VOLUME 18 | Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023

The publication for members of MoveUP, The Movement of United Professionals

Why Equity Matters

ALSO INSIDE

2023 CLC Convention

A Faraway Job Steward
Unsung Hero in the Field
Healing a Family
Annual Financial Report
CONTENTS In This Issue

3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Lori Mayhew

4 TRANSLATIONS

7 FROM AN EQUITY LENS:

REFLECTING ON THE 2023
CANADIAN LABOUR
CONGRESS CONVENTION

10 SUMMER IN PHOTOS 15
12 NINE YEARS STRONG: A Life-Changing Conversation
BOB DERBY’S LEGACY GROWS
ALONG-SIDE ANNUAL GOLF
TOURNAMENT BEARING
HIS NAME

14 MOVEUP JOB ACTION AT

CAPILANO UNIVERSITY

15 A LIFE-CHANGING
CONVERSATION

16 FROM FAR AND WIDE:

HOW KAREN IS REPRESENTING
MOVEUP IN EASTERN CANADA

18 UNSUNG HEROES IN THE FIELD

20
Time to put the Union back in Credit Union
20 TIME TO PUT THE UNION BACK
IN CREDIT UNIONS

22 HOW THE LABOUR MOVEMENT

BEGAN HEALING A FAMILY

23 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 2022

31 SUPPORTING EQUITY IN
THE TRADES

31
Supporting Equity in the Trades
 President’s Message
MoveUP, the Movement of United Professionals, is Local 378 of the
Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union and affiliated with
the British Columbia Federation of Labour, and the Canadian Labour
Congress. We are also affiliated with UNI Global Union, IndustriALL,
and Public Services International through our national union.
MoveUP Executive Board Members
President: Lori Mayhew
Secretary-Treasurer: Graeme Hutchison
Vice-Presidents: Rysa Kronebusch (Utilities), Christy Slusarenko
(Combined Units), Annette Toth (ICBC)
Utilities – BC Hydro Group: Anderson Charles, Calvin Jonas
ICBC: Jeffrey Bryant, Brenda Chu, Bryan Finstad, Brian Martens,
Dimitri Ossinsky
Utilities – Fortis Group: Norm Stickelmann
Combined Units: Safar Alikhani, Hani Dakkak, Dawn Lentsch
Director, Operations
Tony Geluch
MoveUP Communications, Campaigns & Research
Communications Director: Norman Gludovatz
Communications Officer: Daniel Fung
MoveUP Arbitration Representative
Brian Nelson
MoveUP Senior Union Representatives
Cheryl Popeniuk, Kevin Smyth
MoveUP Union Representatives
Phillip Bargen, Nathan Beausoleil, Anny Chen, Sara Colliss, Caitlin
Davidson-King, Ward Edgar, Yudon Garie, Trevor Hansen, Ronnie
Ho, Shawn Lakusta, Mike Novak, Javed Saheb, Daniel Storms,
Richard Van Grol, Paul Voykin, Dora Wong, April Young
Director, Executive Administration
Karen Caston
Administrative Assistant, Executive
Michelle Mihaichuk
MoveUP Administrative & Office Staff
Administrative Work Leader: Jenell Schmale
Kory Berikoff, Heather Brommeland, Lisa Jeffery, Sonja
Kreuzkamp-McGowan, Shelley Martin, Harj Parmar, Leila Perez,
Kathryn Prinz, Colleen Reddington, Violet Shorty, Kim Smith
MoveUP Financial Staff
Director, Finance: Barbara Liang
Sarina Nannar, Pardeep Singh, Marilyn Vassell

S
Job Evaluation Appeals Representative ummer usually provides an opportunity for many of us to decompress—
Vivian Ho
whether it’s from work or school—and I hope the last couple of months
Workers Compensation Appeals Representative
Barb Gibson
has allowed our members to take some time for themselves to rest and
Health & Welfare Trust Administrator
relax. For us at MoveUP, however, it really has been a busy summer. Bargaining
Yasmin Carroll remained at the top of our list, especially at many of our public sector units.
Director, Human Resources and Organizational Development We had an engaging group of delegates representing our union at the CLC
Ram Atwal Convention, and we had plenty of events throughout the summer where we
Headquartered on stolen land on the traditional, ancestral territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm were able to meet and interact with our members and their families. We saw
(Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)
and qiqéyt (Qayqayt) First Nations. our courageous members at Capilano University take a stand on the picket
line to fight for remote work language because they recognized it was an
equity issue. Our union is one that will always stand up for our members
The Local Voice is the official magazine published for the
members of MoveUP. ISBN 1918-9753 COPE 378 Voice and will fight hard to support equity in the workplace. Expanding our union
Letters to the editor are welcome but may be edited for brevity family is core to our work, whether that means organizing new workplaces
and clarity. Please contact MoveUP for permission to reprint or expanding our existing certifications. Earlier this year, we were proud to
articles, graphics, or photographs.
Address all correspondence to:
welcome our newest members who work at The Reach Gallery Museum in
MoveUP Communications Abbotsford. We’re constantly on the lookout for new leads, whether that’s
Suite 301 - 4501 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 0E5 at workplaces currently with no union representation, or trying to expand at
Phone: 604-299-0378 | Toll Free Line: 1-800-665-6838
Fax: 604-299-8211 units where we only have partial certifications, such as at credit unions where
Visit MoveUP’s website at MoveUPTogether.ca we may have some branches organized but not
or contact us via email at communications@moveuptogether.ca all. If you know someone who works at a non-
Editors: Daniel Fung, Norman Gludovatz union workplace and think they would greatly
Contributors: Joshua Berson, Crystal Mason, Suzanne Perrault,
Javed Saheb benefit from becoming part of our MoveUP
Design and Layout: Dansk Design Group family, email us at join@moveuptogether.ca. Lori Mayhew
We’d love to hear from them! President, MoveUP

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 | 3

Translated
President's
Message
from
Lori Mayhew

4 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 MOVEUP Local Voice

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 | 5
Translated
President's
Message
from
Lori Mayhew

6 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 MOVEUP Local Voice

 From an Equity Lens: Reflecting on the CLC
2023 Canadian Labour Congress Convention CONVENTION

Every three years, the Canadian Labour Congress holds its Constitutional Convention. It offers an opportunity
for delegates from affiliated unions to participate in the decision-making process. It also provided a chance
to hear from amazing speakers who have a connection to labour or social justice, and come together to
demonstrate solidarity with all working people in Canada.

A life-changing experience fellow workers. That feeling is amazing. Everybody who is

here is not here for themselves.” Photo, left: The 2023
MoveUP’s delegation to the 2023 CLC Convention,
excluding staff, was 21 people. Our delegates brought their CLC Convention got
Why equity and diversity matters
unique perspectives from their workplaces. But, in addition, off to a rousing start
Ensuring that there were spaces specifically set aside
MoveUP ensured that those from equity-deserving groups
so that delegates from equity-deserving groups had with an appearance
had the ability to participate by setting aside specific spaces
the opportunity to take part in what, for some, may be a from Canadian
for those members.
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was not lost on MoveUP’s
For most of our delegates, this was their first time being award-winning
delegates.
able to experience Canada’s largest labour convention in- singer/songwriter
The consensus among our delegates was that
person and it served as a galvanizing moment for many of
they were proud of their union for demonstrating their Jully Black.
them, inspiring them to want to get even more involved in
commitment to equity, diversion, and inclusion not only to
union activities and fighting for workers’ rights.
the rest of our union, but to all the other unions and their
“You totally need to see, with so many workers
delegations as well.
gathering in one room, how powerful that can be,” said
“I think equity matters most because people have felt
Sabrina Chang, who works at the BCGEU.
excluded in the past and, finally, there’s people that feel
“Just seeing the amount of things that we can do as
like they’re really welcome and they really belong at such a
union members, that we have the power to push forward,”
major event like this,” said Erik, who works at a credit union
echoed Leilah Theil, who works at ICBC. “You don’t have
in BC. “Our union, MoveUP, sent people like me from equity
to settle for what things are now. We can change to what
groups and it feels amazing because I feel like I can finally
things should be.”
bring my perspective that maybe other people don’t have.
The feeling of solidarity, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder
It feels really great to be included.”
with members of unions from across the country and
For those who were provided the opportunity to
marching together with them in the streets of Montreal,
participate because those equity spots were made
emphasized for our delegates the strength in numbers
available, they were not only grateful for the opportunity
when workers come together.
but were motivated to take what they experienced during
“They have the same objectives that you have: work
convention and work to become stronger activists for
for the betterment of all workers,” said Ahmad Naqvi, who
our union and the labour movement – something that
works at ICBC. “We are trying to protect the interests of our

