VOLUME 12 | Issue #1 Summer 2017

Quarterly publication for members of MoveUP, The Movement of United Professionals

Democracy

ALSO INSIDE

A New BC NDP Government

International Woman's Day
Bereavement Win
Bringing Members Together
Tax Fairness in B.C.?
CONTENTS In This Issue
3 PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
By David Black

4 TRANSLATIONS

6 BRINGING MEMBERS TOGETHER

7 WHAT DOES A NEW BC NDP

GOVERNMENT MEAN TO YOU.
By Lori Mayhew and Karl Riley

8 MOVEUP EVENTS

9 A MESSAGE FROM
PREMIER JOHN HORGAN
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE HISTORY

10 RANTING MY WAY THROUGH

7
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY. A New BC NDP Governent
By Lori Mayhew

11 A NEW GOVENERMENT IS GOOD NEWS

FOR ICBC EMPLOYEES AND ALL
BRITISH COLUMBIANS
By Annette Toth

12 TAX FAIRNESS IN B.C.? HARDLY.

By Alex Hemingway and Iglika Ivanova

14 AN IMPORTANT WIN FOR

MOVEUP'S MUSLIM MEMBERS

15 VANCOUVER LABOUR HISTORY 8

WALKING TOURS
MoveUP Events
By Bailey Garden

16 TAKING ON FORTISBC
ENERGY INC FOR A PAY UPGRADE

17 MOVEUP SCHOLARSHIP
CELEBRATES A WOMEN'S
RIGHTS PIONEER

18 PACIFIC BLUE CROSS DEMANDS

CONCESSIONS / LOCKS OUT
600 WORKERS

19 MUSICAL DESKS AT FORTISBC

TRAIL CALL CENTRE 18
By Jennifer Froese
Pacific Blue Cross
20 MOVEUP USES POWER OF THE
BC UTILITIES COMMISSION
22 MEMBER PROFILE:
BARRY HODSON

23 REP ASSIGNMENTS
 Presidents Opening Message
MoveUP, the Movement of United Professionals, is affiliated
with the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union,
the British Columbia Federation of Labour, the Canadian Labour

U
Congress, UNI Global Union and IndustriALL.
nions are sometimes regarded as organizations that protect. We protect
MoveUP Executive Board Members: members rights and benefits from being taken away at the whim of
President: David Black
Secretary-Treasurer: Lori Mayhew management. For example, MoveUP protected our members benefits
Vice Presidents: Annette Toth (ICBC), Gwenne Farrell (Utilities), when the BC Nurses Union demanded concessions and forced a strike.
Alicia Gallo (Combined Units)
Accenture Business Services: Melanie Greenlaw
Unions empower members to defend themselves against abuses in the
BC Hydro: Rysa Kronebusch, Bruce Sarvis workplace, including unfair dismissal, unsafe conditions or discrimination.
ICBC: Yasmin Carroll, Bryan Finstad, Joyce Galuska, Without a union, management can treat employees arbitrarily.
Brian Martens, Robert Starcevich
FortisBC Energy: Joe Nex But protection is about preserving the status quo. Our true mission is
Fortis-Hydro: Janie McDougall progress: building a better future and enhancing security, benefits and wages.
Combined Units: Graeme Hutchison, Susan Orr, Karl Riley, Unions are a powerful tool to create a better future.
Dana Richmond, Tim Weigelt
Thats why this year our Executive Council recommended supporting a
MoveUP Communications, Campaigns & Research:
Communications Director Catherine Pope provincial political party that ran on a campaign of a better B.C. The NDP has
MoveUP Director of Operations:
promised to improve the lives of many British Columbians by making it more
Amber Hockin affordable and this is good news for our members and all British Columbians.
MoveUP Senior Union Representatives: The changes wont happen overnight, however families can look forward to
Brad Bastien, Kevin Smyth $10 a day childcare, an end to bridge tolls, a commitment to make housing
MoveUP Union Representatives: more affordable and an improved standard of living for the middle class and
Carrol Edwards, Tony Geluch, Noel Gulbransen, Trevor Hansen, those struggling to make ends meet.
Cathy Hirani, Doug Jeffs, Barbara Junker, Cindy A. Lee, Sarah
Melsness, Jude Morrison, Brian Nelson, Mike Novak, Cheryl It may seem obvious, but having a union friendly government is not to be
Popeniuk, Kelly Quinn, Karen Rockwell, Ryan Stewart, Stephen underestimated.
von Sychowski
Albertas NDP government is helping the middle class grow by improving
MoveUP Administrative & Office Staff: access to collective bargaining.
Joanne Banfield, Karen Caston, Kim Chartier,
Adele Earwaker, Yudon Garie, Sarah Hall, Lisa Jeffery, It has also changed the Employment Standards Act to ensure work is
Shelley Lockhart, Carol McLuskie, Michelle Mihaichuk, family-friendly. The changes will provide leaves for workers to care for family
Kathryn Prinz, Kim Smith, Marilyn Vassell members, bereavement, personal and family responsibilities, as well as job
MoveUP Financial Staff: protection for parents of critically ill children and other crises with their kids.
Controller: Barbara Liang
Sylvia Chan, Pardeep Singh, Valerie Sherst We have waited 16 years for a labour friendly government to take power in
Occupational Health & Safety & WCB Appeals:
B.C. Alberta waited a lot longer than that. We need to be hopeful and optimistic.
Niki Schnurr Our union is confident that John Horgan and the BC NDP will work with
Organizing: citizens and community stakeholders to grow B.C.s economy in the years
Georgi Bates, Caitlin Gilroy ahead, and help build a province that works for everyone.
LTD Trust Administrator:
Jim Moynham
Human Resources and Organizational Development Director:
Alicia Razutis

The Local Voice is the official quarterly magazine published for

the members of MoveUP.
ISBN 1918-9753 COPE 378 Voice
Letters to the editor are welcome but may be edited for brevity
and clarity. Please contact MoveUP for permission to reprint
articles, graphics, or photographs.

