Bernice O’Neill Interview: CUPE BCs First Woman President
Bernice Kirk began her union career at the Coquitlam School Board, and became the Secretary-Treasurer and President of CUPE BC, as well as a Vice President of the National CUPE Board.
This interview was conducted by Ken Novakowski and Blair Redlin on September 20, 2017 in Burnaby, BC. It is part of our Oral History Collection.
Bernice Kirk began her union career at the Coquitlam School Board, and became the Secretary-Treasurer and President of CUPE BC, as well as a Vice President of the National CUPE Board. She was a leader in the fight for pay equity for women workers and worked full-time for the union for 20 years. “It was a big part of my life, but I really liked what I was doing. I liked helping people. I appreciated the work that everyone did.” Bernice Kirk passed away on May 5, 2022.