Leadership and Governance at VCC

Serving as department head, Dave experienced the unique administrative structure at VCC, where department heads functioned almost like deans, managing budgets and supporting faculty. He also chaired the curriculum committee and was deeply involved in governance. Despite the heavy workload, he found fulfillment in these roles and appreciated the institutional support that allowed him to contribute meaningfully. He noted that VCC’s program diversity made governance complex but also enriched the institution’s character. He also acknowledged the challenges of managing such diversity, especially when administrative structures struggled to accommodate the unique needs of different departments.

Proudest Accomplishments

Among Dave’s proudest achievements was his participation in the 2013–2015 bargaining round. Although the gains were modest compared to earlier victories like the 1990 strike, he valued the process and the dedication of his colleagues. He recalled the intense effort, long discussions, and collaborative spirit that defined the experience. The contrast between past and present bargaining outcomes highlighted how institutional resistance had grown more sophisticated over time. Dave took pride in the team’s ability to navigate these challenges and secure meaningful improvements for faculty.

Representation and Departmental Engagement

Dave was often the sole union representative from the music department, and he stressed the importance of cross-departmental involvement in union activities. He was particularly pleased to see others, like Deirdre Morgan, step into union roles after his retirement. He believed that having union advocates within each department helps bridge gaps in understanding and fosters appreciation for the union’s work, especially in areas where skepticism or indifference might exist. He also noted that union presence in departments like business and food services was crucial for shifting perceptions and building solidarity.

Union Culture and Collective Strength

Dave spoke passionately about the culture of the VCCFA, describing it as thoughtful, effective, and deeply rooted in shared values. He admired the continuity of leadership and the emergence of younger, capable members like Todd Rowlatt and Andrew Candela, who brought fresh energy and insight to the union’s work. He emphasized that the union’s strength came not just from its policies but from the people who upheld them—people who were fearless, principled, and committed to doing the right thing, even when it was difficult.

Advice for Future Unionists

Dave’s advice to current and future union members was clear: embrace your role as a unionist wholeheartedly. He urged faculty to internalize union values, prioritize collective well-being, and foster cohesion within their teams. He emphasized that union work is not just about policy—it’s about people, relationships, and shared purpose. He encouraged younger members to step up and carry the torch, confident that the VCCFA’s future was in good hands thanks to its culture of mentorship, continuity, and principled leadership.

One of VCCFA’s strengths is the work that has been and continues to be done to treat both regular and term instructors fairly and equally in terms of common salary scale, PD, and benefits. She said that the Vancouver Community College Faculty Association’s model, often referred to as the “Vancouver model,” is really a “Union model”, one rooted in social justice, equality, and collective strength. For Ingrid, negotiations weren’t just about salary; they were about securing rights, shifting power, and making lasting structural change.

Union Activism Rooted in Integrity and Advocacy

Ingrid’s reflections on unionism reveal a deep understanding of the power dynamics at play in post-secondary institutions.

She emphasizes that the union is not merely an economic institution, but it is a force for social justice and equity. While salary negotiations are important, Ingrid believes that securing rights and influence over institutional decisions can be impactful. She noted that management tends to guard its authority fiercely, making the fight for faculty rights a more complex and meaningful.

Her experience as a steward taught her that every member’s concern, respect, and attention. Often, the issues that prompt members to reach out are deeply personal and emotionally charged. Ingrid’s approach was grounded in empathy, recognizing that union support must include emotional care as well as contractual advocacy.  This approach was/is possible due to a well-organized and educated group of stewards and the VCCFA providing support and leave for this work.

Transparency, Advocacy, and the Future of Unionism in Education

Ingrid emphasized that union activism requires compassion and critical thinking. She highlighted how some of the most impactful changes were addressed through policy grievances and collective action. These efforts reflect the union’s commitment to fairness and equity.

She expressed concern about the weakening of union influence in broader society, noting that union density has declined and public discourse often overlooks the importance of organized labour. However she is encouraged by the VCCFA and praised the VCCFA for maintaining its independence and strong advocacy for its members.

Transparency, she noted, is essential to building trust. Access to seniority lists and grievance outcomes empowers members and ensures accountability. She believes the union’s role is to ensure that all faculty feel seen, supported, and empowered, principles that have guided her throughout her union work.

Ingrid reflects that unions are enormously important.  The work for union faculty rights is uphill; it is challenging, interesting, rewarding, and often fun when working with other unionists.  Ingrid says the values, skills, and good friendships she made are so important and invaluable in her life in her community and as a retiree. She believes the union’s role is to ensure that all faculty feel seen, supported and empowered -principles that have guided her and continue.

Bargaining with Strength and Strategy

Karen views bargaining as a cornerstone of union strength. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, continuity, and resilience. One particularly contentious issue she recalls was the college’s push to allow Deans to sit on hiring committees. The union held firm, negotiating late into the night to protect faculty autonomy.