Address all correspondence to:

MoveUP communications
Suite 301 - 4501 Kingsway,
Burnaby, B.C. V5H 0E5
Phone: 604-299-0378
Toll Free Line: 1-800-665-6838
Fax: 604-299-8211

Visit MoveUPs website at www.MoveUPTogether.ca

or contact us via email at [email protected]
Editor: Catherine Pope David Black
President, MoveUP

USW 2009

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 3

4 | VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 MOVEUP Local Voice
MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 5
SOCIAL
EVENTS Bringing Members Together

Pacific National
Exhibition
Vancouver

Photos:
250 MoveUP members and their
families had a fun day at the PNE

B
eing part of a union isnt always about grievances, a good choice and if improvements should be made
bargaining, strikes and/or lockouts. It is also about the following year. They brainstorm ideas, making sure
being part of a community of working people. that events are held in a variety of regions around the
That was the idea behind starting an Events and Social province.
Planning Committee (ESPC) back in 2005. We realized This year has been an exceptional year with just
that many of our members have little to no interaction about every event being sold out in a couple of hours.
with their union, except perhaps during bargaining, or if Its exciting to see how the members are taking
they have a problem in the workplace. Otherwise, they in our events. My favourite part is meeting members
didnt see us and we were out of sight and out of mind, and their families, people I likely would never see, if we
said Lori Mayhew, Secretary Treasurer. We wanted to didnt meet up at one of our fun events, said Toth. I
find a way to bring members and their families together, have a great team of volunteers and they put on some
to share some laughs and get to know one another. fantastic events!
The events hosted by the committee have really Some of the events this year include snowshoeing,
grown over the years. Were a big local, with a very a BBQ at the PNE, a charity golf tournament, a variety of
diverse membership and over 90 bargaining units. sports events in Vancouver, Prince George and Victoria,
Having social events helps bridge that divide with our and childrens parties with Santa.
various bargaining units, explained Annette Toth, Thanks to everyone on the Events and Social
MoveUP Vice President, ICBC and Chair of the Events Planning Committee for helping to bring our members
and Social Planning Committee. together: Annette Toth, Chair; Kathryn Prinz, Dyan Van
At the beginning of the year, the committee meets Dam, Melody Moore, Brian Martens, Bryan Finstad,
to plan the years events. After each event, members Alene Stolle, Tania Busch, Melissa Maher, Jeffrey Bryant,
who attended are surveyed to find out if the event was Nancy de Vries, Dana Richmond.

Check out the MoveUP events and social planning committee calendar for other events
throughout the year! moveuptogether.ca/events-social-planning-committee

6 | VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 MOVEUP Local Voice

 What does a new BC NDP government mean to you? BC NDP
BY LORI MAYHEW AND KARL RILEY, POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

With a new progressive Here are some of the highlights:

government in place, we have
$10-a-day childcare program Ferry fare increases to be frozen in
much to celebrate in B.C. The Creation of 114,000 rental, social, 2018, seniors will once again travel
BC NDP platform promised co-op and owner-purchased homes for free on weekdays
many changes aimed at Renters to receive a $400 annual Interest free loans for B.C. students
grant per unit Minimum wage to be raised to $15
making life more affordable Elimination of tolls on Port Mann by 2021 and subsequent increases
for average folks and that, and Golden Ears bridges tied to inflation
of course, includes MoveUP BC Hydro rates and ICBC rate
members and their families. increases frozen (pending reviews)

The planned changes are designed to improve the from political interference. Long term financial stability
ability of British Columbians to make ends meet and to for any company translates into greater job security for
raise the standard of living for those who are struggling. its employees. We know that the BC NDP cares deeply
The BC Hydro and ICBC rate freezes are welcome about the provinces public utility and insurer, and the
news to ratepayers, but have caused concerns with some workers employed there.
of our members at those Crown corporations. They Im confident that with the election of the BC NDP,
remember when the BC Liberals conducted reviews of B.C. is now on track to a better future. Eventually, parents
the Crowns to only pick and choose recommendations will no longer have to pay outrageous child care fees.
and force layoffs. Motorists will save up to $1,000 per month on bridge
Since the election, weve had discussions with the tolls. A commitment to social housing will help renters,
BC NDP, including Premier John Horgan. The New and efforts to increase affordability will help everyone.
Democrats have assured us the reviews are aimed at There will be challenges. But this is a government that
undoing the damage done by the BC Liberals without cares about people - not just big donors, the wealthy and
punishing the workers who make the Crowns work. Rest the privileged. BC NDP governments are also interested
assured that whatever the new government does, we will in working with unions for the betterment of all, instead
fight for the well-being of all our members. of fighting them.
MoveUP President David Black says he believes the Im excited about living in a province with a BC NDP
new BC NDP government is committed to strong and government. I look forward to seeing what the new team
financially viable crown corporations, which are free in Victoria can accomplish.

