Local Voice

VOLUME 9 | Issue #1 Winter 2014

Quarterly publication for members of the Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union, Local 378

Strength in Unity

ALSO INSIDE

Pension Fairness United Way and Labour Movement Raising Standards for Call Centres ICBC: Top Employer? Young Workers in Ecuador

CONtENtS

In This Issue

3 4

PRESiDENtS OPENING MESSAgE by David Black TRANSLATIONS

6 WORKplACE tRENDS: CREDit UNiONS 7 UNITED WAY AND tHE lABOUR mOVEmENt 8 lEt'S gROW tHE CPP 9 DONAtED HEARt gAVE MEMBER mORE timE WitH lOVED ONES 10 TRI-NATIONAL pERSpECtiVES ON lABOUR 11 JOiNiNg tOgEtHER tO RAiSE StANDARDS FOR CAll CENtRE WORKERS 12 lOSiNg tHE lOWER mAiNlAND'S BACK-Up gENERAtOR 13 TAKiNg OUR ISSUES tO GOVERNmENt By Lori Mayhew and Korleen Carreras 14 iS yOUR EmplOyER ON tHE TOP EmplOyER liSt? (ICBC iS!) By Annette Toth 15 A DAy iN tHE JOB OF A COpE 378 mEmBER: FiElD mEtERiNg ANAlyStS 16 yOUR UNiON iN yOUR WORKplACE 19 ENERgiZE. ENgAgE. EmpOWER: JOB StEWARD SEmiNAR 20 BARgAiNiNg BRiEFS 22 YOUNg WORKERS iN ECUADOR By Erin Searle and Stephen Von Sychowski 23 BARGAINING UNITS 24 ORgANiZED LAUgHtER

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United Way - Shared Values, Shared Goals

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Building Solidarity in Canada, U.S. and Mexico

22
World Festival of Youth and Students

Presidents Opening Message

The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378, is affiliated with the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, the British Columbia Federation of Labour, the Canadian Labour Congress, UNI Global Union and IndustriALL. Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378, Executive Board Members: President: David Black Secretary-Treasurer: Lori Mayhew Vice Presidents: Annette Toth (ICBC), Gwenne Farrell (Utilities), Heather Lee (Combined Units) Accenture Business Services Executive Board Members: Melanie Greenlaw, Nancy de Vries BC Hydro Executive Board Members: Calvin Jonas, Rysa Kronebusch ICBC: Yasmin Carroll, Karin Cirez, Mike Ferguson, Joyce Galuska, Trevor Hansen FortisBC Energy: Tim Bouzovetsky FortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Customer Service Centres: Stephanie Smith Combined Units: Colleen Finn, Petro Koromvokis, Don Mace, Laurie Kirk, Keith Parkinson, Tim Weigelt COPE 378 Communications & Campaigns: Communications Director: Sage Aaron Communications Officer: Jarrah Hodge COPE 378 Senior Union Representatives: Brad Bastien, Glen MacInnes, Jaime Zygmunt COPE 378 Union Representatives: Carrol Edwards, Cathy Hirani, Barry Hodson, Ken Howie, Barbara Junker, Pat Junnila, Sarah Melsness, Bonnie Merriman, Brian Nelson, Kevin Payne, Cheryl Popeniuk, Kelly Quinn, Karen Rockwell, Stephen Von Sychowski COPE 378 Administrative & Office Staff: Joanne Baneld, Karen Caston, Elaine Chilman, Lise Cluff, Adele Earwaker, Yudon Garie, Shelley Lockhart, Carol McLuskie, Karen McRae, Kim Smith, Miriam Spinner COPE 378 Financial Staff: Damen Bring, Sandi Malhame, Donna Morris, Barbara Liang, Amandeep Sandhu COPE 378 Legal & Advocacy Department: Jim Quail (Legal Director), Leigha Worth Occupational Health & Safety & WCB Appeals: Steve Milne Organizing: Georgi Bates, Caitlin Gilroy Job Evaluation: Teresa Davie LTD Trust Administrator: Jim Moynham

David Black President, COPE 378

COPE 378 Local Voice is the official quarterly magazine published for the members of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378. ISBN 1918-9753 COPE Local 378 Voice Letters to the editor are welcome but may be edited for brevity and clarity. Please contact COPE Local 378 for permission to reprint articles, graphics, or photographs. Address all correspondence to: COPE 378 Communications 2nd Floor, 4595 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 1J9 Phone: 604-299-0378 Toll Free: 1-800-664-6838 Fax: 604-299-8211 Visit COPE 378s website at www.cope378.ca Or contact us via email at editor@cope378.ca Editor: Sage Aaron

ecently Ive been thinking about the two-way path of responsibility that the union shares with its members. COPE 378 has a legal and moral duty to our membership. We provide protection and advocacy when there are problems at work. We negotiate agreements that set out fair and respectful working conditions. And we have a responsibility to provide our members with the tools and training they need to take on their own self-advocacy, from something as simple as enabling letter writing campaigns and lobbying to training job stewards to be the eyes and ears of the union in the workplace. We also ask our members to take on a certain amount of responsibility to the union. COPE 378 is more than the sum of our members dueswe simply could not function without the work individuals put into this organization, from the straightforward act of voting on an agreement to the efforts made daily by stewards and committee members. More than just responsibility to the union, these acts are manifestations of our responsibilities to each other and are necessary for the success of us all. Its easy to see where this could all fall apart. If your unions role was only to come in every few years to negotiate a contract, without the ongoing connection to our members and those worksites, we would lose your faith. And if members looked at the relationship between themselves and our union as purely transactional, we would no longer be a social movement aiming to make the lives of all workers fairer and more just. This bond of duty, this reciprocal relationship that creates a sum bigger than its parts, has its roots in age-old lessons we pass on to our children: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself. What we wish for ourselves we desire for all. This relationship is a powerful responsibility Im proud to share with you all, as we all share the benets.

USW 2009
COPE 378 Local Voice VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014 | 3

VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014

COPE 378 Local Voice

COPE 378 Local Voice

VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014

FiNANCE WORKERS

Workplace Trends: Credit Unions

f you belong to a credit union you might have noticed some changes the last time you visited your local branch. These changes are impacting customers and the COPE 378 members who work in credit unions across British Columbia. Were seeing a lot of changes as credit unions try to make up for declining foot traffic and more people do banking on the phone or online, says Union Representative Sarah Melsness. Your unions priority is to be on top of whats happening and make sure, as much as possible, that members are being treated fairly. Coastal Community Credit Union (CCCU) saw some of the most signicant technological changes so far, with the introduction of a banking call centre and Interactive Teller Machines or ITMs. Credit union members can now talk with a real person (also a COPE378 member) working out of a central location, even outside of regular branch hours. Our bargaining committee really grappled with this. We knew that a lot of people would appreciate the new options but our primary concern was: what can we do to make sure its fair? Melsness explained. Executive Board Member Laurie Kirk, who works at CCCU, said the employer entered bargaining with the union intent on signicant changes. They said, This is what were doing and you need to do it. But we told them it doesnt work that way, Kirk explained. In addition to making sure the new call centre workers would have COPE 378s protection, the union was able to bargain a deal that balanced members interests around working extended hours: members will be able to post in to shifts outside the normal hours of work and will receive a premium for doing so, but CCCU cant force existing members to work late. The other major trend happening at credit unions involves cultivating more of a boutique feel. Melsness says, There might be redecorating and more open space. Instead of making an appointment with someone in a specic role you might be expected to deal with the rst person you encounter and theyre being asked to ll what used to be several roles. Kirk says these changes come with an increased pressure on employees to meet sales targets. And its not only the employees who suffer.

