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Community Social Services Bargaining Update
September 11, 2025
The Community Social Services Bargaining Association negotiation committee,
including your CUPE representatives, are back at the negotiations table this week. We
are continuing to make progress on non-monetary proposals with the Community
Social Services Employers’ Association (CSSEA).
Our goal remains the same as we get back to the table: to raise pressing workplace
concerns with the employers and win real solutions to problems that have plagued our
sector for too long. We remain firm that a quality community social services contract
must address the concerns that you raised to our committee.
And as you’ll have seen in the news, workers represented by the BC Government
Employees Union (the “BCGEU”) are currently on strike with the province at several
worksites. We stand firmly in support and solidarity with BCGEU and its members on
strike. We are watching this situation closely and encourage members to show their
support for their fight for a fair collective agreement.
Your continued support and engagement are critical to our collective success at the
bargaining table. Please remind your coworkers to sign up to get updates by email and
ensure that your contact information is current, so you can get regular updates during
bargaining.
In solidarity,
Your CUPE representatives on the CSSBA Bargaining Committee
Sheryl Burns CUPE 1936
Lee-Ann Lalli CUPE 1936
Valeria Mancilla CUPE 1936
Bob Crozier CUPE 523
Laura House CUPE 399
COPE491
BC Federation of Labour News and Current Disputes
LAST CALL: Young Workers Leadership Retreat
Loon Lake Lodge and Retreat Centre
Maple Ridge / September 8–10, 2025
It’s the final call for this popular event! If you’re a young worker interested in taking on a leadership position in the labour movement, this is your chance to develop the skills that will help you on your journey.
You’ll be one of just 50 young workers delving into your own styles of leadership and identifying areas for growth. You’ll complete trainings like:
- the acclaimed Be More Than A Bystander training
- Organizing 101 – Workers Unite!
- Organizing 102 – All Power to the People
- Listen Up! Public speaking, moving the motions, and crafting the chants
- Why Unions Should Care About Politics and How We Get Involved
Together, you’ll build a broad range of leadership skills, such as organizing and active allyship to build more equitable and inclusive workplaces. We’ll offer team- and trust-building activities throughout the retreat, as you develop a better understanding of where you are and where you’d like to see yourself to achieve your goals.
Interested in coming? Talk to your union today!
Don’t ship our jobs overseas
BC Ferries just handed half a billion dollars in public money to a state-owned shipyard in China while welders, riggers, apprentices and steelworkers here sit on the sidelines.
Let’s stand up for good jobs, stronger communities and a ferry system we can count on. Offshore builds may look cheaper on paper — until you count the hundreds and hundreds of millions in lost wages, tax revenue and economic opportunity.
Tell your MLA and MP: build our ferries here, not there.
Current Disputes
Notice Issued
UNITE HERE Local 40 vs Coast Hotels
Notice issued: Monday, June 30, 2025
Strikes and Lockouts
Please respect the unions’ picket lines in the following disputes, and do not patronize these businesses until the dispute is settled.
USW 1944 vs Rogers Communications (Abbotsford)
Issues: Wage parity, contract length
Commencement: June 19, 2025
IUOE 115 vs Diamond Truck Center (Harbour International)
Issues: Concessions
Commencement: March 20, 2025
IBB D-277 vs. Heidelberg Materials
Issues: Contracting out, health benefits
Commencement : January 13, 2025
Settled
CUPE vs Air Canada
A tentative agreement has been reached for members to vote on.
SEIU Local 2 vs Alberni Golf Club (Port Alberni)
BCGEU vs LifeLabs
BCGEU vs Western Pacific Marine
Note: Pickets ended April 11th, parties proceeding to mediation.
