NELSON Kootenay Co-op Radio (KCR 93.5 fm) awarded CUPE 339 President Bev LaPointe, with a certificate in recognition of the outstanding campaign she lead on behalf of her members, during the lockout last summer.
The stations co-hostsJoanna Moratta and Marianne Bond of the radio program By the people presentedthe award on-air. It was the first ever Excellence in Participatory Democracy award given by the station and was a tribute to LaPointes contribution to the community and for outstanding public process.
In an on-air overview of the events of last summer, LaPointe spoke candidly with co-hosts about the lockout, the aftermath and the future.KCRplayed clips of previous interviews with LaPointe, CUPE BC President Barry O’Neill, CUPE 339 members, and city of Nelson Mayor and council.
What stands out in my mind is the solidarity of the membership and theirunderstandingof the issues, said LaPointe of the radio clips.
When asked if the public was supportive through the lockout, LaPointe said she “felt a strong sense of community support” and referred to the importance of getting information about public services out to those who own the services the public.
LaPointe commended Kootenay Co-op radio for the critical role they played during the lockout in providing regular fair and balanced media coverage of events and developments, interviews and discussions with members and key players, and even fielding potential resolutions to the lockout.
When asked what her wish for the new year is, LaPointes response was resolute a progressive council who will make it a priority to reinvest in public services and preserve local democracy.
“I am honoured to receive this recognition, said LaPointe. It acknowledges thecourage and commitment on the part of CUPE members to not only fight for public services, but to reach out to their community for the support and involvement of the public in protecting the services that belong to them.
CUPE 339 led an extensive public campaign that won them broad public support. Nelson residents walked the picket lines in support, spoke out at city hall, joined in the rallies and marches, and proudly displayed over 2000 Strong Communities lawn signs supporting CUPE 339 in their efforts to preserve public services.
CUPE 339 was locked out by the city of Nelson for 10 weeks over in an effort to contract-out city services and eliminate job security. In the end, the members went back to work for what they agreed to before the lockout began, protecting 55 core public services from contracting out.