One of the main reasons people start working in a credit union is because they had a good experience themselves as a member. They feel like the credit union is part of their community. They remember going with their grandparents and their parents. But when the employees are being over-worked, expected to sell everyone something, shuffled-around, and going through frequent technological changes, its a barrier to creating good experiences for the members we serve. Looking forward, Melsness says the union will be watching changes to protect our members. In particular, she says COPE 378 will be keeping an eye on new job descriptions:

When credit unions create new positions they get to suggest a pay scale for those jobs. But unlike non-union workplaces, we have the right to negotiate, and arbitrate if necessary. Well be arguing our members need fair and comparable compensation based on the knowledge and skills they bring to the position, and the duties theyre required to do.

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COPE 378 Local Voice

United Way and the Labour Movement: Shared Values, Shared Goals
A message from the United Way of the Lower Mainland

OUR COmmUNity

United Ways 2013/14 team of campaign associates, some of the volunteers who help fundraise for United Way. A campaign associate is an employee who is loaned (seconded) from their organization or sponsored by an organization to work for 16 weeks during United Way's annual fundraising campaign from September to December. Aside from the campaign associates, the United Way relies on hundreds of employee campaign chairs who volunteer their time to run campaigns at their workplaces.

nited Way is based on a simple, profound truth: what unites us is more powerful than what divides us. We believe that every person who lives here should have access to the same opportunities to build a better life for themselves. This philosophy is echoed by the labour movement and guides our work together. As we enter a new year, the partnership between the labour movement and the United Way is as strong and critical as ever in the Lower Mainland. The number of unionized workers is growing across the countryin B.C., 31.3 per cent of employees are unionized. Why is our partnership so important? Because one in ve children in B.C. live in poverty; one third of children between grades 4 and 7 are bullied or bully others; and one in four seniors live alone, putting them at risk of social isolation. Each year the United Way and Labour partnership unites hundreds of labour volunteers within the workplace to help raise funds to tackle social issues like child poverty, bullying, and seniors' isolation. United Way cant do this work alone, says Steve Hunt, director, District 3, Steelworkers Union, and the

2013/14 chair of the United Way of the Lower Mainland and co-chair of the labour committee of the board. Labour and United Way work together to build a better future for children, seniors and their families, right here in our own backyards. Labour Committee of the Board Co-Chair Amber Hockin, director, Pacic Regional Office, Canadian Labour Congress adds, We all play a role in improving the lives of those who are vulnerable in our communities. The more solidarity we show in the community by tackling these issues together, the stronger we are as a movement. Along with our labour partners, United Way of the Lower Mainland will continue to support research, identify gaps, and invest in organizations to build stronger communities. We use our collective strength to multiply our impact, maximize our donors' dollars, and mobilize and advocate for change.

WE ARE ALL iN THis TOgETHER

Change starts here:

www.uwlm.ca

COPE 378 Local Voice

VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014

RETIREMENT SECURITY

Lets Grow the Canada Pension Plan

BY LORI MAYHEW, SECRETARY-TREASURER

C
"Many pensioners simply do not have the funds to support themselves after they retire..."

anada is facing a pension crisis. More and more seniors are living in poverty and Canadians have reason to worry that we aren't giving younger workers the tools they need now to avoid facing the same situation when they retire. Since 2010, Canadas nance ministers have been talking about improving the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), but every time they get close to an agreement, the federal government gets in the way. Stephen Harpers Conservatives need to listen to the people for a change and protect the nancial future of Canadians from coast to coast. COPE 378 members, as part of an effort spearheaded by the Canadian Labour Congress, are helping to lead the public call and put pressure on the federal government to expand the CPP. Im hoping the government realizes that the need is dire right now, says Executive Board Member Laurie Kirk, who travelled to Ottawa in December with BC Hydro job steward Bruce Sarvis to meet with their member of Parliament and advocate for CPP improvements. The CPP currently is very low, Sarvis agreed. Many pensioners simply do not have the funds to support themselves after they retire. Weve all seen this in our own communities and with family and friends. While we should all be saving to ensure we have enough to stop working when appropriate, it's not realistic for many when they are already living paycheque to paycheque. Over 60 per cent of Canadian employees are not covered by a workplace pension plan, but more than 90 per cent are covered by CPP including non-union

workers. Without CPP improvements, millions of Canadians simply cant and wont be able to save enough on their own to retire with dignity. Expanding the CPP is about preparing for the future, and leaving behind a better system for our kids, states COPE 378 President David Black. The CPP follows you from job to job across all the provinces and territories, and it keeps up with the cost of living. Your benets are paid out right up until your death. Even self-employed people can get CPP. It's a dened benet so you know what you will get when you retire, without any guesswork or worrying about the performance of the stock market, unlike the risk taken with Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs). The CPP is paid for exclusively by workers and their employers, not by taxes, and it is run independently from the government. This means seniors in the future won't have to depend on government tax revenues to pay for their pension. This campaign is important for everyone, including young people, because a lot of us dont have workplace pension plans. And even if we do, we know many of us will change jobs and careers over our lives, so being able to count on a portable plan like the CPP is important, said Erin Searle, co-chair of the COPE 378 Youth Action Committee. Join your fellow COPE 378 members in signing on to the CLCs country-wide petition asking the House of Commons to improve the CPP. [QR code for smartphones]

VOLUME 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014

COPE 378 Local Voice

Donated Heart Gave Member More Time with Loved Ones

By JARRAH HODgE, COmmUNiCAtiONS OFFiCER

ORGAN DONATIONS

The transplant gave Asif a new lease on life. In 2008 he told the St. Pauls Hospital Foundation magazine that he felt like Superman.
Asif Ali

sif Ali joined COPE 378 in 2003 when he was hired to work at Enterprise Rent-a-Car at the Vancouver Airport. He was an outgoing, athletic young man with dreams of building a career and a life with a family of his own. But a congenital heart condition had caused him pain for years, and late in 2005 his health deteriorated to the point that he desperately needed a heart transplant. Eighteen months later, in June 2007, Asif was at the point where he couldnt breathe lying down. Finally, a heart was found and he went into surgery at St. Pauls Hospital in Vancouver. The transplant gave Asif a new lease on life. In 2008 he told the St. Pauls Hospital Foundation magazine that he felt like Superman. He got back into shape at the gym and started taking college courses. Tragically, Asif passed away in December of last year at the age of 32. After more than ve years, his initial heart transplant began to fail in early 2013. He was the lucky recipient of a second transplant, but unfortunately passed away from complications arising from the surgery. Asif Ali leaves behind a loving family, including his three-year-old son. His family is grateful for the extra years the transplants gave them together, but wishes Asif hadnt had to wait so long. Unfortunately, the unmet need for organ donations in B.C. is signicant.

