Tragedy in Tumbler Ridge

Dear Members and Supporters,

We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. As education workers, this loss hits close to home. Schools should always be places of safety and care, and our hearts are with the students, staff, families, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community.
CUPE Local 441 stands in solidarity with the workers at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as they navigate the shock and grief of this devastating event. We also acknowledge the strength of first responders and community members who stepped forward in an unimaginable moment.

Please take care of one another and reach out to your supports if you’re struggling. Solidarity is how we move through moments like this—together.

In solidarity,
Marisol Verdad
President, CUPE Local 441
Saanich Schools

Joe Nunn Award 2026

Joe Nunn’s family was instrumental in building the early Saanich school district, and Joe worked for many years in SD 63 as a custodian.

This $1000 award will be given annually to three eligible applicants. The award is open to all students, but preference will be given to those whose parents or guardians are current or past members of CUPE Local 441.

Application Deadline is April 30th.

Joe-Nunn-Award

Joe Nunn Award background information

Cupe K-12 Update – Provincial bargaining reaching critical stage

January 26, 2026

As you may have heard from our teacher colleagues, the BCTF provincial bargaining committee is returning to negotiations. We hope this is a positive development for them and all public sector unions in bargaining with the province. We know you’ll join the Presidents Council in wishing them good luck and solidarity in getting the fair deal they deserve.

We also want to thank you all for showing your support to our fellow union members in the BCTF this past week. At rallies, social media and in the workplace, CUPE and other unions have shown we can work together on our collective goals – better schools, a stronger public education system, and respect for all public education workers.

Our own provincial bargaining committee is also preparing for a return to the table with BCPSEA (BC Public School Employers’ Association). We believe our next bargaining session will be crucial to getting the fair deal we deserve—a collective agreement that recognizes the vital role K-12 school support workers play in the success of B.C. students, families and communities.

A fair deal is within reach. Your provincial bargaining committee is ready to do what it takes to get an agreement that provides for more resources and supports for our members. We will not let our members be short-changed in wages and our ability to support our families in the communities we serve.

Your support and engagement is more important than ever. The Presidents Council and union staff are working to ensure our bargaining committee and all K-12 school support locals have the support they need for the work ahead.

Please ensure your emails and other contact information is up to date with your local and encourage co-workers to do the same. Updates can also be found at bcschools.cupe.ca and on our Facebook page @CUPEK12BC.

K-12 Provincial Bargaining Updates

Updates from the K-12 Bargaining Committee: