We are mourning the loss of Alex (Alexandra) Youngberg, who served as President of CUPE 391 from 2006 to 2013. As the longest-serving president in CUPE 391 history, Alex shared her leadership skills, dedication, generosity, and warm sense of humour with members and the CUPE community as a whole.Alex joined the Vancouver Public Library as a Library Assistant in Outreach Services in 1994. After completing a Library Technician diploma from the University College of the Fraser Valley in 1999, Alex became a Library Technician and later a Supervisor at the Dunbar Branch. Her worked in a number of departments and roles throughout her time at VPL and touched the lives of countless colleagues and friends, who remember her boundless energy and optimism, her love for art and design, and her willingness to always go the extra mile in supporting those around her.
During the 2007 strike, Alex led CUPE 391 members in advocating for pay equity, highlighting how traditionally female library jobs are often lower-paid than traditionally male jobs in the municipal sector. The 88 day strike, the first in CUPE 391 history, brought members together and built public support through creative tactics such as bicycle pickets, author readings, puppet shows, BBQs and chili days, and knitting for solidarity. Alex’s remarkable work as president led to her recognition as a 2008 Mover and Shaker by Library Journal.
Following the strike, Alex continued on as President of CUPE 391 for several more terms before moving on to new union roles at the provincial level as a Trustee for CUPE BC and a member of the CUPE BC Education Committee. She retired from Vancouver Public Library in 2021.
Alex will be deeply missed by friends, family, and everyone at CUPE 391.