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 | 7

CLC
From an Equity Lens: Reflecting on the
CONVENTION 2023 Canadian Labour Congress Convention (cont.)
Photo, below: American comedian/actress and 2SLGBTQIA+ activist
Margaret Cho was a featured panelist at the CLC Convention.
Having diversity and
equity at this convention
is so important..."
– Mario Lopez
might not have happened had they not been
provided a space to participate.
“Having diversity and equity at this
convention is so important because it allows
an opportunity for everybody to voice their
concerns, for everybody to present their
opinions. It opens an opportunity for more
creativity, for more social engagement,”
said Mario Lopez, who works at ICBC. “The
opportunity to be here as a worker of colour
is so important because it allows me to
understand better, and hear the concerns that
people are bringing.”
“When the different voices are participating
in the dialogue, it creates motivation, it
creates inspiration to other people to push for
other changes,” added Sabrina. “That’s why it
matters that we join, that we participate.”
“It honestly feels amazing because it
shows MoveUP cares about the equity side of
things,” said AJ Heer, who also works at ICBC.
Inspiring performances and
scintillating speakers
Between caucus meetings and debating
resolutions, there is a lot of work to be done
for the delegates who are chosen to attend
a convention. What keeps them stimulated
and energized are those unique, sometimes
once-in-a-lifetime, opportunities to see or
hear from someone they otherwise may never
have had the opportunity to meet. The 2023
CLC Convention provided plenty of those
‘write home’ moments.
It started from the very first day when
Juno Award-winner singer/songwriter Jully
Black opened convention by performing a
mini-set including a rendition of the labour
classic, Solidarity Forever, but also challenging
delegates to work to create a Canada that the
world wants to emulate. Two months earlier,
at the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City,
Utah, Black made waves when she tweaked
the words in the Canadian national anthem,
specifically modifying a line to say, “our home
on native land.”
“Jully Black coming out to sing for us,
the brass band at the beginning, sort of woke
you up to get into the convention,” recalled
Anderson Charles, a MoveUP executive board
member who works at BC Hydro.
Having Margaret Cho, a comedian,
actress, and 2SLGBTQIA+ activist, speak to
delegates was another one of those 'never
forget where you were' moments moments
for delegates. Cho, whose body of work
includes numerous comedy specials as well
as appearances in well-known films such as
Face/Off and Fire Island. Cho took delegates
on a verbal journey through her experiences
of combatting racism, fighting for women’s
rights and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and her
thoughts on the ongoing injustices and
attacks that are happening especially today in
the United States.
Organizing at the forefront
While Black and Cho were among
the spotlighted guests who came from
outside the labour movement, there were
8 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023
many featured speakers who spoke directly
about their work in building up unions and
organizing union members.
Organizing, which is the act of helping
workers form or join unions, is the lifeblood
of the labour movement and for unions
including our own.
The most high-profile speaker was Chris
Smalls, who gained international notoriety
when he went up against a trillion-dollar
company in Amazon and founded the
Amazon Labor Union (ALU). Chris shared his
story about how it was Amazon refusing to
inform the 8,000 entry-level workers in his
warehouse that COVID-19 had been detected
in the facility (this was during the early days
of the pandemic before vaccinations were
available) that spurred him to stage a walkout
that would eventually get him fired but set
him down a path of becoming a workers’
rights advocate.
In addition to founding the ALU, he
also founded the The Congress of Essential
Workers (TCOEW), a nationwide collective
of essential workers and allies fighting for
better working conditions, better wages, and
a better world.
Other key organizing figures that had the
opportunity to inspire delegates at Convention
included Victoria, BC’s Sarah Broad, who helped
organize the very first corporate Starbucks
union in North America. Also speaking was
Josh Thole, a former Major League Baseball
player (New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays),
MOVEUP Local Voice

“A lot of the resolutions and a lot of the things
that we discussed on the floor directly impact
the equity-seeking groups...”
– Jaime Scott
Photo, left: Taking to the streets of Montreal. Union activists march through the streets in a demonstration of solidarity during Convention.
Photo, right: Chris Smalls, American labor activist and founder of the Amazon Labor Union, shared his experiences and words of inspiration
with delegates at Convention.
who talked about successfully organizing
minor league baseball players and getting a
first collective bargaining agreement (CBA)
for those players which has seen their pay
double. Josh also spoke passionately about
the improvements in housing, transportation,
meals, and benefits, as well as putting in place
a grievance procedure.
“I really enjoyed hearing about how people
from all over North America are standing up
for their rights at work and deciding to stand
up to their bosses and really take action,” said
Erik. “These workers won better protections
against bullying and harassment. They won
increases to pay, and all these things were fair
and reasonable.”
Notable elections and MoveUP
making a splash
Every CLC Convention offers delegates
an opportunity to elect the leadership of the
Canadian Labour Congress for the next three
years. This year, the incumbent leadership
team of Bea Bruske (President), Lily Chang
(Secretary-Treasurer), and Larry Rousseau and
Siobhán Vipond (Executive Vice-Presidents) ran
unopposed. This leadership group was endorsed
by MoveUP’s national union, COPE SEPB.
Elections also took place in the various
caucuses. These equity caucuses included:
Indigenous Workers; Workers with Disabilities;
Workers of Colour; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit, Intersex
Workers; and Young Workers. Within each
MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023
caucus, vice-presidents are elected to
represent those caucuses to the CLC Canadian
Council. The Canadian Council is the CLC’s
governing body in between conventions.
Vanessa Sharma, a MoveUP member
from BC Hydro who was part of our union’s
delegation, ran a spirited campaign and was
successful in being elected as one of the two
vice-presidents to represent the Workers of
Colour caucus.
“When I went to the Workers of Colour
caucus meeting, I felt like I belonged,” said
Vanessa. “It felt like we had a voice. It made
me optimistic for the future because that first
caucus that I went to makes me feel like, for
the generation after me, it will pave a new way
for them which will be so much easier and
they won’t have to fight as hard as the people
have been before us for us to be here today.”
Stephen von Sychowski, president of the
Vancouver & District Labour Council and is
also a MoveUP member and a former union
representative at MoveUP, was acclaimed to
the position of Pacific Region Labour Council
Vice-President.
Vanessa is a past recipient of MoveUP's
Peter Corren award, presented to an individual
who has volunteered their time and energy to
ending discrimination against First Nations,
2SLGBTQIA+, persons living with disabilities,
and/or persons of colour.
Stephen is a past recipient of MoveUP's
Ardell Brophy award, presented to MoveUP
stewards who demonstrate fierce dedication
| 9
CLC
CONVENTION
and commitment to their union, and who
provide mentorship to new union activists.
Speaking on resolutions
Prior to the start of Convention, affiliated
unions were invited to submit resolutions for
consideration, MoveUP submitted nine separate
resolutions on a number of different issues.
Ultimately, three of MoveUP’s resolutions,
which were combined with other similar ones
to create a composite resolution, made it to
the floor of convention and were debated and
ultimately passed. These were on the issues
of protecting public health care, tackling the
housing affordability crisis, and childcare.
Although only three of MoveUP’s
resolutions ultimately reached the floor, our
delegates still took the opportunity to speak
on a number of other resolutions that were
debated in order to share the stories that
come from our union’s experiences with our
members and their workplaces.
Sending delegates from equity-deserving
groups also allowed for those perspectives to
be shared when speaking to resolutions.
“A lot of the resolutions and a lot of the
things that we discussed on the floor directly
impact the equity-seeking groups,” said Jaime
Scott, who works at ICBC. “We were doing
caucuses for all of the different equity groups
and it’s important that our voices are heard
both there and on the floor.”
MOVEUP Summer in Photos

Photo, above: Take me out to the ballgame!

MoveUP members enjoying a night
watching the Vancouver Canadians.
Photo, right: MoveUP President Lori Mayhew
at the BC Hydro Safety Rodeo.

Photo, above: MoveUP members enjoying a

day at Hastings Racecourse.
Photo, right MoveUP supporting 2SLGBTQIA+
rights at a rally at Carousel Theatre.

10 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 MOVEUP Local Voice

 MOVEUP

Photo, above: Group photo at one of our worksite visits

where we brought a barbecue lunch to members.

Photo, left: Members of MoveUP's Youth Action

Committee after an Indigenous Learning event.
Photo, right: MoveUP members participating
in the Prince George Pride Parade.

