March 13, 2024 Summary of our General Meeting (Hybrid)

The March 13th General Meeting of CUPE 4879 saw a good turnout, with a total of 25 members present, comprising 10 in-person attendees and 15 joining online (including one member from Williams Lake). Notably, the meeting welcomed new member Norah Vander Haas to her first CUPE gathering.

Highlights:

Discussion centered around marking calendars for a Spring social event with plans set for a bowling event at Falcon Lanes on June 25th. The Social Committee is set to be revitalized to organize some enjoyable activities for all.

A Meet and Greet event was announced to take place at Common Grounds on May 15th from 10 am to 11:30 am. Suggestions were made to help streamline the process and perhaps provide treats for attendees while they wait in line.  The Executive will take the recommendations into consideration.

Delegates for the CUPE BC Convention at the end of April were selected at the February meeting however it was proudly announced that member Kayla Sanford was selected as the young member representative to convention for the Southern Interior Labour Council (formerly the Okanagan Mainline District Council).

Executive made a recommendation to send Leah Stubbings to the 2024 Library Association Conference in Vancouver on April 24th and 25th. Despite some discussion regarding its relevance to the local and potential coverage by TRU, the motion was supported.  The Executive feels Leah will benefit from the conference and supports her role representing CUPE 4879  on the CUPE BC Library Committee.

The Executive recommended sending four delegates to the CUPE BC Super Conference in Kelowna from June 18th to 20th, including our young worker representative Kasahra Atkins.  The motion was also supported.

Notice was also given that the local will be sending delegates to the CUPE Spring School held in Kamloops from May 25th to 31st, utilizing the education budget.

Lois Rugg and Devon de Vries will be meeting with the Provost in April to discuss federal government changes affecting international students and will report back at next meeting if there is any new and relevant information.

A fruitful discussion was held regarding the necessity of RSVPs for online members to our regular General meetings and potential improvements to the process.  Reminder that Local 4879 General Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month except for July and August when meetings are suspended for the summer. Next Meeting is April 10th, 2024, at 4:35 PM in OM 2771.

Door Prize Draw: Members in attendance were entered into a draw for door prizes and an Easter treat from Purdy’s Chocolates. Congratulations to the randomly selected winners: Obiora Akachukwu ($20), Marianna Abutalipova ($20), and Taylor Masson (won the chocolate bunny).

The meeting adjourned at 5:16 PM, concluding another productive gathering for CUPE 4879.

Thank you to all members for their participation and engagement.

CUPE 4879 Executive

 

February 14, 2024 Summary of our General Meeting (Hybrid)

Thanks to all who were able to attend the 4879 General Meeting both in person and online.

Our new 2nd VP for the remainder of the term has been elected – Congratulations to Vivian Oosthoek. We extend our gratitude to Kasahra Atkins and Kayla Sanford for putting their names forward as well. With these appointments, we now have a full complement for our Executive and Committees. The complete list of incumbents will be sent out shortly to everyone for your reference.

We were pleased to have our National Representative, Harry Nott, guide us through the Oath of Office for all officers and trustees.

A special thank you goes to trustees Cristian Sonea, Kathleen Johnston, and Linda Fleck for delivering an excellent report. We extend our gratitude to Linda Fleck, a long-serving trustee, for her valuable time, knowledge, and expertise. Linda made the decision to not seek re-election and so we warmly welcome Shilpee Sharma to the committee.

During the meeting, the membership voted on updating our Annual Bursaries to include a new bursary of $1000 to be given to those currently enrolled in a Graduate Program. This is in addition to our three bursaries currently given to those enrolled in a full-time academic or trades undergraduate program.  The new bursary will take effect next year.

Winners of this year’s bursaries will be announced shortly.

The membership also voted to send Kasahra Atkins, our delegate on the CUPE BC Young Workers’ Committee to attend the “CUPE BC Supercon” conference in June.  The local will also look at sending additional delegates to the conference which will be held in Kelowna June 18-20.

Cindy Ozouf presented on CUPE BC’s Seamless Childcare Now Campaign. For more information and to join the campaign, please visit http://seamlesschildcarenow.ca.

