Member Focus

I became a CUPE member in 1999. I quickly found my place in the union as a Union Counsellor and soaked up the educational opportunities CUPE provided. Within months I found myself sitting on several committees within my local, became a delegate to the CUPE Vancouver Island District Council, and joined their OH&S committee.

I can’t begin to name the courses I have taken. I have been a Shop Steward, a Local Vice President, a national facilitator, an Ombudsperson, chaired the District Council OH&S and Anti-Poverty committees and have been Vice President of the Council for approximately 12 years.

Outside of work my life is mostly about furry friends, crocheting and gardening. I have a lovely 11-year-old dog named Nella who I adore, and we enjoy community pack walks and training together. I am a ROAM volunteer, assisting in searching for lost pets and a rescue fosterer. I also volunteer for various rescue dog fundraisers. My garden brings me immense joy and relaxation, and when I’m not out and about, I crochet Kitten blankets for a project called Knittins’ for Kittens as well as creating hats for the homeless.

I consider my greatest achievement (union wise) the respect and friendship I have with my membership and my fellow Local board members. We truly all work together to provide the best representation for our members we can and have developed very special friendships.

My advice to new workers is educate yourself, move through the ranks and never forget where you started out. Get involved with your union, give back and be all you can be in all aspects of your life. Also, remember you are a public employee and provide the best customer service you can.

Lastly, in life, be kind to every kind.
 
 
 

• Stacy Chappel
• Andrew McNeill
• Sarah Monaghan-Covacic
• Gabrielle Whitters
• Shaun Bradley

I’ve been a member of CUPE since starting at BC Healthy Communities in 2021. I served on the bargaining committee and then took on the role of shop steward and VP. I have been a Steelworker (at Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group) and worked with CUPE Teaching Assistants while at the UVIC Graduate Students’ Society.

I live with my husband who is a researcher and son who is a university student. I am enjoy fencing, cycling and sewing. I enjoy board games and dabble in painting as well. I volunteer on the board of my fencing club and the Gordon Head Refugee Sponsorship Group.

My greatest work satisfaction has been when working together with others to achieve something. This might be for individual students who were facing difficulties, or to change policies that would improve things in years to come.

Years of advocating for students, for myself as a tenant, supporting refugees, and now as shop steward taught me to read the rules! Whether it is your collective agreement, the employment standards act, or non-profit bylaws, always go to the source to figure out how to approach a problem before committing to a plan of action.

Previous Member Profiles:

• Andrew McNeill
• Sarah Monaghan-Covacic
• Gabrielle Whitters
• Shaun Bradley

I have been a CUPE member for 10years in August 2023. I started off in the City of Colwood in the Parks Department and worked in the parks for 7 years. I then became Operations assistant and now am the Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.

I live in Saanich—I love camping with my wife and 2 boys. We spend a good portion of our time watching our children perform for us in the hockey rink and the lacrosse box.
We are very active and we look forward to any opportunity for an adventure. We love spending time with our friends and local church community. My ideal vacation would include snowboarding, mountain biking, surfing and reading.

Get involved—there is so much opportunity—I never would have known how much I care about Labour Relations if I didn’t put my hand up to become a shop steward. There are so many opportunities waiting for you by saying yes.

Previous Member Profiles:

• Andrew McNeill
• Sarah Monaghan-Covacic
• Gabrielle Whitters

RE: Trustee Vacancy

April 18, 2023

Dear Members,

We have recently had a vacancy in one of our Trustee Positions. There is two and a half (2 ½) years left on the term and the Local needs to complete an audit before the Fall General Meeting.

We are calling for nominations from all units. Any member is eligible. The audit will take place before the end of August, usually over two (2) days. You will be booked-off of work for the time.

Duties of a Trustee:

• The Trustees shall act as an auditing committee on behalf of the members and audit the books and accounts of the Treasurer and Recording Secretary, and the Committees at least once every calendar year.
• Make a written report of their findings to the first membership meeting following the completion of each audit.
• Be responsible to ensure that monies have not been paid out without proper constitutional or membership authorization.
• Ensure that proper financial reports have been given to the membership.

Please send all nominations to admin@cupe374.ca with the subject line “Trustee Nomination”. Please include name, employer and contact for member. If you are interested in filling the position, please have another member nominate you. Nominations will remain open until May 10th, 2023.

If you have any questions, please direct them through your unit VP.

Thank you.

In Solidarity,

Shireen Clark

President, CUPE Local 374

Notice of Trustee Vacancy April 18 2023

I have been a member of CUPE 374 since I started with Colwood in 2022 and was previously a member of CUPE 401 when I worked for the City of Nanaimo.

I am a mom to a lovely girl named Robyn. I am happiest when we are spending time outside. We love to explore Jordan River and the beaches out there.

I am most proud of the wonderful daughter that I am raising.

Take advantage of the opportunities that are provided to you and make sure to prioritize your happiness at work.

Previous Member Profiles:

• Andrew McNeill
• Sarah Monaghan-Covacic

I have most recently been a member of CUPE Local 374 since February 2020. I had previously been a member of CUPE Local 50 in the mid 90s.

I love to travel with my husband and teenage daughter, we enjoy seeking out new adventures both here in Canada and internationally. My happy place is in the kitchen, and I really like canning and making jam.

My greatest achievement is raising a conscientious, caring, smart teenager who still wants to hang out with me!

Take the opportunity to learn from all the experiences at your disposal. Learn from your co-workers’ experiences, and from other learning opportunities that come your way.

Previous Member Profiles:

• Andrew McNeill

Thirteen years, four provinces, eight employers. Progressing from a Utility Operator in training to class four Utility Operator.

Most of my free time is spent with my family, otherwise I am reading books on psychology and philosophy.

I have not listened to any U2 music since September 5th 1994. Why? Because they suck.

If you don’t know why a job needs to be done, you probably won’t do a good job.