I’m sending this email to CUPE members on behalf of CUPE BC’s Racialized Workers Committee to let you know about an important initiative the committee is working on in partnership with the provincial government–and to ask you to help.
Anti-Racism Initiatives CUPE BC is proud to be a community partner on an anti-racism initiative with the Ministry of Multiculturalism. The CUPE BC Racialized Workers Committee is engaging with racialized communities about Anti-Racism Data Legislation. This is one way the B.C. Government is addressing systemic racism and discrimination to make B.C. a more equitable place to live. CUPE BC and the Racialized Workers Committee invite all Black, Indigenous, and Racialized workers and their families to please complete our survey to share how you prefer to identify, your previous experience(s) with government agencies and collection of data, how you think race-based data can be used to improve equity, and how you think this data can be collected in a safe and respectful way. What is Anti-Racism Data Legislation? People have different experiences in society based on their race. Information about race is one way to learn about people’s differing experiences, in order to serve racialized people better in policy and programming. Anti-racism data legislation aims to reduce systemic racism by making sure that services are delivered more equitably and to allow communities to better advocate for themselves. It is also very important that this data is collected safely and anonymously. All names and identifying information are removed when data is used to understand issues like systemic racism. Anti-Racism Data Legislation is one of a number of initiatives that the B.C. Government is working on to address systemic racism and discrimination and make public services more equitable and inclusive. Please take our survey here. On behalf of the Committee, thank you. In soildarity, Karen Ranalletta |
Local 1936 Monthly Membership Meeting – January 19 @ 6:30
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 BC Racialized Workers Committee partners with provincial government to address systemic racism
BURNABY—CUPE BC’s Racialized Workers Committee is partnering with the B.C. provincial government to learn more about race-based data collection and is inviting members of the BIPOC community in B.C. to participate in an upcoming virtual townhall.
Are you from the BIPOC Community in British Columbia?
Do you have feedback for the B.C. government about race-based data collection?
Help the government learn why race-based data collection is important!
In partnership with the provincial government, the CUPE BC Racialized Workers Committee would like to invite you to participate in a virtual town hall discussion.
Systemic racism exists everywhere, including in government policies and programs. This is why the government needs better information to ensure that BIPOC have equitable access to services. We invite you to join a virtual town hall discussion about legislation changes to improve racial equity.
The provincial government needs your help as a racialized person to share how you prefer to identify, your previous experience(s) with government agencies and collection of data and how you think race-based data can be used to improve racial equity.
Participants must be residents of B.C. We welcome all BIPOC workers and their families.
Please join your preferred townhall session using one of the following links. To inform the sessions we will be using the questions contained in this survey. If you prefer to answer the survey on your own without joining a session, please feel free to do so!
Please note that we will be offering honoraria to those who participate in zoom sessions. Those who complete the survey on their own can enter a draw for a gift certificate.
The survey will be open until January 31st, 2022.
Jan 14th | 6:30pm-8:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83724759544
Meeting ID: 837 2475 9544
Jan 15th | 10:00am-12:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82240472640
Meeting ID: 822 4047 2640
Jan 15th | 1:00pm-3:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83881586816
Meeting ID: 838 8158 6816
COPE 491
Seasons Greetings from the Table Officers

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:
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.
Current Disputes
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Paid sick leave for employees who don’t receive sick pay (Part time, Casuals)
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.
Upcoming events
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 updates re flooding
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
BCFED Event | Not All Disabilities Are Visible: International Day of Persons with Disabilities | Dec 3
The 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