Please remind your members to check their spam/junk box for the message to link them to their ballot! 

Members have an opportunity to elect a regional representative to the bargaining committee, for the first time!  It is their chance to influence the Local in a positive manner, and have a direct say in the make-up of the committee.  Obviously bargaining is an important part of what the Local does for its members and the membership should be encouraged to participate by getting to know the candidates and to cast a ballot. 

Lets have a high turnout for these important elections. 

Fran Robertson

Returning Officer

COPE Local 491

BIO – EVA MCKAEFF (WEST) 

With many thanks to my nominator Sister Tracey Gramchuk, I have decided to let my name stand for a position on COPE 491’s bargaining team that will soon enter into negotiations with CUPE. 

The following is a list of my accomplishments over the past several years as both a member of CUPE, and also as an employee of CUPE. 

• Employed by the City of Regina in 1982 – hired in Personnel.
• In 1989, changed positions within the City to work in Customer Service.
• In 2007, ended my employment with the City and began with CUPE as a Secretary. 

I chose the career path of customer service as I enjoy working and meeting people.  This passion resulted in pursuing union activities.  In 1989, while still working in Personnel, I was encouraged to get involved.  My first introduction to trade unionism was becoming active on the Occupational Health and Safety Committee.  This was a very good introduction for me and soon afterwards I expressed an interest to become more active within my Local.  I was soon elected to the position of Executive-At-Large, then to the position of Shop Steward for grievances, followed by the position of Recording Secretary and then finally to the position of President.   

I held the position of President for 12 years at the City of Regina.  My most memorable and challenging term was when my Local and two others, jointly took job action during negotiations in 2005.  I was very involved with the strike that made City of Regina history – most rewarding and self-satisfying, has made me a stronger person today. 

I have very strong principles when it comes to our workplace (CUPE as an employer and our rights as an employee).  I am not afraid to voice my opinion and will always stand up for what I feel is right or voice my opinion to what I think may not be right. 

Currently, I am a Referral Agent to our EAP program.  It has been my pleasure to assist anyone with their needs.  Statistics prove that our program is being used and hope that this service will never be cut out.  

I am also the Regional Vice-President (Saskatchewan Region). 

I am familiar with the process of negotiations as I know many of you are as well – we deal with this in our day jobs; however, sitting as part of a bargaining team from the beginning to the very end is truly an experience everyone should take interest in.  For this reason, I would like to do my part and contribute from what I have learned in my past experiences.   

Aside from my permanent employment with CUPE, I also work part-time with Regina’s Globe Theatre as a bartender, usher and the front of the house manager.   

I believe I have achieved a balance in my life and thank you for considering me to represent you at the negotiations table. 

In solidarity, 

Sister Eva McKaeff

Bio for Maggie Lewis

To begin, I would like to thank you for the nomination to run as your representative for the 2013 COPE 491 Bargaining Committee and wish all nominees luck during this election.

I first began my career with CUPE in early 1994 and worked as a temporary Clerk-Typist for just over 1-½ years.  Jumping on an opportunity to live on an island, I left Canada to work in Bermuda, only to return six (6) months later.  Back in Canada, I worked for a Toronto hotel (as a temp), then landed a permanent position as an Office Manager in a dental office.  Well, that dental office sure opened my eyes, allowing me to finally understand and appreciated Unions, what we stand for and the important role we have in creating and maintaining rights for employees. It was then, that I decided to actively pursue and regain employment with CUPE and luckily was brought back as a temporary Secretary in February 1999.  I was placed at the Local 4400 office, where I worked for four (4) years, before returning to the Ontario Regional Office, where I currently work.

During my fourteen (14) years of unbroken service, I have:

• Taken the Advanced Stewards course
• Have sat with CUPE Local 4400’s Bargaining Committee in their “break-out” room during negotiations, experiencing team members working together to stand in solidarity when negotiating with the Employer
• Was the first Campaign Manager for Janet Davis, Toronto City Counsellor (who was elected that year)
• Presently am the COPE Ontario Region 5B Vice-President

For those who have worked with and alongside me, please know that I will dedicate the same energy, work ethic and dedication to OUR COPE 491 MEMBERS that I continually give to our Employer CUPE on behalf of our CUPE members. For those who have never worked alongside me, this means that I don’t quit, or give up or leave something half done.  If I don’t know, I will find out – no matter how long it takes and then I will pursue what is right and fight for you, if needed.

If elected:

• My first order of business is to send out a Regional Bargaining Survey, so that I know what our common issues are in this region.   I want to ensure that your voice is heard during this round of negotiations.
• I will take an active role to ensure that you will know how bargaining is progressing and will keep you informed to the best of my ability.
• I will take your concerns directly to the Bargaining Committee and will get answers for you in a timely manner.
• Together with the Bargaining Committee members, will negotiate the best Collective Agreement we can, for you…our members.

