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The Strategic Directions policy paper adopted on Oct. 20 added a significant new element to this national convention – a renewed push for global solidarity work.

Delegates debated the third and final section of the policy document on Oct. 19 and made several suggestions. Their comments, and those from CUPE’s global justice committee members, will strengthen our efforts in this regard.

This is the first time in recent memory that a major policy document has focused so clearly on CUPE’s international intentions and goals for its international program. Some of the points in the document are already being implemented, but the process of debate and acceptance of the document will give a boost to international solidarity and global justice work.

The emergency resolution supporting the democracy protesters in Burma and a second one on the threats to trade unionists in Colombia (submitted to the NEB too late to make it to the floor) are also a credit to CUPE’s willingness to act decisively and compassionately when it comes to immediate international needs.

The national global justice committee report on the Thursday was accepted and well applauded by delegates followed by lively floor debate on the associated resolutions.

Those resolutions covered several areas of concern. As listed in the resolutions book, they dealt with the Americanization of Canada, fair trade, AIDS/HIV, immigration, international solidarity, peace, trade agreements and water.