CUPE 402 gained 206 new members through a Labour Relations Board (LRB) vote held on Friday, January 25. The vote to join CUPE was successful: fitness professionals will now be members of CUPE 402.

The new members work for the City of Surrey as Group Fitness Instructors (including Aquafit), Personal Trainers, and Wellness Instructors (including Meditation, Pilates, and Yoga).

“We are so pleased to welcome these workers to our local,” said CUPE 402 President Jeannie Kilby. “Their work helps residents from all walks of life maintain and improve their health – benefitting the whole community.”

The work of fitness professionals is highly certified, and instructors must be registered with their professional associations. They help seniors stay in their homes longer, provide social connection for people who may not have a large circle of friends, and help people with injuries heal safely.

CUPE 402 represents more than 3,500 part- and full-time members including workers at the City of White Rock (CUPE 402-01), Surrey Public Library (CUPE 402-02), and Cloverdale Rodeo (CUPE Local 402-03).