Remember when the employer used to host a “welcome back” BBQ as part of employee appreciation? That’s gone now; it was cut as a “cost savings measure.” Funny thing, though: while hospitality spending has disappeared, management still found over half a million dollars in the budget to fight union grievances and arbitrations.
So we did what unions do best: we stepped up to take care of each other. This BBQ was our way of acknowledging the real work that keeps this college running — yours. With recent big wins for Canadian unions making headlines, it’s clear: solidarity matters now more than ever.
We couldn’t have asked for a better day for our CCFA Welcome Back BBQ on August 26! The sun was shining, the Culinary Arts program outdid themselves with an amazing spread, and the turnout was fantastic. Faculty had a chance to relax, catch up with one another, and ease into the new term with good food and lots of laughter.
It was so great to see familiar faces, welcome new ones, and start the year off together in such a fun, positive way. Events like this remind us of the strength of our community and the value of starting the year together, with good food, good company, and plenty of sunshine!
This year, we’ll be facing new challenges as a result of the layoffs, reorganizations, and efficiency efforts. It’ll be more important than ever to be “Working Together as One!”
Lynelle Yutani (she/they)
ac.ytlucafnusomac@tnediserp
President, Camosun College Faculty Association
Lynelle is a queer, leftist rabble-rouser galvanized to guard the rights of union members and is on a crusade to convince you that you get out of your Union what you put into it. Lynelle serves on Presidents Council of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators (FPSE) and was elected to FPSE Executive as a Member-at-Large. She is on a number of FPSE affiliate committees, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Racialized Workers Caucuses for the BC Fed. Lynelle volunteers for a rooftop community garden, which partners with Harvest & Share Food Aid Society to grow fresh produce for local food banks and community food security programs.
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