by Jean Swanson and Dave Diewert, Social Housing Coalition

Most city workers are lucky enough to be able to afford decent housing. But some city workers work with people who can’t afford adequate housing. Some work with homeless people and probably dream of the day that homelessness ends. Across BC the low estimates put the number of absolutely homeless people at around 10,000; hidden homeless (sleeping in a car or with friends) at almost 40,000, and at risk of homelessness at about 66,000. In addition, we need about 2,700 more units of social housing every year just to keep up with population growth. Indigenous people, migrants, and women are especially at risk.

As a way to generate popular political pressure for more social housing, the Social Housing Coalition is holding STANDs FOR HOUSING every Saturday at noon for one hour across the province. So far STANDS have been happening in Kamloops, Port Alberni, Vancouver, Surrey, New Westminster, Burnaby, and Victoria, with others posed to start in Campbell River and Smithers. The Coalition hopes they will become contagious and spread throughout the province.

The idea of a STAND is based on the action of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, an association of Argentine mothers whose children “disappeared” under the military dictatorship between 1976 and 1983. The first STAND in Vancouver began in October, 2007. Community Advocates for Little Mountain (CALM) held a STAND every Saturday on the corner of East 33rd Avenue and Main Street to protest the destruction of social housing and forced dislocation of a meaningful community.

Now we are asking people from around the province to take up a STAND for social housing.

All you need is a handful of people willing to gather on a busy corner in your community from noon to 1:00 p.m. on any Saturday beginning now. The Coalition will provide STAND kits with a banner that says, “Social Housing Now” on it, eight red scarves, and leaflets explaining the

housing crisis and the demands for social housing.

If you would like to order a STAND kit and organize a STAND, please email Dave Diewert at ddiewertt@shaw.ca. Check out our website at http://socialhousingbc.com/2013/01/14/15/.

Will you STAND for social housing? We hope you will.

Social housing is:• Non-institutional housing that is owned by

government, a non-profit group or a co-op;• not run for profit;• Available to people with very low incomes

who pay either 30% of their income or the welfare shelter amount for rent;

• Available to ALL who need it. No one will be excluded from a social housing unit because their income is too low. If a social housing resident increases their income, they don’t have to move, but their rent will go up as they pay 30% of their income for rent.

The newsletter of CUPE Local 15, Vancouver Municipal Education and Community Workers

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:CUPE Local 15545 W. 10th Ave.Vancouver, BCV5Z 1K9

General Membership MeetingFEBRUARY

Date & Time:Location:

Under Discussion:

Wednesday, February 27, 2012, 5:30 pm, Room 5 Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan St., Vancouver • Election of delegates to the 50th CUPE BC Convention• Bargaining Updates: Vancouver Coastal Health,

Vancouver School Board, Langara College, Emily Carr University and Langara Students’ Union, Vancouver Art Gallery

• Notices of Motion, see page 3 General Meetings provide all members with an opportunity to participate in decisions that affect the union.

(Childcare assistance and interpretation available upon request.) 2013

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Will You STAND for Social Housing?

Photo: STAND for Social Housing at the Corner of Hastings and Princess on November 24, 2012

CUPE 15 is very -able!Are you on Facebook? If so, come join us on our new CUPE 15 Facebook Page. You will find updates, news, and the occasional photo of what we’re up to at your union. Links to local stories and like-minded folks will be posted too. Be sure to share it with your fellow members and friends!

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Time’s up for the BC Liberals

Update from your Executive

by Leanne Toderian, Secretary Treasurer

My position is all about numbers. How many stewards do we have? How many collective agreements? How many people took training?

How much is in the budget for education? How many members do we have? How many delegates do we get? While a lot of my day is about that, I am also responsible for a whole host of other things and I would like you give you an update on what else has been going on at the union office.

I am happy to announce we

launched our new website. A great deal of thought was put into how to make a website relevant and useful to over 7,000 members across eight different sectors. In addition to union news and announcements, we are canvassing activists to post useful links and information related to their sector. We ask for your patience while we populate the site. Our staff and consultants did a great job of providing

what I believe is an easy to navigate page with more room to grow than our old website had. Thanks to all who participated.

Our union is growing and a steady pace. The result of this growth is that we are no longer a small organization that began in a most humble way back in 1918. The impact of this growth necessitates a re-think of how we manage our finances. The Finance Committee has started the year with some ambitious projects which they feel will track spending patterns in an effort to deliver the best budget. In turn, these projects will service the membership in the most efficient manner possible and provide a comprehensive understanding of what needs the most financial support.

