TIMES COLONIST, VICTORIA, B.C.
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Unions mark Labour Day by continuing fight to win
Pharmacare for all workers Labour Day Message from Michael Eso, President, Victoria Labour Council
B
EING CANADIAN means that
if you get sick you can get treated, regardless of where you live or how much you make. Or at least it should be that way. The problem is that we have a massive gap in our public health care system when it comes to prescription drug coverage — a gap that’s left 3.5 million Canadians unable to afford the medications they need. Even if you’re not directly affected, you probably know someone who is. Canada’s current patchwork prescription drug system is inefficient, and so expensive that only the U.S. has higher costs. Plus, our inconsistent coverage and uneven access to certain drugs means that people often pay different rates for the same medications. It just doesn’t make sense. Roughly one-third of working Canadians don’t have employerfunded prescription drug coverage. One in ten Canadians pay out of pocket for their medication because they either don’t have a prescription drug plan, or because their plan includes costly co-payments, deductibles, limitations and restrictions. Canada’s current patchwork system of provincial or territorial plans and private prescription coverage means that too many people are falling through the cracks. This is why Canada’s unions believe that prescription drug benefits should be extended equally to everyone with a health card. Last September, the Canadian Labour Congress launched a campaign calling for a public and universal pharmacare plan. Since then, over 40,000 people have
signed the petition calling for public prescription drug coverage in Canada. Hundreds of people have shared their own stories of struggling to pay for prescription medication. Imagine the impact universal pharmacare would have on a self-employed entrepreneur who receives a devastating diagnosis, knowing they can’t afford to pay for their treatment. Or the young woman who struggles to afford her birth control medication. Or the retiree who learns that their drug plan has an annual cap and must pay out of pocket for their prescription medications for several months every year. It seems obvious that the medication we receive in hospital as part of Canada’s medicare system should also be available when it is prescribed by a family doctor no matter where you work or live. This led me to ask myself who benefits from the current system of private drug coverage? Well, the answer is simple; it’s pharmaceutical companies who charge grossly inflated prices for vital medications and insurance companies who make
hundreds of millions for administering private drug plans. As a result, no matter what level of coverage you have, every individual, employer and government is over-paying for the medications we all need. Imagine how much further that money could go toward making us all healthier and wealthier. I’ll be honest with you — most unionized workers already have prescription drug coverage through our workplace contracts, but Canada’s unions believe these benefits should be extended to everyone. And while unions may not have a financial stake in championing universal pharmacare, the same can’t be said for those opposing it. Canadian pharmaceutical and insurance companies stand to lose billions if the Canadian government establishes a public and universal pharmacare plan. And I don’t feel bad for them because they are still going to make billions, but you’d
better believe they will eagerly spend millions to oppose a universal single-payer prescription drug plan. But Canadians don’t believe greed and profit have any place in the delivery of health care. We also know the value of working together to make life better for everyone. After all, that’s the foundation of Canadian health care and it’s time we extend our medicare system to cover prescription drug costs as well. Canada is the only developed country in the world with a universal health care program that doesn’t include universal prescription drug coverage. Now that the Canadian government is finally considering a national pharmacare plan, we need to call on politicians at every level of government to act in the best interest of everyday Canadians. We all benefit from universal pharmacare, so let’s get it right.
The Victoria Labour Council invites everyone to join us on the B.C. Legislature grounds to
CELEBRATE LABOUR DAY! Monday, Sept. 3 B.C. Legislature lawn 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be music, games, clowns, a bouncy castle and snacks for kids. Please join us — Happy Labour Day!
‘‘
WHAT WE DESIRE FOR OURSELVES,
...WE WISH 0011592797 FOR ALL. VICTORIA-VANCOUVER ISLAND Victoria-Vancouver I 10 x 152 CMYK, ,
‘‘
(J.S. WOODSWORTH)
Labour Day is Celebrated as a National Holiday on Monday September 3. At this time we pay tribute, as organized labour has for more than 100 years, to the efforts and sacrifices of those who came before us to make this a better world. VICTORIA VANCOUVER ISLAND NEWSPAPER GUILD Representing members at the Victoria Times Colonist
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Federation of Post-Secondary Educators
Affordability and Employment Fairness
T
HE POST-SECONDARY SYSTEM
plays a big role in B.C. Learning institutions are the largest employer in some communities, creating learning opportunities that draw and retain residents. Public post-secondary collective agreements are set to expire March 31st, and B.C. educators will be at the bargaining table within the next few months. Two issues are expected to loom large in the coming talks: affordability and employment fairness for faculty and staff. Under the previous government, educators were held to the same wage mandate as the public sector, while artificial budget surpluses kept
wage increases below the cost of living. As institutional operating grants declined and student fees increased, universities and colleges resorted to more precarious work, placing additional pressure on faculty and staff, putting the quality of B.C.’s post-secondary system at risk. Students learn from educators, not institution managers. Yet, under the previous government, that’s where the money went — and it’s time for a change. The workers delivering the education British Columbians increasingly rely on for personal and professional development deserve a fair raise and fair employment. It just makes sense. fpse.ca
0011598331 FEDERATION OF POST SECHAPPY ONDARY E LABOUR 2018 LABOUR DAY DAY 5 x 70 We are 10,000 faculty and staff working for quality public CMYK, , services and good jobs in BC.
