CUPE 403 is welcoming 147 new members following a successful Labour Board vote today. The recreation and cultural workers voted overwhelmingly to join CUPE in a mail-in ballot.
CUPE 403 President Sara Manchester said that bringing these workers into CUPE during a pandemic called for innovative ways to reach out and engage them while following Provincial Health Officer guidelines.
“CUPE 403 is so happy to welcome our newest members,” said Manchester. “Particularly in these uncertain and challenging times, these workers need access to the same resources and protections that all our members have.”
The recreation workers deliver health, fitness, and wellness services to Township of Langley residents. They include personal trainers; group fitness, aquatic, and yoga instructors; cultural workers who provide programming to the community at the Langley Centennial Museum; and advanced aquatic instructors who train lifeguard, and swimming instructors as well as teaching first aid.
“Our newest members deliver excellent health, fitness and wellness to this community,” said Manchester. “We look forward to working with them to make gains in their working conditions.”
CUPE 403 represents more than 1,250 members who are municipal workers in the Township of Langley. As well as maintaining roads, parks, and the municipal water system, these workers provide city services such as planning and bylaws, clerical support for the RCMP, passenger services at Langley Regional Airport, programs at Langley Centennial Museum and a wide variety of fitness, recreation, and leisure programs.