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 | 11

BOB DERBY
GOLF
Nine Years Strong: Bob Derby’s Legacy Grows
TOURNEY Along-side Annual Golf Tournament Bearing His Name
Photo, top middle: A dedicated group of
volunteers are what makes each year’s
tournament possible.
T
here was nothing that made Bob Derby happier
than to see members of our union come together,
especially outside of job action or protests.
Our
Coming together for a good, common cause—
tournament and having a lot of fun while doing it—suited Bob
brings out perfectly. The 7th annual Bob Derby Memorial Charity
Golf Tournament was held on August 12 this year. The
members of money raised is going to support The Union Protein
MoveUP and Project, and this fundraising event would have been just
the type of event Bob would have been proud to see
USW 2009, our union continue to support.
sponsors, “We host the best charity golf tournament in all of
Canada,” said Annette Toth, MoveUP Vice-President and
and long- co-chair of the event. “That’s not just my own humble
term opinion. That’s what people who come to this event
each year tell us, and this year was no different.”
supporters And if Bob knew just how many people would be
including clamouring to be a part of this event, he’d be tickled
pink.
current
“We typically make our early bird deadline the end
and former of May but, in reality, we’re sold out almost as soon as
MoveUP we put the call out,” added Annette. “Within a week
of when we send out the call for registrations, we’re
staff and starting to run a waitlist. Members, staff, other unions,
members many of our employers and vendors all want to be part
of our tournament!”
and others This past August’s event was dubbed the 7th annual
in the labour tournament, although our very first tournament took
place back in 2015, the year Bob Derby passed away
movement following a tragic motor vehicle accident.
all for a great There were two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021
where, due to the global pandemic, the event was sadly
cause. unable to be hosted.
12 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023
Bob Derby was MoveUP’s (then known as COPE
378) Vice-President for our Combined Units for six
years prior to retiring in 2011. He played a key role in
organizing the 2001 transit strike in Greater Vancouver,
but his greatest legacy for our union was building
a strong foundation of social events. These events
provide members from all of our bargaining units and
different communities an opportunity to get together
in a friendly space away from the workplace and away
from traditional union business. Bob knew that being in
a union is about being part of a community.
Now that over a decade has gone by since Bob’s
retirement from our union, and eight years since his
passing, many of those who knew Bob particularly well
have also moved on from our union. But that doesn’t
mean the impact he had on our union has lessened,
and that is shown by the sheer interest each year in our
tournament.
“The Bob Derby name will forever be synonymous
with MoveUP, and that has a lot to do with this
tournament,” said Annette. “And it has grown even
stronger now with USW 2009 coming on board the last
several years to co-present this tournament. The people
who really had the deepest relationship with Bob were
our staff members, who are represented by USW Local
2009.”
“Our staff are the ones who really take this
tournament to heart. They look forward to remembering
and honouring him each year, and our staff who joined
after Bob’s untimely passing have heard about how
much he was beloved and, in many ways, feel like they
know him through being part of this tournament.”
MOVEUP Local Voice
 BOB DERBY
GOLF
TOURNEY

Photo, top right:

Our celebrity
golfers in 2023
included NHL
players Ty Smith
(Pittsburgh
Penguins),
Milan Lucic
(Boston Bruins),
and Brendan
Gallagher
(Montreal
Canadiens).
Brendan’s
Making an impact Getting involved
father, Ian, and
While the final tally from this year’s event is not Next year marks the 9th anniversary of our first
yet known, in 2022 we raised $35,000 in support of event and there’s no doubt that it will once again be Milan’s daughter,
The Union Protein Project (UPP). When Annette had a a hot ticket. The best way for our members who want Valentina, also
chance to tour one of the Greater Vancouver food bank a chance to participate as a golfer in this event is to
locations in late December, it provided an opportunity watch for the invitation email to come out and secure took part.
to see just how valuable these cash donations through their spot right away. And we are always looking for
The Union Protein Project are for food banks. volunteers to help us get ready and on the day!
“The Union Protein Project helps food banks in BC Another fantastic way to lend a hand is to connect
provide much-needed protein items to their clients,” us to new businesses who might be interested in
explained Annette. “The UPP purchases canned fish and sponsoring this fundraising event—please pass along
peanut butter at cost and then, through the generous their contact information. Anyone who is interested in
donations from unions in BC, they can subside the costs sponsorship information for next year can email us at
for food banks. atoth@moveuptogether.ca.
“The system is very simple and has a huge impact
on the lives of British Columbians who are struggling to
find nutritious foods for themselves and their families. Photos, below:
The $35,000 we raised last year helped food banks Tournament
provide over $150,000 in protein items through the participants
combined buying power of the UPP and food banks.” showing off
If you are interested in making a personal donation
some of the
to the Union Protein Project, please visit their website
at proteinproject.ca/donate. Every donation makes a amazing prizes
difference in people’s lives.

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 | 13

JOB
ACTION MoveUP Job Action at Capilano University

Photo, above: MoveUP members are joined on the CapU picket line by our union's SUCCESSFUL
leadership along with Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress,
and Sussanne Skidmore, president of the BC Federation of Labour. JOB ACTION

On June 6, MoveUP members at Capilano University

began full strike action.
Their main issue was to have remote work language included in
their collective agreement. By ensuring there was language in
the collective agreement, it meant that workers would have a fair
process that the university would abide by. It also meant workers
would know what was expected of them based on their job
requirements and have a process to appeal if necessary.
Our union is thankful for the support we received across the
labour movement and the campus community, in particular
members of the Capilano University Faculty Association, CapU
alumni and students. With their support during our job action,
our members were successful in reaching a new collective
agreement which ratified in early August.