CUPE1004
B.C. educators will be at the bargaining table within the next few months
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0011597518 INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATI 2018 LABOUR DAY 5 x 140 CMYK, , For more than a century, the union presence in B.C. has improved the lives of all working people. 7KH QHZ SURYLQFH ZLGH &RPPXQLW\ %HQHÀ WV $JUHHPHQW FRQWLQXHV WKLV WUDGLWLRQ $OO ZRUNHUV RQ NH\ SXEOLF VHFWRU FRQVWUXFWLRQ SURMHFWV ZLOO JHW IDLU ZDJHV IDLU WUHDWPHQW DQG D KLJK VWDQGDUG RI ZRUNSODFH VDIHW\ /RFDO KLULQJ ZLOO PHDQ JRRG MREV IRU ZRPHQ ,QGLJHQRXV SHRSOH DQG DSSUHQWLFHV OHDYLQJ D OHJDF\ RI VNLOOV DQG SUDFWLFDO H[SHULHQFH 2Q /DERXU 'D\ ZH SD\ WULEXWH WR WKRVH ZKR EXLOW % & ·V ODERXU PRYHPHQW DV D IRUFH IRU SRVLWLYH FKDQJH DQG ZH ORRN IRUZDUG WR D WLPH RI RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU DOO Join us
1.888.486.3115 | IUOE115.ca
0011599116 CONSTRUCTION & SPECIALIZED WOR 2018 LABOUR DAY 5 x 140 CMYK, ,
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BC Boilermakers 191 Today, Boilermakers 191 is a metal trades union located in Victoria. Membership stands at 300+ members who work in ship building and repair, steel fabrication of logging equipment, pressure vessels and structural steel, and the refitting of naval ships, submarines, cruise ships and other commercial vessels.
T
HE FIRST organizational
effort among boilermakers in B.C. occurred in Victoria and resulted in chartering of Lodge 191 in 1898. The Yukon Gold Rush made Victoria rather prosperous; some of this business rubbed off on the members with the building of boilers and steamers for this trade. When this trade died off, the whaling fleet, using the facilities available in Victoria, provided employment for the early boilermakers. During World War One, Victoria Machinery Depot Co. Ltd, built freighters for the Canadian Government. Minimum rate of wages for Boilermakers and Shipbuilders was 50¢ per hour. Yarrows Limited built a number of wooden-hulled, steam-driven sternwheelers for service on the Irrawaddy River in Burma. Heavy unemployment struck in the early 1920s and the membership dropped to the point where the Charter lapsed in 1923; it was reinstated in 1925. On Feb. 1, 1930, the Boilermakers affiliated with the All-Canadian Congress of Labour and became Local #2: Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders of Canada with 19 members paying an initiation fee of $1. Lodge 191 was still in existence at this time, as the Charter never lapsed until 1944. Unfortunately, there were no records available
for this period. A collective agreement, in effect at the Victoria Machinery Depot Co. Ltd in 1940, shows the Boilermakers were paid 90¢ an hour. Early in 1945, a rift broke out between the Boilermakers Local #2 and its parent body, the Canadian Congress of Labour, and there was talk of disaffiliation. The dissension was aimed more at the newly-formed Shipyard General Workers Federation than the Canadian Congress of Labour. A vote took place and the result favoured disaffiliation. The Local turned to the Trades and Labour Council who issued a Charter calling the new organization the ‘Victoria Shipyard Workers Federal Union, Local #238’. In 1951, Local 238 had a strike situation, and the members were in need of strike benefits. Local 238 committee members met with two officials of the Boilermakers Brotherhood regarding the re-affiliation with the Brotherhood. On Oct. 4, 1951, a special meeting was called to discuss the matter of re-affiliation thoroughly and a vote was taken. Members of the Victoria Shipyard Workers’ Federal Union Local #238 made the decision to return to the Brotherhood after an absence of 21 years. This led to the return of the Local to the Brotherhood and Lodge 191’s Charter was reinstated on Oct. 23, 1951. boilermakers191.org
0011596112 BRITISH COLUMBIA REGIONAL COUN LABOUR DAY 5 x 70 CMYK, ,
PROUDLY CELEBRATING
LABOUR DAY
0011598868 BOILERMAKERS UNION LOCAL 191 2018 LABOUR DAY 5 x 140 CMYK, ,
Boilermakers 191 802 Esquimalt Rd., Victoria, B.C.