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 7

EVENTS MoveUP Events

MoveUP members enjoy the horse races at Hastings Park

in Vancouver on May 28, 2017

MoveUP night at a Victoria HarbourCats

baseball game July 8, 2017

Day of Mourning April 28

Left Photo below: MoveUP President David Black at Victoria Day of Mourning with NDP MP Murray Rankin
and Carole James (B.C.s Finance Minister) Below right: MoveUP at Day of Mourning in New Westminster

8 | VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 MOVEUP Local Voice

 A Message from Premier John Horgan
Together, we can make history PREMIER
BY JOHN HORGAN

"We wouldnt have

won the election
without the work
done by thousands
of volunteers, many
of them MoveUP
members, in every
corner of the province."
John Horgan

A
fter 16 years of BC Liberal neglect, help is on the Together, were going to bring in a $10 a day child
way for the people of British Columbia. Thanks to care plan that will offer safe, affordable and quality care
the hard work of activists across the province, a for any family that needs it. And were going to end
better B.C. is within our reach. Christy Clarks war on public education and ensure
Together, we fought for leadership that works for students get smaller classrooms with more supports.
everyone, not just those at the top. Together we will We will also address poverty and inequality with a
Below photo:
make life more affordable, deliver the services people legislated poverty reduction plan, and act quickly to
count on, build a strong, sustainable economy, and boost social assistance and disability rates, and restore Secretary
create good jobs across the province. the BC Bus Pass for people with disabilities. Treasurer
It isnt going to be easy. It will take time to reverse These are just a few of the commitments we made, of MoveUp
a decade and a half of BC Liberal choices that put the commitments we will keep. Lori Mayhew
interests of the wealthy and the well-connected before This election proved that were stronger when we
speaking at an
the interests of everyday people. And the rich BC Liberal work together. We wouldnt have won the election
donors who thought they had bought and paid for the without the work done by thousands of volunteers, election event
government of British Columbia, arent going to give in many of them MoveUp members, in every corner of the for NDP
without a fight. province.
I cant wait to cut traffic congestion and create Without the volunteers who knocked on doors,
thousands of jobs by backing the Metro Mayors plan talked to their neighbours and spread the word about
for transit. Traffic costs the region a billion dollars a year. our campaign, I have no doubt we wouldnt be here
It traps people and goods, leading to lost productivity today. Thanks to your work, after 16 years, we have an
and lost opportunity. Together we will get Metro opportunity to make B.C. better for people and families.
Vancouver moving. We can reverse rising inequality and get government
And, together, we will restore public trust and faith working for ordinary people, not just rich BC Liberal
in our crown corporations like BC Hydro and ICBC after donors and big corporations.
years of BC Liberal choices that have driven up costs. Together we can make history. Together we can
Over the last 16 years hydro rates have gone up 87 per change the future of our province.
cent, and car insurance premiums were set to increase by We are already working on it. And you have been
30 per cent this year alone. These increased costs make part of it, every step of the way. We couldnt have done
life less affordable for families who are already struggling. it without you. Thank you.

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 9

 Ranting My Way
WOMEN Through International Womens Day
BY LORI MAYHEW, SECRETARY-TREASURER

R
anting is generally discouraged. The word conjures of them were named after men. She noted the streets
loud, angry voices haranguing their audiences. named after women (all three of them) use womens first
While no one can deny the passion of a rant, its not names only whats up with that? Biliana Velkova let loose
considered polite. Youd rarely invite anyone to rant at you. a tirade on consumer choice overload: she spent her five
So, imagine my surprise when the New Westminster minutes listing off all the brands and types of toothpaste
Glamoramas invited me to take part in their International to choose from on a recent drug store trip. Maryam Khali
Womens Day fundraiser, Rant on Sister! as a ranter. constructed her rant on how hard it was to learn English
The Glamoramas are a wonderful group of as an adult after moving to Canada from Iran, and how
women who raise funds to support the Stephen Lewis everyday idioms still confuse her. We heard beautiful
Rant on Sister!

Foundations Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. poetry from Candice James, New Westminsters poet
This campaign sends money to grandmothers in sub- laureate, and Trudy Van Dop read from her daughters blog
Saharan Africa whose families and communities have about unplugging from social media.
been devastated by AIDS. Two men ranted as well. Alex King worked in the
The Glamoramas approached me in my role as computer game animation industry, and offered an
president of the New Westminster and District Labour enlightening rant lamenting the lack of development for
Council. The ask was simple get up on stage and rant female characters. My personal highlight of the night was
for five minutes on the topic of my choice. How could I teenager Gustav Magana Campos who tore apart the use
pass up a chance to let loose with an open-ended rant? of the word gay as an insult. This kid is only 14 years old,
Ranting may not be polite but it certainly is cathartic. I said but his poise and the conviction of his words were well
yes, and then promptly started wondering what on earth beyond his young age.
I would rant about. Should I go serious or light hearted? Eden Day provided musical interludes between
So many potential topics, from the infuriating to mildly the featured ranters. After a brief intermission, a few
annoying. brave audience members got up on stage and ranted
The day arrived, and I made my way to the Columbia on subjects close to their hearts in what seemed like a
Theatre in New Westminster. The room was packed. I was liberating experience.
scheduled as the second-to-last featured ranter of the It was a great evening out, and money was raised for
evening, which gave me lots of time to take in the rants of a great cause! Oh, and what did I rant about? Societys
the other people invited on stage. preoccupation with hair.
And wow, were they great! Hayley Sinclair talked Im looking forward to next years Rant On and
about street names in New Westminster, and how so many encourage everyone to attend.

10 | VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 MOVEUP Local Voice

 A New Government is Good News for
ICBC Employees and all British Columbians ICBC
BY ANNETTE TOTH, VICE-PRESIDENT

MORE THAN 800 CRASHES OCCUR EVERY DAY IN B.C.,

MANY ARE CAUSED BY DISTRACTED DRIVING.

