Former BC NDP premier Glen Clark and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 38 are sponsoring a new scholarship for students who are enrolled or considering enrollment in the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Labour Studies Program. The ongoing scholarship, which provides $2,500 annually, is established in memory of Clark's father James, who was a business agent for the Painters' Union for many years. The scholarship will be awarded to a member of a BC Federation of Labour-affiliated union or a direct family member of a BCFED-affiliated union member studying in the program. The James Clark Scholarship is one of many awards and bursaries available to students pursu

Looking to improve your public speaking skills? The VDLC is offering two nights (must be able to attend both sessions) of introductory public speaking training for women. Speak to Sarah Pilgrim, Membership Trustee if you're interested.

In honour of International Women's Day, the Vancouver & District Labour Council's Women's Committee is hosting its annual International Women's Day Dinner on Wednesday, March 8th. The theme of this year's dinner is Women and Precarity: the gender imbalance of low-waged, part-time, temporary, and insecure work. It would be great if enough members were interested to fill a table of 8. Speak to Sarah Pilgrim, Membership Trustee if you're interested. Pending approval at the next membership meeting, the local will cover the cost of registration.

The Vancouver & District Labour Council has posted its list of education and training courses for 2017. Coming up in April: WCB Intro - with Sarah O'Leary & Niki Schnurr Saturday, April 8 (10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Maritime Labour Centre Privacy Rights in the Workplace - with Jamie Baugh Wednesday, April 12 (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) at the Maritime Labour Centr Detailed course descriptions have been posted in the 16K kitchen, and are also available electronically in the VDLC 2017 Education Brochure. Speak to Sarah Pilgrim, Membership Trustee if you're interested in being registered. The local covers the cost of registration in addition to paying members for their time.

Local 517 members are encouraged to attend our membership meetings, held at 5:15 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Maritime Labour Centre (1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver). If you haven't already done so, please respond to the calendar invitation by Shane Pittman for our next meeting on March 1, 2017. Per our By-Laws, the business of the Local shall be managed by the Executive subject to the approval of the active membership, governed by Robert's Rules of Order. Meeting Agenda: Call to Order Membership Trustee Report Report from ILWU Canada Reading & Approval of previous meeting's minutes Review & Approval of Correspondence Log Financial Report Committee Reports Sunshine Safety

Did you know that BC is the only province without a poverty reduction plan? The BC Federation of Labour has teamed up with the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, Raise the Rates and other groups to promote the Poverty Free BC Rally on Saturday, March 4th 2017 from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at the Vancouver Public Library (Robson side). In the week leading up to the rally, there is a week of action planned with each day of the week aligned with an essential pillar of an effective poverty reduction plan. For more information about the Rally and Week of Action, please visit the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition's website.

For Local 517 members employed at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority: The Individual Incentive Bonus (Corporate Performance Award) will be paid in Pay Period 4 on February 24, 2017. If you wish to have your bonus deposited directly into your RRSP, please complete the RRSP Contribution form provided by HR by Friday, February 10th. The Contact Extension Bonus will be paid in Pay Period 6 on March 24, 2017. If you wish to have your bonus deposited directly into your RRSP, you will again have the opportunity to do so (stay tuned for more information from HR). Please note RRSP contributions from the Contract Extension Bonus will be counted for the 2017 tax year.

On February 13, 2017 in honour of Black History Month, the Canadian Labour Congress is launching “Working While Black”, an educational and interactive webinar series for workers of colour and allies. The series will celebrate the contributions of Black activists and organizers in Canada, strengthen solidarity across movements, and build skills and knowledge for confronting anti-Black racism in workplaces and communities today. Participants will be able to engage with speakers and share lived experiences with each other. By the end of the series, participants will have developed tools and strategies that work towards our goal: building workplaces and communities that are inclusive and fre

Members of the BC Government and Service Employees Union (BCGEU) at the Justice Institute of BC store are on strike for a fair collective agreement. They are currently paid $5 less than workers performing the same job on other campuses. Their picket line is up from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays at the Justice Institute of BC, at 715 McBride Blvd, New Westminster. If you're in the area, please drop by and show them your support.

The Vancouver & District Labour Council has posted its list of education and training courses for 2017. Coming up in February and March: NEW! Charter Rights in the Workplace - with Leo McGrady and Jamie Baugh Saturday, February 4 at the Maritime Labour Centre Bullying & Harassment - with Conni Kilfoil Saturday, March 11 to Sunday, March 12 at the Maritime Labour Centre Detailed course descriptions have been posted in the 16K kitchen, and are also available electronically in the VDLC 2017 Education Brochure. Speak to Sarah Pilgrim, Membership Trustee if you're interested in being registered.

Canadian Professional Management Services is offering its Winning Grievances & Arbitrations program in Vancouver from March 6-8, 2017. This three day comprehensive program will highlight the considerations that you first need to make before you take a grievance to arbitration. Have you exhausted all of the available options for a settlement? Or is this a business or principled decision that requires the award of an Arbitrator? Have you considered both mitigating and aggravating factors? In this program, you will learn how to use the grievance process to resolve disputes. This program is ideally suited for Shop Stewards and members of the Grievance Committee. Speak to Sarah Pilgrim, Membershi