The next January 2025 – Regular Meeting Notice is taking place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, starting at 9:30am in the second floor Seminar room at 8472 Harvard Place, we hope that you are able to join us and immediately following that meeting we will be holding an Election for the Transportation Division Bargaining Committee Representative.  Members from the Transportation Division are the only ones eligible to sit in and cast a vote so we encourage as many members to come out and actively participate in this process.

We will also be holding an Election for the Maintenance Division Bargaining Committee Representative on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 starting at 3:30pm in the lunch room at the Facilities Department.  Members from the Maintenance Division are the only ones eligible to sit in and cast a vote, so again we encourage as many members to stop in after work and actively participate in this process.

We would also like to send well wishes for a very Happy & Healthy New Year to all our members!

In Solidarity,

CUPE 411 Executive

We are looking for both Mentors and Mentees for this Union/Employer initiative as such we are now accepting applications for the 2025 Mentorship Program.  This program is open to all Special Needs and Indigenous EA’s, CYCW, and Clerical, we would also consider applications from WEX Facilitators.

What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is a relationship based process where the mentor and the mentee have a shared commitment of time and effort to developing skills and knowledge, the goal of this process is to help someone reach their full potential by providing objective advice, feedback and encouragement.

What is a Mentor? 
A Mentor is an experienced individual who provides guidance and support to another person.  They are often older and wiser with established credibility and a track record of success in their respective fields.
Mentorship Application

What is a Mentee?
A Mentee is an individual who receives guidance and support from a more experienced and/or knowledgeable person.
Mentee Application

This is a great opportunity for those with a wide breadth of knowledge and experience to share that with their junior counterparts.  Mentors are not meant to be teacher’s or coach’s but rather a trusted advisor offering insight, encouragement and constructive feedback.  For the Mentee this provides a resource that you can lean into when facing challenging situations and help fill up that toolbox so that when a difficult situation presents itself you will be well equipped to respond.

Deadline for submission is December 20, 2024, for more information regarding this program please feel free to call, 604-392-1411 or email, unionoffice@cupe411.ca and we would be more than happy to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have.

In Solidarity,

CUPE 411

 

• The party is confirmed for Saturday, December 14^th , 5:00pm at Flashback Brewery on Mill St.
• Tickets available to CUPE 411 members only.
• Hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic refreshments will be served by CUPE; beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the brewery.
• The ticket price is $10.00, or preferably a wrapped gift of similar value for the White Elephant gift exchange we will be holding at the party.
• You can register for the event at our website under the “Member Engagement Event Registration”. Confirmation of your ticket will be made after purchase. Gift drop off or payment can be made at the union office. We will be accepting ticket purchases up until the 12th, or until all tickets have been sold.

Additional information was sent out to the following members via email on Friday, November 8, 2024 regarding Bargaining and Casual Replacements.

The following were details sent specifically to permanent and casual members from the Assistants and Clerical divisions as the Union will be hosting an election for a bargaining rep from each division as follows:

Clerical – November 14, 2024 from 6:30-6:45pm at 8472 Harvard Place (2nd Floor Seminar Room)

• 2025 Bargaining – Clerical Division Rep – Election Process

Assistants – November 14, 2024 immediately following the General Membership meeting (approx. 8:00pm) at 8472 Harvard Place (2nd Floor Seminar Room)

• 2025 Bargaining – Assistants Division Rep – Election Process

We also sent out a survey to all our casual members inquiring about the call-out process and we would welcome your responses and feedback on this, on or before November 20, 2024.

In Solidarity

NOTE:  Members wishing to submit a letter allowing their name to stand for either of the above noted bargaining representative positions must send such correspondence to unionoffice@cupe411.ca before 4:00pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024.  Please know that someone attending the meeting must still nominate you for the said position.

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)

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.

• CUPE Quarterly – September 2024
• September 2024 – CUPE Quick Facts – Job Descriptions
• September 2024 – Regular Meeting Notice
• Expression of Interest – 2025 CUPE Budget Committee

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:

• New Voting Process
• Electoral District Boundary Changes
• Candidate Lists
• Voter Registration

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:

• CUPE 411 Executive Board 2024-2025
• Meeting Dates 2024 – 2025 (Regular & Executive)
• July 2024 – CUPE Quick Facts – Statement of Earnings

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.

• 2024 – 2025 Spring Break LOU – SIGNED

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……

• CUPE Quarterly – June 2024
• June 2024 – CUPE Quick Facts – Post & Fill

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!