We recently sent 10 activists to the Canadian Labour Congress Winter School in Harrison. We are also sending stewards and members to various training courses on topics such as Representing Members, Conflict Resolution, and Retirement Planning.

CUPE BC is hosting its 50th Annual Convention this year in Victoria and we are sending delegates to participate in the discussions which will mould the action plan for coming years. We will also be supporting your president, Brother Paul Faoro’s bid to become the next CUPE BC Secretary Treasurer. While this is a great opportunity for both CUPE members across this province and

Brother Faoro, we will watch the results come in with mixed emotions; but alas we wish him well.

I was happy to attend the Langara Employee Wellness Fair this week. These employees are members of Local 15. I was able to meet and chat with a few members and share some CUPE information. The Langara membership is resolved to resist the “austerity message” consistently delivered not just at their bargaining table but all provincially bargained collective agreements in education, health and post secondary. Let’s hope we can encourage your friends and family to get out and vote in May and elect a government which values public education and services!

On that related topic, there was a ratification vote held for the Health Members who work in the Community Bargaining Association. The results are not yet available but watch your email and Local 15’s website for more information.

Lastly, February is Black History Month and the steward mailing that goes out to all stewards and site contacts contains some interesting information on this topic.

If you are interested in finding out more about being either a steward or site contact at your work site please contact me at the union office or email at ltoderian@cupe15.org.

Change is going to come this spring!

Leanne Toderian Secretary Treasurer

Paul Faoro, President

May 14, 2013 will be an historic day for workers in British Columbia. After 12 years of attacks on working families, time’s up for the BC Liberal

government. That’s the message we hope to deliver on Election Day.

It won’t be easy though.

While the BC Liberals remain unpopular, big corporations continue to back them. With big money rolling in, we can expect the BC Liberals to saturate television and radio with negative ads attacking Adrian Dix and the BC NDP. They have already spent $15 million of your

tax dollars on ads promoting a non-existent jobs plan.

It’s time for CUPE members to step up. In the 2009 election, the BC NDP lost government by just eight seats – and they lost those eight seats by a combined total of fewer than 3,500 votes. Approximately 7,500 CUPE members live in those eight constituencies. This highlights how crucial it is that we talk to our members about the

coming election, and it shows that our members can make a difference.

CUPE BC is conducting a member-to-member campaign, aiming to contact our 85,000 members to talk about the election. Through this direct contact we can motivate our members to vote for candidates that will represent their interests.

Our efforts can’t stop there. BC NDP candidates need our help. Volunteers are essential to any NDP campaign, whether it’s helping with office work, putting up signs, phoning supporters, knocking on doors, or helping on Election Day. All efforts in this election are vital if we want to take power away from the BC Liberals.

I have been very impressed with Adrian Dix’s leadership and the strong team of BC NDP candidates working hard to create change for the better. The shameful record of the BC Liberals has seen child poverty continue to rise, cuts to health care and education, stagnant wages and job losses, and an agenda to privatize services and sell off public assets. Adrian has committed to turn our province around and run a government that works for everybody, not just a privileged few.

Adrian is saying plainly what a BC NDP government will do, and how to pay for it. Fairer taxes will shift more responsibility to BC’s largest corporations so the government can re-

invest in our communities and our people. Most notably, the BC NDP’s economic agenda takes into account the real creators of wealth in our province – the workers. That’s why a bold commitment to enhance education and skills training across the province, making sure all British Columbians can take full advantage of the opportunities before us is at the top of the list for Adrian Dix and the BC NDP.

Follow me on Twitter @paulfaoro

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Letters, Notices, & Updates

noticesNotices of MotionCampaign Support – Brother Paul FaoroThe executive recommends a donation of up to $3,500 to Brother Paul Faoro’s campaign for Secretary Treasurer of CUPE BC subject to funding from CUPE Metro.

Donation – Gordon Neighbourhood HouseThe executive recommends a $1,500 donation to the Gordon Neighbourhood House and inviting a representative to speak at an upcoming membership meeting.

VSB Job Share OpportunityI am looking for a job share partner to work Thursday, Friday, and every other Wednesday. The posting is at Nootka elementary school working with two children in a “K” class and a student in grade 2. Call Sevy at 604-377-4726 if you are interested. Position is available immediately.

