CUPE 561 members ratify contract with First Transit, ending Fraser Valley transit strike

ABBOTSFORD—In votes held after membership meetings today, CUPE 561 transit workers have ratified a mediated settlement with First Transit, ending a strike that began 124 days ago. Picket lines are being taken down, and the 213 transit workers will begin the return-to-work process.

The six-year agreement, which ends on March 31, 2026, narrows the wage gap with other transit workers in the region while introducing a pension plan that takes effect next spring. The union says it’s a step in the right direction and recognizes the importance of these members’ work.

“Our members needed a lift, and with this agreement they got one,” said CUPE 561 President Randy Kootte.

“Special Mediator Vince Ready’s recommendations were a fair compromise, providing us with a foundation for future rounds of bargaining. By ratifying this memorandum of settlement, the members agree that this contract is a good start in addressing their concerns.”

As well as appreciating the Special Mediator’s efforts, Kootte thanked Fraser Valley residents for their constant support of the union’s bargaining goals from the beginning of the strike.

“We cannot thank our communities enough for supporting us in our struggle to achieve wage fairness and retirement security—and showing that support despite the many hardships and inconveniences people had to endure as the dispute dragged on,” he said.

Kootte added that the union will do everything it can to quickly resume service in the Fraser Valley and will work with the employer to make sure that buses are running as soon as possible.

Source:  https://www.cupe.bc.ca/2023/07/21/cupe-561-members-ratify-contract-with-first-transit-ending-fraser-valley-transit-strike/

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​To support students and their families who are feeling challenged with the rising costs of living, the Ministry of Education and Child Care has provided the North Vancouver School District with one-time targeted, special grant funding through the 2022-2023 Student and Family Affordability Fund. Unspent funds will be carried over into the 2023-2024 school year for principals to waive fees and provide supports to students experiencing financial challenge as noted below.

Funding support available

​Funding support is meant to offset increased cost of living expenses and will be allocated toward school-related expenses incurred during the 2022-2023 school year.

Transit workers in the Fraser Valley are on strike for fair wages and a fair pension.

These workers, who ensure everyone in our communities has an affordable, safe, and reliable way to travel, make 32% less than other transit operators in our region, and have no pension benefits.

Fraser Valley transit workers need a fair deal: one that ensures they don’t need to work a second or third job just to make ends meet, and one that provides an ability to retire after a career spent getting Fraser Valley residents where they need to go.

The foreign-owned, for-profit contractor hired by BC Transit to provide service to our community has failed. They refuse to pay workers what other transit operators in region are paid, putting their profits before the needs of transit workers and riders and our community.

It is time for BC Transit and our elected decision-makers to take responsibility for the failure of their contractor, and do the right thing to support transit users and workers.

Please Visit:  https://act.newmode.net/action/cupe561

Dear CUPE Local 389,

We are excited to announce a significant update to our union’s website that aims to enhance the security and confidentiality of our valuable resources. Today, we are launching a brand new password-protected section, exclusively designed for our esteemed union members.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, safeguarding our information has become imperative. With this in mind, we have taken a proactive step towards strengthening the security measures of our online platform. The password-protected section will allow us to securely share essential union-related materials, such as meeting minutes, exclusive reports, and other confidential documents.

To access the password-protected section, you will need to follow a few simple steps:

Visit our union’s website at https://cupe389.ca/members-only-section/
Enter the  password provided in the email.

Please note that this new section is exclusively accessible to active CUPE Local 389 union members. The email containing the password has been sent to those we have current contact information, if you become aware of any members who did not receive this email, please have them contact  to have their contact information updated. Upon update of information, the union will send the information to enter the members only section. The password is not to be provided to anyone other than by the union, to ensure we can verify the member.  The information on the webpage is for the sole use of CUPE Local 389 members only, and as such, is bound by confidentiality. Its contents (including any attachments) are confidential and may contain privileged information.  Upon entering the site, you are in agreement with this confidentiality clause and will abide by it.  Again, the information is confidential and is intended only for the member entering the members only section. By doing so, we can collectively ensure the privacy and security of our digital environment.

We believe that this upgrade will significantly improve our ability to share important updates, maintain transparency and foster effective communication within our union community. We encourage you to explore the password-protected section regularly to stay informed and engaged in the union’s activities.

Should you encounter any difficulties during the login process or have any questions regarding the new section, please feel free to reach out at johnny.tran.. We are here to assist you and address any concerns you may have.

We appreciate your continued dedication to our union and the valuable contributions you make. Together, we can work towards a stronger, more secure, and prosperous future.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to your active participation in the password-protected section of our website.