SOLIDARITY

14 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 MOVEUP Local Voice


A Life-Changing Conversation
Karen had never worked with a unionized company before,
so she got curious and started learning more about unions in general. She started
looking at the differences between a unionized company and versus one that wasn’t.
K
aren De Aguiar never imagined that a parking
lot conversation would change her life. She had
been working with TST Overland for nine years
as their Automotive Operations Special Accounts
when TransForce International (TFI), a transportation
conglomerate, took her company and merged them
with Canadian Freightways, where MoveUP represented
workers, in 2020.
One morning, a few months after the merger, Karen
was approached by a MoveUP representative in the
parking lot with a brochure titled “Vote Yes.”
She had never heard of MoveUP before, so
queried the person further and discovered that, of
the two subsidiaries that TFI merged with, Canadian
Freightways, situated in Alberta, were unionized. So
MoveUP was asking TST Overland employees to take a
vote to become unionized as well.
Karen had never worked with a unionized company
before, so she got curious and started learning more
about unions in general. She started looking at the
differences between a unionized company and versus
one that wasn’t.
One of the issues she discovered was that nearly
70% of the employees in a non-unionized company
were on contracts through employment agencies,
which meant lower wages, no benefits, and no pension
options. Consequently, turnover was very high.
Another major issue that spurred the employees to
vote yes to join our union, was a difference in salaries.
Wages in competing companies were $10/hour more
for comparable positions. Once these and other issues
were brought to attention of the employees, and
noticing around the same time the company actively
tried to block union communications, she figures that’s
what encouraged the majority of her colleagues to
ultimately vote yes to join MoveUP.
Joining MoveUP was just one life changing
experience for Karen. Becoming a job steward would
be another.
What prompted Karen to take that next step was
finding out that an employee in the Over/Shortage and
Damage (OS/D) department was being treated unfairly.
MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023
LIFE-
CHANGING
CONVO
BY SUZANNE PERRAULT, MOVEUP MEMBER JOURNALIST
Before becoming unionized, all the dock
workers were supplied with winter coats
and boots. So, the worker requested
a new pair of boots as usual and was
refused by the company, who stated
that because it wasn’t in the collective
agreement, they no longer needed to
supply them.
The worker had no one to turn to as
they were without a job steward, so Karen
became the first and only job steward
for the 50 unionized workers spread out
over eight terminals in Ontario and three
Photo, above: Karen
in Quebec.
May 2021 was when the workers—those who came De Aguiar poses for
from TST Overland along with our pre-existing members a photo during a
at Canadian Freightways—successfully voted yes to join conversation with
(or stay with) MoveUP. They didn’t win without a fight, story writer
and it actually went to arbitration. They finally won –
Suzanne Perrault.
not on all points and not on all positions – and signed a
contract in March 2022.
Their growing pains paid off though. As per the
new collective agreement, all 22 of the contract
positions were hired, and the OS/D worker got their
new boots. These items are now on Karen's list for the
next bargaining round.
Karen’s life, and the lives of many of her coworkers,
were changed for the better by that one parking lot
conversation. And as she continues to grow with our
union, she hopes she will be the one to help change
more lives for the better with more conversations.
Photo, right: Suzanne Perrault is a MoveUP member
who works at Capilano University.
| 15
EAST SIDE
From Far and Wide: How Karen is Representing
STEWARD MoveUP in Eastern Canada
K
aren De Aguiar is used to turning heads whenever
Photo, above:
she attends MoveUP’s annual Job Steward Seminar.
Karen De Aguiar “They were kind of stunned,” said Karen, with
a laugh, when asked how her fellow stewards reacted
posing in the when she revealed she had travelled all the way from
familiar main Toronto to attend.
This past March marked the second straight year
lobby of the Karen has had the opportunity to attend our annual
seminar, which took place at Harrison Hot Springs.
Harrison Hot The event brings together job stewards from across
Springs Resort our union’s many bargaining units—more than 100 in
total—and provides them with an opportunity to upgrade
at the 2023 their training, learn more about our union and the many
initiatives our labour movement is involved with.
Job Steward
More importantly, it provides a venue for our job
Seminar. stewards to network with one another and learn about
the challenges members face at different workplaces
and how our union is working to support them.
Having as many bargaining units as MoveUP does
means that our seminar attendees are not only diverse
in terms of their employers, but in terms of where they
are geographically located as well. Some stewards who
attend the seminar must travel quite a distance, but
usually the extent of it is from the Interior or Northern
part of BC, or from Vancouver Island.
Naturally, when Karen tells other stewards she’s
come all the way from Toronto, there are a few
eyebrows raised.
“Most people associate everybody being from the
BC area, maybe a few from Alberta,” said Karen, who
16 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023
“I think unions need
to come together
and start pushing
the provincial
government in
Ontario and oppose
them trying to cap
wages at 1% when
we see inflation at
what it is.”
– Karen De Aguiar
works for TST-CF Express. “When I say Toronto, they’re
like, ‘Toronto? How did you end up here?’”
Karen’s road to attend our Job Steward Seminar
may have been long, but it pales in comparison to her
unlikely journey to becoming a MoveUP member in the
first place. A deeper dive into Karen’s journey can be
found on page 15 in the story titled A Life-Changing
Conversation, written by MoveUP member journalist
Suzanne Perrault.
Most people become MoveUP members in one of
two ways. They are either hired at an organization where
MoveUP is already the union representing workers, or
they were part of an organizing drive at a previously
non-union workplace where workers picked MoveUP
as the union they wanted to join.
Karen became a MoveUP member because of a
merger between two companies. However, it wasn’t
exactly a seamless process. Before that happened, there
was a strong organizing drive that needed to happen to
get Karen and her colleagues to vote to join MoveUP.
“My company is based mainly in Ontario and
Quebec. Our parent company (TFI International)
purchased Canadian Freightways, which is unionized
under MoveUP,” explained Karen. “When our parent
company says, ‘now we want to merge the two of you
into one,’ then we have a union environment and a
non-union environment.”
While MoveUP’s bargaining units mostly operate
just in BC, the reason our union fought hard to bring
those newly merged workers into our bargaining
MOVEUP Local Voice

unit was because we did not want a see a two-tier
environment where workers were being compensated
differently despite doing the same work. Allowing
such an environment would also open the doors for
the employer to shift jobs away from our unionized
members to non-unionized workers, ultimately
whittling down the bargaining unit to a point where it
could be eliminated.
How that organizing drive played out was detailed
in a story that was published in our Winter 2021 Local
Voice magazine, as well as on our website. (See the QR
code below to read that story).
For Karen, however, what she remembers most is
the immediate outreach that came from our MoveUP
members out west, and the ability to connect with our
prospective new members, helping them learn more
about our union and helping them realize voting to join
MoveUP was the right decision.
“We slowly got ourselves educated,” said Karen.
“We were talking to coworkers out west and they were
explaining about MoveUP before the vote went through.
“We were just kind of stunned at first but when
we started talking to our coworkers and they started
explaining things, it became a lot clearer. Even though
the union (representatives) were trying to educate, I
think it really helped with the coworkers explaining
it, at least it did for me, and I know a couple of other
coworkers felt the same thing too.”
Getting to experience to the importance of having
colleagues in your own workplace being advocates for
our union is part of what motivated Karen to step up to
become a job steward. She had already been filling that
role unofficially throughout the organizing drive, so she
figured she might as well make it official.
“They were looking for a job steward, and I had dealt
with (union representative) Mike Novak on a couple of
other issues,” said Karen. “So, I thought, I’m almost kind
of doing the job, I might as well take the official title.”
With a couple of years of MoveUP membership
under her belt, she’s seeing more and more the
value of coming together with others in our union.
Read the story of how the organizing
drive at TST-CF Express came together.
YES
MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023
EAST SIDE
STEWARD
Admittedly, being the lone job steward out in Ontario
can be challenging and that’s why she relishes all the
opportunities she can get to come together with other
job stewards in our union and hopes that others in
her workplace will follow suit so there can be an even
greater MoveUP presence out east.
“With ICBC and BC Hydro, if you want to become
a job steward, you’ve got 50 different job stewards that
can take you under their wing and guide you along,”
said Karen. “I’m out there in Ontario bugging Mike all
the time because I’ve got nobody else other than my
union reps.
“Coming to these and talking to other job stewards,
to me it’s a phenomenal education because I can’t get
that back in Ontario.”
While Karen understands that MoveUP’s focus will
largely be on British Columbia with the vast majority
of our members working there, getting a chance to be
more involved with our union has opened her eyes to “Coming to
the work and initiative of the larger labour movement. these and
She hopes MoveUP will find a way to delve into issues
that are of importance for her colleagues out east, such talking to
as those related to federal politics or supporting unions
out in Ontario who have the unfortunate task of dealing other job
with a very anti-worker conservative government led by stewards,
Premier Doug Ford.
“You seem to have a very good relationship with the to me it’s a
provincial government out here. Our [Ontario] provincial
phenomenal
government, [Ford’s] fighting a lot of the unions,” said
Karen. “I think unions need to come together and start education
pushing the provincial government in Ontario and
oppose them trying to cap wages at 1% when we see because I
inflation at what it is.”
can’t get
It just goes to show that distance is no match for a
passionate job steward, and surely all those turned heads that back in
are nodding in agreement that Karen is exactly that.
Ontario.”
| 17
UNSUNG
HEROES Unsung Heroes in the Field
A
Photo left: s a Field Service Representative for BC Hydro, Bart
Bart Eadie (in the Eadie goes into work every day with just one main
orange, reflective goal in mind: helping people.
He has always viewed his role representing BC
shirt holding a
Hydro to be, in many ways, an extension of who he is
plaque) joined by as a person. Bart strives to be someone who supports
his colleagues and others and is a good citizen of the world. He has been
representatives with BC Hydro for 19 years since first starting out as a
from MoveUP in meter reader.
the small ceremony
So, when one day his actions, while on the job, led
to him being hailed as a hero, it’s understandable why
presenting him
he felt a bit reluctant, even somewhat uncomfortable,
with a Community to accept the label. To understand Bart’s feelings, it
Hero award. helps to first understand the role of the Field Service
Representatives (FSRs) who are members of MoveUP.
Photo, right: “Anything that has to do with the meter, besides
installing it,” explained Bart of the role, referencing
A close-up of the
the meters that are installed on buildings that track
Community Hero electricity usage. “We’re the eyes and ears out there.”
plaque presented That’s the basic description of the job in a nutshell,
to Bart. tasks such as handling disconnections or reconnections,
looking at the meter identifications, helping customers
troubleshoot issues in-person, and so on. What isn’t
captured in the job description, however, are those
unique interactions that just happen throughout
the course of a day when an FSR happens to be at a
customer’s home, and they see someone in need.
“I’ve helped shovel someone’s driveway while I
had to do firmware upgrades, which takes about a half
hour,” said Bart. “It was the last snowfall, and it was for
an elderly woman. We do these types of things. It’s just
second nature. Why would you want to watch someone
struggle through certain events when you can do
something about it?”
18 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023
That’s just one of the stories, however. If you
surveyed all of Bart’s fellow FSR colleagues, you
would undoubtedly discover a treasure trove of similar
situations. A few that came to mind for Bart included
occasions where they’ve helped bring garbage out to
the curb, helped stalled motorists on the road, even
took a customer’s dog for a walk around the block as
the customer was on the phone with BC Hydro trying
to settle a bill payment.
It’s all part of the job, Bart feels, which is why he
didn’t think there was anything extraordinary about his
actions on January 30, 2023.
On that day, his work had led him to an isolated part
of Delta, BC called Alaska Way.
“You go through this isolated road all the way down
to the very end, and there’s a little cul-de-sac and
the Fraser River is right beside it,” recalled Bart. “I was
talking to my customer there and a woman came up
and introduced herself, said she was an artist and that
she was setting up her easel and was going to do some
landscape paintings down by the river.
Going above and beyond
As part of his work, Bart had received first aid training
and he kept a first aid kit with him in the vehicle for
situations just like the one he faced on January 30.
But being the proactive person that he is, Bart had
also taken naloxone training on his own time and
carried a kit for that purpose as well. He figured
it was better to be prepared since his service calls
often take him to areas where he may come across
people who are at higher risk of overdose.
MOVEUP Local Voice
 UNSUNG
HEROES