She also speaks about the college’s repeated attempts to reduce sick leave benefits. “They’ve come after that every round I can remember,” she says. “And they never get it. And they never will.”

Karen believed in defending every clause of the collective agreement. “It’s not because the college is generous,” she says. “It’s because of the tireless work of unionists.”

Legacy and Reflections

Karen’s leadership helped shape a strong, inclusive, and resilient union. She credits the union’s strength to its continuity—leaders like Frank Cosco, Ingrid Kolsteren, and Brenda Appleton, who passed down institutional knowledge and values. She emphasizes the importance of mentoring new bargainers and maintaining a visible union presence on campus.

She also reflects on the importance of pensions and post-retirement benefits, noting that these, too, are hard-won through union advocacy. “It’s not a gift,” she said. “It was bargained.”

When asked whether the union should be more radical, Karen responds thoughtfully. She prefers the word “strong” over “radical,”. She says, “I always thought we were strong,” she said. “We pursued every angle. We were tireless.” Her closing remarks emphasize that the union’s strength lies in its inclusivity, persistence, and care for its members.

Union Wins and Persistent Challenges

During Lizz’s leadership, the union secured major victories, including maternity leave for non-regular faculty, protection of sick leave banks, professional development rights, and the preservation of divisional chair positions. These gains were hard-won through relentless bargaining and arbitration. Weekly meetings with management often introduced new threats to the collective agreement, requiring constant vigilance. Lizz credits the union’s success to its refusal to give in, even during exhausting overnight bargaining sessions.

Activism Beyond the Union

Lizz’s activism extends far beyond the college. After retiring, she founded a nonprofit called Sharing Abundance, which has provided thousands of meals to people experiencing poverty and isolation. She also created bursaries for dental assisting students and worked with her church and local Legion to support refugees, veterans, and community programs. Her activism is deeply personal. She kept socks and underwear in her briefcase to give to needy individuals and quietly funded food for students in need through the counseling department while at VCC.

Solidarity Through Strikes

Although strikes were difficult, Lizz saw them as powerful tools for building solidarity. Walking picket lines with counselors, librarians, and instructors forged deep connections and strengthened the union’s resolve. She emphasizes that strikes weren’t just about wages. They were about protecting the integrity of education and the well-being of faculty and students alike.

Union Culture and Mentorship

Lizz brought warmth and humanity to union work. She introduced knitting to bargaining meetings to stay calm and focused, and she insisted on punctuality and professionalism. Her colleagues affectionately called her the “velvet steamroller” for her ability to push through tough issues with grace and determination. She mentored others, celebrated the contributions of fellow unionists like Ingrid Kolsteren, Brenda Appleton, Maggi Trebble, and Vinit Khosla and remained deeply proud of the VCCFA’s legacy of transparency, care, and advocacy.

Final Reflections

Lizz expresses concern about the broader union landscape, particularly the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators (FPSE), which she feels has grown too cozy with management. She stresses that unions must remain grounded, active, and uncompromising in their defense of workers’ rights. For Lizz, unionism is not just a job. It is a lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and community.

Strikes, Struggles, and Victories

Maggi participated in several rounds of bargaining and various job actions and strikes, each of which left a lasting impact. She highlights the 1992 strike as a pivotal moment for union building. “We were all out on the picket line every day, and strong friendships came out of that,” she recalls. The strike not only secured important gains, such as contract language defining the number of contact hours per week, but also deepened connections and understanding across departments and strengthened the union’s internal cohesion.

Another major victory was the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the union on academic freedom—a case that underscored the union’s commitment to defending its members’ rights. Maggi also notes the long battle for maternity leave rights for non-regular faculty, which the union eventually won.

Challenges in a Changing Landscape

Despite the union’s successes, Maggi acknowledges the growing challenges facing faculty and unions today. The shift to online teaching, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to isolation among students and faculty alike. She expresses concern about the erosion of community and the difficulties EAL students face in adapting to digital learning environments.

Communication, Engagement, and the Future

Maggi stresses the importance of effective communication in maintaining union solidarity. She advocates for a variety of ways to engage members who may not have time to read lengthy documents. “We live in an age when People seem to want things quickly and easily accessed,” she notes, emphasizing the need to adapt communication strategies to modern realities.

She also encourages continued in-person engagement, even if brief, to build trust and visibility. “It makes a total difference when people come to you rather than sitting in their offices,” she says.

A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship

Maggi speaks highly of her colleagues and mentors, whose dedication and grassroots leadership she admires. She also expresses pride in the new generation of unionists and emphasizes the importance of bringing in fresh voices while preserving institutional memory, which has been a strength of the VCCFA.