Did you know you can save more with the Endless Saving
Save with hundreds of discounts available on your smartphone. Mark’s – Save 10% in-store every day and save 25% off regular priced items from Sept. 7th to 13th. Under Armour Canada – Save up to 40% off outlet plus an additional 30% and an additional 15% until Sept. 2nd. Foot Locker – Save up to 50% plus an additional 15% off until Sept. 2nd. Ardene – Save an additional 10% off all purchases. Penningtons – Save an additional 10% off regular and sale prices in-store or online. Chefs Plate Canada – Receive up to 22 free meals plus New Dollar Menu. HP Canada – Save up to an additional $150 until Sept. 6th. NYX Canada – Save 20% off regular priced items. Rogers – Save 30% or more on Rogers smartphone plans and phones. Choice Hotels – Save 15% with ESM Preferred Rates at all Choice Hotels worldwide. Save on admission tickets to Disneyland, Disneyworld, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Knott’s Berry Farm and almost all other US theme parks. Tap the ESM App and check out the “Travel and Play” category for details about these offers and all travel discounts including hotels, vacation packages, car rentals and more. The Co-operators – Extra savings on home, condo or tenants insurance with ES discount code 87015. Call 1-800-387-1963 and mention the name of your organization and the ES discount code 87015 to find out how much you can save. Join the thousands of ES Customers who are saving hundreds of dollars every year on their home insurance. For details, check out “Insurance Services” in the “Business & Money” category on the ES App. New Merchant Savings Available Now on ESM Factor Canada – Save up to an additional $120 or more. Pine Mortgage – Receive up to $5,000 cash back in addition to low mortgage rates, and dedicated support. Emma Sleep Canada – Save up to 40% off mattresses and accessories plus an additional 8% until Sept 8th. Body Jewelry – Save an additional 25% off all items. Ulanzi – Save 20% off regular priced or an additional 3% off sale items. |
| To get the ES Mobile App on your smartphone, use the direct links below (Apple or Google). When you first download ES, you will be asked for the:
CUPE BC “Organization Code”. It’s: cupebc
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Vancouver & District Labour Council
Hi everyone!
We’re kicking off our new young workers committee with a BBQ social at Trout lake (John Hendry Park) on Sunday the 24th! We will be setting up at 2pm at the south side of the lake where we’ll be grilling up some food for folks and hanging out into the evening. We’re supplying food and friendly faces. (BYOB but we will have water).
We’re looking for workers 35 and younger who are interested in socializing, organizing and broadly getting more active in the Vancouver District Labour Council. If you or anyone you know from your Locals is interested in making new friends, and getting more involved, please send them our way! I’m hoping for this to be a fun way to find new young delegates for the council.
Our first meeting will be a casual social where we can get to know one another and discuss some of our plans for the future of the committee. Please RSVP through the following link so we can determine how many people we should plan to cook for. There is also a space for dietary preferences and restrictions:
Looking forward to meeting you,
Avril McGurk, Chairperson
VDLC Young Workers’ Committee
Join us at our Equal Pay for Equal Work Rally on Monday, August 18!
Circulated on behalf of USW Local 1944 –
Rogers Tower, 1067 W. Cordova St., Vancouver, BC, from 1-2PM.
If you can’t attend this rally, please consider making a donation to the strikers.
Donation link here: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/9Q99DAFTXJ7Y4/checkout/KM5NLAC4ZWPQKBUYPSPUBLV
BC Federation of Labour Current Disputes
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CUPE BC UPDATES GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & RESOURCES
Dear members,
Join CUPE Metro at the Vancouver Canadians – for Free! — CUPE BC is proud to be coordinating a CUPE Night at the Vancouver Canadians. Join us at the game on Thursday, August 21 at 7:00pm. We have opened up RSVPs for tickets for you and up to three guests. Please fill out this form to RSVP by Friday, July 25th. Tickets have been purchased by CUPE BC, CUPE Metro, and CUPE National. After July 28th, tickets will be confirmed by email, based on availability and distribution throughout different locals.
BC Fed | 2025 Young Workers Leadership Retreat | Sep 8-10. – Registration is now open for the BC Federation of Labour 2025 Young Workers Leadership Retreat in Maple Ridge, running from September 8 to 10! This is a great way to help develop the next generation of leadership in your union and our movement.