According to Transplant BC, There is a chronic shortage of hearts, lungs, kidneys and livers for transplant in B.C. as the need far outweighs the number of organs available for transplant. There are more than 300 British Columbians currently awaiting organ transplants and hundreds more awaiting corneal transplants. Asifs story is a poignant reminder of how important it is to sign up to be an organ donor. Many COPE 378 members and their families have seen the benets of organ donation. When an organ donor dies, they can save up to eight peoples lives and improve the quality of life for many others. Many people who have lost loved ones say knowing that their family member or friend saved others helped them cope with their loss. Having a decal on your drivers licence is no longer enough; you must go through a simple registration process with Transplant BC. Please take a moment to register online or verify your existing registration at www.transplant.bc.ca, or call 1-800-663-6189.

"There are more than 300 British Columbians currently awaiting organ transplants..."

PLEASE BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR Easily register online today at

www.transplant.bc.ca
or call 1-800-663-6189

COPE 378 Local Voice

VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014

GlOBAl SOliDARity

Tri-National Perspectives on Labour

By SAgE AARON, COmmUNiCAtiONS DiRECtOR

Conference Photos

L.A. is one of the strongest centres of the resurgent American labour movement, fueled in large part by the growing immigrants rights movement in the United States. Upstairs, students and activists provided advice and support to Los Angelino workers. Downstairs, about 25 trade unionists from Mexico, the U.S. and Canada talked about the impact of international trade agreements on workers, tools they could share across borders, and the challenges they face. The panels at the conference wove together a variety of cross-border work. The rst group began with a discussion of the Tri-National Solidarity Alliance (TNSA), a group formed to engage Canadian, Mexican and U.S. unions in solidarity work. After explaining the many challenges faced by independent unions in Mexico and the actions taken in by U.S. and Canadian unions in support, panelist Benedicto Martinez reminded participants Mexican unions were not just recipients of support, but that solidarity ows north. Mexican unions part of the TNSA recently sent letters supporting American General Electric workers during negotiations. During the Tri-National Coalition to Defend Public Education panel, the activists shared about how much they learned from each other when dealing with the effects of commodication NAFTA brought into public education, especially on textbook and education material.
Questionable priorities was another common theme. We have laptops but no nurses [in schools], commented a California observer during the panels Q&A period.

ost Canadians hold competing ideas about Los Angeles in their heads: glamorous yet gritty, a sprawling suburb that is the second most populous city in America. At over 1,300 square kilometers inhabited by nearly four million people L.A. is bound to contain contradictions, but the different ways of living life that set the backdrop for the conference on Tri-National Perspectives on the Future of Labour were not stereotypes or polarities. They were the quotidian and extraordinary lives of L.A.s working people. The Tri-National Perspectives conference was brought together by the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, a German think tank committed to furthering discussion amongst the pluralist left in North America. The conference took place at the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) Labor Center, which resources programs and organizations like the Black Worker Center, California Construction Academy, Dream Resource Center, and the National Day Labor Organizing Network (NDLON) and with research provided by the universitys labour studies program.
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The Tri-National Telecommunications Alliance panel featured some of the longest cross-border solidarity relationships. U.S. unions like the Communication Workers of America saw a strategic benet to working with their independent counterparts in Mexico to ensure workers were protected so that corporations wouldnt chase the lowest wages across borders. While everyone is still ghting to make that goal a reality, unions on either side of the border agreed they are stronger for their efforts in solidarity. The two days culminated in accord to expand discussions to include workers from other sectors like agriculture, to scrutinize and stand up against new trade agreements like the Trans-Pacic Partnership and to share stories that put a human face on the harm done by global markets. Buoyed by the example set by the grassroots activism supported at the UCLA Labor Center, the conference delegates agreed to maintain their new and existing relationships and to keep talking.

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COPE 378 Local Voice

Joining Together to Raise Standards for Call Centre Workers

By JARRAH HODgE, COmmUNiCAtiONS OFFiCER

GlOBAl SOliDARity

Delegates at "Raising Standards Globally" conference

n February, UNI Global Union and the Communication Workers of America (CWA) held a conference to talk about improving working standards in call centres. With a theme of Raising Standards Globally, the conference focused on pushing back against outsourcing, and addressing problems with health and safety issues, lack of respect, unfair discipline, and pressure to reach ever more unrealistic targets. The conference brought together customer service centre workers and union organizers from around the world. COPE 378 participated in the conference to seek strategies to help our call centre members at workplaces including Accenture, Coast Mountain Bus, ICBC and FortisBC. CWA President Larry Cohen set the tone for the conference with his opening remarks: From nance or telecoms and from global north or global south, all centre work is precarious Whether its outsourced to another nation or outsourced across the street, every call centre worker in every sector faces this precarious work. Virginia Doellgast of the London School of Economics cited several academic studies that show unions are key to building better call centre jobs: I see unions making a big difference for wages and job security. Doellgast said research shows employers will take the low road when they can, whether that means using temporary agency work, outsourcing or offshoring jobs, or moving work to subsidiaries. Once unions close off the low-road, employers are more willing to explore more positive, alternative models to achieve greater exibility, productivity and performance in collaboration with workers and unions. Delegates also spoke about how their unions had raised standards in call centres through organizing.

Andy Kerr of the Communication Workers Union (UK) talked about organizing a new contact centre in Glasgow. The workers wanted a union because they felt they were being treated unfairly. The CWU built its reputation by focusing on defending people who were being disciplined for not meeting key performance indicators. Kerr said a big barrier to organizing in call centres is the high turnover, so by defending people against discipline, the union both slowed that process and helped people feel they had a future in that company. Lessons were also shared about how to improve standards through bargaining and legislation. Cenise Monteiro from Brazil talked about how her union negotiated clauses in their collective agreement which included breaks for exercise or stretching, and dened acceptable temperatures for the workplace. She also spoke about a campaign and petition they are rolling out to support new legislation that would improve conditions for all call centre workers in Brazil. Sandy Kmetyk of the CWA told the delegates how her union decided to make stress relief a major focus for Verizon bargaining in 2000. They showed it could benet the company too by reducing turnover and training costs, and increasing customer satisfaction. Under the collective agreement they reached, Pennsylvania call centre agents cannot be rated unsatisfactory or disciplined for not reaching a companys sales objective. They also negotiated limits on how many calls Verizon can listen in on and evaluate. Kmetyk nished: Our employers have gone global and so must we. Lets build a global movement of call centre workers united to improve conditions for all of us.

Top photo: CWA President Larry Cohen Bottom photo: Cenise Monteiro from Brazil

COPE 378 Local Voice

VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014

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BC HYDRO

Losing the Lower Mainlands Back-Up Generator

Burrard Thermal located in Port Moody 1960s 2016

supplies about

per cent of BC Hydro's demand

7.5

I
The plant also plays a pivotal role in the provinces electricity security plans because it is the closest electricity generation station to the Lower Mainland, where the highest energy demand is located.

n November of 2013, the provincial governments announcement that Burrard Thermal, BC Hydros natural gas power station located in Port Moody, would close by 2016, was met with protest and concern by community members and local politicians. Built in the 1960s, Burrard Thermal has been used for years to meet the provinces emergency or short term electricity demands. It currently supplies about 7.5 per cent of BC Hydros energy requirement. The plant is generally only used in high peak demand times, such as the coldest months of the year. The plant also plays a pivotal role in the provinces electricity security plans because it is the closest electricity generation station to the Lower Mainland, where the highest energy demand is located. If the Lower Mainland was ever to lose transmission from the large scale dams in the interior and north of the province, Burrard Thermal is strategically located to ensure the lights stay on. Port Moody Mayor Mike Clay told News 1130, If those lines are hit with a natural catastrophe, you know, ice storms or wind storms, or things like that, we could be without that power for days, weeks or longer. Local environmentalist Elaine Golds, a director with the Burke Mountain Naturalists, likened the plant to an older car kept in the garage for use just in case of emergencies. I dont think this is a sensible decision at all, she said, speaking to the Tri-Cities News. The loss of Burrard Thermal will also take a large chunk out of the Port Moody city budget. The power plant contributes $1.4 million to the city as payment for being there. To make up for the loss of Burrard Thermal, the Ministry of Energy and Mines says BC Hydro will be able to transfer emergency energy from two generators being installed at the Revelstoke dam.