The Executive decidedAt the Executive and Society Board meetings on January 16, 2013 and February 6, 2013 the following decisions were made:• To purchase ad space in the Doxa

Documentary Film Festival program.• To donate $500 to the Protein for

People non profit society.• To purchase three tickets to the NDP

fundraising Kick Up Your Heels event.• The purchase three tickets to the Local

Economy Summit 2013.• To purchase a group table for eight

for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Annual Gala Fundraising Event.

• To concur with the Grievance Committee’s decision to not proceed to arbitration on three grievances.

• To contact CUPE National to request available research on local executive structure, compensation of President and Secretary Treasurer positions including per diem, local policy on stewards, and internal staffing levels.

• To endorse the Committee Against Racism and Discrimination resolutions to the CUPE BC Convention.

• To purchase a full colour quarter page in the Royal Canadian Legion Military Service Recognition Book.

The Members decidedAt the General Membership Meeting on January 23, 2013 the following decisions were made by the members in attendance:• To donate $500 to the Carnegie

Community Action Project.• To endorse 28 members as delegates

to CUPE Metro Council.• To amend Section 13 of the CUPE Local

15 bylaws – Nomination and Election of Officers to allow for electronic voting.

• To refer a motion regarding compensation for the President and Secretary Treasurer positions back to the executive to develop terms of reference.

• To endorse Brother Paul Faoro, Local 15 President, in his campaign for one of the two executive officer positions at CUPE BC.

• To donate $250 towards a fundraising event for one of our member from the Parks Sector.

Attention VSB Members: Procedures for Contacting a Shop Stewardby Miriam Pulsifer, 1st Vice President Our shop stewards are here to help assist you in union related issues. Here is the procedure for reaching a steward: • Call the union office at 604-879-4671

during business hours and ask to be transferred to the VSB Steward Line. Leave a clear message outlining your issue, your full name, worksite, cell and/or home phone number. A shop steward will reply within the week.

Please be patient as our shop stewards are volunteers working hard to assist members, as well as working full-time at their regular school board positions. Please do not contact shop stewards at their worksites.

If you have an issue or question regarding pay or benefits please contact the VSB directly and try to resolve the problem yourself before contacting a shop steward. VSB contact names and numbers are listed in the Ready Reference which is available at any school office. If your questions or issues are related to your Municipal Pension Plan, Vancouver Employees’ Savings Plan, WorkSafe, or Employment Insurance please contact your service provider directly. A shop steward’s role is to ensure that the employer is following our collective agreement and to protect your rights within it. Please familiarize yourself with your agreement. It is available online at www.cupe15.org.

If you need a copy please ask your office assistant or contact the union office and request a copy to be sent out.

Search CUPE 15 for Facebook, and keep up-to-date- on news from your union at: @cupelocal15

Notice of By-elections Member at Large – Health Sector Representative (HSSCBA)There is a vacancy for a Member at Large – HSSCBA Sector Representative for the balance of a two year term ending May 22, 2013. Only members from the Community Health Sector are eligible to be nominated or to vote.

Member at Large – Cultural Sector RepresentativeThere is a vacancy for a Member at Large – Cultural Sector Representative for the balance of a two year term ending May 22, 2013. Only members from the Cultural Sector are eligible to be nominated or to vote.

Thank -you Dear CUPE 15 Members:

Among the many privileges we have at the Douglas College Foundation is the opportunity to thank those of you who make the generous decision to give in support of our students at Douglas College. Thank you for your kind donation to provide bursaries. Your generosity will make an immediate difference in the life of the hardworking students.

Here at the Foundation we are rewarded daily with heart warming stories from students who, with support from organizations like yours, are encouraged to continue on their path to success. Students tell us time and again that receiving financial assistance validates their efforts and gives them the motivation to pursue their educational goals.

On behalf of our students, thank you for your donation! Your continued support is helping change the lives of our student and their families.

Jennifer HendersonDouglas College Foundation

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

On behalf of the Evelyne Saller Centre and its volunteers, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your generous donation of $300 to our Christmas Hamper Program.

Every year during the Christmas season we put together food hampers for our volunteers in recognition of the time they commit to helping out at the Centre and in the community. Our volunteers, who live in the Downtown Eastside have very few resources and your donation helped the Centre to provide 22 substantial food hampers.