W
hat a difference a few months can makea Our new NDP government has said it wont bring
change in government and a new opportunity back photo radar and wont go to a purely no fault
to reform public auto insurance. system, which I think is wise, and ultimately better for Above photo left:
For the past four years as Vice President, and prior British Columbians. Annette Toth,
to that as a rank and file member of MoveUP at ICBC, I David Black and I will be meeting with David Eby, VP MoveUP
have watched the Liberal government make decisions Attorney General and Minister responsible for ICBC.
about ICBC that boggled my mind, as I am sure it did Our intention: to be sure they understand that
for many members. There is no doubt that 16 years of the problems facing ICBC arent news to our hard
their leadership had a negative impact on the crown working members. We want them to know what you
corporations bottom line and caused many of the have known all along; that the problems stem from not
financial challenges it faces today. having enough people to handle claims, not adequately
The previous ICBC Board of Directors (headed by dealing with body shops for overbilling, and not staffing "We are
BC Liberal appointee Barry Penner) commissioned yet adjusters in communities around the province. British glad that we
another review of ICBC (I think Ive seen this movie Columbians need to be able to sit down with someone
before.) Not coincidentally, the Ernst & Young (EY) report face to face, instead of being relegated to phone or now have a
was released after Clark lost the confidence of the House email contact only. government
and the new NDP government had taken the helm. Our members know these fundamental changes to
The report outlines what EY believes should be ICBCs way of doing business have affected customer that values
changed at ICBC, borrowing from jurisdictions like confidence and ultimately the corporations bottom line. the role of
Australia and New Zealand as well as other public auto We are glad that we now have a government that
insurers such as Saskatchewan Government Insurance values the role of public auto insurance, and that
public auto
(SGI) and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). Not all of recognizes the hard work our members do every day insurance..."
their ideas are bad, in fact some are quite good. For for British Columbians. We look forward to working with
example, tightening the leash on the auto body industry, them to be sure your work is protected and so is public
a problem that our members in vehicle estimating feel auto insurance.
has given those companies the proverbial keys to the
vault for the last 16 years.

Link to EY report: http://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/company-info/

Documents/Affordable-and-Effective-AutoInsurance-Report.pdf
MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 11
TAX Tax Fairness in B.C.? Hardly.
BY ALEX HEMINGWAY AND IGLIKA IVANOVA, CANADIAN CENTRE FOR POLICY ALTERNATIVES

Figure 1: Share of B.C. personal tax revenue by tax type

BOTTOM

90%
2000/01

RICHEST

1%
2015/16

11.9% 11.2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
average effective
TAX RATE
Income tax
Regressive taxes (poor pay higher rate than rich)

A
fundamental principle of tax fairness is those who the poorest 10 per cent to the richest 10 per cent. We
make more should pay more, not only in dollars found the effective tax rate paid by upper income British
but also as a share of their income. This is true for Columbians has fallen sharply over the last 16 years,
B.C.s income tax, which is designed to charge higher especially for those at the very top (Figure 2).
rates in higher income brackets. But most other B.C. Our analysis shows in 2000, households in higher
taxes are not structured that way. income groups paid slightly more as a share of their
In practice, taxes that charge everyone the same income in tax than lower income households except for
dollar amount (such as MSP) or the same percentage the richest one per cent who paid a much higher share
amount on a purchase (such as sales taxes) end up of their income in tax than everyone else. Yet, in 2016
costing higher-income families a smaller share of their B.C.s richest one per cent no longer pay a higher share
income than lower-income families. These are known of their income in taxes than most British Columbians.
as regressive taxes to distinguish them from progressive In fact, the richest one percenthouseholds with
taxes, which are based on the principle of ability to pay. income over $403,000pay a lower effective tax rate
Looking at the sum of all taxes paid by households on average than the bottom 90 per cent (11.2 per cent
(including income tax, PST, MSP, fuel, tobacco, property compared to an average rate of 11.9 per cent for the
taxes and the carbon tax), regressive taxes made up 65 bottom 90 per cent).
per cent of the total in 2016 compared to 56 per cent The upshot is the erosionand inversionof the
in 2000. In contrast, income taxB.C.s fairest taxhas basic principle of tax fairness. We looked at the effective
fallen from 44 per cent of all personal taxes in 2000 to tax rates B.C. households pay in income tax and all
35 per cent today (see Figure 1). other personal taxes and found the vast majority of
Data from BC Fiscal and Economic Review 2016, British Columbians pay a greater share of their income
Table A2.5. http://www.policynote.ca/unfair/ in unfair, regressive taxes than they do in income taxes
To get a better picture of how B.C.s tax shifts affect (see Figure 3). Only the richest 10 per cent pay more in
households, we examined the total provincial taxes income taxes than they do in other provincial taxes.
households at different income levels pay as a share of This enormous tax cut for the richest is the opposite
their household income. of what British Columbians believe the government
We rank B.C. households according to their total should be doing: 88 per cent are in favour of income tax
income, including employment income, other market increases for those who make over $250,000 according
income (rent, investments) and government benefits to a recent CCPA poll.
like workers compensation and income assistance, To make matters worse, lower- and modest-
and divide them into 10 groups of equal size from income British Columbians have been hit with a

12 | VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 MOVEUP Local Voice

 TAX

Figure 2: B.C. total personal tax rates by income group, 2000-2016

16%

poorest
O RES T
14%

PO 12%

10%

10% 8%

6%

R 4%

IC S T
HE 2%

0%
0%

95

99

%
D
D
D

D
D

t1
ile

0-

5-
t1

es
ec

P9
P9
es

ch
D
or

2000 2016

Ri
Po

double whammy. They are also squeezed by the

growing affordability crises in housing, child care, post-
secondary education, and home and residential care
for seniors. The previous BC Liberal government's tax Read the full article at
giveaway to the rich, and tax cuts across the top half www.policynote.ca/unfair/#sthash.MmhKQvh4.dpuf
of the income distribution, undermined provincial
revenues and resulted in a shortfall of public investment
in much-needed services and programs, a major driver
of these affordability crises.

16% Figure 3: Tax paid as share of income, 2016

14%

88% 12%

10%

in favour of 8%
income tax
increases 6%

4%

for those who make over 2%

$250,000 0%
0%

95

99

%
D
D
D

D
D

t1
ile

0-

5-
t1

es
ec

P9
P9
es

ch
D
or

Ri

B.C. income tax All other B.C. personal taxes

Po

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 13

BEREAVE-
MENT An Important Win for MoveUPs Muslim Members

Some employers are now

providing significant time

off for bereavement. Staff at

Facebook can take up to

20 days off with pay to

mourn the death of an

immediate family member.

