Just a friendly reminder of the upcoming general membership meeting. We will be hosting this meeting in-person at the Union office as we have elections that we need to run for both the Clerical and Custodial Shop Steward Vacancies and we are also hoping to present the 2025 Budget for approval.
We also intend to run elections for the Assistants and Clerical Bargaining representatives, more details on this will be shared out with members of those respective divisions next week.
The Union has been made aware of various surveys, questionnaires and discussions that have been taking place with our members and requesting that they disclose private/personal information. An email went out to all members today for consideration.
We also want members to be aware that while the BC Government did bring into legislation the “Pay Transparency Act“, their website clearly states that the request for such information is VOLUNTARY! (see below)
It is recommended that employers collect gender information from their employees according to the Gender and Sex Data Standard in order to complete their pay transparency report. Employers must ensure employees are notified that the collection of gender information is for the purpose of preparing a pay transparency report and that their participation is voluntary. If any employee chooses not to provide their gender information for the purpose of preparing the pay transparency report, their pay information will still be used to prepare the report, but their gender will be marked as ‘unknown’. Gender data and the prescribed pay information will be used to perform pay gap calculations for the pay transparency report.
We have also been receiving concerning inquires from members who are being advised that “District Staff Meetings” are mandatory for support staff to attend. Again an email correspondence has gone out to all members advising them of their rights and entitlements as support staff in this regard. EA’s cannot be directed to use their SIF hours as that time is allocated to EA’s and can only be used by mutual agreement between the member and their Supervisor. (see language in SIF Item No.1 of the below document)
2024 – 2025 Spring Break Minutes-LIF-SIF – Elem-Middle
Lastly, we want to remind members to review some of the District’s forms that pertain to Health and Safety, in particular Workplace Violence and Safety Plans, as some changes have been made to the documents, so please do not use forms from last year. Documents can be found on the Employer’s SharePoint under Health & Safety or under Student Services. We have been made aware of a number of violent incidents already this year, some of which have caused injury, so we want to make sure all our members are aware of the reporting process, how/where to access the correct forms, and what kind of follow up they can expect from the Employer or their Representatives and/or WSBC. If you have questions, or would like to request copies of forms please email unionoffice@cupe411.ca and your request will be directed to the appropriate elected Union Official.
In Solidarity,
CUPE 411
A September Update email has gone out to all members but given that not all members have personal emails registered with the local we want to make sure that you have access to the information that was sent out.
The Employer continues to push out these surveys/scans on employees from specific sites or departments, please know that your participation is absolutely optional and you should never feel pressured to answer questions or engage in discussion. As soon as any organization feels that it needs to send around a survey (and tell employees that their replies will be kept confidential) they have already lost the war and have essentially given up on truly building trust on their team. It is also important to note that how you respond to questions has the potential to negatively impact you the Employee, and/or the Union.
Every year the District provides a Collaboration opportunity to their employees, which of course includes our CUPE members and while we are not formal Educators, as support staff we do play a very significant role within the system. Having the time and space to connect and work together on specific learning initiatives not only enhances our skill sets but also builds healthy working relationships. Information pertaining to this Model is available on the Employers website.
With a Provincial General Election taking place on October 19, 2024, we want to encourage all our members to “Get out and VOTE”. Please visit the Elections BC website for more information and just a few things to be aware of:
Clerical Meeting – October 1, 2024 / 4:00pm at the Union Office (8472 Harvard Place, 2nd Floor Seminar Rm). This meeting will be for all permanent and casual clerical as the issues within this division continue to mount and we want to try and help get a handle on things before any further damage is done.
With Collective Bargaining on the horizon the Union will be gearing up to strike their 2025 Bargaining Committee, we will be looking for a representative from each division; Assistants, Clerical, Custodial, Maintenance and Transportation. We will be sending out information in the coming weeks on the Election process, but in the meantime if you have any questions you can always call, 604-392-1411 or email, unionoffice@cupe411.ca for more information.
In Solidarity,
CUPE 411 Executive
Just a few items that may be of interest to members:
Eligible regular-term (12-month) members who have not already submitted an application to the Health and Wellness Fund may do so between August 1-31, 2024. The newest application form can be found on the Union’s website under the “Resources” tab in the menu, you will need to scroll down to find the link. Members can also find an updated Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) document that should help provide clarity on a number of items. All applications and supporting documents are to be emailed to unionoffice@cupe411.ca, any submissions outside of the designated intake periods will not be accepted, and only eligible applicants may apply.
A friendly reminder to members to continue to monitor Make a Future for job postings as we anticipate seeing a significant number of postings to be published in August.
Reminder to 10-month members whose assignments are seven (7) hours a day, five (5) days a week, to be mindful of how you want to work your additional twenty-five (25) hours for the 2024-2025 school year, as it may be to your benefit to use this time prior to the September 3rd school start date. Please take a few minutes to review the Letter of Understanding (LOU) and if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the Union office, 604-392-1411.
Lastly, a reminder to members that are still working over the summer months, should you find yourself in need of a medical leave or sustain a workplace injury and want to know what the appropriate next steps are that protect your best interest, please do not hesitate to reach out to a Union rep for guidance and support.