COPE 378 members have already lost work and more will be impacted if the plant shuts down. Burrard Thermal is also used for voltage regulation or smoothing of electricity coming in from the big dams. The plant will still continue providing transmission and distribution roles, but no longer will it generate. BC Hydro is claiming Burrard Thermal would require signicant investment to maintain its current role. Burrard saw retrots to enhance efficiency in 2003 and all analysts on both sides of the debate agree it would need more work to continue to work efficiently. In previous years the BC Liberal government had said BC Hydro could not count the energy from Burrard Thermal towards the overall official capacity needed for the utilitys planning, but the plant would stay in use. This was when the government was articially inating BC Hydros self-sufficiency requirements in order to create a perceived need for private power projects. This is an extension of the wrong-headed approach characteristic of this government, said COPE President David Black. Theyre slowing down on private power development because its now obvious those projects are a bad deal for BC Hydro, but they still have a ways to go to make sure our public utility is in control of its own destiny.

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COPE 378 Local Voice

Taking Our Issues to Government

By LORi MAyHEW AND KORlEEN CARRERAS

pOlitiCAl ACtiON COmmittEE

n December, Laurie Kirk (Coastal Community Credit Union) and Bruce Sarvis (BC Hydro), two members from Vancouver Island North, travelled to Ottawa to meet with their Conservative MP, John Duncan, to make a case for expanding the Canada Pension Plan. This was my rst experience meeting with a politician. I feel that the meeting with John Duncan went well. Our message was received without opposition, and we all recognized that there needs to be a change. However, he didnt share what any of his ideas on change might be, said Sarvis. [John Duncan] didnt make any commitments, agreed Kirk, But we made sure our voices were heard. This is a really important issue for all generations. I would encourage everyone to contact their local MP, and share their thoughts on CPP and the need for reform. Our MPs are our voice in parliament, added Sarvis. As part of the same lobbying efforts, COPE 378 President David Black met with Senator Hugh Segal, who last year turned against his own party by opposing the anti-union Bill C-377. Later, Black met with Kin Choi, assistant deputy minister at Employment and Social Development Canada, to discuss two pending bills that will negatively impact federally-regulated workers: budget bill changes that challenge workers rights to refuse unsafe work, and C-525, which unbalances the federal Labour Code by making it signicantly more difficult for federally-regulated workers to join a union.

Provincial pressure
Your union has continued to approach politicians on both sides of the aisle in both the provincial and federal governments in order to make progress on our issues over the next four years. Most signicantly, at the end of October COPE378 met with provincial Energy Minister Bill Bennett. Successive energy ministers had refused to meet with the union for several years, so we were pleased with the change of attitude. President David Black and Legal Director Jim Quail talked about the myriad concerns with BC Hydro and pushed for bringing contracted-out jobs back in-house. They provided Minister Bennett with research that shows the cost and service benets of bringing back these jobs. In November, COPE 378 representatives met with provincial Transportation Minister Todd Stone. It was a busy meeting with many issues raised, including arguing against government plans to scrap AirCare and for sustainable transit funding. Your union was also able to get Minister Stone to commit to regional ICBC claims centres remaining open even as the corporation expands telephone claims.

COPE 378 also met with opposition MLAs, including the two critics covering transportation: George Heyman and Harry Bains, and Opposition Critic for Advanced Education David Eby. In January, President David Black met with Green Party MLA Andrew Weaver following comments Weaver made in the media dismissing our concerns about private power projects. Black and Vice-President Heather Lee also met with Shirley Bond, minister of jobs, tourism and skills training in January to discuss the Labour Relations Board, WCB and apprenticeships.

Left to right: MP Libby Davies, Senator Hugh Segal, COPE 378 President David Black

Municipal elections
Were turning our focus to the upcoming municipal elections this November. We want all our members to make their voice heard at the municipal level, whether that involves asking questions of candidates, writing letters to the editor, volunteering on campaigns, or even running as candidates. A number of COPE 378 members have been elected to office as municipal councilors or school trustees with the support of their union. If youre interested in running or would like to learn more, please contact the COPE 378 political action committee by emailing lmayhew@cope378.ca or kcarreras@cope378.ca.

Left to right: COPE 378 Vice-President Heather Lee; Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Minister Responsible for Labour, Shirley Bond and President David Black

COPE 378 Local Voice

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ICBC

Is Your Employer on the Top Employer List? Thank Your Union

By ANNEttE TOtH, COPE 378 ViCE-PRESiDENt

Its a remarkable document,

this collective agreement.

Annette Toth

...for 40 years ICBC members have worked together with their union to forge the best agreement they can.
Annette Toth

n February 5, 2014 ICBC president and CEO Mark Blucher announced with pleasure that ICBC was chosen as one of B.C.s Top Employers for the fourth year in a row. The award came from Mediacorp Canada Inc., who runs the Canadas Top 100 Employers project. Thanks, Mark. You can send the bouquet of owers to the union office. Lets take a look at the evaluation criteria for the list. There is "Community Involvement", which COPE 378 supports by partnering in the United Way campaign. "Health, Financial & Family Benets" is a set of criteria and so is "Vacation & Time Off". As far as pay, pension, dental, medical and paramedical benets, paid and unpaid leaves, sick leave pay, long term disability, maternity leave top-up, parental leave top-up, and so on, COPE 378 is proud that ICBC employees are well supported by the provisions in their collective agreement. Its a remarkable document, this collective agreement. It took 40 years to get it to where it is now, spanning 230 pages and delineating a broad spectrum of rights, responsibilities and conditions of employment. Think on that for a second: for 40 years ICBC members have worked together with their union to forge the best agreement they can. Its the end result of years of effort to get our members what they need in a changing society and a shifting economy. And workers have walked picket lines and taken other forms of job action to defend it.

Sometimes new employees think ICBC just gave them these pay increases and benets. Ive talked with many of the people whove negotiated this agreement over the years and they all agreethat is not the case with ICBC. Ever. Im sure the owers Mark sent to thank us are on their way. After all, ICBC needs some good news. Injured customers arent as happy as they once were, if the representation rate (the rate at which customers choose to lawyer up rather than settle) is to be believed. Its surged from 35 per cent to 55 per cent over the last ve years. And things are tense between the corporation and its employees, despite being on the B.C.'s Top Employers list. The latest employee engagement score (a measure how involved in and enthusiastic employees are about their work) was a terrible 27 per cent in the Claims Division and 34 per cent for ICBC as a whole. The corporation sued their employees pension trustees and lost. Despite being told by two courts it owes money to the pension plan, ICBC is still trying to avoid payment. Yikes. Fortunately for ICBC, were here for our members. Were working hard to prepare for bargaining the next collective agreement where well continue to pursue good working conditions for our members. We want to help the corporation get on that Top Employers list for the fth year in a row, even if the COPE 378 bargaining committees and members who make ICBC a great place to work dont get their own plaques. You know what, Mark? Flowers arent necessary. Our members support is thanks enough.

