NEW WESTMINSTER—CUPE 387, representing New Westminster civic workers, has a new look that reflects the fresh energy and diversity of their local. Acting president Phil Vallely explains, “Our membership averages about 32 years old, and we wanted a new logo to signal a fresh approach. Our members are from all parts of the city – city hall, the animal shelter, parks and engineering, so we wanted a logo that was inclusive.”
“We now have a lot of new and younger workers,” adds executive officer George Habib. “We wanted a change to send a message that our local is in modern times.”
Habib says that the local reached out to members by turning the logo selection process into a contest. The executive went to all facilities and showed the four versions of the logo, which were posted for three to seven days. People were asked to email their choice to the office.
Habib explains, “We had a total of 60 members who voted, and this logo was the clear winner, although another version with the city’s crown was also popular.”
The logo was designed by newly-retired CUPE 387 member, Brian Coates, who had also designed the local’s previous logo. Coates final design includes two figures embracing or reaching out, representing CUPE reaching out to community. The initial design had a full closed circle of green but a gap was added to send a welcoming message of inclusiveness to new members.
Habib explains the colours used. “The colour blue represents the colour of the Royal City and green speaks to the huge responsibility CUPE members carry to ensure our society is environmentally sustainable.”
