VICTORIA-For many students attending their first day of classes yesterday, a friendly greeting from CUPE support staff workers offered a good first impression of life at the University of Victoria.
CUPE locals 917 and 951 took advantage of some great weather at the annual President’s welcome to showcase their union with some colourful displays among the information booths highlighting university programs and services.
Along with CUPE BC’s “Strong Communities” and Water Watch displays, the two CUPE locals at UVic promoted their own members and other CUPE programs, in particular the “Universities work because we do” campaign. Students were also encouraged to sign up for organ donor and bone marrow transplant programs.
Local 951 held a draw for students offering five UVIC bookstore gift certificates worth up to $100, while Local 917 awarded eight $100 scholarships.
“Students were introduced to CUPE members in a very positive way,” said CUPE 951 president Doug Sprenger, “and we had the busiest booths at the event.”