.
• Pay parking is available at the venue, cash/credit cards accepted.• Conveniently located at Stadium SkyTrain station).• If you register and subsequently need to cancel please advise the union office as soon as possible.
Annual Children’s Christmas Party
City of Vancouver 2010 Operating Budget & VSR UpdateBy Paul Faoro, President
As I reported last month in the Members’ Voice the City of Vancouver is facing a $61.7 million dollar shortfall on its operating budget for 2010. The City is now currently embarked on a public consultation process for the budget where they are seeking input from the public on their priorities for public services and the overall level of taxation. The City set up eight meetings across the City in community centers and one special meeting for stakeholders. On behalf of our union I have attended five of these meetings and we plan to attend the remaining ones, as our union wants to ensure public services are protected and not reduced or cut.
In addition to the public meetings the City has an online budget survey that I strongly encourage everyone who lives in Vancouver to fill out. The website address is http://dialogue.vancouver.ca/survey/2010-Operating-Budget. This is your opportunity to say no to service cuts that will hurt your community and potentially impact CUPE members employed by the City, Park Board, and Library.
In addition to the City’s survey the non-profit organization Think City is conducting its own survey on the Vancouver operating budget, which I ask you to take a few minutes to complete. It can be found at www.thinkcity.ca.
Tied into the operating budget is the Vancouver Shared Service Review, which is looking at the service delivery practices and general operation of the City of Vancouver, Park Board, Library and all other associated Boards and agencies. The VSR has identified savings of $10.2 million in 2010 and up to $277.8 million in 2012. While CUPE 15 has not received any details 58 FTE’s have been identified to be cut from next year’s budget and up to 204 FTE’s in 2012. CUPE 15 will respond immediately to these potential cuts when we are provided full details.
Once we have more details we will send out additional information to the membership as required. We have already called a meeting with our City and Parks Shop Stewards to brief them on these issues.
