CUPE respectfully acknowledges that Simon Fraser University campuses occupies unceded, traditional Coast Salish territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen Nations.
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,
Thank you for attending the September and October GMMs, as well as staying connected via these newsletter updates and contacting the union office directly.
Your executive board is embedded in several key areas: mediation preparation, labour matters across a few units and the day-to-day action items. In addition, AGM preparations will start this week, which is an “all hands on deck” task. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind the membership that while there are three paid officers who carry their fair share of the work, the executive board otherwise consists of volunteers who do quite an extensive amount of work in addition to their day jobs. Your Local cannot function effectively without a full executive board.
We look forward to engaging with you more in the coming weeks and at the AGM.
Take good care and in solidarity,
Shaneza Bacchus
2024 AGM Notice
Quorum is needed for this meeting, your attendance is needed.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Halpern 126 | Burnaby campus | in-person only
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (sign in starts at 4:00pm)
6:00-7:00 p.m. | Social (light food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided)
BC Elections 2024 Update
Thank you to everyone who exercised their democratic right and responsibility and voted in the 2024 BC elections! This election is a great example of how and why every vote counts. The NDP will form the majority BC government. The Local has seen bargaining under a different government and it was a challenge to improve working conditions and wages. We can look forward to bargaining two units under the continued NDP government.
We encourage you to refer to ElectionsBC or your preferred local news source for up-to-date information, and interesting breakdowns of votes per riding.
Unit Updates
Unit 1/SFU
Workload
- The union is aware of increases to workloads across many different departments. We need you to contact us ASAP with the specifics of your situation so that we can address the untenable workload with SFU.
- You cannot outright refuse additional duties as the line “additional duties as required” appears in almost all of our job descriptions. However, the “additional duties” should not be unreasonable. If the additional duties will impact your own workload, then have a conversation with your supervisor about what work can wait and what will be coming off your plate to make room for this additional work. You cannot be expected to do the work of two people through any period of absence/coverage. Cover what you can, but be very clear about your limits and boundaries when it comes to your time. Please consider making use of Article 48.06 (Work Load).
Bargaining
- The current CA expires March 31, 2025! It seems like a long way away but it will be here sooner than we think. Stay tuned for the bargaining committee call out!
Unit 4/BEST
- We will be scheduling meetings across most shifts and all campuses on November 27 and 28. Stay tuned for time and room announcements.
- Ongoing workplace concerns: bullying and harassment, workload, interpersonal conflicts, confidentiality. There are also a handful of grievances on the go.
- There are limited stewards available in the membership and this unit needs regular points-of-contact within each shift and campus. Please contact the union if you would like to become a point of contact within your area.
Unit 5/SFSS
- Ongoing workplace concerns: workload, interpersonal conflicts, management concerns.
- Bargaining: CUPE and SFSS discussed bargaining timelines: November 2024 dates were agreed upon with a back up in February 2025. November 2024 was not viable for the SFSS due to internal processes and SFSS requested bargaining be postponed, CUPE agreed. CUPE requested confirmation of February 2025 bargaining dates.
Unit 6/GSS and Unit 7/SFPIRG
Engagement is usually around bargaining, however, we would like this to change and will be reaching out before the end of the year to see how we can connect more often together.
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 have to focus on Local priorities as the year quickly comes to an end. We have a couple fun ideas for November and January. If you would like to see some fun engagement happen, help to plan future events for you and your colleagues is needed.
- 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 within the labour movement!
Canadian Library Month
October 1st marked the start of Canadian Library Month! And, as the union representing the majority of library workers in BC, we proudly celebrate these vital services CUPE members deliver every day, in communities across this province.
Library staff work hard to make sure these important public spaces feel safe and inclusive for all, as they provide access to a range of resources and programs that inspire and connect with people of ages and backgrounds. Libraries are also evolving to meet the changing needs of communities—from removing barriers to accessing technology, to developing innovative program solutions that meet the needs of the diverse people they support.
Libraries are great places to learn and grow in, with 3500 CUPE library workers in BC who help keep them working for everyone!
Upcoming Events
October 31, 2024: Diwali & Halloween
As we celebrate the Festival of Lights today, we want to extend warm wishes for a joyous and prosperous Diwali! This special occasion is cherished not only by Hindus but also by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, each bringing their own unique traditions to the celebration.
Additionally, as Halloween approaches, we hope you enjoy the fun and festivities that come with it—whether it’s dressing up, trick-or-treating, or enjoying spooky treats.
May both occasions bring you happiness, health, and a sense of community. Let’s embrace the spirit of togetherness and positivity that these celebrations represent!
November 11, 2024: Remembrance Day
As we approach Remembrance Day, we encourage everyone to pause and honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have served in the pursuit of peace and freedom. This day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on their enduring legacy and to express our gratitude for the freedoms we are privileged to uphold.
Did You Know…
- You can request a union rep to be present at any meeting with your supervisor/manager. The union highly recommends not to attend a disciplinary meeting without representation. If a check-in meeting seems to be taking a disciplinary turn, you can request to stop the meeting to connect with a union rep.
- Any CUPE member can become a steward in their workplace. Training consists of two short workshops to start (Introduction to Stewarding Parts I & II, often offered on the same day), and you are booked off (wage-reimbursed) for all union training. Being a steward means you are the “eyes and ears” as well as a point-of-contact in your area. Your right to act as a steward is protected in the Collective Agreement.
- Conversations with union representatives are confidential for all parties. Recording without the consent of all parties present undermines trust and is strongly discouraged.
- There is a confidential mail box on the AQ5132 door if you would like to provide any feedback in an “old school” note or letter. You are welcome to leave anonymous feedback, but if you wish to receive a response back from us, please identify yourself and provide contact information so we can do so.
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.