The University of Victoria Educational Workers’ Union (CUPE, Local 4163) represents approximately 1500 members. Together, CUPE 4163 members perform more than two thirds of the instruction at the University of Victoria.
The local is made up of three “components” with separate Collective Agreement language :
Component One: Teaching Assistants, Lab Instructors, Computer Lab assistants, and Academic Assistants
Component Two: Second Language Instructors in the English Language Centre and French language Programme, and Cultural Assistants
Component Three: Continuing Instructors, Sessional Instructors (aka “Sessional Lecturers”), and Music Performance Instructors
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is a decentralized union, respecting the principle of “local autonomy.” This means that it’s possible for members to maintain democratic control over their Local, while drawing on the financial, legal, and bargaining strength of a national union. Simply put, the union is us – its members.
You can get involved by attending meetings, joining a committee, volunteering as a steward or executive member, or by simply providing feedback.
The Executive oversees union business between general membership meetings (e.g., education, grievance reports, financial business, political action, etc.).
In addition to the President, Secretary Treasurer, and Recording Secretary, there are 3 Vice-Presidents, 3 Communications Secretaries, and 3 Members-At-Large. The President, Secretary-Treasurer, & Recording Secretary of the local are elected by the entire membership, and the Vice-Presidents, Communications Secretaries, and Members-At-Large are elected by the component caucuses.
There are also 6 Trustees (2 from each component) who do not sit on the Executive Board.
Officers receive a small monthly expense reimbursement, while the President and the Secretary-Treasurer for the local are paid positions.
For more information about the Executive Board (such as duties), see the “CUPE 4163 By-Laws” page.
Executive Members March 2018- March 2019
| President | Greg Melnechuk |
| Treasurer | Christy Sebelius |
| Recording Secretary | Andria Hamill |
| Vice President (Comp 1) | Mark Piraino |
| Vice President (Comp 2) | Kayleigh Erickson |
| Vice President (Comp 3) | Matthew Koch |
| Communications Secretary (Comp 1) | Phil Henderson |
| Communications Secretary (Comp 2) | Daniel Lake |
| Communications Secretary (Comp 3) | Laurel Collins |
| Member at Large (Comp 1) | Ryan Broe |
| Member at Large (Comp 2) | Katja Gee |
| Member at Large (Comp 3) | Dave Dolff |
| Trustee (Comp 1) | Brody Keating |
| Trustee (Comp 1) | Josef Horan |
| Trustee (Comp 2) | Pam Westinghouse |
| Trustee (Comp 2) | |
| Trustee (Comp 3) | Kear Portriss |
| Trustee (Comp 3) | Keith Cherry |
CUPE 4163 employs two staff who take care of the Local’s Labour Relations work as well as its day to day business.
Our Business Manager is Patrick Legay.
Patrick came to CUPE 4163 with several years of experience as an educational worker and CUPE member, serving as Chief Steward on the Executive of his Local, and as Counsel to a Local Union of University Workers in Toronto.
email Patrick: office4163@gmail.com
Our Business Agent is Melissa Pritchard.
Melissa came to CUPE 4163 with several years of experience as Unit President of the United Steelworkers, Local 2009.
email Melissa: office4163@gmail.com
Offices: Technology Enterprise Facility (TEF), Rooms 217 and 219
Phone: Patrick: 250 472-4778 Melissa: 250-853-3863
Please note: We prefer not to be faxed, but if you need to send one, please email us or call us first and we will arrange a number where you can fax us.
CUPE 4163 staff belong to union BC Union Workers’ Union, Local 467.