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

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 nex

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

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.

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 r

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

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 speake

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 t