From all the volunteers and staff at the Evelyne Saller Centre, thank you again for your support. It certainly made a difference.

All the best in the New Year!

In solidarity,Jacques Massé, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Evelyne Saller Centre

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Events & Credits

The Members’ Voice is published nine times a year for members of CUPE Local 15 - Vancouver Municipal, Education and Community Workers. The deadline for submissions is 9:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. All submissions may be edited for brevity and clarity. Signed articles and letters do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of CUPE Local 15.

CUPE Local 15545 West 10th AvenueVancouver, BC V5Z 1K9Phone: 604-879-4671Fax: 604-879-7582Email: email@cupe15.orgWebsite: www.cupe15.org

Local 15 is a chartered affiliate of the Canadian Union of Public Employees and is also affiliated with the CUPE British Columbia Division, CUPE Metro District Council, the Vancouver & District Labour Council, and the BC Federation of Labour. CUPE 15 is a member of the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM).

CUPE Local 15 Executive Board

Table Officers:President: Paul Faoro

1st Vice President: Miriam Pulsifer

2nd Vice President: Sally Bankiner

Secretary Treasurer: Leanne Toderian

Sector Representatives:

City: Santino Scardillo, Tony ZulloCollege/University: Reba Noel, Emma Somers Cultural: VacantHealth/HSSCBA: Vacant Health/HSPBA: Chris LositoParks: Barb Dickinson, Brenda CoombsK-12: Peggy Wong, Warren Williams

Trustees:Michele Alexander, Kenny Brett, Karla Mairena

Staff Representatives:Kathie Currie, John Geppert, Graeme Moore, Kevin Tilley

Office & Administrative Staff:Mark Gloumeau, Accounting Coordinator Rosemary Matheson, Office Manager Barbara Simpson, Office AssistantNadia Thibault, Office Assistant

Building Maintenance:Jeff Zaharia

CUPE National Representatives:Justin Schmid, Susan Zander

Designed by talkingdog.ca UFCW1518

by Michele Alexander, City

Black History Month is celebrated in February in many countries around the world including Canada. It is an opportunity to share the history, contributions, and culture of black Canadians.

There are many events scheduled in the Metro Vancouver area as well as on Vancouver Island. For more information and a list of events, google Black History Month Calendar 2013.

Black History Month

What’s JEIS?By Craig Hopkins, VSB Shop Steward

The Joint Early Intervention Service is a program provided to all VSB CUPE 15 permanent employees. This confidential program helps ill and injured plan members return to work in a caring, safe, and timely manner. It is an integrated part of the “Core” Long Term Disability (LTD) benefit.

If you have been absent for more than six consecutive scheduled working days the VSB contacts CUPE 15 and Desjardins Financial Security. You may be contacted by CUPE 15 letting you know to expect a call from Desjardins. After the Health Care Management Specialist (HCMS) from Desjardins talks to you, they will send you the Early Notification Package. The package includes a letter explaining the JEIS, an authorization form to sign, and

a form for the member’s doctor to complete.

When Desjardins receives the completed forms they assess the situation and work with the member to develop a plan from a wide range of services. Some of these services include rehabilitation services, arranging independent medical assessments, and graduated return to work planning.

If the illness or injury is long term the HCMS will help the member start the application process for Long Term Disability benefits.

For more complete information about the JEIS log onto www.pebt.ca.

WALKING WITH OUR SISTERS A Commemorative Art

Installation for the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women

of Canada

lt is estimated that 600+ native women in Canada have gone missing or have been murdered in the last 20 years. Many have vanished without a trace with little to no concern paid by the media, the general public or politicians.

This is a travesty of justice.

600+ moccasin tops are being created by hundreds of caring and concerned people to create one large collaborative art piece that will be installed for the public in various galleries and sites. They will be installed in a winding path of beaded Vamps on cloth over a gallery floor in various locations in Canada. Viewers would need to remove their shoes to walk over the cloth and walk along the path. This project is about these women, paying respect to their lives and existence on this earth. They are not forgotten. They are sisters, mothers, daughters, aunties, cousins, grandmothers and friends. They have been cared for, they have been loved and they are missing.

THIS IS AN OPEN INVITATION lf you would like to create a pair of moccasin Vamps (tops) for this, please contact:

Christi Belcourt at email: christi@thebreath.comfacebook: “Walking With Our Sisters” group