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COPE 378 Local Voice

A Day in the Job of a COPE 378 Member: Field Metering Analysts

A DAY IN THE JOB

ield metering analysts (FMAs) are a new job Accenture brought in after BC Hydro implemented smart meters, to take the place of eld service representatives and meter reader positions. FMA duties include reading the remaining analog meters, following up on high bill complaints and verifying high and low reads. DOUg HAll started with BC Hydro back in 1977, rst in Nanaimo and then he moved to Victoria just over ve years ago. He started meter reading when he was in college as a summer job. They asked me for an extension and then extended it again, he said. Before I knew it I had the opportunity to get on full-time. JOANNE GAREAU began around the same time. I started off as a clerk typist then moved to eld service representative, then to design rep, then work leader. I came back to the FSR room in 2003. On the average day we come in and all our work is on our tablets we have everything from meters to be read to investigation orders, Hall explained. Were out in the eld for most of the day, and then we get back in the afternoon and do the follow-up. Theres a world of difference between Halls turf and where Gareau works in Cranbrook. Here in Victoria its in a fairly compact area, said Hall. In contrast Gareaus territory extends from the U.S. border in the south, Golden in the north, east to all the way to the Alberta border, west to the West Kootenays, and halfway to Creston. Three of us cover it off on a rotational basis every month, she said. Its hard work with a lot of driving. Its not just the territory thats different. You have to be ready when youre going in peoples yards, said Hall. Part of the job is doing disconnects, so you have to deal with people under difficult circumstances. You

have to be able to deal with people and their accounts, on their property, on their terms. In the Southern Interior, Gareau deals with animals more than people. Usually most of the dogs are ne. I carry an umbrella with me just in case. Where I am its not just dogsthere are horses, donkeys, whatever animals on the farm, cowsif you jump the fence you could go in to the bull pen! Gareau is also keenly aware she works in bear and cougar country. The work poses risks that the union and employer work to eliminate. Safetys a big, big thing and we always get lots of training on all aspects of safety, said Hall. When were doing a disconnect, for instance, we have to be wearing a re-retardant jacket and we have special equipment and tools. Gareau agreed. Its very physical work we risk getting hurt all the time working in deep snow and ice. Gareau was a eld service representative before becoming a eld metering analyst. My work has changed because as an FMA there is more meter reading than there used to be. Smart meters arent hooked up, and there are legacy meters in place. Im anticipating that the job will become more interesting and more challenging. Ill be investigating more meter and customer issues as well as working disconnect and reconnects. It will go back to a more generalist role than meter reading and I look forward to that.

Field service representatives and meter readers were outsourced from BC Hydro to Accenture in 2003. Meter reader jobs have disappeared, with only a handful nding work as eld metering analysts.

Smart meter

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SitE ViSitS

Your Union in Your Workplace

O
board members and

20

14 union staff had

visited nearly

150
26

separate locations in

different communities

ne of the most consistent requests COPE 378 hears from its members is to see more of the union in their workplaces. The COPE 378 executive board identied two ways of meeting that need. The rst is to train more job stewards, reinvigorate the steward training material and recruit new workplace activists. This is an active and ongoing project for the union. The second way is to ensure union staff and elected officers are getting out to worksites in a systematic way, not just to troubleshoot problems. To achieve this goal, President David Black initiated a worksite visit program in the fall of 2013. Through the program COPE 378s executive board and union staff will visit every single worksite the union represents within a three year period. This is harder than it sounds. COPE 378 represents workers at over 90 companies and organizations across British Columbia and in other provinces, and many of those organizations have several offices. After the rst round of site visits, 20 executive board members (including the president, secretary-treasurer and vice-presidents) and 14 union staff had visited nearly 150 separate locations in 26 different communities. Board member Petro Koromvokis said, The real message I got from these visits is that the membership does want to see us, to voice their concerns about workload issues; health benets; their rights in the workplace and so forth. Calvin Jonas, a board member who represents BC Hydro workers, agreed. Members expect and appreciate the face to face contact. Some were very surprised at the initiative, especially those who had not had a visit in a while.
16

People just want to be heard, said board member Stephanie Smith, who lives in Trail. They may not want you to do anything about [their issue], but they at least would like a sounding board. People are also looking for more ways to connect locallyin the interior, at least. Smith was pleased to have had the chance to connect with other members in her community. There are more COPE members in the Kootenays than I realized, she said. The visits were also a great way to break out across regional and workplace boundaries. Board member Colleen Finn visited members in Castlegar, Trail, and Nelson. It really made me appreciate the beauty of this province. And it was a real joy to get out and meet our members, some of whom I have worked with for 18 years and had never met. I quickly learned not to be worried about dropping in and saying hi at a worksite, said board member Trevor Hansen. People told us theyd really like to see more of us and to see staff representatives who have a thorough understanding of the issues and concerns of their unit. Vice-President Annette Toth echoed the sentiments of the other board members: The members were happy to see faces from their union. I dont think, for the most part, they cared what unit we were from; they were just pleased to have us stop in and be available. Finn, who works at DA Townley & Associates, also explained the trip helped understand other worksites. I learned more about what our members from the ICBC division face in their work places, gained a little better understanding of some of their issues, she said. Toth agreed, saying, The best part of the site visits was getting to see the work locations and work envi| VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014 COPE 378 Local Voice

SitE ViSitS

ronments of our various units. Its easy to get caught up in the units you have responsibility for, and to miss the bigger perspective of the whole local. Touring offices and in some cases, like with Konica Minolta, nding out the members dont have officeslearning about their jobs, their work life, their family life was truly rewarding. And most workplaces, no matter what unit, had similar concerns around workload, intimidation from management, and maintaining and improving their pay and benets, Toth nished. The BC Hydro worksites offered board members some of the most dynamic surroundings. One of the worksites Koromvokis visited was Powertech Labs. It was the most interesting place in terms of equipment by far. They recreate lightning with huge machine apparatus to test the reliability of the equipment they install outdoors. Secretary-Treasurer Lori Mayhew was equally awed. Its quite futuristic looking, and has been used as a location in sci- shows. Smith, who works at FortisBC, enjoyed visiting BC Hydros Seven Mile Dam. Coming from another company that has generation stations, it was the most intriguing. They had historical photos all over the place. Senior Union Representative Jaime Zygmunt said, I went out to one of the BC Hydro dams in the Fraser Valley. The dam is going through renovations so health and safety is top of mind and a high priority for our members there. The rst round of site visits ran into some logistical difficultiessome of which were predictable, others which were surprising. The visitors ran across reluctant employers, worksites that were difficult to access and missed members due to shift schedules.
COPE 378 Local Voice VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014 | 17

Without the site visits we wouldnt have learned the union office is missing some information on where our members are now located. We would go to an address to nd out they had moved to another location, Koromvokis said. The union relies on employers and job stewards to keep up to date with location changes. If the employer doesnt tell the union about an address change, or gives the union a mailing address instead and there is no job steward, the union office wouldnt know without site visits. We have offices that are closed and the employers have failed to notify the union of that change, and we represent members that work from home and have no office at all. Some of our members work in offices where they are the only COPE 378 member, said Toth. Thats important information. Despite the challenges the executive board and union staff found the program extremely useful for engaging members. COPE 378 elected officials got to see what a working day looks like for a broad swath of the membership and were available in their worksites to answer questions and offer guidance and support.