I believe we currently have the best COPE 491 Executive in our history, who will fight for our rights and a fair and equitable Collective Agreement.

I welcome the opportunity to sit alongside such a professional, dedicated and hardworking team during negotiations and thank you for your consideration during this vote.

Yours in solidarity,

Maggie Lewis, Regional Vice-President

Ontario Region 5B

COPE 491

Angela Coleman Profile

Three words used to describe me:  Team player, Dedicated and Loyal! 

• The Hamilton Area Office is where I have been supporting and working closely with National Staff since February of 2002.
• In 2002 – 2003, I had the privilege of being elected as President of COPE 491.  While President, I was involved in all aspects of COPE 491 which included meeting with members to resolve issues, listening to concerns and Chairing Board meetings that involved all Regional Vice Presidents to learn about and assist them with the issues that were important to members in other provinces.  I was involved in all issues between the Employer and our Union, including Labour Management, Grievance Meetings and Negotiations.
• While not currently a member of the COPE 491 Executive, my future goal is to become more active with our Union once again.  With support from my family, I am now at a point in my life where I have the time, energy and commitment to be more actively involved in COPE 491.
• In order to ensure that I am equipped to meet the needs of members in our Union, I have taken several courses through the McMaster University/Mohawk Labour Studies Program, which when fully completed I will have obtained my Labour Studies Certificate.  To further my education I have also completed Labour courses at Athabasca University.
• I firmly believe that it would be a great asset to have a member from Ontario act as part of the bargaining committee.  If given this opportunity, I can assure you that I would be there to fight for what members want and need.
• I was actively involved with “Rock for Public Services” back in 2008. A large and ongoing event initiated by CUPE Ontario.  My involvement included all planning stages including securing the venue location up to and including security for the venue and recruiting volunteers for the event.  I am extremely proud of the event which brought the community together for a very important cause.
• For very personal reasons I organized and chaired a fundraiser for cancer. My strong organizational skills and determination raised $3500 for cancer research.
• Avid volunteer through various organizations in my community.

I wish all the candidates the best of luck!

Thank you for your consideration and allowing me to be part of the next Bargaining Committee.

In Solidarity,

Angela

Download (PDF, Unknown)

It is with great pleasure that I accept my nomination to the COPE Negotiating Committee.

In order to fulfill my role and responsibilities as regional vice-president, COPE 491 for the Maritimes Region, I have completed the Basic Steward’s Training Part I and Part II (Grievance & Arbitration) through COPE Ontario.  I would find it very beneficial to be part of the Negotiations Committee in order to fully understand, interpret and implement our Collective Agreement to the utmost of my abilities, for you, the member. Our Collective Agreement is the most important benefit we have as COPE members and knowledge is the key to open and clear communications with the Employer. I look forward to the challenges ahead if elected.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your support.

In Solidarity,

Sheila Bourque

Régional Vice-President

COPE 491

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Il me fait plaisir d’accepter ma nomination au Comité de négociations du SEPB.

Dans le but de remplir mes fonctions comme vice-présidente régionale du SEPB 491, Région des Maritimes, j’ai complété la formation Basic Steward’s Training Part I and Part II (Grievance & Arbitration) par l’entremise du SEPB Ontario.  Je serai très reconnaissante de siéger à ce comité pour mieux comprendre, interpréter et mettre en pratique notre convention collective, qui est l’outil le plus important pour vous comme membre. Une connaissance approfondie est la clé pour une communication respectueuse et ouverte dans les discussions avec l’Employeur. Un autre point important que je souhaite soulever est la réalité des membres francophones de notre région. Une représentation d’une dirigeante francophone à la table de négociations assurerait que les préoccupations propres à notre situation soient bien comprises et bien transmises. Si élue, il me fera plaisir d’accepter ces défis.

Je vous remercie sincèrement de votre appui.

Sheila Bourque

Vice-présidente régionale

SEPB 491

Région des Maritimes

Hi,

My name is Karri Patterson and I am a Secretary working out of the Atlantic Regional Office in Dartmouth, NS, as well I am the RVP for the Atlantic Region and the COPE Representative of our JOHS Committee.  I have been employed with CUPE for 3½ years.  I’m married and have a daughter.  I have taken many educational courses such as bargaining skills, financial officers and steward learning series to name a few.  From my other work experiences I have a broad understanding of Employee/Employer relations and I believe this would bring a fresh perspective to the bargaining committee.  My main goal would be to make sure we strengthen our Collective Agreement for all members.  Effective communication is essential to the strong functioning of this union, and I’d be honored to contribute my skills and experience to this position.

Thank you.