CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to see increased spending in health care, public housing, and the cost of living; however, it is pivotal that this money be invested in strengthening and expanding our already existing public services and not on lining the pockets of private companies.
“This new budget saw increased spending in the health care system that is desperately needed; however, there is more to health care than doctors and nurses. Our system cannot function without the thousands of people working behind the scenes and alongside our doctors and nurses, and the government needs to invest in them too,” said CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador President Sherry Hillier.
The Furey government’s budget focuses entirely on hiring nurses and physicians, dedicating millions of dollars to recruitment and training of nurses. However, health care professionals, such as personal care attendants, are once again left behind despite the ever-expanding list of duties undertaken in an effort to fill gaps left by understaffing.
“The solution to the housing crisis impacting our province isn’t giving money to private businesses to build more rental properties that will just end up priced at ‘market value.’ Just this month in B.C., we saw the results of this type of plan with tiny, 330 square foot apartments going for over $1,600. That’s not affordable to anyone and we can’t let that happen here too,” said Hillier. “We need expanded public housing built and maintained by the public sector. Our tax dollars shouldn’t be going to line the pockets of private investors looking to make a profit off our housing crisis.”
The Federal Apartment Construction Loan Program, much like the Rental Housing Development Loan Program announced by the Furey government in this budget, aimed to encourage private developers to build more affordable housing. Though it did result in more units being built, their pricing was determined by the current rental market, making them largely unaffordable to those who need homes.
The Furey government’s announcement to integrate Newfoundland and Labrador Housing into core government does not ease these concerns. While Housing Minister Hutton says there will be no job losses or reductions as a result of the integration, we have little information at this point to reassure CUPE NL members whose jobs are impacted by this decision.
“Housing relief is greatly needed in Newfoundland and Labrador, but bringing the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation under government control is not the solution we were hoping for as they have a history of contracting out the work of our members. We want to see the expansion of public housing that is publicly funded and maintained, not private corporations offering housing that is subsidized by public money. We will work with the NL government to ensure that the money promised in this year’s budget is used to bolster public services, not cut them.”
As a sign of respect to the fish harvesters currently gathered outside the Confederation Building, CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador will not be crossing their protest line to attend any budget announcements or lockups. Instead, CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador will attend an alternate budget watch hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour.
“Every year, CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador attends the budget lockup so that we can be informed on the government’s spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, but not this year,” said CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador President Sherry Hillier. “As long as the fish harvesters are gathered outside the Confederation Building in protest, we will not cross their protest line. As union activists, it’s our duty to show solidarity with fellow workers.”
The fish harvesters have expressed their frustrations with how local fisheries process fishing licenses and have called on the government to resolve the issue. Today, they gathered in protest to express their dissatisfaction in the lack of action taken by the provincial government thus far.
CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador hopes to hear that the Furey government is taking the protests seriously and begins addressing the concerns of the workers and their union rather than just forcing out the protesters or rescheduling the budget to another day.
CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador was happy to see such an amazing turnout for VOCM Cares’ Pack the Pub event over the weekend that raised money for the Community Food Sharing Association. As a sponsor of the event, we are thrilled that so many families will now have access to more support in their time of need. For anyone who was unable to attend or would like to offer a new donation, VOCM Cares is accepting donations through the end of the week at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/98254.
CUPE NL invites all locals to join them at the Delta Hotel, St. John’s on May 5st-8rd, 2024 for their 50th annual convention.
Registration will be held on Sunday, May 5th at 4:00 p.m. at the Delta Hotel. Locals are requested to make their own reservations, but a block of rooms, named “CUPE,” will be held for delegates at a rate of $149.00 plus taxes per night.
To send delegates, locals must have their per capita to CUPE National and CUPE NL up to and including April 2024.
For more information, please see the full Convention Call available for download here.
CUPE Newfoundland & Labrador welcomes the provincial government’s announcement of a 10-year plan to modernize and improve the province’s education system.
“We look forward to working with the employer to develop a plan that will improve public education across the province that values our members working in this sector, and that will keep public education public,” said CUPE NL President Sherry Hillier.
“In the past four years, the Furey administration has continued to push public-private partnerships across the province. This government has tried to contract out much of our current public service work, targeting hospitals, housing, and even snow removal in our towns, and we don’t want that to affect our schools more than it already has. The children of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve an education system that prioritizes their learning, not profit.”
CUPE NL is prepared to fight for a high-quality, public education system for our members, and for the people of Newfoundland & Labrador. They will be holding town halls with members across the province to ensure that this plan incorporates the expert knowledge of those working in education and reflects the issues and concerns that are important to CUPE NL members.
As a member of CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador, you can get a 15% or more discount on your home and auto insurance if you switch to Higgins Insurance. There has never been a better time to get a quote, because our 7th annual Sweepstakes is underway. Several people have already won a prize, and we have many more to give away! You could win an Atlantic Canada long weekend getaway, a grocery gift card, or an annual CAA membership (to help you save on gas!)
