Acknowledgement
CUPE 409 wishes to recognize with gratitude and respect the lands of the traditional Qayqayt (Resting Place, River Peoples) First Nations on whose traditional territory we do our work. We also want to acknowledge all Coast Salish and Musqueam peoples on whose traditional and unceded territories we live and play. Chief Rhonda Larrabee of the Qayqayt First Nation is an important leader and someone we honour and learn from. heíʔχʷq̓əm̓ (thank you).
We further recognize that indigenous communities have their own cultural values and priorities. Cultural safety and indigenous awareness are evolving issues that require further knowledge, growth, and education for all.
We will look to the leadership of Elders and knowledge keepers as we strive to learn and understand the five principles of cultural safety, which are: Social Justice, Trust, Respect, Self-Awareness and Self-Reflection
What We’re All About
Our communities depend on quality public education services, and those services depend on us to deliver them.
Welcome to our website where you will find information about our union, CUPE Local 409. We provide quality representation for our members who work as support staff in the New Westminster public school system from grades Kindergarden through Twelve.
CUPE workers play an essential role within our public school system. Our work positively influences every aspect of a student’s educational experience. We provide indispensable support to students at all levels and uphold inclusive practices that meet diverse learning styles. We promote the overall well-being of our students weather it be preparing quality lunch options in the NWSS Servery, assisting children navigate social-emotional issues or accessing working technology for learning by our IT department. Our clerical staff maintain records and correspondence, working within the school, with our student families and the broader community. We maintain clean and healthy schools, care for buildings and grounds to ensure they are safe and well-kept, and support cultural opportunities that enrich students’ lives, and are particularly committed to truth and reconciliation. We also provide vital assistance to teachers, administrators, and each other, ensuring that our schools operate efficiently and effectively.
We are proud to be a local chapter within the CUPE BC Division and are direct members of CUPE National, representing more than 800,000 workers across diverse public sectors throughout Canada. Together we are UNITED and STRONG!