CUPE Local 15: Reflections on a Century as a Union
This booklet describes the history of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 15 in Vancouver, BC. The union began as the Vancouver City Hall Employees’ Association (VCHEA) in 1918. Over the decades VCHEA expanded its scope to include support staff from the Vancouver School Board and Police Department.
A significant shift occurred in 1944 with the passing of PC1003, which granted unions recognition but restricted the right to strike during collective agreements, instead implementing grievance and arbitration processes.
While many public sector unions merged to form CUPE in 1963, the VCHEA initially remained independent. As the union became more militant and continued to expand its membership, it changed its name to the Vancouver Municipal and Regional Employees’ Union (VMREU) in 1970.
In 1995 the VMREU officially became CUPE Local 15, gaining stability and protection within the broader labor movement. The union’s name was updated to CUPE Local 15 – Vancouver Municipal, Education and Community Workers, reflecting its expanding membership.
This booklet was written by Joey Hartman in 2018 and published to coincide with the creation of a heritage plaque recognizing the union’s 100th anniversary. The plaque is located in the union’s office located at 545 W. 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC.