*IMPORTANT UPDATE* Disaster Relief Fund Deadline | Jan 31

In late Fall 2021, CUPE BC created a Disaster Relief Fund to support CUPE members impacted by mass flooding and mudslides around the province.  At this time, CUPE BC invites Locals and District Councils to submit the attached application form to CUPE BC (accounting@cupe.bc.ca) by January 31 on behalf of any CUPE members experiencing continued hardship due to the aforementioned events, as any funds remaining after the January 31 deadline will be donated to a charity selected by the CUPE BC Executive Board.

Access BC | Free Prescription Contraception Campaign | Feb 2022

Access BC is calling for allies to ramp up their push for free prescription contraception in the province, in advance of February 1, 2022. This will be the launch of the final phase of their letter-writing campaign, to bring as much pressure as possible on the government, close to the release of the budget, to fulfil their promise to implement this policy at some point during their term. Click here to support.

 Anti-Racism Data Collection Survey and Town Hall Sessions | Jan 2022

Locals are encouraged to inform racialized workers in their membership about the Anti-Racism Data Collection Survey running until January 31, 2022, from the Ministry of Multiculturalism and CUPE BC’s Racialized Workers Committee as part of the Anti-Racism Data Legislation Engagement Initiative. In conjunction, the final town hall sessions are happening today via Zoom to strategize further around the initiative, and BIPOC members, workers and their families are encouraged to join via links below:

January 21, 2022:  12:00-2:00pm (Pacific)
January 21, 2022: 6:00-8:00pm (Pacific)

SAVE THE DATE | CoDev International Solidary Meeting | Feb 26

On Saturday, February 26, CoDev will host an exciting and unique event, where participants can meet with Education, Public Administration, and Healthcare workers from Cuba as they discuss the power of International Solidarity. Stand by for updates.  

 Addressing Anti-Black Racism in the Workplace | CCDI Webinar | Feb 3

CCDI sits down with thought leaders to discuss what organizations can do continue the hard work of dismantling anti-Black racism and continue to build concrete ways to sustain these efforts. The webinar qualifies for continued professional development credit.

Date: February 3, 2022.      Time: 1:00-2:00pm (Eastern).     Fee: $39.          Host: Anne-Marie Pham

More information: Contact ccip.certification@ccdi.ca

To all of our Union Members (remember to register early so your name can go into draw)

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jan 19, 2022 06:30 PM Vancouver

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvcu-hqTMoE9HLKLRhjLiq7kihQpj1xhsH

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting

CUPE Local 1936 would like to send Season Greetings to all of the members in Community Social Services of the Lower Mainland. 
We wish you a holiday filled with fun and laughter or a time to relax and rejuvenate.
Although the pandemic is still a main focus of the year we reflect on the  courage and resiliencee in dealing with the challenges of staying safe and healthy in your workplace.
We belief that Community Social Services Workers are amazing advocates for their clients and work diligently to ensure that they are serviced with care and compassion.
As Table Officer we want to express our gratitude for the work that you provide, the coming together at meetings to make our union stronger and working  together for the well being and safety of all the members. 
We are proud to represent our members, and  wish you all a festive and healthy holiday season and a happy New Year!  

Sheryl Burns, Lee Ann Lalli, Bernice Way

The BCFED needs your help. We are looking for donations to make this year’s Christmas dinner a success:

• unwrapped toys & teenager gifts
• non-perishable foods
• gift cards & passes

The 2021 Labour Christmas Dinner is being adapted in response to the pandemic and capacity constraints. Food hampers and toys will be offered, but there will not be any catered food, nor a clothing drive and the event will take place in Vancouver only.

