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.

Membership Notice: Bargaining Ratification Information Session

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Dear Members,

On Friday, November 18th, we finally reached a tentative agreement pending ratifications. As we would like to complete this before end of year, things will roll out quickly. There will be a ratification meeting for each unit. Dates will be provided early this week once locations are confirmed.

There will be an information session on Zoom this Thursday, November 24th at 6pm. Please register in advance by clicking the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sf-iqrz0pGtIZ7zb8FLvDy6FUf9Ebb73

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

Please contact your Unit VP or call 250 472 0374 if you have any questions.

2022_11_20_Bargaining_Bulletin

Oct 14 Bargaining Bulletin

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Dear Members,

I want to provide a brief update on bargaining.

To date the bargaining committee has met with the Employers on May 16, 17, 18, and July 6. We have had individual employer bargaining meetings on June 2, 14, 28 and 29 as well as July 7 and 11. Our CUPE National Rep and I have had 2 recent meetings with the Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association (GVLRA) on September 27 and October 12.

We have been able to achieve movement on certain proposals and come to agreements, however we have reached an impasse on wages and term.

At our meeting this past week with the GVLRA, we came prepared to discuss the remaining core outstanding issues – wages and term. We felt confident that with some cooperation we could conclude negotiations with a fair and reasonable agreement. We were surprised by the GVLRA’s unreasonableness in discussions around wages and terms and frustrated by their representative’s decision to end negotiations, declare that an impasse had been reached and suggest the parties file for mediation.

We believe that with additional bargaining dates we could conclude negotiations. We are now waiting for mediation dates from the Labour Relations Board and once we have confirmed dates, we will let members know.

Currently, we are working on planning our next steps. We continue to coordinate with other CUPE Locals in the region, and we are strongly considering taking a strike vote in advance of mediation.

With six separate units in our local, we are required to conduct six separate strike votes. This is logistically complex and will take several weeks. While we are hopeful that we can resolve bargaining without needing to take strike action, we want to be prepared should it become clear at mediation, or before, that the GVLRA is not willing to negotiate a fair and reasonable contract.

We are committed to keeping all members informed of what is happening with bargaining – so please make sure we have your personal email address, so you receive these important updates. Either visit our website www.cupe374.ca and subscribe or speak with your unit VP.

If you have any questions, please contact your Unit VP or call our office at 250 472 0374. Thank you for your support.

2022_10_14_Bargaining_Bulletin

Oct 12 Election: Acclaimed and Nominated Officer Information

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The nomination window for our upcoming elections is now closed. The roles of President, Treasurer and Trustee will be acclaimed:

  • President: Shireen Clark   (Colwood, current incumbent)
  • Treasurer: Sarah Monaghan-Covacic (Sooke, current Recording Secretary)
  • Trustee: Laurel Houniet (North Saanich)

We will have one election for the position of Recording Secretary at our AGM on October 12. The nominees and their notes to members are below. Members should register to attend our AGM on October 12 at 7pm here in order to vote.

Adam Major

Hello Members,

My name is Adam Major. I have been a CUPE member for 10 years. Most recently with CUPE 374 for the last year after coming over from CUPE 2011. I am a father to 2 kids and actively involved in the community coaching Baseball (National little league) and volunteering at JBAA rugby club. As a Shop Steward for CUPE 2011, I grew a  passion for Labour movements and Mental health issues. As your representative for Recording Secretary I hope to add these skills to an all ready diverse executive team.

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours in Solidarity,

Adam Major
Oak Bay, Public Works
CUPE 374 Member

 

Gabrielle Whitters

Hello everyone,

My name is Gabrielle Whitters. I am a trained administrative professional with a background in local government and banking. I’ve been a member of CUPE since 2018 and have been responsible for meeting preparation, follow-up and recording secretary to many Council and Committee meetings since. I assist with records management and writing of policies and bylaws. I also held a temp position in Nanaimo with Human Resources where I assisted with processing and reviewing Worksafe claims.

I am a mother to one beautiful girl, and I enjoy the hiking and mushroom picking in the great outdoors. I am dedicated to learning more about CUPE and offering my established skillset to this position.

Thanks!

In Solidarity,

Gabrielle Whitters
Colwood, Corporate Services
CUPE 374 Member

 

General Member Bulletin Re 2022 Elections

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Dear Members,

I wanted to let everyone know the nominees we have received so far for the 2022 Elections as well that I (Shireen Clark) have accepted the nomination and will stand for another term as President, if successful. There are still many outstanding items for the local that need to be complete. Now that we can have in-person training again, we would like to continue with courses for those interested in being involved catered specifically to our local.

Nominations Received as of September 21st: 

President:      Shireen Clark (Colwood, current incumbent)

Treasurer:      Sarah Monaghan-Covacic (Sooke, current Recording Secretary)

Trustee:          Laurel Houniet (North Saanich)

Please register here to attend. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email.

How to Nominate:  

  • Email president@cupe374.ca with “AGM Nomination” in the subject line by noon, Friday, October 7th, 2022, and copy the person you are nominating in the email.
  • Indicate who you are nominating, which employer you work for and which position.
  • An email will be sent to both the nominator and nominee to confirm the nomination.

If you have any questions, please contact your Unit VP. Thank you.

2022_09_21_AGM_Bulletin

Election Information: October 12 Annual General Meeting

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September 9, 2022

Dear Members,

A reminder that our Annual General Membership meeting is Wednesday, October 12th @ 7pm
via zoom. Our current Treasurer has taken a leave of absence from her job, creating a vacancy
in her term. We have 3 positions up for election. In the event a standing officer is the successful
incumbent to one of the vacancies, an additional election for Recording Secretary will occur.
Descriptions for all positions are posted on our website.

Highlights of Meeting Agenda:

  • Bylaw Review
  • Elections
    • President – 3 Years (2025)
    • Trustee – 3 Years (2025)
    • Treasurer – 2 Years (2024)
    • Recording Secretary – 1 Year (2023)

Please register here to attend. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email.

How to Nominate:

  • Email president@cupe374.ca with “AGM Nomination” in the subject line by noon,
    Friday, October 7th, 2022 and copy the person you are nominating in the email.
  • Indicate who you are nominating, which employer you work for and which position.
  • An email will be sent to both the nominator and nominee to confirm the nomination.

If you have any questions, please contact your Unit VP. Thank you.

2022_09_09_AGM_Bulletin