Over 60 members from almost 20 CUPE District Councils from across Canada met Monday to continue discussions on developing their capacity and activities. Reports from the Councils covered a range of educational and political action that is being done by these small groups of dedicated members. Members said how it important it was for them to share ideas and reports on what they could do to support CUPE in their provinces.
Delegates discussed what they want to do and what they need to be more effective. A national conference of Councils in April of this year had been effective in setting out many of the challenges they face (a report is on www.cupe.ca) and identifying the resources they need. In response, the NEB is supporting Councils with the clarification of roles and boundaries, an educational program, electronic and print communication tools and increased project funds. Participants also saw some of the information materials that CUPE is producing for the Councils.
Pam Beattie, Executive Assistant to CUPE Secretary-Treasure Claude Genereux spoke about how Councils could get funds to support their various activities. She noted how the NEB has made access to funds easier to encourage Council action.