The site visits will be continue in the spring. To let the union know if there has been a change of address for your worksite or any other information that would make it easier to arrange a visit, such as shift times, please email info@cope378.ca.

together
WE'VE GOT
FAIR TREATMENT

AT WORK.

Energize. Engage. Empower: Job Steward Seminar

tRAiNiNg

Gwenne Farrell

Attendees at the 2013 Job Steward Seminar

nergize. Engage, Empower. Thats the theme of COPE 378s biggest job steward training opportunity of 2014: our annual job steward seminar, to be held in Vancouver from March 21st to 23rd. The job steward seminar is a great opportunity for new stewards to get oriented to their roles and for experienced stewards to gain more specialized knowledge, said Vice-President and COPE 378 Education Committee Chair Gwenne Farrell. The seminar traditionally kicks off with a plenary session featuring speakers from the broader labour movement. This years keynote speaker will be Carol Landry, the rst woman international vice-president of the United Steelworkers. Landry is a long-time activist and seasoned negotiator who joined the USW in 1986 at Canada's largest copper mine. In 1989, when she was the only woman on a 13-member bargaining committee, Landry helped lead a 107-day strike that defeated company demands for outsourcing work, inferior wages and lack of opportunities for women and technical members. Since then, Landry has led negotiations in a variety of industries and spearheaded training to encourage women to seek leadership positions. Landry will be the only plenary speaker this year, as the education committee wanted to allow stewards more time to talk about issues with people from the same bargaining unit or component.

We have been listening to the feedback from our stewards and while the majority has been very positive, we also received some great, constructive suggestions for improvement. For example, this year we will be doing breakout sessions with the various components to allow job stewards to get updates from the union reps, Farrell explained. The rest of the seminar, running all day Saturday and Sunday morning, will give stewards the opportunity for more in-depth learning in a specic course. The courses that will be offered are: Job Steward levels 1 and 2, Facing Management, Collective Bargaining, Youth Action, Bullying and Harassment, Stress in the Workplace, Pension, and Parliamentary Procedures and Public Speaking. This is where people really get the opportunity to learn, share ideas, and develop new skills that they can bring back to better represent the members in their workplaces, Farrell said. We have over 150 people attend the seminar every year and theres something thats useful for everyone from every kind of workplace. Farrell is looking forward to the seminar but notes its important to the education committee to keep soliciting feedback: We will be looking at further changes going forward based on what the job stewards tell us they would like to see.

2014
aNNual job steward semiNar
Vancouver March 21st to 23rd

"This is where people really get the opportunity to learn, share ideas, and develop new skills..." Gwenne Farrell

COPE 378 Local Voice

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BARgAiNiNg BRiEFS

WINTER 2014 EDITION

By SHEllEy LOCKHARt, CAROl MCLUSKiE AND Kim SmitH

ABS

The collective agreement for the members at this unit expired on August 31, 2013. Bargaining is presently on hold pending Union Representative Karen Rockwells return to work. The bargaining committee consists of Nancy DeVries, Melanie Greenlaw, Mike Novak, Jane Tighe and Union Representative Karen Rockwell.

COASTAL COMMUNITY INSURANCE

ALMA MATER SOCIETY

The collective agreement expired on May 31, 2013. A tentative agreement was reached and membership voted to accept. Interest arbitration has concluded and mediator Debbie Camerons award means keeping the tentative agreement wages, as agreed to in July 2013, and reducing the term of the agreement from four years to three years. The unions bargaining committee consists of Sterling Aurel, Angela Geib and Union Representative Carrol Edwards.

The collective agreement expired December 31, 2013. A tentative agreement was reached and ratied by members in November 2013. The tentative agreement provides for a three-year term with wage increases of 2.5 per cent back to July 2013, 2.75 per cent (July 2014), 2.75 per cent (July 2015) and increased pension contributions and family leave. The unions bargaining committee consists of Laura White, Myra Charlton, Sunshine Defrane, Lisa Nydahl and Union Representative Sarah Melsness.

COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS OF BC

BCGEU

The collective agreement expires on March 31, 2014. Notice to commence bargaining will be served and the bargaining survey will be sent out soon for members input. As of press time for Local Voice the bargaining committee had not yet been elected. The committee will work with Union Representative Bonnie Merriman.

The collective agreement for the members at this unit expired on February 28, 2013. Notice to commence bargaining has been given, the members have been surveyed and the committee is scheduled to meet in January 2014 to develop proposals. The bargaining committee consists of Megi Koroveshi, Rachel PryceJones and Senior Union Representative Brad Bastien.

COLUMBIA HYDRO

BC HYDRO

The collective agreement for the COPE 378 members at BC Hydro will expire on March 31, 2014. A bargaining committee has been struck and proposals have been prepared based on the results of the member survey in October. The parties have not yet scheduled dates to exchange proposals. The union will be holding membership meetings and a telephone town hall to discuss the contract and negotiations. The bargaining committee consists of Andrea Foster, April Young, Bojan Bucic, Calvin Jonas, Rysa Kronebusch and Union Representative Barbara Junker.

The bargaining between Columbia Hydro Council and Allied Hydro Council went to interest arbitration as per the collective agreement on June 14, 17 and 24, 2013. The decision of the arbitrator will be nal. As of press time for Local Voice time we are awaiting the decision. Senior Union Representative Brad Bastien sits on the bargaining committee.

COLUMBIA VALLEY CREDIT UNION

The collective agreement expires June 30, 2014. COPE 378 has sent out a bargaining bulletin and survey to be completed by membership. The bargaining committee will be meeting late January to review survey results. The unions bargaining committee consists of Bonny MacLeod and Union Representative Sarah Melsness.

COMMUNITY SAVINGS CREDIT UNION

BERLITZ CANADA

The collective agreement expired on June 30, 2011. Berlitz has verbally proposed a rollover. The union met with employer to view the nancial records and is satised the organization cannot offer wage increases at this time. The union has requested the employers proposal in writing and a response to the unions non-monetary proposals for consideration. There will be a membership meeting scheduled to provide status update. The unions bargaining committee consists of Collin Patterson and Union Representative Sarah Melsness.

The collective agreement expires June 30, 2014. COPE 378 has sent out a bargaining bulletin and survey to be completed by membership. The bargaining committee met on January 21 to review survey results. The unions bargaining committee consists of Loralee Dallas, Graeme Hutchison and Union Representative Sarah Melsness.

CORAL CABS (RiCHmOND TAXi)

CANADIAN FREIGHTWAYS LTD.

The collective agreement for the members at this unit expired on December 31, 2013. The bargaining committee has been selected. At this time the parties have no dates scheduled to commence bargaining. The bargaining committee consists of Sue Heidinger, Lisa Main, Wesley Rickards and Union Representative Ken Howie.

The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2011. The bargaining committee met with the employer on January 23 and 24, 2014 to begin bargaining. The unions bargaining committee consists of Ernie Baliss and Union Representative Cathy Hirani.

CUPE BC & LOCAlS

CARPENTERS LOCAL 1928

The collective agreement expired in December 2005. The parties are scheduled to talk in the second week of January. The bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Bonnie Merriman.