Dates: Sep 8-12, 2025
Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre at 14500 Silver Valley Rd, Maple Ridge
Fee: $500 covering transportation, accommodation and all meals
Registration: Click here
More Information: See event site
CoDev Canada | Harvest of Empire Movie Night | Jul 24 — CoDevelopment Canada is hosting a special movie night celebrating Latin American voices, stories, and the journeys that connect us all, with Q&A and conversation after the viewing of Harvest of Empire (2012).
Date & Time: Jul 24, 2025 | 6:30pm (Pacific)
Location: SFU Harbour Centre at 515 West Hastings St, Vancouver
Ticket Requests: Click here
VDLC | Fall Education | Sep 5-Nov 26. — The Vancouver & District Labour Council is offering a great selection of workshops for the fall which include Legal Research, Investigations & Interrogations Level I and II, History of Canadian Labour, Human Rights, WCB Pensions, Psychological Injuries, BC Labour Code and more. See full listings here and visit VDLC Events to register.
FNHA | With Open Arms Campaign Toolkit — Read more here on the “With Open Arms” harm reduction toolkit for Indigenous youth developed by the First Nations Health Authority YAC (Youth Advisory Committee) drawing on the principles of holistic wellness. Click here for more information on the broader campaign or to download resources.
CCFA-Vancouver | Moncada Day Event | Jul 26 —- Visiting University of Houston Professor of History and African American Studies Dr. Gerald Horne will be the keynote speaker for the Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association’sMoncada Day event Solidarity Across Nations: Moncada’s Revolutionary Legacy. The evening will be a gathering of activists, scholars, and community members reflecting on the legacy of the anti-imperialist struggle, the importance of self-determination and the vital role of international solidarity. Admission is free.
Date & Time: Jul 26, 2025 | 7:00pm (Pacific)
Location: Russian Hall at 600 Campbell Ave, Vancouver
Labor Notes | Virtual Stewards Workshop | Jul 23 —- All union stewards are invited to register for July’s virtual workshop from Labor Notes. See monthly educational calendar here.
Date & Time: Jul 23, 2025 | 7:30pm – 9:00pm (Eastern)
Fee: $10 US, no one turned away for lack of funds
Registration: Click here
Electoral Reform Special Committee | Call for Submissions | Jul 25 —- Written submissions to the Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform, seeking input on democratic engagement, voter participation, and electoral reform, will be accepted via PDF until July 25, 2025 2:00pm (Pacific). See more information and submission preparation guidelines here.
Should you have any questions regarding this update, please email info@cupe.bc.ca for additional information.
Solidarity Across Nations: Moncada’s Revolutionary Legacy
-Circulated on behalf of Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association Vancouver-
We invite you to join us for a special event in honor of Moncada Day, hosted by the Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association – Vancouver (CCFA-Vancouver).
Solidarity Across Nations: Moncada’s Revolutionary Legacy
With Special Guest Speaker & Book Signing by Gerald Horne
Date: Friday, July 26
Doors Open: 6:45 PM
Event Start: 7:00 PM
Location: Russian Hall – 600 Campbell Ave, Vancouver, BC
We are honoured to welcome Dr. Gerald Horne as our keynote speaker. Dr. Horne is a Professor of History and African American Studies at the University of Houston, and a prolific scholar whose work explores racism, labor, anti-colonial movements, and international solidarity. He is the author of over thirty books, and his contributions offer deep insights into revolutionary history. We are happy to confirm Dr. Horne will be available at this event for a book signing of his new book: The Capital of Slavery.
This evening will be a gathering of activists, scholars, and community members reflecting on the legacy of the anti-imperialist struggle, the importance of self-determination and the vital role of international solidarity.
This event is free admission. Donations will be collected for material aid to Cuba.
The event is hosted by CCFA-Vancouver, a grassroots organization dedicated to building friendship and solidarity between the peoples of Canada and Cuba. The CCFA is a proud member of the Canadian Network on Cuba. Learn more about our work here:
https://vancouver.canadacubafriendship.ca/about-us
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & RESOURCES
Dear members,
Please read on for general CUPE BC announcements and to learn more about upcoming events, learning resources, and community engagement opportunities. If this email was forwarded to you and you wish to be added to our mailing list, please send an email request to info@cupe.bc.ca.