(250) 383-4196 boilermakers191.org Boilermakers 191 is a metal trades union located in Victoria, B.C. Local Lodge 191 representing working people since 1898 in the following: • Ship Building / Ship Repair • Steel Fabrication of Logging Equipment, Pressure Vessels and Structural Steel • Refitting of Naval Ships, Submarines, Cruiseships & other Commercial Vessels
0011596639 INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY 2018 LABOUR DAY Let your knowledge 5 x 140 kickstart their careers. CMYK, , Sponsor an apprentice. Everyone has to start somewhere—give an apprentice the chance to begin a rewarding career. Connect with the right apprentice for your business today by using the online Apprentice Job Match Tool.
Get started at itabc.ca/apprentice-job-match
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Professional Employees Association
Why Choose PEA?
T
HE NEXT WAVE OF WORKERS
0011589527 UNIFOR LOCALS 114, 333 BC LABOUR DAY 5 x 70 CMYK, ,
turning to unions aren’t from the factory floor. They’re lawyers, paralegals, engineers, analysts, IT professionals and accountants. And more than ever, they’re millennials. “We’re seeing more professionals looking for union representation,” said Scott McCannell, Executive Director of the Professional Employees Association (PEA). “Those professionals are often millennials who are at the beginning of their careers.” Younger workers are making up a larger share of the workforce in Canada. They’re also facing a precarious job market. Employment is often short-term. Benefits, decent wages and respectful working conditions are a rare commodity. Professionals don’t have a long history with organized labour, but they’re increasingly joining unions. There are a number of reasons why younger professionals have been turning to unions like the PEA. Stagnant wages, no pensions, workloads, excessive hours, lack of professional development and benefit cuts are some of the reasons young professionals are looking towards organized labour. A shift in how professional
workers are utilized in their workplace has led to interest in unionization. “The input and expertise of professionals was once respected, but today professional’s influence on their work has diminished,” said McCannell. Unions can help change this power dynamic. Collective bargaining enables professionals to come together and have their voices heard in the workplace. Collective agreements often include joint committee processes so that professionals’ views are considered and reflected. Collective agreements also have a variety of dispute resolution processes so issues can be fairly resolved. Professionals often have a history of identifying as individuals. But when their incomes are squeezed and the prospect of retirement seems daunting, being part of a union of professionals is appealing. “Our members are extremely committed to their professions and we respect this in how we represent them in the workplace,” said McCannell. Jobs are precarious, health-care costs are skyrocketing, and wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living—no wonder young people are organizing. pea.org
JOIN A UNION THAT UNDERSTANDS THE NEEDS OF PROFESSIONALS
HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY CUPE LOCAL 50!
0011598471 UNITED WAY OF GREATER VICTORIA 2018 LABOUR DAY 5 x 140 CMYK, , CUPE Local 50 has been working to improve the quality of life for workers in Victoria since 1918. Local 50 started with 55 members in 1918, and they have grown to 1,100 members today. They represent workers in the City of Victoria, United Way of Greater Victoria, BC SPCA, Royal Oak Burial Park, Gorge Vale Golf Club, Victoria Police Department, the City of Langford (RCMP Support Services) and the Downtown Victoria Business Association.
0011596315 PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIA LABOUR DAY FEATURE 5 x 140 CMYK, ,
In 2017, 61.5% of funds raised for the community through United Way’s fundraising campaign came from workplaces with unions like CUPE.
Thank you to all of our friends at Labour!
We know the issues that are affecting professionals in BC, such as excessive overtime, limited job security, lack of a pension and stagnant wages. We also recognize the unique skills and input that professional workers provide.