O
n the morning of April 17 last year, Osmane Initially, Osmane was confused as to why the
Halane received a phone call from his family in employer denied him the two other days. The collective
Mogadishu, Somalia. They had terrible news. His agreement states members are allowed to take up to
sister had died. three days when such absence is necessary to make
Osmane is a MoveUP member working at Enterprise arrangement for and attend the funeral.
Rent-a-Car. The next day he contacted his Station However, Enterprise Rent-a-Car claimed that
Manager to ask for three days bereavement leave, as because Osmane wasnt attending the funeral he was
Osmane believed he had a right to under his collective only entitled to one day of bereavement leave.
agreement. His Station Manager granted only one day, MoveUP took the case to arbitration and Osmane
telling Osmane they had to be on the same page. testified about the process that is required after a Muslim
Osmane drew two days from his banked time in order family member dies.
to have three days off. The arbitrator determined those religious traditions
Osmane is an observant Muslim. In many Muslim constitute a funeral and Osmane was entitled to three
cultures, the mourning period is three days long. Family paid days off. Enterprise Rent-a-Car had violated the
members have a specific set of duties and traditions collective agreement and was ordered to pay Osmane
they adhere to during that time. First and foremost, the back for the two days they took out of his banked time.
deceased must be buried as soon as possible. But even MoveUP representative Cathy Hirani says this case
though Osmane was not be able to travel to Mogadishu was an important one not just for Osmane but to
to be there for the funeral, he and his family took part thousands of other non-Christian members.
in funeral prayers at their local mosque, and received This is a precedent setting award that recognizes
visitors to their home. The home visits are not just social the need to consider cultural diversity in the workplace
visits, they involve further prayer and readings from when dealing with the loss of a loved one in another
the Quran and are a structured part of the mourning country, said Hirani.
traditions.

14 | VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 MOVEUP Local Voice

 BC Labour Heritage Centre
Vancouver Labour History Walking Tours B.C. LABOUR
BY BAILEY GARDEN, BCLHC PROJECT MANAGER

labourheritagecentre.ca

1918
CANADA'S FIRST GENERAL STRIKE
1918
1938
D
id you know that Canadas first General Strike on the first Saturday afternoon and third Wednesday
took place here in Vancouver, B.C. in 1918? evening of each month, and are two hours in length.
What about the month-long occupation of the The BC Labour Heritage Centre requests a $10
Federal Post Office in 1938 by unemployed workers, registration fee, which goes to support the Centre and
tired of relief camps? This city is full of amazing labour our volunteer tour guides. All participants will receive a
history, and stories of the workers who helped build Tour Booklet, free of charge. We offer the opportunity
the province often go untold. The BC Labour Heritage to waive this fee if it is a barrier for attendance due to
Centre Vancouver Labour History Walking Tour invites low or fixed income.
you to visit sites of significance to workers heritage
and working class struggle that commemorate the You can register for an open tour
importance of labour unions, individuals, collective
actions and much more. through Eventbrite.ca by searching
Throughout the tours are themes of division, Vancouver Labour History or
racism, sexism, scab workers, violence and vigilante through the link on the
mobs. But there is also social justice, celebration, art,
ceremony, storytelling and adventure that reveals the
BC Labour Heritage Centre website:
resilience and tenacity of Vancouvers working people. labourheritagecentre.ca
They remind us that the causes and values we stand
for are steeped in our past, and provide lessons for
contemporary struggles. On this tour, you can literally
Private guided tours can be booked
walk in the footsteps of those that have gone before us. for groups of 6-16 any time through
The walking tour season runs from May to
September, with two guided tours per month, open EMAIL:
for registration to the public. Open tours usually run [email protected]

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 15

INCREASES Taking on FortisBC Energy Inc for a Pay Upgrade

I managed to go
from the lowest paid
job to the highest, so
it is possible to do.
Norm has a strong commitment to
union activism and helping others in
the workplace. Hes been a job steward
at Fortis Surrey office since 2007,
an executive councillor and pension
trustee; and has sat on the bargaining
and job evaluation committees.

Norm Stickelmann

A
s a property tax analyst at FortisBC, Norm Stickelmann Still, hes had to fight for increases that recognize the
is one of the highest paid MoveUP members in B.C. value and impact of the job. The latest began two years
He currently manages $2 Billion in property values ago, when he requested a job review and it became
and $80 Million in annual property tax payments. apparent that the Company differed from the Union on
But his career had humble beginnings. the application of the job evaluation program. Fortis took
Over 3 decades ago, Norm was the manager of a firm position that the Union felt did not recognize the
a jewelry store. One winter he was required to work duties, responsibilities and impact of the job. Although it
every single day the store was open from the last week ultimately took over two years to resolve; when presented
of November until New Years. That is the reality of a with evidence of numerous instances where he saved the
workplace without unions and Norm he knew he had to company substantial payments of taxes, Fortis eventually
move on. agreed to an increase.
He started as an Inventory Count Clerk on a three I am very appreciative of the support I received
month term at Inland Natural Gas. Over many years from MoveUP. Without MoveUPs support it is unlikely
Norm has held several positions and worked his way up Fortis would have agreed to the pay increase and have it
the ladder, obtaining his Certified General Accountant apply retroactively from June 2015. His advice for other
Designation and later, a Masters Degree in Business MoveUP members fighting for an upgrade?"
Administration. Along the way, he proved himself They keep throwing obstructions in our way by trying
invaluable in taking on new roles and responsibilities and to minimize what we do. You have to figure out how you
is now one of a handful of people in B.C. who can do add value, clearly document it, and stick to it, because the
his job. last thing they want to do is pay more money.
I just found a niche that I could keep working on
that nobody else wanted to do, says Norm. I managed
to go from the lowest paid job to the highest, so it is
possible to do.