In Solidarity
We hope all our member finished the 2023/2024 school year off strong and for some this means a well deserved break for others though it isn’t over but perhaps time will allow for a little R&R here and there.
Just a couple of things worth noting for June……
The Employer will continue to post new jobs or vacancies throughout the summer, if you don’t want to miss out on employment opportunities then you need to stay connected to Make a Future to see the latest postings as you only have five (5) working days to apply on a posting. Now might be a good time to update your Make a Future profile with all the relevant documentation required when applying on a position. If you have questions about what a great cover letter should read like, or how best to layout a resume we are always happy to provide some guidance and support.
This year’s community Pride Event will be taking place on Saturday, July 21st and we are always in need of volunteers to help us out, if you’re interested please email unionoffice@cupe411.ca, more details for this event should come available on the Chilliwack Pride Society’s website closer to the event date. The Union has confirmed that CUPE BC will be visiting us at this event in their new Vanalletta where we will have some CUPE swag to give away!
Despite the weather the 2nd annual CUPE 411/SD33 Pro-D Day was a huge success and we could not have pulled it off without an amazing team of organizers, student volunteers, and few extra helping hands so please accept a very heartfelt “Thank You” for all your help and support. Members are reminded to complete the Exit Survey that was emailed to you following your second session. The Union is also able to receive your feedback on Pro-D ideas anytime, please email unionoffice@cupe411.ca with your suggestions.
It has been brought to the Union’s attention that concerns had been raised regarding pay for the general holidays in April therefore in an attempt to provide members with some clarity the April 2024 – CUPE Quick Facts is focused on General Holidays. If after review you still feel as though you should have been compensated for either of those days please reach out to the appropriate member in the Payroll Department.
The May 15th deadline date is fast approaching for members that wish to request a one-year leave of absence for the 2024-2025 school year as specified in the language of Article 14.10 General Leave of our Collective Agreement. May 15th is also the deadline date for members that hold a permanent job description as an Education Assistant-Special Needs that would like to request a transfer as per the language in our Collective Agreement in the Letter of Understanding #3. Members that have questions regarding either of this items are encouraged to reach out to a Shop Steward for guidance and support.
With field trip season starting to ramp up we want to remind support staff that if you are attending a field trip as part of your work related duties you are entitled to receive your breaks; coffee and lunch. It would be best to have your break plan worked out prior to leaving the site and if for some reason your supervisor requires you to work through your break and you are agreeable to this then you get paid for that time. YOU DO NOT get to take time off in lieu, that is NOT permitted, your supervisors know this and they should never ask this of you. Any members asked to participate in overnight field trips should reach out to the Union so that we can advise you of your rights and entitlements in terms of hours of work, overtime, and breaks, as this all needs to be spelled out in writing prior to your departure.
The Union is pleased to announce that we signed another one (1) year Letter of Understanding (LOU) with our Employer for the Seamless Day Child Care program running out of Central Elementary as well as a second LOU that supports other Early Learning Initiatives such as the Before and After School Child Care programs. With two new sites coming on board at Greendale Elementary and Unsworth Elementary we see this as an opportunity to give those members with the least amount of hours the ability to apply for positions that will top them up to seven (7) or possibly eight (8) hours a day.
Lastly, we want to encourage our Education Assistants-Special Needs who hold permanent positions to use their six (6) hours allotment of SIF hours before the end of this school year. If you want to meet with your classroom teacher to discuss the student(s) you support, or even meet as a group to discuss tips and tricks on how to make it to the end of the year with your students this would be a great time to take advantage of the time given you. Another great suggestion for those EA’s that have students transitioning to a Middle or Secondary school might be to connect with the EA’s at the incoming school to pass on your knowledge and experiences so that your counterparts can be successful in supporting the student. You can also use the time to complete any of the District’s Moodle courses that may be of interest to you keeping in mind that you cannot exceed a seven (7) hour day. Please be reminded to communicate to your Principal and/or Vice-Principal prior to proceeding with a plan for that time and if you are met with any resistance please contact an elected Union official.
The Union is pleased to announce that CUPE now has a Professional Development Day that is open to ALL CUPE members that would like to attend, and not just for those members from our Assistants division. We want to encourage our Clerical to NOT spend the day in their offices playing catch-up, and for our Custodians to lay down their brooms and our Tradespeople to drop their tools and for our Bus Drivers to not simply take a day off without pay.
This is not designed to be a training day, but a day to explore new ideas and opportunities that can help to expand our knowledge or understanding on a variety of subjects or activities.
Registration opens today, Friday, April 5, 2024 via the SD33 eBase system, and we would encourage members to participate as this day was designed for support staff.
CUPE 411
CUPE 411 has partnered again with CUPE 458 in order to offer another member engagement opportunity for our members and their children.
For all those hockey fans in our midst we welcome you to take part in the Family Chiefs Night on February 17th. (see details below)
Tickets are limited, interested members are required to register themselves and their child(ren), on or before February 9th, via the Member Engagement Event Registration link on the home page of the Union’s website under the Send Us Your Feedback heading.
Tickets are free for members and their children, however additional tickets may be purchased for other family members or friends at a cost of $10 should there be any remaining after registration closes on the 9th.