Visit pea.org/join Ì w ` ÕÌ Ài
SHOW YOUR LOCAL LOVE.
uwgv.ca
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Show your local love. As Vancouver Islanders, we love where we live. But for many, life is a struggle.
T
HE Victoria Labour Council and United Way Greater Victoria (UWGV) both work to help people in need, to make our community a place where everyone can reach their potential. We’ve been working together for a long time: the Victoria Labour Council was founded over 100 years ago to work for the rights of workers, and United Way Greater Victoria has been helping vulnerable people for more than 81 years. The two organizations have a strong and long partnership. This translates into 61.5 per cent of funds raised during United Way’s workplace campaign coming from companies that have unions present in their workforce. Labour is represented on United Way Greater Victoria’s Board, Campaign Associates and Labour Committee. Workers at United Way Greater Victoria are represented by CUPE Local 50 — who marks their 100th anniversary this year. United Way Greater Victoria is proud to welcome back the Victoria Labour Council as a partner in the annual fundraising campaign kick-off for a ninth consecutive year. This year, United Way is asking people to put their love of community into action: to show their local love by supporting their community. “For Canada’s unions — and individual locals — making life better for working people is, to put it simply, a labour of love. Values like fairness, equality and working together are what drive us to make a difference,” says Mike Eso, President, Victoria Labour Council and UWGV Campaign Co-Chair 2016 and 2017 Campaigns. “Both nationally and locally, United Way and organized labour share a common vision of an inclusive community with a wide
range of social and public services that are accessible for everyone. “Many people in the community struggle to pay their rent, provide their kids with a healthy meal or are fighting addictions. This is where United Way steps in to give a helping hand, and the reason we support them.” If you love your community, then help your community and show your local love!
Enter to win a Bay Centre Experience for you & a friend valued at $1,000! From Sept. 15 to 29, visit the United Way display at The Bay Centre, another partner. Nominate someone on Facebook who shares their local love in our community through volunteerism or acts of kindness and you could win. Watch for details on www.uwgv.ca
Dignity and Justice A Voice in the Work Place These are the principles on which organized labour was founded. No single union has ever achieved these goals with more success and consistency than the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
0011596803 TEAMSTERS LOCAL UNION 31 Best wishes this Labour Day from the membership and officers of 2018 TEAMSTERS LABOUR DAY LOCAL 31 5 xaffiliated 70 with theof Teamsters, International Brotherhood Teamsters Canada, and the Canadian Labour CMYK, , Congress #1 Grosvenor Square, Delta, BC V3M 5S1 Stan Hennessy, President Richard Van Grol, Secretary-Treasurer
For Organizing Assistance Tel: 604-527-2722 Fax: 604-540-6073
0021599260 CUPE BC 10 x 152 AAA0
Email: bhennessy@teamsters31.ca
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BC Nurses’ Union
United in a common cause
Christine Sorensen, President BC Nurses’ Union
L
abour Day is a time to acknowledge workers and those in every profession, including nurses, who have fought for better working conditions for us all, and who have stood up against injustice, often at great risk and personal sacrifice. While most Canadians see it as the unofficial end to summer and a welcome day off, it is important that we all pause and reflect on its historical significance. Labour Day was established in 1872 to recognize the contribution of ordinary working people to our Canadian way of life. The union movement has helped to build a country that respects people’s rights. This includes the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, support and compensation for injured workers and equality for all. This Labour Day, let’s remember that when we act together, united in a common cause, we create positive change for ourselves and our communities. In B.C., we have experienced change this past year with a new provincial government. We continue to battle wildfires like we have never experienced. The world in 2018 can be a rapidly changing, hostile and frightening place. However, if we support each other and our communities, it is my sincere belief that we will find the
opportunities in these times of transition and upheaval, to make our province and our world a better place. Over the past many months, nurses have been reaching out to the public and asking politicians to make health care workplaces safe for nurses and their patients. Nine out of 10 British Columbians agreed that more
needs to be done to prevent violence against nurses, and prior to the last election, every provincial political party leader committed to advocate for a violence-free workplace. This Labour Day, let’s value B.C.’s workers and commit to safe workplaces, for nurses and all workers. It’s time for action from B.C.’s government that will move us
forward together towards better workplace safety, community safety and improved health care and living standards for all of B.C.’s citizens. I know that B.C.’s nurses, on Labour Day and every day, will be a strong, dynamic voice for progressive change for nursing, health care and in the ongoing fight for fairness, equality and justice. bcnu.org
0011596982 A MESSAGE FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA NURSES' CHRISTINE SORENSEN AND BC's NURSES UNION This is a time to recognize the vital 2018 LABOUR DAY work of our 48,000 professional nurses. 5 xBC's 70 This Labour Day let's value workers and commit to safe workplaces, CMYK, , for nurses and all workers. www.bcnu.org
0011588834 WORKSAFEBC LABOUR DAY 5 x 140 CMYK, ,
President, BC Nurses’ Union
As we celebrate Labour Day on September 3 rdrd, please take time to reflect upon those who came before us. Their sacrifices and efforts shall never be forgotten.
