Background
President of Burnaby Civic Employees' Union CUPE Local 23
My name is Bruce Campbell and I am running for a second term as President of our union, CUPE Local 23. Since day one I’ve been committed to keeping our union strong and improving our collective agreements. My work on the Executive Board and numerous union committees highlight my dedication, honesty, integrity and respect I have for all of our members. I’ve worked hard for us over the past 3 years and look forward to continuing the great work we’ve started. I'm proud of the work I've accomplished on our behalf and I look forward to continuing to make a difference for our members here at CUPE Local 23.
I became more actively involved in our Union in 2013 because of the injustices that were imposed in the 2012-2015 Collective Agreement. CUPE Local 23 bargaining committee made huge concessions to the City on our sick benefit plan as well as agreeing to prorate vacations for those who were sick or injured on the job—that can never happen again. We can't give up benefits which those before us fought hard to gain on picket lines and through negotiations. With the approval from the Executive Board and membership I have brought in-house legal counsel to represent members on WorkSafe claims, grievances and to consult the Local on any legal matters necessary, including the upcoming round of bargaining. Our legal counsel will be at the table with us.
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Far too many of our members have precarious employment where they are not sure if they will be able to work enough hours to support themselves. Many are subject to schedules and work where their seniority does not count. Many do not have sick time or health benefits. I along with the Executive Board are currently working with the City to convert positions. Our goal is to regularize work across the city. We will be converting many positions to Regular Full-Time and Regular Part-Time. So far 82 members have been moved into benefit positions (RFT/RPT) This process should be completed over the next few months and is being done outside of bargaining, which is a huge benefit for all of our membership.
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During the pandemic, I led negotiations to ensure all of our members had access to sick time. I also negotiated the layoff and recall agreement that ensured our seniority rights were adhered to along with providing laid off members 6 weeks of wage protection.
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I have had success with grievances over the past 3 years. Under my leadership, we have substantially resolved grievances in our members' favour. I negotiated the consent award that gave Recreation clerks and their Supervisors retroactive pay increases back to 2016. I've ensured our vacation time is either deferred or paid out through a policy grievance settlement. Many other individual grievances have been successfully resolved in our members' favour. When we work together we are successful.
For some of us the pandemic has changed work as we traditionally have known it to be. I’ve advocated for those on the Inside Division who have requested the ability to work from home. We have been able to have the employer implement a work from home policy and have put forward a proposal in bargaining to improve work from home for everyone.
CUPE 23 has also grown in the last 3 years. With my leadership we have added Traffic Control workers, Security Guards and contract Fitness Instructors to our Local.
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Our wages are falling behind and not keeping up with the high cost of living in the Lower Mainland. Inflation is at an all time high and we need a significant wage increase this round of bargaining. We surveyed the members and made it clear that this the bargaining teams top priority.
​I have stood up and fought for all members of CUPE Local 23 because I know that we are only as strong as we make ourselves through our respect for each other and our willingness to support each other through solidarity. I have worked with CUPE National and CUPE BC to utilize all the resources available to us. Also, a big shout out to Allevato Quail & Roy for all of their legal guidance over the past 2 years. Your support of the Executive Board and our members has made a huge difference in all our lives. And of course none of this would be possible without our amazing Executive Board, shop stewards, committee members and administration staff. Everyone working together is what our success is based on. Thank you for all the time you put into making this Local great! We have power as working people and we should use it to make all of our lives better. On October 12-18 re-elect me as President of CUPE Local 23 so We can continue the good work we’ve started. Thank you for all the work you do and for taking the time to read my bio. I look forward to continue the work we’ve started. Thanks for your support.
In solidarity,
Bruce Campbell​