CUPE 2545

Every year on April 28th, members, families, and community members across the Nation gather to remember those whose lives were taken, who were injured, or disabled while on the job. 

In 2017, Alberta lost over 150 men and women to illness and or workplace injury. Because of unions like CUPE, we as members have helped to create new laws that help to protect us such as; our right to safe workplaces, and respect on the job just to name a couple. It was said that an injury to one is an injury to us all, we continue to fight, to update our laws to create safer workplaces for all. 

On April 28th, 2018 there will be a ceremony to honor those that were killed, and or injured on the job. Ceremony is being held at J. Howard Pew Memorial Park in Waterways.  Ceremony will begin at 10:30am with a moment of silence at 11:11am.

April Membership Meeting is just around the corner. Scheduled for April 10th at Thickwood Heights School, 430pm.

Looking forward in seeing you there, all you have to do is show up, and be a local 2545 member!

 On February 13th, 2018, we had a by-election for a few positions. With just over thirty members attend the by-election we have some updates to share. 

Lynn Fleet was elected to be our Local President for the remaining of the current term. By Lynn accepting the new position, this left the roll of Vice President vacant. Bev Devison was nominated, and accepted the roll for the remaining term (June 2019). As it turns out, this caused vacancy in our trustee position. Because of the recent and sudden passing of Sister Mary-Ellen Downey, we in fact had to fill two trustee positions.  These were fill by Melita Ellsworth (3yr) and Sherri Manuel (2yr). 

If you are interested in becoming more involved with your local we have our membership meetings the second Tuesday of the month. Check the web site on the location.

Positions that are coming up for re-election in June are:

President (2018-2020)

Recording Secretary (2018-2020)

The following are one year terms:

Alberta Education Employee Committee (AEEC): This group meets twice a year, once in the fall (Edmonton) and then again in the spring (Calgary). This committee discusses struggles and victories in the Education Sector throughout Alberta. (1 to 2 members)

Health and Safety:  Monthly meetings, committee members will bring forward any and all health and safety concerns to Labour management committee members. Such as asbestos in the tiles in schools,  ergonomically correct workstations and so forth. (2 delegates)

Labour Management: Meets once a month to discuss and try to resolve work place issues or concerns, in conjunction with District management personnel. (President, Vice President and 2 members)

Librarians (ALEC): 1 Librarian will travel to Red Deer (twice a year)  to meet with other  librarians from all over the province to discuss processes and different aspects of running a library.

Bargaining: Members of the Bargaining Committee meet with Management to negotiate the terms and conditions of our Collective Agreement. Once there is an agreement, it is brought to the the membership for a vote. (President, Vice President, and 2 members, one is an alternate but still attends all meetings)

If any of these interest you, please contact a member of your Executive, or feel free to ask a shop Steward. 

CUPE workshops are great ways to learn more about how unions work, different roles and you get a chance to network. We have five different locals here in town. All have amazing members, some you might know, some might be new friends or new colleagues.

Check out the upcoming workshops that are posted and updated on the CUPE Alberta’s calendar. If you have any questions it is best to check with your executive so that they know you are interested!

First Workshop is Feb 9-10- Intro to Stewarding! 

Typically the workshops run Friday from 6pm to 9pm. Saturday start time is 9am , end around 4pm. 

Bylaws are “rules” that an organization (such as a local union) makes and that its members must follow. Sometimes bylaws are updated, to reflect the needs of the local. They also help to remind all members  that we have guidelines to follow. They describe the roles and explains what is expected of executive members, committee members, and meetings and more. Please take some time to have a look over your local bylaws. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with a member of your executive, or a shop steward.

Local 2545 Bylaws can be downloaded by clicking Bylaws 

Happy New Year. 

With the new year comes new opportunities, new friendships, and new beginnings. During this time of year many people will start to think about changes that they want to do in their life, maybe it is going to start a fitness goal, or maybe it is spending more time with family, starting a new hobby, so many possibility. 