HAPPY LABOUR DAY TO ALL
Did you know? As a worker, you have the right to refuse unsafe work. For resources on how to stay safe at work, visit worksafebc.com.
0011594664 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD 2018 LABOUR DAY 5 x 70 CMYK, , FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD TRADES & LABOUR COUNCIL (WEST) Proudly maintaining the Pacific Naval Fleet since 1967
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Carpenters Local 1598
Leading Victoria’s Building Boom
U
NIONIZED CONSTRUCTION
in Victoria is on the rise. Carpenters Local 1598 has represented carpenters in Victoria for 135 years and is affiliated with the BC Regional Council of Carpenters. Over 1200 tradesmen and women belong to Local 1598, and its membership numbers are growing. It seeks carpenters and apprentices for various projects in the Greater Victoria region. Campbell Construction and Farmer Construction are Local 1598’s largest
contractors: The buildings at 1515 Douglas Street (across from City Hall) and the Legato building at 960 Yates Street were completed by Campbell, and 1075 Pandora (at Cook Street and Pandora Avenue) by Farmer. Most of the cranes that dot Victoria’s skyline belong to union contractors: 989 Johnson (at Johnson and Vancouver Streets), the Jukebox (on View Street), and the Summit (in Quadra Village) are Farmer Construction projects; the Yates on Yates buildings (between Quadra and Blanshard Streets) and the Tapestry
building (on Bellville Street) are Campbell Construction projects. This is only to name a few of the union projects around Greater Victoria. There are, moreover, a variety of other commercial and residential contractors in Victoria that are signed to Local 1598, namely Aral Construction, Benton & Overbury, Dryco Systems, Lida Homes, Perma Construction, Philco Construction, Taymec Management Systems, TCF Contracting, and Victoria Gypsum. All of whom have ongoing projects in the region.
Local 1598’s presence in Victoria’s booming carpentry sector is very strong. It continues to offer carpenters the benefits of organized labour: top wages and employer-paid health benefits and pension. In addition, Local 1598 offers fully sponsored apprenticeships, as well as foreman and superintendent training. The non-union sector struggles to compete as Victoria becomes increasingly union built. — Travis Tambone, Communications Lead BC Regional Council of Carpenters
bcrcc.ca
Proudly Celebrating 0011589780 THE PULP, PAPER & WOODWORKERS STRIVING FOR HEALTHY LABOUR DAY COMMUNITIES AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES 5 x 70 FOR OUR CHILDREN. CMYK, , FROM ALL OF US AT LOCAL 2 HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY LABOUR DAY! AFFILIATED WITH THE CONFEDERATION OF CANADIAN UNIONS
Labour Day!
0011591038 ADVERTISING DEAD HEAD 2018 MLA LABOUR DAY Hon. John Horgan Hon. Carole James 5 x 140 PREMIER DEPUTY PREMIER MLA,,VICTORIA MLA, LANGFORD CMYK, BEACON HILL JUAN DE FUCA 250-391-2801
0011597149 INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF 2018 LABOUR DAY 5 x 70 CMYK, ,
Mitzi Dean
250-952-4211
Hon. Lana Popham Hon. Rob Fleming
MLA, ESQUIMALT METCHOSIN
MLA, SAANICH SOUTH
MLA, VICTORIA SWAN LAKE
250-952-5885
250-479-4154
250-356-5013
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
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Join the Victoria Labour Council for the 2018
Monday SEPT. 3RD 11am - 2pm
•Kid’s Games • Clowns • FUN for the whole family! Come out and join us in solidarity to celebrate
Everyone Welcome!
Labour Day!
0011598273 VICTORIA LABOUR COUNCIL Victoria Labour Day 10 x 305 CMYK, ,
Bring along a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music on the lawn of the BC Legislature