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:

Congratulations to our 2023 CUPE 374 Scholarship Winners

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Congratulations to the four recipients of our 2023 CUPE 374 Scholarships, whose names were drawn at our General Meeting on June 14:

  • Mia Penney (Don Penney, Member, North Saanich)

  • Tija Dalep (Stacey Dalep, Member, Sooke)

  • Kennedy Cox (Rick Smith, Member, Colwood)

  • Brock Gill (Leanne Gill, Member, Sidney)

Each year, CUPE 374 awards 4 scholarships to dependents of members through our scholarship program. Recipients receive $500 to be used towards their studies. Thank you to everyone who applied this year!

Member Focus: Shaun Bradley

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Member Focus is an ongoing series helping members learn more about each other across roles and work sites.
Member Shaun Bradley serves on the 374 Executive as our Unit VP for Colwood, and works for the municipality in the Administration Department.
How long were you/have you been a member of CUPE? In what roles?

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.

Shaun was also recently appointed as a Worker Representative to the board of the BC Municipal Safety Association.
“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.”
Tell us about your life outside of work.

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.

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

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:

Remembering Member Steve Seekins

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In the days since Steve’s death, we have been struggling with what to say about this terrible and shocking loss of a cherished member of our Local and our community.

It’s painful to think that less than a month before we lost Steve, we gathered at the legislature with CUPE members from across the province to mark the Day of Mourning for those killed and injured because of their job. Everyone who leaves for work in the morning should be able to expect to return safely to their loved ones at the end of the day.

We grieve the loss of Steve as part of our CUPE 374 family, and we mourn for the immense and ongoing loss that his young family must now endure.

Thank you to all our union sisters, brothers and friends who have stepped forward to support Steve’s family in various ways in the past two weeks. Local 374 continues to accept contributions to support the Seekins Family; if you would like to give, you can send an etransfer to treasurer@cupe374.ca.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 30 at 4pm at Dave Dunnet Theatre, Oak Bay High School.

Update on donations to the Seekins Family

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We know that many people want to help the Seekins family during this difficult time and have been inquiring about how that can be done. In honor of Steve’s memory, CUPE Local 374 has set up an account that donations can be made to at the Community Savings Credit Union.

All funds contributed will go directly to the Seekins family and will help make a meaningful difference in honouring Steve’s life.

If you’d like to donate you can either:

  1. Send a direct deposit (email president@cupe374.ca for form) to Community Savings Credit Union.
  2. Send an e-transfer to treasurer@cupe374.ca and those funds will be added to the account.

The Local thanks everyone in all the units that has reached out to offer their support and condolences. We will share details on the funds as the account grows. Our goal is to be able to assist his family over the next year plus without having to worry about money on top of this tragic loss.

Sincerely,

Shireen

Shireen Clark | President, CUPE Local 374

Notice of Trustee Vacancy

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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

Member Focus: Gabrielle Whitters

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Member Focus is an ongoing series helping members learn more about each other across roles and work sites.
Member Gabrielle Whitters is our Recording Secretary on the 374 Executive, and a member working at the City of Colwood in Corporate Services.
How long were you/have you been a member of CUPE? In what roles?

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.

Gabrielle, CUPE 374’s Recording Secretary, was previously a CUPE member in Nanaimo as well.
“Take advantage of the opportunities that are provided to you and make sure to prioritize your happiness at work.”
Tell us about your life outside of work.

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.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

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

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

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

Previous Member Profiles:

Notice of General Meeting Weds March 8

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February 10, 2023

Dear Members,

This is a reminder that our first General Meeting of 2023 will be Wednesday, March 8th at 7pm via Zoom.

Register in advance for this meeting:
March 8th

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Highlights of the meeting:

  • 2023 Budget
  • GVLRA LTD Plan updates

If you have any questions, or would like to add an item to the agenda, please contact your Unit VP.

Upcoming Meeting Dates:

General Meeting Wednesday, June 14th @ 7pm.

Thank you.

In Solidarity,

Shireen Clark

President, CUPE Local 374

Notice of GM Feb 10 2023

Member Focus: Sarah Monaghan-Covacic

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Member Focus is an ongoing series helping members learn more about each other across roles and work sites.
Member Sarah Monaghan-Covacic is our Treasurer on the 374 Executive, and a member working at the District of Sooke in Financial Services.
How long were you/have you been a member of CUPE? In what roles?

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.

Sarah has been a member of 374 since early 2020, and now serves as Treasurer on our executive.
“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.”
Tell us about your life outside of work.

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.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

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

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

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:

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.