As the year moves forward may your success be great.

Wishing every person a fulfilled and memorable 2018.  

December Membership Meeting

This note is to let you know that Lynn, Elaine B and Elaine M would like to let everyone know that we will be having our December membership meeting as planned. It will be at Thickwood Heights School.  We understand that some of you who wish to come will be late, and that is ok.

This is a good time to get together and remember the wonderful, silly, strong things that Lorna has done over the years. Her passing came too fast and no one was ready. Over the years Lorna has lead Local 2545 through many collective agreements, has had relationships with management to better her members, she never backed down, she said what was on her mind, and she would be one of the first people to be at your door step helping you with whatever you needed. Her phone was on 24/7, and she was there to answer questions for members to understand how and what the union was. Lorna was a resilient woman; she was a friend that you wanted in your corner.

Please join your Local 2545 Executive, on Tuesday for a shorten agenda, as we will be dealing with only pertinent items. Wishing you all a good day tomorrow and we will see you Tuesday, 430 ish at Thickwood Heights Public School.

(sent on behalf of the Executive)

In Solidarity,

Crystal Sali

November 14th is the second Tuesday of the month!  Local 2545 members gather at a location and get a chance to see co-workers outside of work, catch up with other members from different schools. Learn about what has been happening in our local. Our local has many different types of members that work in different sections of our schools, even District Office. We also have a sub local, Pestew Place Detox. 

Have you wondered what does my union do for me? How can I get involved, how can I learn more? Come join your fellow UNION members at our November Membership meeting. 

Be present and help decide which Non-Profit organizations our local is going to help this holiday season. Also on the agenda is our scholarship winners.

We are meeting at Dr Clark this month. Start time is typically 4:30pm and we are there for an hour, give or take

Looking forward in seeing you there! 

It is that time of year again, as students, and staff get ready for another school year.  We have graduates preparing for the fall and colleges thinking about taking some courses. Preparations are being made, supplies is being thought about, a new chapter is about to begin.

CUPE Local 2545 has two scholarships that are awarded to either a member, or a member’s immediate family member.  Are you planning on taking classes to further your education? Maybe you have a son or daughter that graduated and can use a little help. Our local is accepting applications for a chance to use one of our two $1000.00 scholarships towards furthering education . These scholarships are awarded to new applicants each year. Please remember the deadline is SEPTEMBER 1st. 

Deadline has been extended until November 1st, winners will be announced at the December membership meeting.

Click here for the application, and  information. 2545 Scholarship

Good luck in your future, and all your successes in your academic achievements.

Attention Members of Local 2545

Please join us at 5pm on June 13^th at Thickwood Heights School for our Annual General Membership meeting. During this meeting, we review what happened at the last Annual General Meeting, our president might share something if it is of great importance and we will be having elections.

 Elections for the following

Vice President: as per bylaws

Treasurer: As per bylaws

Alberta Library Education Committee (ALEC) – One lucky person gets to represent all of our fabulous Librarians.

Labour Management – This committee meets with members of District Office once a month. Normally it is your President, Vice President and two members who have put their names forward at the meeting.

Alberta Education Employees Committee (AEEC)– If you are elected to be a part of this committee,. You travel to either Edmonton or Calgary, your accommodations; transportation and a daily allowance are paid. You will meet wonderful people from across the province twice a year and share what is happening in other school districts!! 

Joint Health and Safety –, Organize April 28th Day of Mourning ceremony, and promote safe work procedures and environment, and will Work with management to continue to protect the rights and safety of our members.

Sargent at Arms – Ensures our meetings are kept private, tiles doors during elections, make sure nonmembers are not present during meetings.

Trustee: trustees help our treasurer Elaine Moore, by going over the local financials for the year. Plus you get to have dinner!!

“Newspaper Editor” in this roll you will work with the executive to update the website, and facebook page

For more information, please feel free to ask your current executive, or you can go to the Committees tab on our website