Jul 11, 2022

Workers at Summerland Community Support are the latest members to join B.C.’s largest union following a four-week education campaign. The newest CUPE members will become a new unit of CUPE 523, a regional local representing education and community social service workers across the Okanagan.

“We are excited to welcome these new members in Summerland, and we are looking forward to working together to improve the wages, benefits and working conditions of these critical community workers,” said Tammy Carter, CUPE 523 president.

Summerland Community Support is a community organization offering programs and supporting local residents living with developmental disabilities. The organization’s workers provide a diverse range of services, including recreation programs, arts and crafts classes, nutrition and fitness programs, and life skills.

“We love what we do, and love working for Summerland Community Support,” said Sunnie Waters, spokesperson for the newly unionized CUPE 523 members. “Joining the union was about making our jobs more sustainable, addressing affordability for our families and helping us better serve our community.”