CUPE 718 welcomes 56 new members after a Labour Relations Board certification vote confirmed on March 23. The new members are fitness professionals who work for the Richmond Fitness and Wellness Association.

The new CUPE members, who are existing employees at the Minoru Centre for Active Living and the Watermania fitness centre, include personal trainers, fitness attendants, group land fitness leaders, and aqua fitness leaders.

“We’re excited to welcome these new members to the CUPE family, and we look forward to representing them,” said CUPE 718 President Dal Benning, noting that the work of fitness professionals is highly certified and instructors must be registered with their professional associations.

“The work they do to help members of the community maintain and improve their health is so important during these difficult times, and we expect to see more of them join us in the near future as programs start up again.”

CUPE 718 represents 1,300 municipal employees for the City of Richmond. These members work at City Hall and at local community centres, arenas, the cultural centre and the museum, as well as in public works and for the RCMP.