2025 Year in Review Newsletter
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 approximately 1000 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.
Hello everyone,
As we wrap up the year, we want to extend our warmest holiday wishes to you and your loved ones. This season gives us a chance to pause and appreciate the power of community: how much stronger we are when we look out for one another, celebrate each other’s wins, and face challenges with collective resolve. Throughout 2025, your dedication, care, and solidarity have shaped not only our workplaces but the broader communities we are part of. Whether you spend this time resting, gathering with loved ones, or reconnecting with what grounds you, we hope the coming weeks bring you comfort, joy, and well-deserved peace. Thank you for the strength you bring to CUPE 3338 every day. Wishing you a restorative holiday season and a hopeful, bright start to the new year.
As this is our final newsletter of the year, we have included a collection of photos below that highlight some of the moments, events, and collective efforts that shaped 2025 for our local. We hope these snapshots serve as both a reflection of what we have built together and an inspiration for the work and community we will continue to strengthen in the year ahead.
CUPE BC Convention
Bridget, Brianna, Linh, Fiona and Trish met David Eby at the CUPE BC Convention
CUPE BC – One Big Committee Meeting (OBCM)
CUPE 3338 members on CUPE BC Committees for the 2025-2027 term:
Shaneza Bacchus: Post-Secondary; Racialized Workers
Bridget Barker: Women’s and Gender Rights
Fiona Lenfesty: Pension
David Kloepfer: Libraries
Brianna Price: Young Workers
CUPE National Convention
Anna, David, and Bridget at the CUPE National Convention; Wab Kinew on screen
Bargaining Updates
Unit 1/SFU: The membership recently approved the proposal package we’ll be taking to the table with SFU in January. Our first meeting date with SFU is January 8th, with dates scheduled throughout January and February.
Unit 4/BEST: We will soon be accepting nominations for the 2026 Bargaining Committee, please stay tuned for more information.
Unit 5/SFSS: We recently met with the SFSS on December 11th. The session was largely unproductive. We will eventually meet again in the new year.
Unit 6/GSS: We will bargain with the GSS in March and April of this year, details still to be finalized.
Membership Engagement
We are looking ahead to 2026 with a renewed focus on building a more connected and engaged membership. Strong unions grow from relationships: workers knowing one another, showing up for each other, and creating space to build trust and community. We hope to offer more social events, wellness walks, cultural days, and picnics across all campuses, but these gatherings thrive when our members help make them happen. Your involvement – whether organizing, attending, or simply spreading the word – strengthens our collective voice and reminds us that we are part of a vibrant, caring campus community.
President Shaneza Bacchus and Unit 4 Representative Khushpreet Kaur at the Summer Institute for Union Women
International Women’s Day Dinner CUPE 3338 at SFU Clubs Days
Wellness Wednesday Walks – the crowd is growing!
Moment of Silence at AGM
During the November 26th Annual General Meeting, we held a moment of silence for the members we lost this year: Kulbir Kaila (left, Unit 4 / BEST) and Kathryn Hunter (right, Unit 1 / SFU).
The 2026 budget, approved at the November 2025 AGM, includes two new annual bursaries in honour of Kulbir Kaila of $1250.00 each to be given to Unit 4 members for professional development/education purposes for themselves or a family member.
CUPE 3338 will donate $500.00 in honour of Kathryn (Kat) Hunter to SAINTS Dog rescue, a cause that Kathryn cared about deeply and also donated to herself. SFU’s Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies (GSWS) department has also set up a memorial fund in Kat’s name. If you would like to donate to the fund, you may do so here: https://www.sfu.ca/gsws/donate/kathryn-hunter-memorial-fund.html
Solidarity On and Off Campus
CUPE 3338 at the UNITE HERE Local 40 Rally on November 5th
Bridget with CUPE BC friends at QMUNITY’s IDAHOBIT Breakfast on May 15th
Winter Closure
The CUPE 3338 office will be closed from December 22, 2025 to January 2, 2025, reopening on January 5th, 2026. For urgent inquiries, please email info@cupe3338.ca through this time.
We wish you a peaceful and relaxing winter holiday with family and friends – see you in the new year!