Communications Officer

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…

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Conversations with union representatives are confidential for all parties. Recording without the consent of all parties present undermines trust and is strongly discouraged.  
4. 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.

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

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society 
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation  
• Orange Shirt Day 
• APTN 
• CUPE National 
• SFU R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Project 
• Government of Canada | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

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.

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,

Members of the executive board have been able to take some much needed time off here and there. August has been giving us a little breathing room and your Local officers are taking full advantage by focusing on other important areas that have needed attention: preparing for bargaining; circling back to important workplace matters; grievance and arbitration processes; member engagement for the fall; office organization and clean-up.

CUPE will be at SFU’s BBQ tomorrow (August 14).  SFU has confirmed that all CUPE members are welcomed to attend: Unit 1/SFU, Unit 4/BEST, Unit 5/SFSS, Unit 6/GSS and Unit 7/SFPIRG.

Look for the CUPE table (away from the food area) and come say hi! You are welcome to bring any general questions you may have about workplace issues.

We look forward to connecting more with the membership in person in the fall!  We hope you and your loved ones have a restful, fun and safe summer.

Member Appreciation Pool + Pizza Party | August 24, 2024

• We are very excited to share that we are hosting a social for all members of CUPE 3338 and their families at Robert Burnaby Outdoor Pool on August 24th! We will have the pool from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and pizza will be served afterwards (vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available). If you would like to attend, please RSVP to info@cupe3338.ca by Wednesday, August 21 and let us know how many people you will be bringing with you.  Please note there is a maximum of 5 per family (but let us know if your family is bigger – we may be able to accommodate you).  Please come if you are able! The venue is accessible by public transportation and there is free parking available onsite. 

Important Information

Unit 1/SFU

• The Involuntary Transfer process has concluded and the impacted members are settling into their new roles. The Local will now pivot to ‘following the work’ from all position eliminations.  This is where we need your help: please contact us with any information you have about “where the work went” if you happen to know something, whether the work has drifted to APSA or been absorbed by other CUPE colleagues. We are aware that just because certain positions were eliminated does not mean the work also was. We are compiling information to discuss/address with SFU.  
• Please welcome and be kind to new colleagues in your department from the IT process.  It was a very stressful and difficult time from position elimination to placement into a new position.  These individuals are learning a new job under challenging circumstances and we encourage you to do what you can to help support their transition.

Unit 4/BEST 

• Your union is looking for stewards at each shift across all three campuses.  Stewards routinely provide updates on workplace concerns and may be asked to attend as a witness with a colleague.  Please contact us to discuss further.
• Your Local would like to regularly connect with all members in this unit.  The difficulty is shift work across three campuses.  The goal is to schedule one meeting in person every 4 months with each shift at each campus.
• We are trying to address language barriers, please let us know of spoken languages we may not be aware of.

Unit 5/SFSS

• Bargaining preparations are underway.  The CUPE bargaining committee has met for an overview of bargaining, CUPE and the Employer had a preliminary meeting.  The Employer has to finalize their bargaining committee.  Tentative bargaining dates are on hold but not confirmed.

Units 6/GSS and Unit 7/GSS

• Currently, there is no rep for each unit and presence on the executive board is very important for us to remain connected with workplace concerns and wins. We want members in these units to be involved in their unit. We are happy to discuss expectations and are committed to mentoring new unit reps.

Membership Engagement

CFL Ticket Draw (Door Prizes from General Membership Meeting)

• Congratulations to the two members who won the draw for packages of two tickets each to attend the BC Lions game on August 18th! Have fun at the game, we hope to see your photos! We look forward to being able to offer other fun door prizes at future GMMs.

Electing a Future Worth Fighting For

• In a final push to get us ready for this coming election, CUPE BC is delivering another round Electing a Future Worth Fighting For. This one-day course focuses on building our members’ capacity to talk about politics with other members, and will help get us ready for the upcoming provincial election on October 19, 2024.
• If you would like to attend this training please complete this form. Available seats for these sessions are limited by budget and space constraints. Participants will be brought into our rapidly growing Political Action Network, and will be invited to volunteer for a labour canvass the night of their training. 
• CUPE BC will be covering expenses for members to attend this training. That includes travel, book off, per diems, and other items that fall in line with our expense policy. 
• The following training is taking place around BC.

Region	Date	Training Location
Richmond/Delta	August 28	To Be Announced
Surrey/Langley/Maple Ridge	August 29	Walnut Grove Community Centre
Vancouver	September 5	Vancouver Public Library, Downtown
Abbotsford/Chilliwack	September 6	Abbotsford CUPE Area Office
Nanaimo/Parksville/Qualicum	September 13	Nanaimo CUPE Area Office
Prince George	September 19 (Half-Day)	Prince George CUPE Area Office

• If you have any questions or concerns, please connect directly with Neal Adolph, Political Action Coordinator, at nadolph@cupe.ca.

Social and Young Workers Committee Call-Outs

• The Social Committee is up and running! 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.  If you would like to see the fun continue, 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 labor movement!

Upcoming Events and Community Engagement Opportunities

September 2, 2024, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm: Labour Day celebrations at Edmonds Park (7433 Humphries Ave, Burnaby, BC), co-hosted by the Vancouver District Labour Council and New Westminster & District Labour Council.

Details: https://vdlc.ca/events/metro-vancouver-labour-day-celebration-2/

Did You Know…

1. Medical Accommodation
   • A medical accommodation is based on need, not want, by an employee.  The employer has a duty to accommodate.  There are limits: duty ends when the point of undue hardship is reached.  Some hardship is to be expected and “put up with” by the employer.  
   • Contact the union if you have any questions about a medical duty to accommodate.
2. As we approach Labour Day (September 2nd), here are a couple of labour history tidbits that may interest you:

• • “In 1974, years before other Canadian unions won maternity leave benefits in collective agreements, the Association of University & College Employees (AUCE) Local 1 at the University of British Columbia (UBC) made history. In its first collective agreement, UBC clerical and library workers achieved contract language that provided fully funded maternity leave for its members. It was a breakthrough not just for workers at UBC, but for families across the country… In 1985, AUCE Local 1 joined the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and is now known as CUPE 2950.” (Source: https://www.labourheritagecentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AUCE-Local-1-Web.pdf)
  • AUCE Local 2 at Simon Fraser University was the precursor to CUPE 3338! “The Association of University and College Employees, Local #2 (AUCE #2) was formed at Simon Fraser University in 1974… On December 12, 1991 the motion was passed that effective December 31, 1991, AUCE #2 would withdraw as the representative of non-academic and non-professional staff, in favour of CUPE Local #3338.” (Source: https://atom.archives.sfu.ca/association-of-university-and-college-employees-local-2)

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