Peter Charles was a dedicated leader and a champion of workers’ rights. As President for CUPE Local 716 Richmond School Board Workers for over 20 years, Peter’s legacy will live on through the endless care of all workers not only in Richmond but throughout the province of BC.

Peter’s experience in contract language helped develop CUPE Local 716’s collective agreements. Many of the articles he wrote and negotiated into the contract remain in the agreement today. Before we had provincial based bargaining CUPE locals negotiated with their own school districts and Peter’s impact extended far beyond Local 716 as his innovative skills in contract language had been adopted by numerous CUPE Locals across the province of BC.

As past Presidents of Local 716 we were fortunate to be mentored by Peter through his experience, knowledge, leadership and dedication.

Brother Peter Charles was awarded the CUPE Local 716 Lifetime Member Award for his dedication to the Local.

We will deeply miss Peter’s wisdom, passion and humour, but his spirit will live on in our hearts and minds.

Rest in Peace Brother Peter Charles

Today is CUPE Local 716 Support Staff Appreciation Day.

To every member — thank you.

Thank you for your hard work.
Thank you for holding the line when it is heavy, busy and complex.
Thank you for the calm when things are chaotic.
Thank you for the kindness, the micro-support, and the emotional care that keeps students regulated and keeps schools functional.

Public education does not work without you.
Public education literally cannot operate without what CUPE support staff do.

Your work is professional work.
Your work is skilled work.
Your work is essential work.

We see you.
We appreciate you.
We value you.

Happy CUPE 716 Support Staff Appreciation Day.