CUPE voices prominent at library conferences

More than a hundred CUPE members participated in the 2016 BCLA Conference (May 11-13), where this year’s theme, “Disrupt and Transform”, examined the social role of libraries as a force for the public good.

“CUPE members had a higher profile this year, partly due to a growing membership of CUPE library Locals in the BCLA,” said CUPE BC General Vice-President Karen Ranalletta, also chair of the union’s Library Committee.

CUPE BC, a gold sponsor of the BCLA conference, hosted the president’s reception for all delegates. The Library Committee hosted a booth that featured booklists and film recommendations from library workers for adults and children, as well as buttons and book bags.

CUPE also facilitated a session about health and safety challenges for library workers.

Earlier in the spring, CUPE members on Vancouver Island participated in the second annual Vancouver Island Library Staff Conference (April 29). This year’s theme was “Our Island is a Library: Connected and Caring”. More than 250 library workers attended from all different kinds of libraries. CUPE BC, Vancouver Island District Council and CUPE 951 gave donations to help make this conference a success.