About 100 delegates to the 35th CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador annual convention voted May 6 to create a standing committee on global justice.
The CUPE-Oxfam anti-poverty campaign set up its booth as with other division conventions and members signed campaign cards calling for improved public services as the best way to fight poverty.
Delegates also made a toast to public water using the CUPE-Oxfam water bottles on sale during the convention. The division has strongly supported the battle to preserve public water and protect it from privatization.
“We are making strides in raising awareness about global justice issues,” national GJ committee member Jeanne Clarke reported to about 150 delegates and guests. “But there is still much work to be done.”
Clarke’s home local, CUPE 1860 at the NL Housing Corporation, submitted the constitutional amendment.
Members of the previous GJ working committee were Bill Hynd and Debbie Nichol. Delegates will be asked to apply for positions on the new standing committee.