Entering is simple, just fill out our quick form and a broker will be in touch as your renewal dates approach with a quote!
If you are a member of a local executive these FREE workshops are for you! Register soon as there is significant demand for CUPE workshops.
Health and Safety—An Introduction
November 4–5, 2023
An introduction to the world of health and safety, this course explores basic concepts such as:
• identification of hazards;
• hierarchy of controls;
• the role of health and safety committees;
• basics on the right to refuse.
In this workshop you will:
• explore union values;
• learn about CUPE’s structure;
• find out how unions solve problems ;
• gain skills that will help you play a stronger role in your CUPE local.
Whether you are a trustee or a member of the executive, learning about the basics of the local union’s finances is a priority. In this workshop, you will learn about your duties regarding the finances of the union, budgeting and how to be transparent and accountable to members.
If you are a new steward and want to learn how to help CUPE members solve workplace problems, this introductory workshop is for you!
In this workshop, you will learn:
• investigating workplace problems;
• filing a grievance;
• meeting with management;
• dealing with workplace complaints.
Employees at The Gathering Place, a community health centre in St. John’s, have voted overwhelmingly yes to becoming members of CUPE. The 84 employees provide services, meals and an overnight shelter to people in the community who struggle with daily living.
Aaron Brickman, a CUPE organizer, says everything happened quickly, with voting taking place in June and July. “When the votes were finally tallied this week, it was a whopping 89 percent in favour of joining the union,” he says.
Jon Bennett leads the Guest Support team at the centre and is interim president of the new CUPE Local, 5478. He says the rapid growth of the organization in response to increasing needs was one reason the employees felt the need to form a union.
“The expansion of services has been happening so quickly that we haven’t had an opportunity to voice our concerns,” he says. “There is a lot of complexity to the work, and a lot of stress. The staff are feeling the need to have more protections and support.”
He says the rapidly rising cost of living makes the ability to sit down and bargain compensation even more important.
“Ultimately, a union creates stronger workplaces and more collaboration between staff and management,” he says. “We can build the future of the organization together. As front line staff, we have a lot to contribute, and we need a stronger voice in these conversations.”
The new CUPE members include the Guest Support team, kitchen staff who serve up three meals a day, social workers, administrative and maintenance staff, dental assistants, volunteer co-ordinators and boutique and guest empowerment staff. The evening staff assist with the overnight emergency shelter which is open 8 pm- 8 am daily.
Maintenance workers at Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation are incredulous that their work is being contracted out as a solution to the housing crisis, instead of filling job vacancies and paying overtime.
“Everybody knows that contracting out costs a lot more than doing the work in house,” says Jerry Butler, president of CUPE Local 1860, which represents approximately 210 employees at NLHC. “In fact, a joint study done years ago by CUPE and the Housing Corporation showed that contractors charge between 25-30 percent more to do the work.”
He also wants to know why the government has taken this long to address homelessness.
“There are housing units that have been vacant for years, while shelters are bursting at the seams, and waitlists grow longer,” he says. “Often these units only need a small repair, but they are left vacant so long they require intensive remedies.”
Butler says the Housing Corporation has been reducing staff through attrition and leaving positions vacant, and has been letting contractors remove the inventory maintenance workers need to do their jobs.
He is also concerned that contractors are being hired arbitrarily instead of by tender, and says they often have to go behind contractors and fix their work.
“Private contractors are not accountable to the tenants the way we are,” he says. “A contractor will tear down a ceiling in a unit that has had a leak and not come back for weeks, allowing mold to grow. Whereas we would remediate water damage immediately.”
Butler says the work could all be done in house if the Housing Corporation would fill the vacancies, and be willing to pay overtime. “Let our members do their jobs,” he says.
“Libraries are one of the last places that you can spend hours and hours in and not be expected to buy anything.” —Stefany Royles, Library Technician
In Newfoundland and Labrador we are fortunate to have a provincial library system, with professional, cheerful staff ready to guide your reading, learning and doing journey! CUPE Local 2329 represents approximately 300 library workers at 94 public libraries, from St. John’s to Labrador City.
Our members are library assistants, library technicians, IT specialists and clerical staff.
We interviewed three of them to find out what their days are like and what they love best about working in a library.
Stacey Lucas, Julia Mayo and Stefany Royles are Library Technicians at A.C. Hunter Public Library in St. John’s.
Stacey Lucas
Library Technician Stacey Lucas says the library is an amazing public service.
“Why spend $40 on a hard cover book when you can get it at the library for free!” she asks. “We offer much more than just books — there is so much programming, from book clubs and knitting groups to trivia nights and money management workshops. And all at no cost.”
Stacey has spent the past 14 years working at the circulation desk at the A.C. Hunter Public Library in St. John’s.