Congratulations to Leah Stubbings, Library Technician in Kamloops, for winning the $200 E-Gift card for Atlas Steakhouse. Additionally, kudos to Marianna Abutalipova and Ernest Kwok, the winners of the $20 door prize.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the next meeting on March 13, 2024. We anticipate another engaging and productive gathering!

Wishing everyone a great long weekend, celebrating Family day!

Jan 22, 2024 Summary of our General Meeting (Hybrid)

Happy New Year!

Thank you to to those who came to the meeting.

Here is a summary of the results from the GM.

Election Results:

1st Vice-President:

Re-elected: Cindy Ozouf

Treasurer:

Jackie Enders

Recording Secretary for remainder of term (1 year):

Devon De Vries

Membership Officer:

Laszlo Nemes

Trustee (3 year term):

Shilpee Sharma

Job Evaluation Committee:

3 year term – Michael Dillon

Remainder of term  (1 year) – Greg Ellis

Alternate (1 year) Steve Zamudio

Education Committee:

3 year term – Daniel Stultz

Remainder of term (1 year)  – Shilpee Sharma

Parking Appeal Committee:

Vivian Oosthoek

Michael Dillon

Labour Management Committee – 2 positions for remainder of term 1 year:

Leah Stubbings

Evelyn Senger

Grievance Committee – remainder of term (1 year)

Devon DeVries

Kasahra Atkins

Shilpee Sharma

Note – at the February meeting we will nominate and elect for the 2nd VP Position due to Jackie Enders being elected as Treasurer creating a vacancy.

A complete list of committees and delegates will be sent out next month.

We would like to thank all of those who have put their names forward and/or served on the committees for the past term(s) and all of those who will be serving on the committees for the next terms.  Thank you for your time and dedication on behalf of the membership. You are appreciated.

The Letter of understanding for Working From Home was approved at the meeting (this is for members who are working from home full time (no longer a pilot – now permanent)

A motion was passed to send the number of allowed delegates (6 plus 1 alternate)  to the CUPE BC Convention in Vancouver April 24th to 27th, 2024.

Delegates are as follows.

Delegate as President:

Lois Rugg

Elected Delegates:

Cindy Ozouf, Devon De Vries, Evelyn Senger, Shilpee Sharma. Kasahra Atkins

Alternate Delegate:
Vivian Oosthoek

Winners of the $20 door prize were Haley Feller and Megan McLaughlin

Next meeting is February 14th… there may be a special door prize for the occasion 😊

Hope to see you all there!

 

Nov 8, 2023 – Summary of our General Meeting (Hybrid)

Thank you to all who attended the meeting, it was great to see you! Some highlights:

Notice of Motion:

  • By-law changes – response from CUPE National. Lois read out changes to everyone and hard copies were handed out.

November is Nominations month: List of nominees: 

First Vice President – one for position two-year term to January 2026

Nominees:

Cindy Ozouf – Incumbent

Jaspreet Kaur

Treasurer – one for position two-year term to January 2026

Nominees:

Devon Devries

Jackie Enders

Lyn Ferec – Incumbent

Shilpee Sharma

Recording Secretary – one position for remainder of term to January 2025

Nominees:

Sarah Aloisio

Kasahra Atkins

Devon Devries

Membership Officer – one for position two-year term to January 2026

Nominees:

Laszlo Nemes – Incumbent

Shilpee Sharma

Trustee – one position for a three-year term to January 2027

Nominees:

Linda Fleck – Incumbent

Shilpee Sharma

Grievance Committee – two positions for remainder of the term to January 2025. Must be active Shop Steward

Nominees:

Kasahra Atkins

Devon Devries

Shilpee Sharma

Job Evaluation Committee – one three-year term and alternate.

Nominees:

Three-year term:

Michael Dillon – Incumbent

Greg Ellis

Devon Devries – declined nomination

Alternate – 1 year term:

Michael Dhillon

Greg Ellis

Rachel McLeod

Steve Zamudio

Education Committee – two positions – one for a three-year term to January 2027, and one year remainder to January 2025.