The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2013. The bargaining surveys have been completed and COPE 378 met with the committee in January and February 2014. The bargaining committee consists of Lori Watt, Nadine Ford and Union Representative Cheryl Popeniuk.

DW SERVICES

CIATU

The collective agreement expires on April 30, 2014. Notice to commence bargaining will be served and the bargaining survey will be sent out to the membership soon for input. As of press time for Local Voice the bargaining committee had not yet been elected. The committee will work with Union Representative Bonnie Merriman.

This is a newly-organized bargaining unit. The members have ratied a tentative agreement and as of press time for Local Voice we are waiting for a response from the employer. The unions bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Carrol Edwards.

FORTISBC ELECTRIC

COAST MOUNTAIN BUS CO.

More info at cope378.ca

The collective agreement for the COPE 378 members at Coast Mountain Bus expired on March 31, 2011. Presently bargaining is on hold as the parties cannot agree on a deal. The bargaining committee consists of Petro Koromvokis, Ray Manning, Ron Williams, Doug Fergus and Union Representative Kevin Payne.

In December of 2013, the members at FortisBC Electric voted overwhelmingly in favour of accepting the tentative agreement. The new agreement is for a term of ve years with wage increases of 2 per cent, 2 per cent, 2 per cent, 2.25 per cent and 2.5 per cent. The unions bargaining committee consists of Stephanie Smith, Janet Maloff, Richard Gaylard, Pat Junnila and Senior Union Representative Brad Bastien.

FORTISBC ENERGY CUSTOMER SERVICE

COASTAL COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

The collective agreement expired June 30, 2013. A tentative agreement was reached and ratied by members in November 2013. The tentative agreement provides for a three-year term with wage increases of 2.5 per cent back to July 2013, 2.75 per cent (July 2014), 2.75 per cent (July 2015) and increased pension contributions. The unions bargaining committee consists of Laurie Kirk, Wanda Neil, Emma OSullivan, Donna Hedley, Colleen Berge, Trisha Spring, Carolyn Davenport and Union Representative Sarah Melsness.

The parties reached a tentative agreement on February 26, 2014. The term of the new agreement is for three years from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2017. Wage increases are as follows: 1 per cent on April 1, 2014, 1 per cent on October, 2014, 2 per cent on April 1, 2015 and 2 per cent on April 1, 2016. The tentative agreement contains other improvements. The membership will now vote on the agreement. The bargaining committee consists of Frederick Boudrias, Kathryn Prinz, Kelly Barret, Lea McNaughton and Senior Union Representative Brad Bastien.

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VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014

COPE 378 Local Voice

BARgAiNiNg BRiEFS

HANDY PACK

The collective agreement for the members at this bargaining unit expired on May 31, 2013. The members have been surveyed and proposals are being developed. The bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Mike Novak.

STRATA CORPORATION 2321 (MElVillE RESiDENCES)

HERTZ

This is a newly organized bargaining unit negotiating their rst collective agreement. The union continues the process of negotiating with the employer and bargaining dates are set for April 2014. The unions bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Trevor Hansen.

The collective agreement expired on October 31, 2013. Bargaining proposals have been drafted and the bargaining committee met with the employer on November 5 and 6, 2013. Further meeting dates were held on February 18 to 20, 2014. The unions bargaining committee consists of Jim Fu, Shelly Keilbart, Praveen Kumar, Shahzad Mansoory and Union Representative Cathy Hirani.

TEAmStERS LOCAl 155

The collective agreement expires on March 31, 2014. Notice to commence bargaining will be served and the bargaining survey will be sent out to the membership soon for their input. The bargaining committee will be elected to work with Union Representative Bonnie Merriman.

TELECOMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION TWU

ICBC

The collective agreement expires on June 30, 2014 and the bargaining survey has been sent out to the membership for their input. The bargaining committee consists of Yasmin Carroll, Karin Cirez, Annette Toth, Mike Ferguson, Joyce Galuska and Trevor Hansen.

KEKINOW NATIVE HOUSING SOCIETY

The collective agreement expired on July 31, 2011. The bargaining committee has met and nalized proposals. Bargaining dates were held February 11, 12 and 26, 2014 and tentative dates are scheduled for March 2014. The unions bargaining committee consists of Linda Lund, Bill Nielsen and Union Representative Kelly Quinn. Union Representative Cheryl Popeniuk will also be participating.

The collective agreement expired on March 31, 2010. Bargaining will resume in March 2014. The unions bargaining committee consists of Terry Frank and Union Representative Cheryl Popeniuk.

TSML (TRANSIT POLICE)

KELOWNA CABS

The collective agreement expired on May 31, 2013. Bargaining commenced October 21, 2013 with a second meeting on December 17. The union scheduled a meeting to nalize ve outstanding items. The unions bargaining committee consists of Al Lewis and Union Representative Barry Hodson.

The parties exchanged proposals September 12, 2013, and met with the employer several more times to bargain through the end of the year. The employer cancelled bargaining dates on January 20 and 21 to prepare their nancial package, which they tabled on January 27 and 28, 2014. The bargaining committee consists of Aaron Chan, Dan Dickhout, Dan McLachlan, Don Mace, Renata Clements , Robert Gladwin and Union Representative Kevin Payne.

VANCOUVER MUSiCiANS ASSOCiAtiON

MACLURES CABS

The collective agreement expires on March 14, 2014. Union proposals have been drafted and approved. The union is waiting to hear back from the employer on dates to exchange proposals. The unions bargaining committee consists of David Clancy and Union Representative Barry Hodson.

A rst collective agreement is in the process of being bargained. As a rst step we are currently gathering and vetting proposals in order to present a complete representational bargaining package to the employer. Bargaining will be conducted by Union Representative Ken Howie.

VANCOUVER TAXI (CENtRAl TAXi DiSpAtCH)

MASTER TRADE UNION

The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2013. Notice to commence bargaining was served on December 5, 2013 and the bargaining survey was sent out to the membership for input and input was completed early January 2, 2014. Your bargaining committee will be notied and announced soon, and will join your union representative, Bonnie Merriman.

The collective agreement expired on June 30, 2011. A tentative agreement was met with a tie vote by the membership, so bargaining will continue. The unions bargaining committee consists of Bernie Stroh and Union Representative Dave Park.

WORKING ENTERPRISES - CHERyl POpENiUK

The collective agreement expires May 31, 2014. The bargaining surveys have now been completed and a meeting was held January 22, 2014. The bargaining committee consists of Dana Richmond and Union Representative Cheryl Popeniuk.

NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY

YELLOW PAGES

The collective agreement expired on June 30, 2013. Notice to commence bargaining has been served and the bargaining survey and a meeting with the bargaining unit members have been completed. Bargaining proposals have been drafted and approved. The bargaining committee is working on setting dates with the employer. The bargaining committee consists of Karl Riley and Union Representative Stephen Von Sychowski.

SEIU

The collective agreement expired on June 30, 2012 and was ratied by a majority of the membership on January 3, 2014. We would like to thank the bargaining committee and a special thanks to the steering committee; David Swaren, Jay Vergara, Alyssa Dennis and Paul Marchetto, for their support as well. The unions bargaining committee consisted of Traian Moldovan, Ken Simms, Emily Ratson, Patrick Evangelista and Union Representative Cheryl Popeniuk.