It is an honour to be recognized, but the story can’t be just about me. It has to be
about the Field Service staff in general. All my colleagues, at one point, have gone
out of their way to help out another person in distress, no matter what it is.
– Bart Eadie

“She was the only car in the parking lot. She was Hero award in a small, departmental ceremony.
setting up and she heard something. She looked Also attending from MoveUP was Rysa Kronebusch,
over and there was a man lying on an incline just on Vice-President of Utilities, as well as MoveUP union
the riverbank. She knew he was in trouble and wasn’t representatives Mike Novak, Ronnie Ho, and Richard
responding to any calls, so she asked for my help.” van Grol.
While it may be natural for some people to freeze When our union approached Bart to let him know
up when faced with such a difficult situation, Bart knew we wanted to share his inspiring story with members,
exactly what he had to do thanks to his first aid training. he insisted he would only consent to being interviewed
“The first thing I did was do an assessment,” said if the story talked about all of the FSRs. Many of the
Bart. “I checked to see if he had a pulse. I could see FSRs encounter similar, though perhaps not always as
that he was breathing, but it wasn’t very deep. I started harrowing, situations such as the one he faced but often
talking to him, and he was just unresponsive.” never get the credit or their moment in the limelight
Bart instructed the customer to call 911. The artist when they go above and beyond.
that first spotted the man had since departed, and the “I’m still a little bit
customer would also leave shortly after helping Bart overwhelmed by being
connect with the emergency responders. recognized,” admitted
“I stayed with the person in need until the first Bart. “It is an honour
responders arrived, which was about a half hour,” said to be recognized, but
Bart. “I was just ready to do CPR if needed, or any other the story can’t be just
lifesaving procedures.” about me. It has to be
Once the first responders arrived to take the man to about the Field Service
the hospital, that could have been the end of the story staff in general. All
right there. While Bart was the one telling the story, he my colleagues, at one
felt he was just there in the right place at the right time point, have gone out
doing what anybody would have done in that situation. of their way to help
There was nothing overly heroic about it, not to him out another person
anyways. in distress, no matter
As it turned out, Bart was not able to keep his good what it is.
deed under wraps. The Delta police would soon reach “We’re just doing
out to him after he had returned to the office seeking what should normally
some follow-up information. Bart’s immediate concern be happening between
was for the man who had been sent to the hospital, humans. Because
though no information could be shared with him due to the job that we do is
privacy concerns. interacting with people
Overhearing Bart’s conversation with the police was all the time, it becomes second nature for us to do these Photo: Bart and
his manager at BC Hydro, Nina Aujla, who then took things.” MoveUP VP Rysa
the time to approach Bart and make sure he was okay. Being in the spotlight does have its advantages,
Kronebusch
It was Nina who then, ultimately, made the effort to however, and what Bart hopes readers will take out of
ensure Bart got the accolades he clearly deserved. his story is that it motivates them to take some action share a touching
“Being the great human that she is, she asked me so that they can be the one to help someone in need if moment.
how I was feeling,” said Bart. “I just wanted to talk to her they ever find themselves in that situation.
and decompress a little bit. “These stories are an inspiration for others to get
“I never thought anything of it after that, but it was involved,” said Bart, pointing to things such as first aid
Nina who sent out a little hurrah and put it out there and training and naloxone training as good places to start.
it gained traction.” “Why not try to be the unsung hero and see how it feels?
For his heroics, even if he still doesn’t view it that Maybe it’s contagious.”
way, Bart was presented with a BC Hydro Community

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 | 19

CREDIT
UNION Time to Put The Union Back in Credit Unions
BY JAVED SAHEB, MOVEUP ORGANIZER

When we
think about
credit unions,
we think about
community. After
all, while big banks
put their primary
focus on profits,
credit unions are
supposed to be
about supporting
their members and
making a positive
contribution to their
local communities.

Given that, it seems natural that there would be
a lot of common ground between unions and
credit unions. As a union we fight to protect our
members at work and in the communities where
Photo: MoveUP they live. Credit unions, in theory, should also be
President focused on making life better for their members
Lori Mayhew and the communities they serve instead of just
(left) chats the pursuit of just profit.
We are seeing more and more credit unions straying
with MoveUP
from what should be their mission of supporting people
members and communities. Sadly, many credit unions are also
working at straying from protecting their very own workers who,
a Coastal every day, make the credit union happen. As organizers,
Community we hear about the tough stance these credit unions
Credit Union
are taking at the bargaining table. We get it. They’re
businesses, too. But when they start going after workers’
branch.
pension plans, when they try to take away sick leave,
when they try to take away benefits that are there to
support workers’ health, they are not caring about their
local community.
Furthermore, when they try to argue that their
workers—the people who provide those everyday
services—don’t deserve to see their wages raise in line
with the cost-of-living, that doesn’t sit well with us. Not
one bit.
As organizers at MoveUP, it’s no secret that we want
to put the union back in credit unions. Because when
those employers try to take away support for workers at
the bargaining table, imagine what they do to workers
who don’t have a union behind them fighting for gains
or fighting to make sure there aren’t cuts? We see it.
Not all credit unions are built the same. In fact,
we have built mutual respect with some of our credit
union employers. These relationships are integral to the
work we do to fight for our members. While at times
difference may exist, we can at least agree that people
are at the hearts of credit union and taking care of
workers means a better environment for everybody.
Community Savings Credit Union is a great example.
They are BC’s only fully unionized credit union. Earlier
this year, when they acquired a new branch and new
workers through a merger with CCEC Credit Union,
those members instantly became MoveUP members.
There was no animosity. There was no bickering. There
was no attempt to try and two-tier the workers so some
would have access to benefits, and others wouldn’t.
It was what was best for those workers, for the credit
union, and for our union. It just made sense.
Another great example is last August (2022) when
Island Savings Credit Union (under their existing
collective agreement) worked with our MoveUP staff