Nominees:

Three-year term:

Dan Stultz

Cindy Ozouf – Incumbent

One-year term

Sarah Aloisio

Shilpee Sharma

Dan Stultz

Parking Appeal Committee – two for position two-year term to January 2026

Nominees:

Sarah Aloisio

Michael Dhillon

Caelan Mcammond

Vivian Oosthoek

Food Advisory Committee – one for position two-year term to January 2026

Nominees:

Mariana Abutalipova

Jon Mackintosh – Incumbent

Kamloops and District Council delegates – for remainder of term to January 2025 with maximum 11 delegates

Nominees:  Acclaimed

Kasahra Atkins

Vivian Oosthoek

Shilpee Sharma

Communications Committee – Based on interest – Acclaimed

Kayla Sanford

Caelan McAmmond

Vivian Oosthoek

Social Committee – Based on interest – no additional names put forward

Okanagan Mainline District Council – three positions available for remainder of term to January 2025.

Nominees:  Acclaimed

Leah Stubbings

Vivian Oosthoek

1 vacancy

Notice of Motion:

Letter of Understanding (LOU) on Working from Home language (moving beyond the pilot project)

 Credential Enhancement Program

Seeking applicants now. Deadline Dec 8/23

Convention

Report on Convention will be reported at Dec meeting

 Lunch n Learn on Job Evaluation and Interview process – November 23  at  Noon to 1pm  OL127

 CUPE 4879 Bursaries – Deadline for applications is January 19, 2024

Good of the Union: 

Members in attendance at the meeting were entered into a draw for our regular two $20 door prizes Winners are:

$20 draw winners:

Kasahra Atkins – in person

Nicole Singular – online

Meeting was adjourned at 5:33 PM

 

 

Oct 17, 2023 – Summary of our General Meeting (Hybrid)

Thank you to all who attended the meeting, it was great to see you!

Some highlights:

Executive Report – Cindy Ozouf

  • Upcoming Nominations for: First VP, Treasurer, Membership Officer, Trustee (1 year), Recording Secretary (1 yr remainder), Grievance Committee (2 members), JJEC (3 yr term & 1 yr alternate, Education Committee (3 yr term & 1 year remainder), Parking appeal Committee, Food Advisory Committee, KDLC (positions available), OMDC (3 positions available)
  • Approval of our Bylaws has been received. Lois sent an email regarding a Notice of Motion regarding pending recommended changes, which will open for further discussion on this afternoon.

Motion to donate up to $200.00 to local CUPE 882 in support of members on strike with funds to come out of our solidarity budget line.

Motion to donate up to $200.00 to in support of the Rise Memorial fund (via the North Okanagan Labour Council) to honour 5 victims who perished in the Kelowna Crane incident 2 years ago, with funds to come out of solidarity budget line.

Committee Reports:

  • Lois gave a report on Universities committee
  • Cindy gave a report for new term as co-chair of Racialized workers committee.
  • Cindy gave brief update on Post-secondary town hall that was attended with Lois and CUPE BC President Karen Ranaletta on Sept 27/23.
  • Kasahra gave a report as a newly appointed Young Workers committee member.
  • Vivian gave a report as a newly appointed Pink Triangle committee member.

Notice of Motion – Amendment to the By-Laws:

  • By-laws approve, but there is recommended housekeeping changes.

Good of the Union: 

Members in attendance at the meeting were entered into a draw for our regular two $20 door prizes Winners are:

Turkey Draws:

Didi Ledohowski (online)

Devon Devries

$20 draw

Curtis Stebner

Jaspreet Kaur (online)

Meeting was adjourned at 5:18 PM

 

 

Sept 13, 2023 – Summary of our General Meeting (Hybrid)

Thank you to all who attended the meeting, it was great to see you!

Some highlights:

New member oath of obligation:  

  • Welcome to: Curtis Stebner and Sarah Porter

Executive Report – Cindy Ozouf

  • Pride Parade: We are participating in Pride Parade with TRUSU on Aug 27/23. Invitation sent out to all members.
  • Labour Day Picnic – MacDonald Park- We will have a table set up, please come by, and join us.
  • Set Agenda for Sept 2023 meeting.
  • Budget presentation (to be discussed and voted on later in this meeting

Budget Presentation

Lois presented.