The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2013. Notice to commence bargaining will be served and the members input has been received. Union Representative Bonnie Merriman will conduct bargaining.

iS pUBliSHED By
Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378, 2nd Floor, 4595 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 1J9 POSTAL AGREEMENT #41267023

Phone: 604-299-0378 Fax: 604-299-8211 E-mail: editor@cope378.ca ISSN 1918-9753 COPE Local 378 Voice COPE 378: President David Black Secretary-Treasurer Lori Mayhew

LOCAL VOICE Editor: Sage Aaron USW 2009 DESIGNED BY: Dansk Design Group danskdesigngroup.com PRINTED AT: Mitchell Press, Burnaby, B.C.

COPE 378 Local Voice

VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014

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YOUNG WORKERS

Young Workers Return Energized from Festival in Ecuador

By ERiN SEARlE, YOUtH ACtiON COmmittEE CO-CHAiR AND StEpHEN VON SyCHOWSKi

"This was a lesson on the ever increasing importance of international solidarity in a globalized world."

delegation of 24 young workers and students from across B.C. joined over 70 others from across Canada in Quito, Ecuador, for the World Festival of Youth and Students. Over 9,000 delegates from more than 100 countries were in attendance. The slogan of the event was Youth unite against imperialism for a world of peace, solidarity, and social transformation. The festival is the largest gathering of youth and student activists in the world. This festival was the 18th to be held since the pro-peace World Youth Conference was held in London in 1945, following the end of World War II. That conference established the World Federation of Youth and Students, and initiated the youth festival movement. The festival included workshops and seminars on a vast array of issues of interest to youth, not to mention cultural events and presentations, sports events, lm screenings, arts activities, and more. Delegates from Canada participated in all aspects of the festival including joining in workshops and seminars and making presentations on subjects such as post-secondary education, aboriginal rights, and environmental issues. But perhaps the most important and exciting aspect of all was simply having the opportunity to meet young trade unionists and other activists from across the globe; to hear their local issues, to share our own,

and to see how our issues are connected. This was a lesson on the ever increasing importance of international solidarity in a globalized world. In the lead up to the festival, several young workers, mostly labour activists, established an organizing committee in the Lower Mainland where the majority of B.C. delegates hailed from. With the support of the Vancouver & District Labour Council, the BC Federation of Labour, and local unions like COPE 378 they were able to mobilize a delegation more than twice as large as that which attended the previous festival in South Africa in 2010. What became clear to us through our organizing work was that the delegation could have been many times larger if not for various barriers such as cost and securing time off work. For this reason the committee fundraised thousands of dollars to help assist delegates to attend the festival. The growing interest in the festival is also a reection of the growing interest in activism and social justice amongst youth as demonstrated by the growth of young workers committees, and of mass movements like Occupy, the Quebec student strike, and Idle No More. We hope that whenever and wherever the next festival arises we will be able to send a delegation twice as large. Now that the festival has wrapped up, the delegates have returned to their communities, workplaces and unions across Canada, and around the world, energized and ready to put their new knowledge to work in building a better future of peace and solidarity.

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VOlUmE 9 Issue #1 Winter 2014

COPE 378 Local Voice

COPE 378 members work at the following properties

Accenture Business Services Union Rep: Doug Jeffs Alma Mater Society Union Rep: Carrol Edwards Alma Mater Society Security Union Rep: Carrol Edwards Aviscar Union Rep: Cathy Hirani BCAA SC & ERS Union Rep: Carrol Edwards BC Computerized Dispatch (Yellow Cab) Union Rep: Barry Hodson BC Federation of Labour Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk BC Ferry & Marine Workers Union Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk BCGEU Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman BC Hydro (including Powertech Construction Services) Union Reps: Barbara Junker, Karen Rockwell BC Nurses Union Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman BC Transit Union Rep: Kevin Payne Beach Place Ventures Union Rep: Barry Hodson Berlitz Canada Union Rep: Trevor Hansen Bonnys Taxi Union Rep: Barry Hodson Canadian Freightways Ltd. Union Rep: Kevin Payne Canadian Northern Shield/RSA Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Capilano University Union Rep: Karen Rockwell Carpenters Local 1928 Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Catalyst Paper Union Rep: Doug Jeffs CIATU Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Coast Mountain Bus Union Rep: Kevin Payne Coastal Community Credit Union Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Coastal Community Financial Management Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Coastal Community Insurance Union Rep: Sarah Melsness College of Pharmacists of BC Union Rep: Doug Jeffs College of Registered Nurses Union Rep: Doug Jeffs Columbia Hydro Union Rep: Brad Bastien Columbia Valley Credit Union Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Community Savings Credit Union Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Coral Cabs (Richmond Taxi) Union Rep: Barry Hodson CUPE 374 Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk CUPE 454 Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk CUPE 1978 Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk CUPE 3338 Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk CUPE BC & Locals Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk DA Townley & Associates Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Dollar Thrifty Union Rep: Cathy Hirani DW Services Union Rep: Trevor Hansen Ecojustice Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Enterprise Rent-A-Car Union Rep: Cathy Hirani FortisBC Customer Service Centres Union Rep: Mike Novak FortisBC Energy Inc. Union Rep: Mike Novak FortisBC Inc. Union Rep: Mike Novak Gulf & Fraser Fishermens Credit Union Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Handy Pack Union Rep: Mike Novak Hastings Entertainment Inc. Union Rep: Doug Jeffs Hertz Union Rep: Cathy Hirani ICBC Union Reps: Ken Howie, Kelly Quinn, Stephen Von Sychowski Island Savings Credit Union and Insurance Union Rep: Sarah Melsness IWA Forest Industry PP Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Kekinow Native Housing Society Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Kelowna Cabs Ltd. Union Rep: Barry Hodson Konica Minolta Union Rep: Trevor Hansen Kruger Products (Scott Paper) Union Rep: Karen Rockwell Ladysmith & District CU Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Lake City Casinos Union Rep: Trevor Hansen LuMa Native Housing Society Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk MacLure's Cabs Ltd. Union Rep: Barry Hodson Marine Workers & Boilermakers Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Master Trade Office Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Melville Residences Union Rep: Trevor Hansen New Democratic Party Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Pacic Vehicle Testing Union Rep: Kevin Payne Schneider Union Rep: Cathy Hirani Seaspan International Ltd. Union Rep: Kevin Payne SEIU 244 Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Southern Railway Union Rep: Mike Novak Teamsters Local 31 Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Teamsters Local 155 Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Teamsters Local 213 & 213 Member Benet Plan Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Telecommunication Workers Pension Plan Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Teletheatre BC Union Rep: Doug Jeffs Thunderbird Winter Sports Union Rep: Barbara Junker TransLink Union Rep: Kevin Payne Transit Police Union Rep: Kevin Payne Tree Island Union Rep: Mike Novak United Fishermen & Allied Worker Union Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Vancouver Musicians Association Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Vancouver Shipyards Ltd. Union Rep: Kevin Payne Vancouver Taxi Ltd. (Central Taxi Dispatch) Union Rep: Barry Hodson VantageOne Credit Union Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Victoria Shipyards Ltd. Union Rep: Kevin Payne Victoria Trade Union Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Westminster Savings Credit Union Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Working Enterprises Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Xylem Water Solutions Union Rep: Doug Jeffs Yellow Pages Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk

COPE 378 Local Voice

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custom cartoons for cope 378 members

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: #200 - 4595 CANADA WAY, BURNABY, B.C. V5G 1J9

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