I joined the Executive Committee of CUPE Local 2278 in the fall of 2007 during the first year of my PhD studies. My motivation for becoming actively involved with the Union was academic as well as personal. Academically, I have been intrigued by the interplay between public policy and economic development since my undergraduate studies. In particular, I am drawn to understanding how decisions surrounding the allocation of public funds shape the experiences of workers in selling their labour power. The degree to which funding goes to support public education shapes the working conditions of public sector workers (such as Local 2278 members). I therefore believed that in examining the relationship between CUPE Local 2278 and the University it would be possible to examine the priorities being set both by employers and varying levels of government, as experienced through the working conditions of UBC’s Teaching Assistants. My active involvement with 2278 has given me with a wealth of first-hand insight into the tensions involved in these processes.

Beyond my academic interest in how public policy organizes the experiences of workers in selling their labour power, I am a firm supporter of quality, accessible post-secondary education. At a time when the current prevailing model of economic development in Western countries is characterized by a regression in reproducing future labour forces, it is paramount that public funds be redirected to support public education. This in turn will support the future economic wellbeing of our labour markets. Because of this, I am proud to serve on the Executive of CUPE Local 2278 as I consider it an honour to advocate for the future well being of British Columbia.