Kayleigh E.
Residence Life and Education, UVic
Former CUPE 4163 member
As a young worker it’s sometimes hard to know what a safe work environment looks like. When you’re called to do something, your first reaction is to just go do it. It’s nice to have a union that knows what safety procedures should look like and can make sure to intervene if there is an unsafe situation. They can protect you or you can go to them and ask if you’re unsure about whether or not you should be performing certain tasks that seem unsafe. With a union you have someone in the office to meet with your employer for you or to look into things further. Our union is an incredible resource, and it helps make young workers feel supported and safe during their term of employment.
I’d never been part of a union before, but it has really created a sense of solidarity within our workforce.
Olaf B.
Electrician, UVic
CUPE 917 member
We keep the lights and power on so that people can do their jobs and the things they enjoy at UVic. I like my work because it’s a challenge every day. It’s always something different and interacting with people is usually quite fun.
I enjoy the teamwork here. Electricians work in all the buildings and basically keep everything – including fire alarms, power and lights – working. I also take care of the outside lighting. the lighting poles and manholes. So, there’s always lots to do. Especially in the winter, when we have lots of rain, things happen.
Cathy J.
Fitness Professional
CUPE 403 member
I have been working in the fitness industry for over 20 years as a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, recreation leader, and weight room supervisor. I love inspiring people to get healthy and fit by taking their fear of fitness away and giving them the tools to change their lives. A lot of fitness workers are contracted and feel that they don’t have any rights. That is why it is so important for them to have a union and have a voice. They need to be recognized for their work and all that they put into it because being a fitness worker is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. We sleep, eat and breathe fitness.
I’m really happy to belong to CUPE. I love the support and feeling of community. Especially in this pandemic, we’re not alone. We’re all in this together.