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)
How will gender information be collected and used for reporting?
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