Hello Members!

Well, our summer weather is long gone, and it’s time to bring out the sweaters and boots and bundle up for the colder months ahead!

We have a busy few months coming up, so I’d like to take this opportunity to share some important updates and upcoming events with everyone.

Upcoming Conventions and Education

The BC Federation of Labour Convention is quickly approaching and will take place in downtown Vancouver from November 23–27.

We also have the CLC Winter School coming up from January 10 to February 12 in Harrison Hot Springs, where it is held annually. This is a great opportunity for members, particularly those who are newer to the school district, to learn more about the labour movement, expand their knowledge and develop valuable skills that can support them in their union roles.

Christmas Events

We have two exciting holiday events just around the corner: our Children’s Christmas Party and our Adult Christmas Party and Social!

We look forward to bringing our members and their families together to celebrate the holiday season.

Bargaining Updates

We have officially started bargaining with Transdev, and additional bargaining dates have been scheduled. We’ll be back at the bargaining table again next week as we continue working toward a fair agreement for our members.

We also have bargaining dates scheduled for Children’s House of Montessori. We’re hopeful that discussions will progress smoothly and that we can reach an agreement within a couple of days.

As for the Library unit, we are still waiting for the employer to provide proposed bargaining dates. We’ll keep members updated as soon as we have more information.

Winter Shelters

As we head into the colder months, I also want to remind everyone that information about winter shelters is available on our Local’s website. This includes shelter locations, operating hours and the duration of available services.

Unfortunately, homelessness and the need for emergency shelter continue to be realities in our communities. If you know someone who may need assistance, please direct them to these resources. A little information and support can make a meaningful difference.

Keeping Your Contact Information Updated

I know we mention this regularly, but it’s important enough to repeat: please make sure the Local has your current email address and contact information.

If you’ve recently changed your email address, updated your contact information or simply aren’t sure what we have on file, please take a moment to contact the Union office.

Keeping your information up to date ensures you don’t miss important notices, bargaining updates, upcoming events or other communications from your Local. Accurate contact information is especially important when it comes to elections, voting access and other important union matters. We want to ensure every member receives the information they need and has the opportunity to stay informed and participate in their Local.

School Trustee Election Results

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the recent school trustee election results and congratulate Blair West and Candice Noel, both of whom received our endorsement and were successfully elected as school trustees.

We wish them every success in their new roles. We’re hopeful they will bring a strong voice to the table, make a positive contribution to the school district and continue supporting the students, families and staff who make our education system what it is.

As we move toward the holiday season, thank you to everyone for your continued involvement, participation and support. Our Local is strongest when members stay informed, have a voice and continue working together.

Thank you, everyone! Wishing you and your families a safe, warm and wonderful start to the holiday season!

In Solidarity,

Lisa Mayoh
President, CUPE Local 561

 

Members at Work….

 

 

 

 

CUPE 561 acknowledges that our province of British Columbia is located on the homelands of 203 distinct Indigenous Nations and cultures; with over 30 different languages and close to 60 unique dialects spoken in the province. We ask all of our members to reflect, acknowledge and honour in their own way the First Nations land on which they live work and play.

We respectfully acknowledge the traditional and unceded territory of the following Nations; Coast Salish,  kʷikʷəƛ̓əmᓪ(Kwikwetklem) , Stó:lo, sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh),  Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), Métis, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Semá:th and Mathxwí  and Inuit First Nations, in which our Local is able to operate. We recognize, honour and respect the presence of Indigenous people, past, present and future.