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BURNABY - CUPE members know how important it is to have colleges and universities that are affordable and accessible. That’s why we are supporting the national February 7 student day of action.

CUPE members know how important it is to have colleges and universities that are affordable and accessible. That’s why we are supporting the national February 7 student day of action.

 “Many CUPE members work in colleges and universities and many are also students or are supporting students. We know how tough it is to get a post-secondary education,” says Barry O’Neill, CUPE BC president.

Governments have to step up and properly fund universities and colleges. Investing in education – in the students, the staff, the facilities, the services – makes our communities vibrant and our economy strong,” says O’Neill.

 “Instead – we see funding shortfalls, increases in tuition, mounting student debt, and a focus on commericializing and privatizing every aspect of education and education services imaginable.”

O’Neill encourages all CUPE members to support the February 7 day of action in whatever way makes sense. “Write a letter to you MLA or MP, join a rally, write a letter to the editor, wear a sticker, call a talk show. Let the powers that be know that we support proper funding, and an end to student debt and rising tuition fees.”

CUPE represents over 12,000 staff working across the spectrum of BC’s diverse post-secondary education system – 10,000 in BC universities and about 2,000 in colleges.

 CUPE members provide a range of support services – in clerical, administrative, security and library positions, and as technicians, maintenance and custodial workers, food services staff and trades workers. Members also fill a range of academic positions in universities – from teaching assistants and tutors to sessional and English language instructors.