JANUARY

General Membership Meeting

January 24th, Saturday at 10am 

Maritimes Labour Centre

1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver

Agenda for the January GMM:

  1. Land Acknowledgment
  2. Reading of Truth and Reconciliation: Calls to Action
  3. Reading of Harassment Policy
  4. Reading of new members
  5. Reading of the previous meeting minutes
  6. Business arising out of the minutes
  7. New Business
  8. Nominations and elections:
    1. VDLC (5) Alternates (4)
    2. Organizing Committee (1)
    3. Publications Committee (1) 
  1. Executive Committee Motions
  2. Unfinished business
  3. Correspondence
  4. Executive and Committee Reports
  5. Good and Welfare
  6. Adjournment 

***ASL Interpreters have been confirmed for this meeting***

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President

                

Annual Election Notice

Nominations Deadline: February 15, 2026 by 12:00 P.M.

Nominations are now open for the following positions on the Local Executive Committee:

Full-Time / Part time Officers

1st Vice President
Secretary Treasurer
3rd Vice President

Table Officers

Organizing Director

Health & Safety Director

Executive Shop Stewards*

PPC Internal Shift 2

PPC/PIF Internal Shift 3

The duties of these positions are described in the Vancouver Local By-laws, and are available at the Union Hall or at any General Membership Meeting.

Written and signed nominations with acceptances must be submitted to the Union Hall, Unit 109-4238 lozells Avenue, Burnaby, by 12:00 P.M. (noon) on Sunday, February 15th, 2026. You can also fax your nomination and acceptance at (604) 685-4931. No late nominations will be accepted. Candidates and their nominators must be members in good standing. In addition, candidates and the nominators must have attended at least three (3) General Membership Meetings in the previous twelve (12) months. Please send your nominations to Anju Parmar President Vancouver Local.

The exact dates for the election to be announced by the Balloting Committee. The schedule for the 2026 plant-gate election will be presented in a bulletin after nominations close.

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President

REMINDER: THIS WEEKEND SATURDAY, DEC 20th, 11AM RALLY TO STRIKE BACK!

Final reminder for this coming Saturday’s rally, a collaborative organizing effort from the Vancouver 846 Organizing Committee and the East Van Workers Assembly. The rally will start at Victory Square, 200 West Hastings Street. There will be speakers and by a march to The Post, 399 West Georgia Street. Both the start and end of the rally are close to skytrain stations for maximum accessibility.

Come dressed expecting rainy weather, as the rally is completely outside.

(…although, we hope for once the weather actually cooperates with one of our events…)

We collectively, as rank and file members of CUPW, along with all our allies, need to stand up and say no more! We need to fight for worker rights, fair contracts, and no more government interference! Everybody’s attendance is strongly encouraged, as well as encouraging your coworkers and friends. Similar rallies will be held on the same day in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, and a collaboration between Scarborough and Toronto. Let’s all make our voices heard: A united working class cannot be ignored!

read more here

Vancouver Local Basic Steward Course

Dates: February 5 – 7, 2026 (Thursday, Friday & Saturday)

Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver

This three-day course is for Vancouver Local members who are interested in becoming Shop Stewards or who would like to learn more about their rights under the Collective Agreement. Shop Stewards are the backbone of the union. The aim of this course is to provide new or potential stewards
with the knowledge and confidence needed to carry out the role effectively. Note: This course is intended for new stewards or members who have never attended a Basic Steward Course.

Course Prerequisite: Applicants must have attended at least one (1) General Membership Meeting within the past twelve (12) months, and Be a member in good standing prior to the course application deadline.

Members wishing to apply for this training course should: Visit https://www.cupwvancouver.org. Select Education → Courses → Local Course Application than Complete the Local Education Application Form.

Please PRINT the application form legibly, clearly, and in full. A clearly printed email address so we can communicate with you. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be accepted. Applications may be submitted by: Fax: (604) 685-4931, Dropped off in person, or Mail to CUPW
Vancouver Local, 109 – 4238 Lozells Ave, Burnaby, BC V5A 0C4

read more here

Vancouver Local Pension Course

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025                   Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location:  Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph street, Vancouver

If you are planning to retire soon, this 1-day course will provide answers to your questions about retirement. You will learn how your pension contributions and benefits are calculated, how much pensionable service you have, the income you can expect from public pensions, and how to prepare for retirement.

Important Information:

  • The CUPW Vancouver Local does not provide book-offs for this course. Attendance is on your own time.
  • If you are scheduled to work on Saturday, December 6, 2025, and wish to attend, you must submit a leave request form to your supervisor.
  • Spouses are welcome to attend so that you can plan retirement together.
  • Priority will be given to members who are closest to their retirement date/age.

There are no prerequisites or General Membership Meeting attendance requirements for this course.

Application Deadline: Monday, November 24, 2025, at 12:00 noon.

Applications may be submitted by: Fax: (604) 685-4931, Dropped off in person or Mailed to: CUPW Vancouver Local #109 – 4238 Lozells Ave, Burnaby, BC V5A 0C4

Please ensure you complete the Vancouver Local Education Application Form clearly and in full. Forms are available on the CUPW Vancouver Local web page. If you have any questions about the course, please email [email protected].

In Solidarity,

Edward Wan, Education Director

Navigating a Denial Decision: Canada life & WorkSafe BC

STDP – Wage Loss Benefits (Article 20)

If your Short-Term Disability Plan (STDP) wage loss benefits have been denied, follow these steps to ensure your appeal is handled effectively:
1. Schedule an Appointment
Contact your doctor as soon as possible to arrange an appointment. Timely medical input is essential for your appeal.
2. Notify Your Case Manager
Email your case manager within 7 days to inform them that you are appealing the decision.
Include the date of your upcoming doctor’s appointment.
Note: Canada Life / Telus Health may extend appeal deadlines based on your appointment date.
3. Authorize Union Representation
If required, sign and send the Authorization for Union Representation form.
Final appeals for STDP denials are handled by the CUPW Regional Office.
4. Bring Documentation
Take your denial letter to the medical appointment.
Ask your doctor to review and address each issue mentioned in the denial letter.
5. Request Detailed Medical Support
Ask your doctor for a comprehensive medical letter that:
 Explains why you cannot perform your work duties.
 Describes the connection between your illness/injury and your job.
 Includes specific examples of your job tasks and why you are unable to perform them.
6. Keep in Touch
Maintain regular communication with your case manager by email.
Update them about upcoming appointments and when new medical information will be available.
Active participation strengthens your case!
7. Stay Informed on Your Rights
Review Articles 20.12 – 20.15 of the Collective Agreement to understand your rights and responsibilities during the appeal process.

read more here