16 | VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 MOVEUP Local Voice

 MoveUP Scholarship OPAL
Celebrates a Womens Rights Pioneer SKILLING

Opal Skilling
Scholarship Award
Financial assistance towards continuing
education in labour studies, womens
studies or gender studies.

D
uring the February 2017 MoveUP Executive Council them. And we see it in the continued tradition of strong
Meeting, President David Black announced women leaders within this union.
Opals story
the creation of the Opal Skilling Scholarship Black introduced Opals granddaughter, Laura
Award, which will provide financial assistance towards (Skilling) Condon, who shared memories of her with this
continuing education in labour studies, womens studies grandmothers commitment to the labour movement organization
or gender studies. The scholarship will be available to at the meeting. My grandmother was so dedicated to began in the
MoveUP members, spouses and their dependents who the union and its members that she was on call 24/7, early 1960s.
identify as women. Condon said. I remember many times being at her
She was
As president, I frequently think about the work house on the weekend for a family visit and the phone
Secretary-
people throughout the years have done to build this would ring. She would excuse herself, slip into the
union, said Black. All of our bargaining units started dining room which was her makeshift office and discuss Treasurer of our
with a group of people who decided they needed a business for as long as it took with whoever was on the precursor, OPEIU
union and worked together to join us. Im very aware other side of that line. Local 15. Local 15
that we are the caretakers of a project that it took The saying they dont make them like they used was instrumental
many, many people to build. One of those people was a to, is certainly true, said Condon of her grandmothers
in increasing
woman named Opal Skilling. generation. We owe so much to them. They were
Black went on to share Skillings beginnings in the pioneers, paving the way for the freedoms and rights respect for
labour movement, Opals story with this organization we share today because of women and men like her. womens labour
began in the early 1960s. She was Secretary-Treasurer Intelligent, brave and with such a forward way of thinking, at a time when
of Local 15 of our precursor union, OPEIU. Local 15 was her generation started the movement to protect workers it was far from
instrumental in increasing respect for womens labour from unfair treatment, fought for employees to have the
accepted in
at a time when it was far from accepted in the labour best possible wages and protection they could.
the labour
movement at large. She forced womens issues onto
the agenda. Skilling was also the first woman elected to movement at
If you are a MoveUP member, or are the
the Vancouver and District Labour Council. large. She forced
spouse or dependent of a member and would
Black remarked on the impact Skillings 38-year womens issues
involvement with the labour movement has had at like more details on how to apply for the Opal
onto the agenda.
MoveUP. Opal passed away in December of 2014, but Skilling Scholarship Award, please visit:
we still see her legacy every day. We see it in our union moveuptogether.ca/member-education-scholarships
staff and credit union members. We see it in the rights
and benefits our members enjoy because she fought for

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 17

 Pacific Blue Cross Demands Concessions /
SOLIDARITY Locks Out 600 Workers

Above left photo: MoveUP President David Black with

locked out CUPE 1816 workers at Pacific Blue Cross
Above right photo: MoveUP Secretary Treasurer
speaking at a rally at Pacific Blue Cross

B
.C.s biggest health insurance and benefits provider, hardship and the need for cutbacks. Or they show up at
Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) is demanding its own staff the bargaining table and refuse to negotiate. We know
take cuts to their benefits. Especially troubling is all the tricks. And we know - and you know they will
the fact they are trying to claw back pension benefits. not work!
To fight back, CUPE 1816 held legal rotating job MoveUP members looking for ways to support
actions until July 7, when PBC locked 600 workers out. CUPE 1816 can send in their health benefit claims by
"It is absolutely shameful that this employer is not mail instead of online. Those claims are currently being
only trying to roll back retiree benefits for these workers processed by excluded staff at PBC. While it may delay
but is essentially punishing them for trying to get a fair processing, CUPE believes that this action will hasten a
MoveUP
deal," said CUPE BC President Paul Faoro. resolution to the dispute.
walking the "On top of denying them sick leave and no longer CUPE 1816 member are walking the line 24/7 at the
line with collecting their union dues, locking them out just seems corner of Gilmore and Canada Way in Burnaby. Please
locked out beyond the pale. This is obviously a form of retaliation drop by anytime to show your support.
for the Union's job action, and no one should be fooled
workers from by it."
CUPE 1816 at MoveUP stands in solidarity with CUPE 1816 against
Pacific Blue this unfair employer. MoveUP President David Black has
sent a strongly worded letter to the PBC board and both
Cross
he and Secretary Treasurer Lori Mayhew have walked
the picket line to show support. Pacific Blue Cross
MoveUP members work at DA Townley, which is board members in
owned by Pacific Blue Cross, although its not on the a CUPE poster
same site. So far, DA Townley members have not been
affected.
Speaking at a large rally on the picket line, MoveUP
secretary treasurer Lori Mayhew said Employers
everywhere are digging in trying to squeeze out
every last dollar and benefit from their hard working
employees while executives go on retreats to Mexico.
They all use the same tactics: false claims of financial

18 | VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 MOVEUP Local Voice

 Musical Desks at FortisBC Trail Call Centre FORTISBC
BY JENNIFER FROESE

MoveUP members at the Fortis Call-in Centre

in Trail used books to prop up their computers
and phones to eye level while standing.