She has a certificate in Library Studies from Memorial University, where she was studying for an Arts degree when she heard about the library program.
“I have always been an avid reader,” she says. “So when I heard about this program, I knew where my path in life lay.”
One of her favourite programs is the Home Reader Service, for patrons who can’t get to the library — people with disabilities or seniors in care homes, for instance. Stacey is one of two library technicians that service the St. John’s area, delivering materials such as books, large print books, audio books and DVDs to people in private homes or in care homes.
“There’s a big demand for this service in St. John’s,” she says, with about a hundred people using the service on a regular basis. The program has recently been extended to new parents too, who might be unable to get out of the house with the demands of a new baby. And if you live in Cornerbrook or Gander, the Home Reader Service is offered there as well.
As Acting President of Local 2329, Stacey knows how lucky she is to have a job that she loves to go to everyday. But she is also aware that libraries aren’t top of mind when it comes to government spending. She says what would make her job better is more funding for libraries—for materials and the buildings that house them.
BEST PART OF HER JOB: Interacting with patrons and helping them choose books to read or movies to watch. “The best thing is getting to meet the patrons and sometimes making new friends.”
Julia Mayo
“The library is free and fun and full of amazing people who know amazing things,” says Julia Mayo, Adult Program Co-ordinator at the A.C. Hunter Library in St. John’s. “And where else can you go and not be expected to buy something?”
She is thrilled that public libraries have become more program oriented, geared towards bringing people together.
“Programs bring in outside entities to educate and entertain,” she says, “and as much as possible, we try to make sure that they are free.” She says the library has formed partnerships with many outside sources in order to bring programming to their adult patrons.
A favourite partnership is with the St. John’s Storytelling Festival. Last month they hosted a storytelling circle at the library, called “Tea and Tales.”
Another series, “Let’s Try”, gives people an opportunity to try out a new activity, such as Bollywood dancing. “Well Now” brings in different specialists to talk about health and wellness. There are programs on financial and digital literacy, programs for seniors and star gazers and geocachers. Julia says they try to choose programs that are pertinent and current.
But because they library is underfunded, she says they rely mostly on free offerings. “Thankfully, a lot of cool people provide their talent for free!” she says. “I’m so lucky to get to work with amazing, passionate professionals. My job is awesome!”
She says if there were unlimited resources she would wish for a new building to house the library. “It’s the same age as me,” she laments.
BEST PART OF HER JOB: “I love meeting new people and helping them find the information they need.”
Stefany Royles
“I always knew I was going to work in a library or a museum,” says Stefany Royles. “Being in the community is where I feel at home. Working for the public library you are definitely in the community!”
Stefany says she was inspired to become a library technician by her aunt, who was also a librarian. She’s part of the outreach team at the A.C. Hunter Library, where she’s involved in some unique initiatives.
Like the Library on the Go van, which she affectionately calls “Not just your nan’s bookmobile.” The van delivers materials to neighbourhoods that might not be able to access the main libraries, like communities on the outskirts of the city.
“People can access more than just books,” she says “DVDs, board games, bird watching backpacks, book club kits and musical instruments are also available to borrow.” This partnership with the City of St. John’s was launched a little over a year ago and has been a great success, she says.
The Library on the Go also tags along with Food First NL’s Food on the Move program — a mobile, pop-up grocery store that delivers fresh produce and other goods to six community centres, including a stop at Memorial University. “Patrons can purchase high quality food at amazing prices, such as three bundles of produce for $5,” she says. “Plus they can access library books and services at the same time.”
NLPL Connect Pass is a brand new program that allows persons with a library card to access free admission to arts and culture venues across the province. Stefany says the NL Provincial Library is the first in Canada to implement this new software. She says there are 57 partners across NL that are offering free passes, from provincial parks and museums to festivals and even ski and hockey clubs.
“We’re a library of learning and doing,” she says. “This is about removing barriers and allowing people to learn about the culture and history of our province.”
In the first month of the program Stefany says they issued 1400 new library cards, as members of the public wanted in on this exciting offer.
Another part of Stefany’s job is managing the non-fiction books that come in by donation. If they aren’t needed at the library, they are offered for sale through the Friends of Library, which holds book sales twice a year. She says the “weeding” process they go through for taking books out of the system is a very thought out process that involves looking at a number of factors, including the overall condition of the book and whether or not the information is still relevant.
“We constantly have to curate our collection so that the information is correct, unbiased and uncensored,” she explains, “ and so that we have enough room for the new items continually coming in, because we are finite!”
Stefany says having a bigger library budget would make her job better, and also the province as a whole. “There have been no library budget increases in almost 15 years,” she says.
BEST PART OF HER JOB: The camaraderie with her work mates, and the outreach. “It’s very satisfying.”
October is Library Month—make sure to visit a library and while you’re there, don’t forget to thank a library worker!