20 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 MOVEUP Local Voice


and agreed to a one-time, inflation-related payment of
$1,000 for each active MoveUP member. Island Savings
Credit Union was walking the talk.
Unfortunately, these examples are the exception and
not the rule. As organizers, we have experienced the flip
side of this far too often. We have seen some credit unions
actively try to keep our union away from branches that
are not yet unionized or try to pit the workers at union
branches versus those at non-union branches.
It’s no secret that the banking industry is one of the
hardest to organize. In 2020, when the Communications
Workers of America (CWA) successfully organized
Beneficial State Bank (which operates in California,
Washington, and Oregon), they became the first bank in
over 40 years to successfully unionize in the United States.
At the time, they had the distinction of joining
Montreal-based Laurentian Bank as one of only two
banks in all North America to be unionized. Sadly,
however, that distinction would not last long. Laurentian
Bank, which had been unionized with one of MoveUP’s
affiliates--SEPB-Québec—decertified in 2021 after years
of union-busting attempts.
We hope that credit unions will continue to hold
those traditional credit union values close to their
hearts, but we can’t count on that. We have certainly
MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023
CREDIT
UNION
Union vs non-union branches:
What’s the big difference?
Some employers will resort to union-busting
tactics at credit unions where only some
branches are unionized but others are not.
What they won’t tell their staff is the biggest
advantage that unionized workers have is the
power of union representation.
Unions not only negotiate wages and
benefits into collective agreements—once
its in a collective agreement, it’s guaranteed
in writing—but we also ensure that the
collective agreement is followed.
Workers at non-union branches don’t have
that representation and they are left on
their own if the employer makes an error, or
purposely fails to deliver on a promise. At the
same time, because employers are not bound
by the collective agreement to the non-union
branches as they are to unionized branches,
the employer can unilaterally change working
conditions without consulting workers and
without accountability.
seen enough anti-union actions taken by some credit
unions to know they are not.
For us to support our members, for us to fight back,
we need to organize, organize, organize.
We need your help
If you are a MoveUP member at a credit union
Do you know if all the branches at your credit union
are all unionized? If not, then help them find us. Let us
know if you have a contact that we can reach out to or We need
let them know how they can get a hold of us! your help
If you are a credit union user
Is the credit union you belong to a unionized one? If
not, then start a conversation and tell them to check out
MoveUP. We proudly represent workers in the financial
and insurance industry across B.C. and we’d love to
represent them as well!
Getting in touch with us
Our organizers are always on the lookout for good
leads. You can visit MoveUPTogether.ca/join for more
information or email us at join@moveuptogether.ca.
We need
your help
| 21
FAMILY
HEALING How the Labour Movement Began Healing a Family
“I have a lot to say, and I would like people to listen.” – Ren
T
he Harrison Hot Springs Resort, in
the Village of Harrison Hot Springs,
is a stunning environment for
MoveUP’s Job Steward Seminar where
memories are made, and relationships
are solidified. For one incredible young
man, however, it was not just the natural
healing powers of the waters that had a
profound effect. This seminar, held in the
same place one year earlier, was where
the healing process began for his family.
Ren Fleetwood was not attending this
year’s seminar as a member of MoveUP
but rather as a guest of his dad, Jason
Chouinard. Generally, guests come to
enjoy the beautiful location and relaxing
hot springs pool, not to participate in
classes. Ren, however, was participating
in this year’s Solidarity Includes Everyone
course and it was surprising to find out
why a 20-year-old young man would
want to come hang out with his dad and
attend classes at a labour conference.
Not only is Ren charismatic and
outgoing, but he is very intelligent and
expresses a warm openness to share with
Photos, above: others about his journey as a transgender man. At such
a young age, Ren has been through so much in his life
Ren Fleetwood
and has already begun his very ambitious plan to obtain
poses with a a PhD in Philosophy. He wants to use his experience
smile. and academic credentials to go into teaching in order
to effect real change.
Crystal Mason “You need the credentials for your voice to matter
is a MoveUP and to be taken seriously,” said Ren. “I have a lot to say,
and I would like people to listen.”
member who
Ren plans to use a mix of his personal experiences
works at ICBC. and education to spread awareness and be a voice for
people who can’t speak out for themselves.
Through his dad’s union membership and role as
a job steward over the last few years, Ren has learned
some of the history of union involvement in social
justice movements, fighting for the rights of people not
just within workplaces, but within society as a whole.
Providing educational opportunities is
just one of those ways that unions is helping
to fight for those rights. Last year’s MoveUP
Job Steward Seminar was the first year a
course called Solidarity Includes Everyone
was offered, facilitated by Adrienne Smith,
an award-winning transgender human rights
22 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023
BY CRYSTAL MASON, MOVEUP MEMBER JOURNALIST
activist and social justice lawyer. The workshop helped
stewards learn and raise awareness about the challenges
facing transgender and gender non-conforming
people, and discussed how trade unions can work to
end discrimination.
For Ren, that course in 2022 was actually life
changing. He wasn’t in it, but his dad—who was attending
his first Job Steward Seminar in 2022—was. Earlier that
year Ren came out to his family as transgender, causing a
tidal wave of emotion for everyone, especially for his dad.
“When I first came out, he was not super on board
because that’s not how he was raised,” explained Ren.
“And then came to this [Job Steward Seminar] last year
and did the course with Adrienne.”
Ren recalls a very emotional telephone conversation
with his dad.
“He called me from the conference crying, and was
like, I wish you were here,” recalled Ren. “From that
moment on it was a complete 180° from where my dad
was to where he is now.
“To see just how badly he wanted to learn and
understand. It means a lot. He very much wants to
affect a lot of change.”
This past year, since the conference, father and son
connected with Adrienne Smith and the services they
provide, helping them navigate the social and legal
hurdles involved in accessing the limited resources and
gender affirming care Ren needs.
“With so much going on in my personal life, internally
and within relationships, then also trying to do school as
well as trying to look for work, it is very overwhelming
and there are not a lot of accessible supports,” said Ren.
Seeing how the labour movement has changed his
dad, Ren wanted to see how it all happened up close
and in-person.
“I wanted to come this year to see what this is all
about and by participating,” said Ren, “I want to offer my
perspective on things as well.
“My dad has become the most important person
in my life. I could not say that before he attended
Adrienne’s class last year.”
Ren’s inspiring journey, which has taken a lot of
incredible family and community support to help him
get here, is just beginning. It takes a village to raise a
child, and in the picturesque setting of the Village of
Harrison Hot Springs, Ren has discovered a beautiful
union family in MoveUP which is now an integral part
of his village.
Crystal Mason is a MoveUP member who works at ICBC.
MOVEUP Local Voice
 Annual Financial Report INSERT

Annual
Financial
Report
Audited Financials for
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022
20 22

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 | 23 Annual Financial Report 2022 INSERT
 Message from your Secretary-Treasurer
T
his issue of the Local Voice presents MoveUP’s
annual audited financial report for 2022 and
provides you with an accounting of how your dues
are working for our members. Emerging from the global
pandemic, 2022 marked a return to business as normal
with many of our events and activities taking place.
Among those events that returned was our annual
Job Steward Seminar which we were able to host for
the first time since 2019. The seminar brings together
job stewards from across all our bargaining units
and provides them with an environment to learn and
network so they can better support our members in
their workplaces. Another major event was our national
union’s Convention which brings together delegates
representing COPE SEPB locals from across the country.
It was the first time since 2010 that our region has had
the privilege of hosting our national convention and it
provided a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the
successes and accomplishments that our union has had
over the last three years.
Our commitment to organizing has continued—
both internal and external—and that has led to our
membership numbers continuing to increase. Among
the new bargaining units that we welcomed in 2022
were the Neighbourhood Housing Society and the
Victoria Bug Zoo.
Bargaining, not surprisingly, kept us extremely busy
again in 2022. We were able to successfully negotiate
and ratify many collective agreements at different
bargaining units, and we also began negotiations at our
INSERT Annual Financial Report 2022
public sector bargaining units. We were also happy to
successfully negotiate a new collective agreement with
USW Local 2009 for our office staff, and we are very
grateful for the continued hard work that our staff do
every day to support our members.
We did not experience any significant job action in
2022 although our members did show solidarity with
members of other unions who found themselves on
the picket line, including BCGEU members at BC Liquor
Distribution branches as well as members of the Canadian
Merchant Service Guild who were on strike at Seaspan.
Our office building remains a good investment
for us as commercial real estate in Metro Vancouver
continues to appreciate. In 2022, we sold our old office
building on Imperial Street in Burnaby at the peak of
the market. The timing could not have been better as it
enabled us to pay down a commercial line of credit and
replace it with a mortgage at preferred rates.
My thanks go out to our Audit Committee for their
work on behalf of our members, as well as to Barbara
Liang, our Director, Finance, and her team in the
Membership and Finance Department.
Graeme Hutchison
Secretary-Treasurer, MoveUP
24 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 MOVEUP Local Voice
 MoveUP Defence Fund 2012-2022

$24,000,000

$22,000,000

$20,000,000

$18,000,000
Balance in fund

$16,000,000

$14,000,000

$12,000,000

$10,000,000

$8,000,000

$6,000,000
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Year

T
he defence fund is often the most interesting
one for MoveUP members. This is the fund that
protects you if you ever have to take job action
to secure and protect your rights, wages and benefits.
While the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused
a dramatic downturn in our fund, the fund has bounced
back very healthily. At the end of 2022, our defence fund
was over $19 million, down from the just over $20 million
we had reached during 2021. This was a result of stock
market poor performance during the year.
Our goal is to always ensure that our defence fund
remains stable and strong so that when our members
need it the most it will be available. This is extremely
vital because having a strong defence fund signals our
obligation to standing strong with our members during
strikes and lockouts.
As more employers try to play hardball at the
bargaining table or, and in some cases, even refuse to
come to the table, job action becomes our last resort
to force employers into recognizing that our members
will stand together and recognize that they deserve a fair
deal that reflects today’s societal challenges.