Her advice to current and future union members is clear: “Stick together. Don’t back down. Focus on the cause of the problem and the desired outcome.” She believes that solidarity, transparency, and a commitment to social justice are the pillars of a strong union.

The strike yielded significant material gains: improvements in workload (including the introduction of a four-day workweek for some), enhanced benefits, and a stronger pension framework. But perhaps more importantly, it transformed the union into a more democratic, grassroots-driven organization. Vinit credits this period with deepening his understanding of unionism and reshaping his view of work itself, not just as individual labour, but as collective action.

Building a Stronger Contract: Benefits, Pensions, and Equity

Vinit emphasizes the long-term impact of the union’s work on faculty well-being. He highlights the 100% employer-paid benefits, expanded leave options, including retirement preparation and adoption leave, and the defined benefit pension plan as some of the most important victories. He notes that very few workers in North America enjoy such a pension to provide members with a stable and dignified retirement.

He also praises the union’s leadership in advocating for non-regular faculty, particularly in securing maternity and parental leave protections. These gains, he stresses, were not just about fairness, but they were about equity and sustainability in the profession.

Lessons from Federation Membership

Vinit reflects on VCCFA’s former membership in the provincial federation (then CIEA, now FPSE) with a nuanced perspective. Initially, the affiliation brought valuable resources and solidarity. But over time, he observes a shift toward top-down decision-making and a loss of grassroots energy. He feels the federation became too closely aligned with government interests and too bureaucratic to serve the needs of its members effectively. In his view, VCCFA’s eventual decision to withdraw was both necessary and wise.

The Future of Unionism: Technology, Inequality, and Broader Alliances

Looking ahead, Vinit sees artificial intelligence as major challenge not just for education, but for labor as a whole. He urges unions to remain flexible and resilient, and to build alliances beyond their own membership, particularly with non-unionized workers in sectors like logistics and retail. He believes that addressing the social impacts of technological change will require collective action across industries and sectors.

He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong connection with members. Surveys and formal processes are useful, but real power, he argues, comes from direct engagement: visiting departments, listening to concerns, and building solidarity from the ground up.

Advice for Future Unionists: Be Bold, Be Persistent

Vinit’s advice to future union members and leaders is clear: “Stick together.” He encourages boldness in bargaining, even when demands seem unlikely to succeed in the short term. Drawing from his own experience, he emphasizes that many of the rights faculty enjoy today were won through persistence, not compromise. He rejects the idea of limiting bargaining packages to only “realistic” demands, arguing instead for a long-term vision rooted in member experiences and aspirations.

Advocating for Equity and Inclusion

Wayne was a pioneer in promoting equity and inclusion at VCC. He founded the Positive Space initiative and worked tirelessly to support LGBTQ+ students and staff. Early in his career, he encountered challenges related to being a gay man with a previous employer; however, once employed at VCC, he found reassurance in the progressive language of the collective agreement, which recognized same-sex couples and benefits. He conducted workshops on respect for LGBTQ+ students, often at the request of instructors seeking to foster inclusive classrooms. His work extended to supporting transgender students and educating the college community through guest speakers and awareness campaigns. Wayne’s advocacy helped create a more welcoming environment and demonstrated the union’s role in advancing social justice.

Reflections on Union Strength and Solidarity

Wayne views the faculty association as a powerful force for collective good. He recalls his early experiences on the picket line, where he witnessed solidarity in action and felt supported by colleagues fighting for shared rights. He praises the collective agreement as a forward-thinking document that protects part-time and contract instructors and serves as a model for other institutions. Wayne emphasizes that the union’s strength came from its members’ involvement and dedication. He encourages new members to attend meetings, ask questions, and familiarize themselves with the collective agreement, not just in times of crisis, but as a proactive measure to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Navigating Challenges

Wayne acknowledges the ongoing challenges facing education, including funding cuts, layoffs, and precarious work. He stresses the importance of being informed and involved, noting that knowledge of the collective agreement and union processes can provide critical support during difficult times. He advises new members not to wait until problems arise to engage with the union. Instead, they should see the union as a resource for empowerment and community. He also addresses the stigma some members feel about seeking union support, suggesting that storytelling, such as short videos featuring personal experiences, could help normalize and humanize union involvement.

A Legacy of “Us”

In closing, Wayne reflects on a book he was reading about relationships.  Although the book focused on intimate relationships, the concept of separating “you” and “me” and getting to “us” stood out to him when he looked back on his experiences with the VCCFA (Us: Getting Past You & Me to Build a More Loving Relationship by Terry Real). He saw the faculty association as embodying this collective spirit, emphasizing that it was never just about individual rights but about protecting and uplifting everyone. His career at VCC, marked by service, advocacy, and reflection, exemplifies the power of union solidarity and the enduring impact of dedicated educators.