After listening to speakers pro and con speak passionately of their commitment to a strong, national union, convention delegates decided against a per capita increase to .9%.
While a majority of delegates supported the resolution, support fell short of the two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution. With a vote of 1194 to 718, 62.4% of delegates supported the increase.
Delegates speaking in favour of .9 stressed the importance of a financially-secure CUPE if we are to fight back against governments and employers determined to slash our wages and contract out our jobs. Delegates from several small locals told how the national union had supported their struggles with special funding and staff. Others stressed the key role funding from the National Defense Fund has played in averting strikes and supporting major fightback campaigns.
But those opposing .9 underlined that they too support a vigorous and activist national union. At the same time, they reminded delegates that many of their members have not seen wage increases in years and expressed concern that more could be done to reduce spending at the national level. Delegates referred the matter back to the Constitution Committee for further consideration.