CUPE National wishes to extend sincere condolences to the people of Haiti, and to our many Haitian-Canadian members who have family and friends in Haiti.
The tragic earthquake in Haiti has touched our organization on many levels. Over the years, CUPE has had a strong connection to the people of Haiti through our Global Justice initiative. On a more personal level, hundreds of CUPE members are part of our country’s Haitian community. This week, many have lost friends and loved ones.
Times like these test the true meaning of solidarity. Already, across the country, CUPE locals have done their union proud by pledging donations to Haiti. The magnitude of this tragedy means those donations must continue. From rescue to aid to restoration, Haiti needs our help.
There are many ways to give to Haiti. CUPE is encouraging its 600,000 members to continue individual donations to the following organizations: The Humanitarian Coalition which is a coalition of Oxfam Canada, Oxfam Quebec, Care Canada and Save the Children, or the Red Cross. All individual donations will be matched by the federal government.
CUPE also urges members to continue fundraising efforts within their locals, and to encourage employers to donate to Haiti. So many of the vital public services our members provide have been decimated in Haiti. CUPE members can play an important role in promoting a sense of solidarity throughout their workplaces.
CUPE National will announce a major donation to Oxfam Quebec’s Haiti relief fund in the coming days. Please watch cupe.ca for updates.
One of the most powerful values the union movement teaches us is the importance of helping one another. As trade unionists, we know that the collective well-being of all is part of our mission. The people of Haiti need our solidarity and our support, and in the truest traditions of our union, we will be there.
Paul Moist
National President
Claude Genereux
National Secretary-Treasurer
