Following the horrific explosion January 20 in Burns Lake, the BC division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees has donated $10,000 to the Steelworkers union’s relief fund and an additional $1,000 to CUPE Local 2062 (Burns Lake Civic workers). The funds are to assist the community as it tries to cope with the deaths of two residents, serious injuries to 19 workers and the long-term loss of hundreds of jobs in the small town.
“CUPE members work in Burns Lake, and they are impacted by this tragedy, too,” said CUPE BC President Barry O’Neill. “In a community as small as Burns Lake, everyone knows someone who was a victim of this disaster. But this isn’t just about CUPE members, or Steel members, it’s about supporting ourneighboursand giving back to the communities we help build. That’s a big part of what being a union member is all about, stepping up for others.
“CUPE members asked us to help people in Burns Lake as much as possible, and this first step is an important one. We’re encouraging CUPE Locals across the province to step up and support our sisters and brothers in this very difficult time.”
The United Steelworkers of America has set up a fund for workers. There are several ways to make a donation payable to the “USW Burns Lake Fund.”
To donate in person:
Attend any branch of Community Savings Credit Union:
- 5108 Joyce Street, Vancouver B.C.1188 8th Avenue, New Westminster, B.C.
- #900-7380 King George Blvd, Surrey, B.C.
- #100-1125 Nicola Avenue, Port Coquitlam, B.C.
- #205-4333 Ledger Avenue, Burnaby, B.C.
- #103-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, B.C.
Or
Drop off a sealed envelope containing yourchequeat any B.C. credit union addressed to:
Community Savings Credit Union, 5108 Joyce Street, Vancouver B.C. V5R 4H1, Transit #11740
To donate by mail:
Community Savings Credit Union, 5108 Joyce Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5R 4H1
Or
USW District 3 Office, #300-3920 Norland Avenue, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 4K7
To make a secure, online donation, go to www.bcfed.com and follow the PayPal link.