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 | 25 Annual Financial Report 2022 INSERT
 MoveUP General Fund 2012-2022

$6,000,000

$5,000,000

$4,000,000

$3,000,000
General fund

$2,000,000

$1,000,000

$0
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Year

T
he day-to-day operations of MoveUP are largely
funded by our union’s general fund. As a result,
it has a higher demand than the defence fund.
After a record-high in 2006, the fund started declining
over time for a variety of reasons, not the least of which
was our inability to pay for big ticket legal expenses like
arbitrations from the defence fund. Since moving those
costs to the defence fund, the general fund has been
stabilizing and recovering.
The general fund contains several reserves into
which funds are allocated. Those reserves can only be
used for their intended purposes. The reserves include
the member protection reserve which is used to protect
members jobs.
Our general fund has steadily increased over the past
six years and ended the 2022 at just over $4.8 million.

INSERT Annual Financial Report 2022 26 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 MOVEUP Local Voice
 Financial Statements

MoveUP
Consolidated Statement
of Financial Position 2022 The next pages include financial
ASSETS 2022 2021 statements for:
Current assets • Consolidated Statement of
Cash & short term deposits $ 1,308,478 $ 703,339 Financial Position 2022
Temporary investments 20,477,969 21,395,060 • Defence Fund Statement of
Accounts receivable 649,417 650,365 Financial Position 2022
Prepaid expenses 158,188 111,910 • General Fund Statement of
$ 22,594,052 $ 22,860,674 Financial Position 2022
Property & equipment 13,880,404 15,010,600 • Office Employees’ Building Ltd.
Interfund balances 0 944,036 Statement of Financial Position 2022
TOTAL ASSETS $ 36,474,456 $ 38,815,310

LIABILITIES
MoveUP
Current liabilities
Defence Fund Statement
Accounts payable & accrued $ 2,062,935 $ 1,881,658
of Financial Position 2022
liabilities
Current portion of 272,038 230,740 ASSETS 2022 2021
mortgage payable
Current assets
Current capital lease 32,754 0
Cash & short term deposits $ 17,651 $ 35,547
obligations
Temporary investments 19,141,492 20,273,875
Capital lease obligations 124,887 0
Accounts receivable 192 192
Long-term debt 0 8,679,740
Current portion of (6,625) 8,716,290
$ 2,492,614 $ 10,792,138
interfund balances
Mortgage payable 8,949,366 5,669,094
TOTAL ASSETS $ 19,152,710 $ 29,025,904
Interfund balances 0 944,036
TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 11,441,980 $ 17,405,268
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
NET ASSETS
Accounts payable & $ 64,533 $ 23,402
Unrestricted $ 1,028,715 $ (8,467,445)
accrued liabilities
Internally restricted 248,270 402,290
Long-term debt 0 8,679,740
reserves
TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 64,533 $ 8,703,142
Restricted for the 19,088,177 20,322,762
defence fund
Investment in property 4,649,878 9,110,869 NET ASSETS
& equipment Restricted for the 19,088,177 20,322,762
Restricted for the education 17,436 41,566 defence fund
& training fund TOTAL LIABILITIES & $ 19,152,710 $ 29,025,904
$ 25,032,476 $ 21,410,042 NET ASSETS
TOTAL LIABILITIES & $ 36,474,456 $ 38,815,310
NET ASSETS

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 | 27 Annual Financial Report 2022 INSERT
 Financial Statements

MoveUP MoveUP
General Fund Statement Office Employees’ Building Ltd. Statement
of Financial Position 2022 of Financial Position 2022

ASSETS 2022 2021 ASSETS 2022 2021

Current assets Current assets
Cash & short term $ 255,479 $ 452,507 Cash & short term $ 1,014,841 $ 155,519
deposits deposits
Temporary investments 1,324,546 1,109,254 Accounts receivable 0 26,123
Accounts receivable 649,225 624,045 Prepaid expenses 22,709 35,981
Prepaid expenses 135,479 75,929 $ 1,037,550 $ 217,623
Current portion of 4,427,685 3,192,461 Property & equipment 13,880,404 15,010,600
interfund balances TOTAL ASSETS $ 14,917,954 $ 15,228,223
$ 6,792,414 $ 5,454,196
Interfund balances 0 944,036
LIABILITIES
TOTAL ASSETS $ 6,792,414 $ 6,398,232
Current liabilities
Accounts payable & $ 56,084 $ 82,593
LIABILITIES accrued liabilities
Current liabilities Advances from MoveUP 4,406,060 0
Accounts payable & 1,942,316 1,775,666 Current portion of 272,038 230,740
accrued liabilities mortgage payable
TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 1,942,316 $ 1,775,666 Current portion capital 32,754 11,878,620
lease obligations
$ 4,766,940 $ 12,191,953
NET ASSETS
Mortgage payable 8,949,366 5,669,095
Unrestricted $ 4,601,828 $ 4,220,276
Loan payable 0 944,036
Internally restricted 248,270 402,290
reserves Capital lease obligations 124,887 0

$ 4,850,098 $ 4,622,566 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 13,841,193 $ 18,805,084

TOTAL LIABILITIES & $ 6,792,414 $ 6,398,232 NET ASSETS

NET ASSETS Capital stock $ 5 $ 5
Deficit 1,076,756 (3,576,866)
$ 1,076,761 $ (3,576,861)
TOTAL LIABILITIES & $ 14,917,954 $ 15,228,223
NET ASSETS

INSERT Annual Financial Report 2022 28 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 MOVEUP Local Voice
 Operating Expenses

MoveUP
General Fund
Operating Expenses 2022

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES 2022

Collective agreement management 2,133,155
Legal & grievances 380,223
Bargaining & strike 452,383
Member education 321,452
Member maintenance 307,927
$ 3,595,140 Union Government

COMMUNICATIONS $ 222,643

Administration Membership
ORGANIZING $ 180,874 Services

ADMINISTRATION

Staff holidays & leaves 1,867,055

Office administration support 856,388 9%
Services & supplies 187,090
Staff benefits 1,268,059
Office furniture & equipment leases 386,295 32%
Office rent & occupancy costs 1,380,000
Finance department salaries 250,207
Audit fees 42,946 56%
Staff education 56,117
$ 6,294,157

UNION GOVERNMENT

Disbursements from reserves

Executive council
154,020
161,922
2%
Conventions 249,146 Organizing
Executive board 74,581
Member meetings 68,788 2%
Committees 197,881 Communications
Honoraria 28,236
Donations 84,074
Elections 5,921
$ 1,024,569
TOTAL $ 11,317,383

MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 | 29 Annual Financial Report 2022 INSERT
 Meet the Finance Team

Graeme Hutchison
Secretary-Treasurer
The Secretary-Treasurer is the Chief Financial Officer for the union.

Greame Hutchinson
Secretary-Treasurer

Barbara Liang, CPA, CGA

Director, Finance
The Director, Finance position was created in 2005
and is held by a Certified Professional Accountant.

Barbara Liang
Director, Finance

Membership and
Finance Department
MoveUP staff assist the Secretary-Treasurer
and Director, Finance in the day-to-day
financial operations, including accounts
payable and receivable and data management.

Pardeep Singh Sarina Nannar Marilyn Vassell

Accounting Analyst AP/Payroll Membership

According to the MoveUP constitution, the MoveUP

executive board shall be responsible for appointing Auditor's Respo
nsibilities for the
Audit of the Conso
lidated Financial

an independent auditor to review the union’s Independent Auditor's

Report
Our objectives
are free from materi
opinion. Reasonable
are to obtain reason
al misstatemen
able assurance
t, whether due
about whether
Statements

the consolidated
to fraud or error, financial statem
assurance is a high and to issue an ents as a whole
accordance with level of assurance,
books and accounts. The executive board is also exists. Misstatemen
MoveUP ):
they could
Canadian genera
ts can arise from
lly accepted auditin
fraud or error and
but is not a guaran
g standards will
always detect a
auditor's report
tee that an audit
that includes our
conducted in
Professio nal Employe es' Union - Local 378 (dba reasonably be expect
ed
are considered
materi
material missta
tement when it
Office & consolidated financ to influence the econo al if, individually or
To the Members of Canadian
responsible for publishing and generally distributing As part of an audit
ial statements.