A
s a child, musical chairs was a pretty fun game to TCC employee and MoveUP Executive Councillor "Everyone is really
play with our friends or classmates. Its not so fun Lea McNaughton led Toth and Prinz on the tour of happy now they
to play musical work stations with our coworkers the office. The staff at TCC had been working at desks dont have to
as an adult. Unfortunately, it was a game six MoveUP with improper ergonomics for almost 12 years. Our
rotate desks
members working at the FortisBC Trail Call Centre members were experiencing ongoing health issues
(TCC) had to play. Staff would take turns each week back issues, carpal tunnel, muscle strain and headaches, every week.
to be able to use a proper ergonomic sit-stand desk. said McNaughton. Kathryn Prinz
Everyone else had to sit at desks without the ability to A manager then approached the group and asked
adjust their equipment. why they were taking pictures of the desks. Toth told
In May 2016, Vice-President Annette Toth was on the manager the pictures were evidence to give to the
a site visit at TCC. She noticed safety and ergonomic health and safety committee.
concerns with many of the staff desks. This is why A few short weeks later sit-stand desks arrived at
the Trail call centre to replace the old desks. The new
the site visits are a priority. Sometimes desks came from the FortisBC Willingdon Park Call
you dont know there are problems Centre. Management came up with the solution to
until you get to the worksite and see transfer the unused desks to reduce costs. According
something isnt being done right, said to McNaughton, the desks were purchased when the
company took over Terasen Gas. Sometimes it takes
Toth. MoveUP represents workers at 90 someone from the outside to come in and make a fuss
employers with over 800 worksites. Our before they realize this isnt okay, said Toth.
goal is to get to each site at least once McNaughton believes the site visit helped improve
their workplace. Our members love the new desks. It
every three-year term. gives them the opportunity to both sit and stand during
Former FortisBC Meter Reader Coordinator
the day, which helps with their overall health, she said.
(Burnaby), MoveUP Executive Board Member and
Prinz also noted, Everyone is happy now they dont
current staffer Kathryn Prinz was on the tour with Toth.
have to rotate desks every week. The game of musical
Annette noticed call centre staff using plastic boxes
desks has ended, and no one is left standing alone.
and phone books to prop up monitors and phones so
they could stand at their desks, said Prinz. Toth asked
Prinz to take photos of the desks so they could report
these issues to the Occupational Health and Safety
Committee (OHSC).

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 19

BC
UTILITIES
COMMISSION MoveUP Uses Power of the BC Utilities Commission
BY JIM QUAIL, ALLEVATO, QUAIL & WORTH, BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

REVIEWS OPERATIONS
REVIEWS FINANCES
APPROVES SERVICES PLANS
APPROVES CAPITAL PROJECTS
SETS RATES

T
he four largest employers of MoveUP members Regulatory processes before the BCUC include
ICBC, BC Hydro, FortisBC Energy Inc. and mechanisms to compel the companies to answer our
FortisBC Inc. are all regulated by the BC Utilities questions and disclose information, the right to present
Commission. This provides an important arena for the evidence and make submissions to the Commission on
union to advance its members interests. a wide range of issues. In major proceedings we have
Our law firm has many years of experience in utility the right to cross examine the employers managers
regulation as well as labour law. We represent MoveUP and consultants.
members in proceedings where the BCUC goes through The results have been very positive for MoveUP
these employers' entrails: reviews their operations and members. For example, we won an important legal
finances, approves their services, plans and capital battle with ICBC and persuaded the Commission it has
projects, and sets their rates. This participation gives special powers to oversee the Corporations service
MoveUP members three important benefits: quality. The union maintained significant pressure on
the degradation of claims services due to under-staffing
 ccess to information including financial
A and implementation problems with new systems,
details, workforce deployment, contracting, resulting in the creation of large numbers of new jobs.
service metrics and management plans, On the BC Hydro front, we are active participants in
the employers long-term Integrated Resource Planning
 he ability to influence important BCUC
T process. We have blown the whistle on government
decisions that have a major impact on interference and mismanagement, and demonstrated
operations, staffing levels and the long-term the folly of contracting out work that is better and
viability of these employers, and less expensively performed by direct employees. We
are fighting before the Commission and the courts,
An opportunity to build alliances with other alongside low-income groups, to win lower rates for
low-income households across the province. We are
participants, including customer groups,
laying the groundwork for better long-term policies for
environmental organizations and First a new government to put Hydro on a stronger footing.
Nations, around shared interests and Dealing with FortisBC, we are maintaining
objectives. These alliances reach beyond significant pressure on the companys efforts to shuffle
the world of the Commission into the work between gas and electric utility employees,
broader arena of public policy and political stretching customer services and placing impossible
demands on MoveUP members. Our evidence and
advocacy.

20 | VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 MOVEUP Local Voice

 BC
UTILITIES
COMMISSION

submissions stiffened the performance standards the

Commission imposed on both utilities under their The results have been very positive for
incentive-based performance-based regulation rules,
preventing service cutbacks and job losses. In the past
MoveUP members. For example, we won
we have worked in close co-operation with Fortis and an important legal battle with ICBC and
demonstrated we can be very valuable allies as well as persuaded the Commission it has special
serious adversaries, if only the company is willing to
treat its employees fairly. powers to oversee the Corporations
The information we are able to extract from these service quality. The union maintained
employers through their regulatory processes, and significant pressure on the degradation of
our handle on their operations, finances, plans and
accountabilities, arms us with important evidence claims services due to under-staffing and
we use in labour arbitrations and before the Labour implementation problems with new systems,
Relations Board to help win positive results for the
resulting in the creation of large numbers of
union's members.
Add to this the satisfaction of obtaining cost awards, new jobs.
which make these employers pay back the union for the
cost of participation in major Commission proceedings,
and the end result is a continuing and resounding win
for MoveUP and its members.

Jim Quail

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 21

MEMBER
PROFILE Barry Hodson

MoveUP bids a fond farewell to

Barry Hodson who is retiring after 42 years.

Long time Union Representative

Barry Hodson, is retiring after
42 years.
Hodson has been a significant
force in the labour movement and has
devoted his career to fighting for the rights of
workers. Among his many career highlights?
He remembers a three year period in the 1970s
when he negotiated 80+ collective agreements
each year!

