Member Focus

Member Focus: Stacy Chappel

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Member Focus is an ongoing series helping members learn more about each other across roles and work sites.
Member Stacy Chappel serves on the 374 Executive as our Unit VP for BC Healthy Communities, where she works as their Grants & Engagement Coordinator.
How long were you/have you been a member of CUPE? In what roles?

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.

Previously a member of Steelworkers, Stacy has served as a shop steward with CUPE Local 374 since 2021, becoming the Unit VP in 2022.
“…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.”
Tell us about your life outside of work.

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.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

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.

What advice do you have for those who are new to the workforce?

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:

Member Focus: Andrew McNeill

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Member Focus is an ongoing series helping members learn more about each other across roles and work sites.
Member Andrew McNeill is our Vice-President for the District of Sooke, where he works in Wastewater Treatment.
How long were you/have you been a member of CUPE? In what roles?

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

Andrew has served as CUPE 374 Vice-President at the District of Sooke since early 2021.
“If you don’t know why a job needs to be done, you probably won’t do a good job.”
Tell us about your life outside of work.

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

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

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

What advice do you have for those who are new to the workforce?

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