in accordance with
mic decisions of
users taken on
in the aggregate,
the basis of these

judgment and mainta Canadian genera

in lly accept
to the executive council and membership an Opinion

We have audited the consolida

ted financial statements
of Canadian Office & Professio
nal Employees' Union -
at December 31,
professional skeptic
Local

t of financial position as y and assess the risks of materi

x Identif
ism throughout
ed auditing standa
the audit. We also:
rds, we exercise
professional
consolidated statemen to year then ended,
P"), which comprise the and cash flows for thefraud or error, design and perfor
al misstatemen
t of the consolidated
378 (dba MoveUP) ("MoveU ns, changes in net assets
overview of the auditor’s reports. 2022, and the consolida
and notes to the consolida
ted statements of operatio
ted financial statemen ts, including a summary of significant
accountithat ng policies.
missta
is sufficient and
tement resulting
forgery, intenti
appropriate to
m audit proced
provid
from fraud is higher
e
ures responsive
a basis for our
opinion. The risk
financial statem
to those risks, and
of not detecting
ents, whether due
obtain audit eviden
ce
the than for one resulti
in all material respects, onal omissions, a material
statements present fairly, x Obtainted ns misrepresentations ng from error, as
fraud may involve
nying consolidated financial and the results of its consolida
an operatio
understandin , or the overrid collusion,
In our opinion, the accompa at December 31, 2022, are appropriate s for not-
g of internal contro
l relevant to the
e of internal contro
l.
position of MoveUP as accounting standard in the circumstances, audit in order to
consolidated financial in accordance with Canadian of MoveUP’s interna but not for the design audit proced
flows for the year then ended l control. purpose of expres ures that
These statements are contained in this report. and its consolida ted cash
for-profit organizations.
x Evaluate the
appropriateness
and related disclos
x Conclude on
of accounting policie
ures made by manag s used and the
sing

reasonableness
an opinion on the
effectiveness

the appropriaten ement. of accounting estima

ess of management tes
Basis for Opinion on the audit eviden 's use of the going
s. Our responsibilities ce obtained, wheth concern basis of
Canadian generally accepted auditing standardmay cast significated ant doubt
er a material uncert
ainty accounting and,
based
in accordance with Consolid
the al on MoveUP’s ability exists related to events
We conducted our audit for the Audit of materi
the Auditor’s Responsibilities uncertainty exists, to continue as or conditions that
a going concern.
are further described in in accordancedisclos with the ethical we are required
under those standards ures in the conso to draw attention If we conclude
of our report. We are independent of MoveUP Canada, and we have fulfilled
lidated financial in our auditor's
report
that a
statements in opinio statem
Financial Statements section the consolidated financial
n. Our conclusions
we have are based on the
ents or, if such
disclosures are
to the related
relevant to our audit of believe that the Howev er, evidence
audit audit evidence inadequate, to
requirements that are these requirements. We
future events or
conditions may obtained up to modify our
ilities in accordance with x Evaluate the the date of our

If you have any questions about your

cause MoveUP
our other ethical responsib a basis for our opinion.
overall presentation,
structure and conten
to cease to contin auditor's report
.
appropriate to provide the disclosures, ue as a going conce
obtained is sufficient and and whether the
consolidated financ
t of the consolidated rn.
nce for the Consolid
events
ated a mannerl that achiev
in Financia ial statements repres
financial statem
ents, including
with Governa es fair presentation. ent the underlying
ment and Those Charged x Obtain sufficie
nt appropriate transactions and
Responsibilities of Manage activities within audit evidence
regarding the financ

union’s finances, contact your local

MoveUP to expres
Statements forfinancial
the directistatemen ts in s an opinion on ial information
of the entitie
consolidated on, supervision the consolidated s or business
fair presentation of the opinion. control as
and performance financial statem
le for the preparation and tions, and for such internal
of the group audit. ents. We are respon
Management is responsib not-for-profit organiza We remain solely sible
accounting standards for Wefinancial
ted statements that are free responsible for
our audit
accordance with Canadian the preparation of consolida communicate with
es is necessary to enable those charged

MoveUP councillor or the union office. management determin timing of the audit with governance
error.
whether due to fraud or and significant regarding, among
misstatem ent, identif y audit findings, includ other matters, the
from material during our audit. ’s ability to ing any significant planned scope
and
ent is responsib le for assessing MoveUP deficiencies in interna
l control that we
managem going concern
ted financial statements, concern and using the
In preparing the consolida matters related to going
disclosing, as applicable, to cease operations, or
has no realistic
continue as a going concern, to liquidate MoveUP or
management either intends
basis of accounting unless

MOVEUP alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governan

ce are responsible for overseein
Port Moody, British process.
g MoveUP’s financial reporting Columbia

Suite 301 - 4501 Kingsway,

May 24, 2023

Chartered Profes
sional Accountants

Burnaby, B.C. V5H 0E5

509
T: 604.949.2088 F: 604.949.0
MNP LLP
Port Moody B.C., V3H 5C9
601, 205 Newport Drive, MNP.ca

INSERT Annual Financial Report 2022 30 | VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023 MOVEUP Local Voice

Supporting Equity in The Trades
M
oveUP is best known for representing office
and technical workers, but did you know that
our union has many connections to the trades
as well?
Not only do we have members who work in
areas that support the work of the trades—such as our
members we profiled in our Spring 2023 edition that work
at the Electrical Joint Training Committee—we also have
members who work at union offices that are within the
Construction Industry Affiliated Trade Unions (CIATU).
MoveUP is also a member of the Allied Infrastructure
and Related Construction Council (AIRCC) and have
members who work on BC Infrastructure Benefits
(BCIB) projects such as the Pattullo Bridge Replacement
Project and the Broadway Subway Project.
Given all these trades connections, it’s also no
surprise that our union is a big supporter of helping
underrepresented people get into the trades. This is
why we help sponsor such events as the BC Centre
for Women in the Trades’ (BCCWITT) Leaders in Trades
Training Convention (LiTTCON), which took place from
April 14-16, 2023, in Richmond, BC.
From 2021 to 2023, the BC Centre for Women in
the Trades (BCCWITT) and SkilledTradesBC (formerly
Industry Training Authority) brought together nearly
150 participants from across BC. These participants,
from underrepresented groups, come together to do a
week-long session of learning, sharing, and connecting
through their Regional Representative Program
Leadership Training.
“LiTTCon was incredible for me to attend,” said
Alycia Guile, MoveUP member and BCCWITT staff
person. “Being a part of providing space for the equity-
priority tradespeople in our program to connect with one
another was so inspiring and watching them make those
connections with one another made my heart so happy.”
These tradespeople represent 33 different
SkilledTradesBC trades, identify as Indigenous,
people of colour, people with disabilities, immigrants,
2SLGBTQIA+, or women, and are committed to
becoming leaders in building a more equitable skilled
trades sector.
MOVEUP Local Voice VOLUME 18 Issue #2 Summer/Fall 2023
EQUITY IN
TRADES
The 2023 LiTTCon marked the culmination of Photo, middle:
the first two years of the program and provided MoveUP member
opportunities for attendees to meet one another, foster and BCCWITT
regional and provincial networks, and facilitate training.
Executive
This also included providing employment supports for
other tradespeople experiencing barriers, and inspiring Assistant Alycia
one another in creating a culture of diversity, equity, and Guile (centre)
respect in the skilled trades. is flanked by
“I also had the opportunity to assist in facilitating our Karen Dearlove
Be More Than A Bystander workshop during LiTTCon,” (BCCWITT
added Alycia. “The content was heavy, but the learning
Executive Director)
and conversations were deep and meaningful. It was
beneficial to have the opportunity to conduct this on her right and
workshop and bridge the gap between two of our Karen Burrows
programs during LiTTCon, and the participants were (BCCWITT Career
very excited to attend the workshop.” Coordinator) on
BCCWITT continues to champion getting more
her left.
women and equity-priority people into the skilled
trades. They work to provide connection, funding,
resources and supports for equity priority tradespeople
across the province. If any of these
Currently, they are supporting three programs: programs sounds
 Trades Training and Employment interesting to
The goal of the program is to recruit women (cis and
you or your
trans women) to construction, maintenance, and
organization, or
industrial trade occupations in which they are currently
underrepresented. you know anyone
 Regional Representative Program who is interested
The goal of the program is to increase the number in getting involved
of tradespeople from underrepresented groups in
in the trades, visit
leadership positions as both volunteers and staff within
the skilled trades sector in British Columbia. bccwitt.ca or email
 Be More Than a Bystander Program MoveUP member
A training and educational program to support and BCCWITT
organizational and cultural shifts towards more employee, Alycia, at
inclusive, safer, and respectful workplaces. The training info@bccwitt.ca.
equips participants with practical tools and strategies to
intervene in bullying, harassment, and violence.
bccwitt.ca
| 31
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