At 75, Barry deserves some time off and we wish

Congratulations Barry!
him all the best in his retirement.
22 | VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 MOVEUP Local Voice
Do You Know Who Your Union Reps Are?
Accenture Business Services CMAW Bargaining Council Master Trade Office
Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen
Alma Mater Society CMAW Local 1995 Musicians' Association of Victoria
Union Rep: Kelly Quinn Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen
and the Islands, CFM Local 247
Alma Mater Society Security Coral Cabs (Richmond Taxi) Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
Union Rep: Kelly Quinn Union Rep: Jude Morrison
Aviscar CUPE 454 New Democratic Party
Union Rep: Mike Novak Union Rep: Doug Jeffs Union Rep: Doug Jeffs
BCAA SC & ERS CUPE 2011 Schneider
Union Rep: Trevor Hansen Union Rep: Doug Jeffs Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen
BC Computerized Dispatch (Yellow Cab) CUPE 3338 Seaspan International Ltd.
Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Union Rep: Doug Jeffs Union Rep Stephen Von Sychowski
BC Federation of Labour CUPE BC & Locals
Union Rep: Doug Jeffs SEIU 2
Union Rep: Doug Jeffs
Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
BC Ferry & Marine Workers Union DA Townley & Associates
Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen Union Rep: Cathy Hirani SNC-AECON
BCGEU Ecojustice Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen
Union Rep: Cathy Hirani Union Rep: Doug Jeffs SNC-Lavalin John Hart Project
BC Hydro (including Powertech Enterprise Rent-A-Car Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen
Construction Services) Union Rep: Mike Novak
Southern Railway
Union Reps: Barbara Junker, Tony Geluch FortisBC Customer Service Centres Union Rep: Cindy A. Lee
BC Nurses Union Union Rep: Cindy A. Lee
Union Rep: Cathy Hirani Teamsters Local 31
FortisBC Energy Inc.
B.C. Regional Council of Carpenters Union Rep: Cindy A. Lee Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen FortisBC Inc. Teamsters Local 155
BC Transit Union Rep: Cindy A. Lee Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
Union Rep: Stephen Von Sychowski G&F Financial Group Teamsters Local 213 & 213 Member Benefit Plan
Beach Place Ventures Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
Union Rep: Sarah Melsness KCC Holding Ltd Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU)
Berlitz Canada Union Rep: Mike Novak
Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Union Rep: Doug Jeffs
Hastings Entertainment Inc.
Bonnys Taxi Union Rep: Cathy Hirani Telecommunication Workers Pension Plan
Union Rep: Mike Novak Hertz Union Rep: Doug Jeffs
Boilermakers Local 191 Union Rep: Mike Novak Teletheatre BC
Union Rep: Cathy Hirani IAMAW Transportation District Lodge 140 Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
Burnaby English Language Centre Union Rep: Cathy Hirani TransLink
Union Rep: Stephen Von Sychowski IAMAW District Lodge 250 Union Rep: Stephen Von Sychowski
Canadian Freightways Ltd. Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Tree Island
IAMAW Local Lodge 764
Union Rep: Cindy A. Lee
Canadian Northern Shield/RSA Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
Union Rep: Doug Jeffs IBEW 230 UA 324
Capilano University Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen
Union Rep: Tony Geluch ICBC Unifor Local 1928
Carpentry Workers Benefit and Pension Plans of BC Union Reps: Trevor Hansen, Ryan Stewart, Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen Kelly Quinn, Jude Morrison
United Fishermen & Allied Worker Union
Catalyst Paper Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union
Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
Union Rep: Cathy Hirani Union Rep: Sarah Melsness
CIATU IWA Forest Industry PP Vancouver Police Credit Union
Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen Union Rep: Doug Jeffs Union Rep: Trevor Hansen
Coast Mountain Bus Kekinow Native Housing Society Vancouver Shipyards Ltd.
Union Rep: Stephen Von Sychowski Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk Union Rep Stephen Von Sychowski
Coastal Community Credit Union Kelowna Cabs Ltd. Vancouver Taxi Ltd. (Central Taxi Dispatch)
Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Union Rep: Jude Morrison Union Rep: Jude Morrison
Coastal Community Financial Management Konica Minolta
Union Rep: Sarah Melsness VantageOne Credit Union
Union Rep: Sarah Melsness
Union Rep: Sarah Melsness
Coastal Community Insurance Kruger Products (Scott Paper)
Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen Victoria Shipyards Ltd.
College of Pharmacists of BC Ladysmith & District CU Union Rep Stephen Von Sychowski
Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Westminster Savings Credit Union
College of Registered Nurses Lake City Casinos Union Rep: Sarah Melsness
Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen Union Rep: Trevor Hansen
Working Ventures Insurance Solutions
Columbia Hydro LuMa Native Housing Society Union Rep: Doug Jeffs
Union Rep: Noel Gulbransen Union Rep: Doug Jeffs
Xylem Water Solutions
Columbia Valley Credit Union MacLure's Cabs Ltd.
Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Union Rep Sarah Melsness Union Rep: Cathy Hirani
Community Savings Credit Union Marine Workers & Boilermakers Yellow Pages
Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Union Rep: Cathy Hirani Union Rep: Doug Jeffs

Phone: 604-299-0378 LOCAL VOICE Editor: Catherine Pope USW 2009

Fax: 604-299-8211 DESIGNED BY: Dansk Design Group
E-mail: [email protected] danskdesigngroup.com
IS PUBLISHED BY ISSN 1918-9753 COPE Local 378 Voice PRINTED AT: Mitchell Press, Burnaby, B.C.

MoveUP MoveUP: President David Black

Suite 301-4501 Kingsway, Burnaby, B.C. V5H 0E5 Secretary-Treasurer Lori Mayhew
POSTAL AGREEMENT #41267023

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 12 Issue #1 Summer 2017 | 23

 Were proud to
stand with our
LGBTQ members
and friends.
MoveUP at Pride celebrations in
Surrey, Victoria and Vancouver.

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41267023

CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:
SUITE 301-4501 KINGSWAY,
BURNABY, B.C. V5H 0E5