Discussion:

  • Devon D: asked about internet/phone cost – Lois explained.
  • Edith S: asked about Blue cross cost – Lois explained

Good of the Union: 

Members in attendance at the meeting were entered into a draw for our regular two $20 door prizes Winners are:

Michael Dillon – online

David Johnson – in person

Meeting was adjourned at 6:14 PM

June 14, 2023 – Summary of our General Meeting (Hybrid)

Thank you to all who attended the meeting, it was great to see you!

Some highlights:

Bylaw Changes – Voting

Article 11 – remove 50% to run for executive position. (motion passed)

 Article 16 – Duties of an executive:  (motion passed)

Article 21 – Add KLDC and OMDC:  (motion passed)

Article 22 – remove 50% to attend conventions, etc.  (motion passed)

Article 27 – Honorariums for executive members.  (motion passed)

Discussion: Several discussions on the floor.

Next steps – we send this to CUPE National for approval.

Spring School Update:

Kasahra gave an update – Participated in Mental Health course. Good discussion on various focus across the community and workplaces. Learned how to map health hazards in your workplace. Lots of networking.

 Jackie gave an update – Participated in Advanced Grievance Handling. It was good, they brought in a CUPE lawyer. It was good to hear from the lawyer side as we normally would directly deal with National rep. Learned more about arbitrations and a case was presented to us and we got to to participate in an arbitration exercise. Learned about a great reference Canlii website to look at past results of arbitrations. Learned about concurrent proceedings, worksafe, human rights tribunal etc. and so much more.

 Meet and Greet:

Happening tomorrow, Jun 15 from 10-1130 hope to see everyone there.

 Pickleball:

Happening all summer and schedule is online and will go through Sept 26

Good of the Union: 

Members in attendance at the meeting were entered into a draw for our regular two $20 door prizes and one grand prize of $100.00 Winners were:

$20 Daniel Stultz

$20 Cliff Harms

Congratulations.  Connie will be in touch.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:50 PM

 

 

May 10, 2023 – Summary of our General Meeting (Hybrid)

Thank you to all who attended the meeting, it was great to see you!

Some highlights:

Discussion and updates:

Bylaw updates

  • Finalizing By-Laws
  • Need 2/3 approval from members. Once approved, it will be forwarded to National for approval.

2023 CUPE BC Convention

  • Lois gave an update – re-elected as Alternate Regional Vice President. Liaison to Sgt of Arms Committee, attended early exec board meetings and participated in Day of Mourning
  • Cindy gave an update – honoured to be elected as Alternate Diversity Vice President.
  • Shilpee gave an update – thanked members for sending her, it was impactful and learned a lot
  • Jaspreet gave an update – Inspired by speakers and met a lot of people
  • Kasahra gave an update – She got to learn a lot about CUPE does for workers and the community. Resolutions that passed was all very important and voted on by members. It was a great experience, and she hopes to join a CUPE BC committee to learn more about CUPE BC.

 Discussion:

 Tony had questions about how resolutions were passed. Cindy gave an explanation. Further discussion surrounding convention.

 Retro Pay:

If any issues and questions, Lois advised to reach out to one of us.

 Grievances:

It’s been very busy, and we will give updates as we move forward.

Good of the Union: 

Members in attendance at the meeting were entered into a draw for our regular two $20 door prizes.  Winners were:

$20 – Catrina Ertel – Online

$20 – Zeinab Esmaeili

Everyone in attendance will also have their names entered in the $100.00 draw.

Congratulations.  Connie will be in touch.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:27 PM

 

 

 

April 11, 2023 – Summary of our General Meeting (Hybrid)

Thank you to all who attended the meeting, it was great to see you!

Some highlights:

Discussion and updates:

Women’s conference

  • Lois update on Women’s conference. Judy Darcy was keynote speaker. It was great experience. Lots of really good speakers. Lois attended a few sessions including facilitating, bystander training (which CUPE does own version of session). 700+ women & gender identified participants from coast to coast.
  • Vivian gave update on Women’s conference as well. Attended a few different sessions including how to bring about change to make your point, using your authentic voice, young workers caucus (30 & below). Overall, fantastic experience.
  • Shilpi – wonderful experience to attend conference. She felt the collective power and a jaw dropping experience, eye opener. Recommend others to attend. It was inspiring. She thanked everyone.
  • Kam commented that perhaps, TRU should offer something like this as well.