Volunteers are need in Vancouver at the Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street on:

• December 20 – unloading trucks with food and toys @ 9:00 am
• December 21 – filling hampers, setting up the hall @ 9:00 am
• December 22 – filling hampers, sorting toys @ 9:00 am
• December 23 – volunteer at the Vancouver location starting at 3:00 pm

Please send your name and contact information to labourxmasdinner@hotmail.ca advising if you are available to volunteer on the above days in Vancouver. The BCFED vaccination policy applies for all volunteers. You must show BC vaccine passport & ID at start of shift. Mask wearing is required throughout and social distancing maintained wherever possible.  Hand disinfectant will be provided.

Effective January 1, 2022, the vast majority of workers in B.C. no longer have to choose between going to work sick or losing wages, as B.C.’s first-ever permanent paid sick leave comes into effect with 5 paid sick days each year. Both full- and part-time employees are eligible for this benefit.

I’m a worker

Effective January 1, 2022, you can take up to 5 days of paid leave per year for any personal illness or injury. Your employer may request reasonably sufficient proof of illness.

This entitlement is in addition to the 3 days of unpaid sick leave currently provided by the Employment Standards Act.

You must have worked with your employer for at least 90 days to be eligible for the paid sick days.

Eligibility

The paid sick leave entitlement applies to all employees covered by the Employment Standards Act (ESA), including part-time, temporary or casual employees.

The ESA doesn’t cover certain types of employees, including:

• Federally-regulated sectors
• Self-employed workers or independent contractors
• Employees in professions and occupations excluded from the ESA

Find out if employment standards apply to you.

BCFED Event | Not All Disabilities Are Visible: International Day of Persons with Disabilities | Dec 3The BC Federation of Labour will be sponsoring IDPWD 2021: Not All Disabilities Are Visible, hosted by Sheryl Burns (BCFED Representative for Workers with Disabilities), with guest Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility Dan Coulter. Performances include music by Kristina Sheldon and spoken word by Olivia Dixon. Please see the attached poster for more information.

Online Event: Not All Disabilities are Visible: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Date: Friday, December 3, 2021.      Time: 5:30-6:30pm PT.       Registration: Click here

PSAC Virtual Vigil | End Violence Against Women | Dec 6BC Regional PSAC and PSAC’s Vancouver Island Regional Women’s Committee will be hosting a virtual vigil on December 6 in memory of the women murdered during the 1989 Montreal Massacre. Please see the event details below and the attached poster for more information:

Date:  Monday, December 6, 2021.     Time: 5:00-5:40pm PT

Registration: Click here           Event Contact: (250)-953-1050 or urrutim@psac-afpc.com

CUPE BC Disaster Support | Application Form

CUPE BC has created a Disaster Relief Fund to support CUPE members impacted by recent catastrophic floods and mudslides. Any CUPE members in BC facing hardship due to these events are invited to apply for funding support through their Local. CUPE Locals may request funds on behalf of members by emailing a completed application form (attached) to the CUPE BC Accounting Department (accounting@cupe.bc.ca).

BC Government | Disaster Financial Assistance Available

Disaster Financial Assistance is now available for eligible British Columbians in Southwest, Central and Southeast areas of the province and Vancouver Island who were affected by flooding and landslides from November 14-16, 2021. This assistance includes all Indigenous communities, electoral areas, and municipalities within the geographical boundaries of these areas. See the following link for more information:

Financial assistance available for people affected by flooding | BC Gov News

United Way | Flood Response Recovery Efforts

United Way BC has established a Flood Response Fund to support critical relief and urgent recovery efforts in the aftermath of devastating flooding. Donations will assist those who are displaced or have lost housing, belongings, or employment, and who have suffered physical or mental health trauma.

United for BC Flood Response:  Donate here

Fraser Valley Flood Response Info: Click here

Hope Flood Response Info:  Click here

If you or someone you know needs help finding resources, dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca.  Please share this message so neighbours can get assistance.

 Volunteer Opportunities (In-Person & Remote) – Please click to view United Way BC’s volunteer listing and learn about ways to support the BC Flood Response. Remember you can also apply a filter to view opportunities that match your interests (such as qualifications, distance from your home etc).

In-Person Volunteer Roles: Click here

Remote Volunteer Roles: Click here