Free Tickets | Vancouver Bandits Basketball Game | July 6 & 18. – CUPE BC is offering free tickets to watch the Vancouver Bandits take on the Brampton Honey Badgers and the Saskatchewan Rattlers this July at the Langley Events Centre. The Vancouver Bandits are # 1 in their league currently. See standings here. Enjoy a professional basketball game and watch world-class entertainment.
Game Day: Sunday, July 6, 2025. Time: 5:00 pm. Brampton Honey Badgers vs. Vancouver Bandits
Game Day: Friday July 18, 2025. Time: 7:00 pm. Saskatchewan Rattlers vs. Vancouver Bandits
Members who wish to attend the game cam receive up to 4 tickets apiece by request to info@cupe.bc.ca with your name, CUPE Local, and preferred game date. Tickets will be distributed to members on a first come, first serve basis
Surrey Pride | Civic Centre | June 28. – CUPE BC and CUPE Local 728 will host two booths at the 26th annual Surrey Pride Festival. The event will be held on Saturday, June 28 (12:00-7:00 pm PST) at Surrey Civic Centre. All members are invited to come celebrate and visit with us at the booths.
Disability Justice Survey | Civic Participation Workshop | July 2 – Women Transforming Cities (WTC) is partnering with Live Educate Transform Society (LET’S), an organization run by disabled and neurodivergent folks who work to create change through advocacy and education, to co-create a workshop on Understanding Local Government through a disability justice lens. The goal is to achieve more equitable and accessible civic participation by, with, and for people with disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard by local governments.
CUPE members living with a disability (or disabilities) are invited to participate in a survey, which will help WTC and LET’S understand existing barriers and personal experiences around civic participation. The survey deadline is July 2.
First Nations Health Authority | We Walk Together Project Launch | July 15 – The FNHA, in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, is hosting a virtual film screening and discussion on July 15 (2:00-4:00 pm PST) to launch the findings of a joint research project We Walk Together: Exploring Connection to Land, Water, and Territory. This project centers teachings from First Nations Elders and youth on what connects them to their lands, waters and territories. To register, please click here.
Heritage Plaque Unveiling | Bowen Road Cemetery | Aug 16 – The B.C. Labour Heritage Centre, the B.C. Building Trades Council, and the Nanaimo Historical Society will unveil a heritage plaque in honour of 23 workers who were killed in an aircraft crash on Mt. Benson on October 17, 1951. The event will be held at 11:00 am PST on Saturday, August 16 at the Bowen Road Cemetery in Nanaimo, BC, with a reception to follow afterwards.
Call for Nominations | CoDevelopment Canada Board of Directors | Aug 27 – Are you interested in social justice? Want to join a team full of fellow solidarity-minded community members and create an impact, locally and globally?
If you have been a member of CoDev for no fewer than 60 days prior to CoDev’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), you can be eligible for election to CoDev’s Board of Directors. * Not yet a member, sign up here by July 9, 2025!
Eligible CoDev members are invited to apply to the Board. If interested, please complete a Board Candidate application online by August 27. CoDev’s AGM will be held in Vancouver on September 10 (time/location TBD).
Podcast | BC Labour Heritage Centre | The First Women to Drive Transit – Check out this podcast featuring rare recordings of union women who worked as conductors, motormen and transit drivers in Vancouver beginning in 1943. This episode tells the story of the “conductorettes” – the women who worked as streetcar conductors in Vancouver during World War II when many men were overseas fighting fascism. The conductorettes were part of a strong union, the Amalgamated Transit Union, which ensured they had the same rights, privileges, and wages as the men. The union played an important role in supporting the women, including helping one get her job back after she was fired for becoming pregnant.
Should you have any questions regarding this update, please email info@cupe.bc.ca for additional information. In solidarity, CUPE BC Executive Board