September 2024 Newsletter

CUPE Local 3338 is a non-profit union organization. We represent nearly 1200 members in six bargaining units each with their own employer across all three campuses of Simon Fraser University. Our vision is to advocate for just and diverse workplaces and communities, and to foster respect, dignity, and equity for our members, and for all working people.

President’s Message

Hi Everyone,

It seems like summer came and went so quickly!  We do hope that you were able to get some good time with loved ones and also rest for yourself.  September is always busy, please take care as you get through the first peak period of the fall semester.

As we just had the GMM on September 25 and the exec report was attached, this message will be a bit shorter.  As always, don’t hesitate to contact your union should you have any questions about the workplace.

In Solidarity and on behalf of the Executive Board,

Shaneza Bacchus

September 25 GMM Highlights

  • By-election for Unit 1/SFU Representative.  Nominations are now open and will close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2024.  Email info@cupe3338.ca with a brief candidate statement if you are a Unit 1 member and interested in this position.  
  • Nominations are now open for all Executive Board positions and will close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 24, 2024.  Email info@cupe3338.ca with any questions and/or to request additional information.
  • Call for the elections committee is open and will close at 11:59pm on Monday, September 30.  Email info@cupe3338.ca if you’d like to be on this committee.
  • Financial Motions passed: vacation payout for former 3338 President from January 16, 2019 to December 31, 2022 and Local credit card.
  • Bylaw Revisions: We cannot vote on Bylaws via Simply Voting after-the-fact.  The membership will be updated on how the vote will occur: SAGM or AGM.

Pacific Blue Cross Elections

You might remember an email in late August about the Pacific Blue Cross board elections—great news, we won! Jatinder Bir, Lori Mayhew, and Aaron Sumexheltza were all elected, ensuring the board will keep workers’ interests at the forefront.

Thanks to everyone who helped share the message—and secure this win. Collectively, 16,000 CUPE members were reached, showing how strong we are when we work together!

Provincial Election

The provincial campaign is officially underway and we’re now less than 4 weeks away from the October 19, 2024 election and it’s shaping up to be a very right race between the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives.  With more than 100,000 CUPE members across the province, we have an opportunity to make a real impact in this election and your engagement is crucial.

This election is critical for those of us who care about strong public services, access to health care, fair wages and affordable living in BC.  Your vote can help protect the gains made in recent years and ensure that progress continues for workers, families and our communities.

What you can do:

  • Pledge to vote with workers!  
  • Ensure you are registered to vote.
  • Engage with those running for office by reviewing their platforms.
  • Contact your local area and volunteer to canvass.
  • Talk to your networks.  Start the conversation in appropriate places on why this election is critical and why it’s important to vote on October 19.
  • Vote on October 19 (or advance polling)! 

We’re calling on every CUPE member to protect the people and services we all care about, by voting in the October 19 provincial election.  Together, we can make a real difference in this election and secure a government that will keep BC moving forward.

Call for Canvassing Volunteers

When: Sunday September 29th at 10:00am
Where: Jennifer Whiteside’s campaign office, 631 Carnarvon St, New Westminster
Who: Everyone!

Come beforehand for breakfast with CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta and CUPE Metro President Sarah Bjorknas –  let them know at contactcupemetro@gmail.com. 

Membership Engagement

  • What would you like to see from your Local? Please let us know.

Social and Young Workers Committee Call-Outs

  • The Social Committee: Your Local needs volunteers to ensure social events are scheduled regularly, as exec board members will have to pivot to priority Local work in the fall.  We have a fun idea for the Fall, stay tuned! If you would like to see some fun engagement happen, help to plan future events for you and your colleagues is needed.  Please email info@cupe3338.ca to get involved.
  • We are looking to launch a new Young Workers Committee for those aged 30 and under. Let’s connect, innovate, and shape the future together.  Please send an email to info@cupe3338.ca if you would like a fun way of learning more about the labour movement!

Upcoming Events and Community Engagement Opportunities

Cultures of Solidarity – Climate and Labour Movement Zine-and-Skill Share | Sep. 28, 2024, 2:00-4:00 pm

Presenting publications from John-Henry Harter (Lecturer of Labour Studies & History), Sarah Law (MA student of Sociology), members of Worker Solidarity Network and Asian Canadian Labour Alliance BC, Cultures of Solidarity invites organizers to share histories, strategies and tactics through the visual or creative formats employed in actions and campaigns. This event focuses on the zine as a vehicle for building solidarity and the transfer of knowledge and skills across labour and climate organizing. A panel of intergenerational speakers will share zines or publications that have been meaningful in their movement work. Cultures of Solidarity observes the creative intellect and labour of our political movements by showcasing research and knowledge production led by workers and members of communities in solidarity and struggle against capitalism and colonialism.

Date & Time: September 28, 2024 (Saturday) | 2PM – 4PM (Pacific)         

Location: Maritime Labour Centre, Boardroom 3 (1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver)

Registration: This event is free, and registration is required. Please click here to register!

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30 

September 30 solemnly recognises the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.  September 30 honours stolen children, survivors of colonial Canada’s residential “schools”, as well as, their families and communities.

As settlers and migrants in colonial Canada, it is important to meaningfully reflect on this day and acknowledge that colonialism is ongoing.  We encourage you to review educational resources below, attend Indigenous-led community events on September 30 and commit to Calls to Action.  Truth and Reconciliation does not start and end on one day.

Wear orange. Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”.  The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. 

Please approach any conversations/learning with empathy and respect.  Indigenous communities (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) have been calling for justice for generations.  All Canadians, settlers and migrants, need to listen and amplify Indigenous voices and when we act, to do so in meaningful ways led by Indigenous communities.

Educational Resources

Gender Equality Week | Fourth Week of September

Gender Equality Week is an opportunity to:

  • raise awareness of the important contributions women and gender diverse communities have made to the growth, development, character and identity of Canada,
  • celebrate the significant achievements and accomplishments that we have made in advancing gender equality, and
  • reconfirm our commitment to address persistent gender equality gaps in our country. 

Gender Equality Week is the result of the passing of Bill C-309, the Gender Equality Week Act, which received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018. This legislation designates the fourth week in September as Gender Equality Week. 

Did You Know…

  1. We need your help: If you are a qualified internal candidate who has applied for a job posting and you were not contacted for an interview, we won’t know that you weren’t contacted for an interview unless you tell us. If you have concerns about a hiring matter, please write to info@cupe3338.ca and attach a copy of the job posting or tell us the position number so that we can inquire.
  2. The Employer has the right to manage the workplace.  This includes directing work, conducting coaching and/or performance evaluations and if necessary, issuing disciplinary action.  The CA is your protection as the Employer manages the workplace.  Please contact us if you have any questions about how you are being managed at work.
  3. For Unit 1/SFU members: As we approach the final months of the year, please do not forget to use the new Article 41, “Personal Day with Pay” benefit (previously titled “Change of Residence”). This is a “use it or lose it” benefit that does not roll over to the following year. 

To keep up with our most recent news, please visit https://cupe3338.ca for union updates.

Have content to share with the CUPE 3338 community? Submit it to this newsletter by emailing communications@cupe3338.ca.

To contact the union: 778.782.5494 or info@cupe3338.ca. Offices are in AQ 5131 and 5132 and drop ins are welcomed but it’s recommended to schedule an appointment.