Pension update

  • Cindy and Karl gave an update. Recent changes to CPP, OAS, GIS, attended MEPAC AGM and included presentation from BC investment corporation, and MPRA
  • Trying to Host pension Education in fall. Contact Cindy for more information.
  • Karl commented on adding supporting indigenous investments in our provincial report to Convention.

Grievances

  • 9 outstanding, 2 in arbitration
  • Update on wage increases and retro: it will be sometime in May payroll as they are three groups that they must process. Recent retirees will also be entitled to Retro.
  • Just FYI – Second increase is 6.75% effective as of April 1, 2023

 Lois reminder – Day of Mourning – St. Andrews on the Square – short service. Encourage attendance – April 28th, 2023. Important to remember those who lost their lives while doing their job. 6:00 pm start.

 Kris Webb – last CUPE meeting. Expressing thanks for all we do. Appreciate what we have done.

Good of the Union: 
Members in attendance at the meeting were entered into a draw for our regular two $20 door prizes.  Winners were:

$20 – Marianna Abutalipova

$20 – Cindy Ozouf

Everyone in attendance will also have their names entered in the $100.00 draw.

Congratulations.  Connie will be in touch.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:24 PM

 

Jan 18, 2023 – Summary of our General Meeting (Hybrid)

Thank you for those who attended our general meeting, here is a quick summary from the January 18, 2023.

Trustee Report for fiscal year July 2021 to June 2022 – Cristian Sonea gave the Trustees’ audit report on behalf of himself, Kathleen Johnston and Linda Fleck.  They reviewed the books, records and finances and find everything in order. The Local is following bylaws.  All files and paperwork are in order.  There was a very small list of recommendations given to Executive, and they have already been addressed. Lois gave the Executive’s response to thank our Trustees for their great work.  Thank you to our Treasurer Lyn Ferec who continues to make sound decision on behalf of our Local and a thank you to our Administrative Assistant, Connie Angman for her great financial and organizational skills.

Elections ( Please note a full list of Executive and Committees will be sent out next week ).

The 2nd Vice-President (VP) position was recently vacated by Navin Jain. On behalf of the membership we want to thank Navin for his dedication and work for the local and wish him and his wife much success in Vancouver as they start their new careers.

2nd VP:  Jaspreet Kaur and Jackie Enders were nominated for the position of 2nd VP and Jackie Enders was elected. Congratulations, Jackie!

Additional members acclaimed for the following committees

Social committee:  Ernest Kwok

Communication committee:  Ernest Kwok

Shop steward committee:  Janine Rostron, Katherine Ranta  (It was noted that if persons  would like to put their name forward to be a steward they could attend  the training sessions to learn more about it before confirming).

KDLC:  Shilpee Sharma

Thank you to everyone who let their name stand.  We appreciate you.

 CUPE BC Convention, April 26-29, 2023 in Victoria

A motion was passed to send the President and 5 delegates and elect one alternate to the CUPE BC Convention in Victoria April 26-29 with preference given to the 4879 Executive, with money to come from the CUPE BC Convention budget line.

Nominations and elections were held and the following delegates will attend on behalf of CUPE 4879:

Lois Rugg, Cindy Ozouf, Melissa Schuurman, Lyn Ferec, Jackie Enders, Kasahra Atkin.  Our alternate delegate will be Shilpee Sharma.

 Discussion and updates:

  • Bargaining update: currently in bargaining, going well, will bring an offer to membership when it’s ready – hopefully end of January/February.  Will have a special ratification meeting to discuss and vote
  • Hybrid work query: proposal put into bargaining, and employer also has a committee working on it
  • Financial report: question about if there is a baseline from CUPE national that we should be meeting?  Lois: We are exceeding what is expected
  • WIT Committee: Credential Enhancement Fund given to 22 people, with over $42,000 awarded, those who received funds will get them soon
  • CUPE 4879 bursary deadline is here.

Door prizes of $20 were won by Lyn Ferec and Marianna Abutalipova.

Congratulations.  Connie will be in touch. See you all at the next meeting!