My name is Martin Alberto. I have been a CUPE 402 member since 2017 and  I work as a Procurement Specialist at City Hall in the Finance Department. As a procurement professional with over 15 years of experience, I have been in various negotiation environments against corporations large and small. I have reviewed, updated, and successfully negotiated favourable contract terms and conditions. I believe that my professional skills will be an asset and a great addition to our current Negotiating Committee.

I have been active in our Union in various capacities. Currently, I am your local’s Treasurer. In this role, I steered our financial reporting to members at its up-to-date state and strengthen our financial position. I am driving process improvement initiatives that would save our local money and ensure transparency and integrity of our finances. I have also been fortunate to be able to attend various courses offered through CUPE and I am in the process of completing my Professional Certificate in Leadership at Royal Roads University.

I have lived in the City of Surrey for over 20 years, and I am proud of the work that we all do as city workers. We have always pride ourselves of being able to do more for the City with less. With your vote, I will be honored to assist our Negotiating Committee and represent your interest at the bargaining table.

My name is Mandy, and I am running for the Bargaining Committee. I committed to fighting for fair wages, equitable employment for both regular full time/part time and auxiliary staff, and respect for all CUPE 402 members. With a degree in Human Resources and a diploma in Business Management, I bring education and practical experience to represent our membership. Much of my education consists of courses related to negotiation, interpretation of collective agreements, and labour relations. As a labour activist, I am passionate about standing up for workers’ rights and creating a stronger and increasingly united workforce.

Since beginning work with the City of Surrey in 2015, I have worked in both parks and recreation, and I understand the challenges of our diverse membership—whether it is the physical demands of outdoor work or the fast-paced nature of recreation services. We are not all the same, but we all matter! Each role is vital, and we all deserve fair representation that keeps up with the cost of living.

When elected, I am prepared to put in the hard work necessary to guarantee our bargaining process is transparent, inclusive, and focused on the needs of all members. I will listen to your concerns and advocate tirelessly for a fair contract that reflects the value of your work.

In solidarity, we can negotiate for a future that ensures fairness, security, and dignity for every CUPE 402 member. I ask for your vote to help lead us through this critical bargaining process.

1. I’ve served on a CUPE bargaining committee before, in 2021 for CUPE 622.

• I successfully helped secure additional health benefits over and above standard roll over wage increases that were common across the region during the pandemic.

2. Finding common ground and building consensus between opposing viewpoints is my day job.

• I’ll apply these skills to the bargaining process to get results.

• I understand where our contract weaknesses lie, and where we fall short compared to other municipalities.

4. Understanding your perspective is what I do best.

• I am empathetic, sensitive and an excellent listener. While my workplace is city hall, I have previously worked with recreation, aquatics, roads and operation members to improve their working conditions during my time as Lead Shop Steward (CUPE 622 2021-2022).

Bio not received by due date – As per guidelines for bio submissions, no late biographies will be included.

Hello, my name is Terence Eytcheson, I have been involved with the union in one aspect or another for 7 years now. I work in the corporate services department under the facilities maintenance division, which means that I do not just sit in one building, I am at multiple different facilities during the day. This gives me a unique opportunity to talk and listen to all areas of the union members wants and needs. In my past role as the unit chair for CUPE 402-03 I assisted in successfully bargaining their last contract where not only did we get one-time wage adjustments for each of the contract’s years but also a 2-3% increase for each year as well. Our sick days were also able to be changed to personal health days which made them more useable for the many personal or family issues that we all face in these challenging times. Being a family person myself I understand the struggles of the affordability issues of trying to live and enjoy life in the lower mainland. If elected I promise to make it a priority that we bargain in good faith and in the best interest of all CUPE 402 members equally across our union. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and I hope I can count on your vote December 10th at the union office from 6am through until 7pm.

Together we can make our union stronger.

Respectfully withdrawn – Name will not appear on ballot

Respectfully withdrawn – Name will not appear on ballot

My name is Parjeet Kumar and I am employed by city of Surrey as equipment operator 5 in the engineering department.

My educational background is a post secondary diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from Simon Fraser University.

Some of the related skills I have learnt over the years are :

• I hold a class 1 drivers license with air brakes endorsement for 35 years
• I am also a ICBC certified class 1 and air brakes driving Instructor
• I am a certified crane operator with unlimited tonnage restrictions

Over last 3 decades, I have worked with few unions where the toughest part is negotiations between organizations and unions.

I sincerely would like to see a fair deal for our members as other municipalities, considering todays challenge at workplace and inflation.

Looking forward to deliver so please forward concerns that has to be addressed

Thank you

Ashley Metcalfe boasts an extensive career with the City of Surrey spanning over 20 years. She has served alongside our members in Healthy Communities and Parks Recreation and Culture, where she has been a strong and vocal advocate for the needs of our members. Over the last year, she has been working very closely with our CUPE 402 President, Executive members and CUPE National representatives while spearheading a grievance in pursuit of equitable compensation and scheduled hours for members. She currently serves as a Union Staff Representative for members of the Surrey Teachers Association, is a valued member of the Health and Safety Committee, and rotating Chair of the Staff Committee. Ashley has been involved in negotiating and bargaining with the Burnaby Teachers Association and is meticulous in identifying, scrutinizing, and making sure paramount language is included in the Collective Agreement.

In addition to her experience serving members through her involvement in committees and work with the Executive, Ashley has a large scope of formal education to draw on. She holds a Bachelor of Human Kinetics and a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Education from Simon Fraser University.

Ashley is someone who believes in supporting all CUPE members and is proven to work unwaveringly to advance the working conditions and compensation for members. She cares about members and lives by the motto that “when one of us wins, we all win.

Since attending my first Young Workers Committee meeting back in May, I have been actively involved with the union as much as possible and had the opportunity to participate in the Young Leaders Fall School. My top priority is to ensure that all members’ voices are heard and valued equally. Every member matters and deserves a mic that is turned on.

My role in the city has taken many shapes and forms as I’m sure many of our auxiliary staff can relate to. At the moment, I primarily work at the front desk of several of our recreation centres.

Respectfully withdrawn – Name will not appear on ballot

I would like to introduce myself to the CUPE 402 membership in consideration of your support for my election as a member of the upcoming Negotiating Committee.

My name is Gord Wiederick, and I am a By-Law Enforcement Officer in Legislative Services and am a 30 year City of Surrey employee and proud CUPE 402 member.

I am asking for your support as I believe I can bring a perspective of a member at large to the negotiating process. Although I have not served in an executive position with the union, I have been an active member for 30 years.

I believe I can represent all union members interests and contribute to a successful negotiation process which benefits the membership both with increased wages and benefits. If elected, I will do my best to serve all union members in a fair and equitable manner. In my role as a By-Law Officer, I am familiar with negotiating in order to gain compliance, and have developed strong relationships with both sides of the table during dispute resolutions. I have a strong understanding of the collective agreement, and have seen the results of many prior collective bargaining processes over my time with the City of Surrey.

In closing, I hope that I have your support in becoming a member of the negotiating committee, and I am available to discuss my experience and perspectives with you or your concerns related to bargaining through my personal cell phone (604) 803-1558.

Sincerely,
Gord Wiederick