Creating Racial Justice
The National Executive Board and staff participated in a three-hour workshop intended to raise awareness of CUPE’s “Creating Racial Justice” educational program. Diversity Vice-Presidents Dharam Boodhoo and Leo Cheverie facilitated discussions around the program’s objectives, content and marketing strategies. The NEB committed to future strategic planning discussions to increase diversity at all levels of the Union.Made In Canada Campaign for Jobs
The Canadian manufacturing, forestry and processing industries have lost over 250,000 jobs since 2002, and the losses are continuing at an alarming rate. The NEB resolved to continue CUPE’s support for the Canadian Labour Congress Made in Canada Jobs campaign by communicating with our members and encouraging them to learn and participate in the campaign. We will continue to provide research and organizational support and add our voices to the lobby of the federal government to demand an effective plan to protect Canadian jobs.Support for Aboriginal Day of Action
The Assembly of First Nations has called for a National Day of Action with peaceful protests on June 29th to highlight their demands for clean water, safe communities, and settlement of land claims. The NEB resolution calls for support of the June 29th activities; demands that the government honour past and present agreements and resolve outstanding land claims; and calls on the Parliament of Canada to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and respect that the Declaration establishes the essential standards of rights for Indigenous Peoples.National Women’s Task Force
A report of NWTF activities covering the last four-month period was received and discussed at length by NEB members. The report summarized spring presentations and feedback from the membership, and set out the NWTF final recommendations. The Task Force members will be busy preparing their final two-year report to National Convention.2007 National Convention – October 15-19, Toronto
National Executive Board members received reports on various aspects of convention planning and held a preliminary discussion on the 2007 Strategic Directions policy outline. As well, members endorsed a number of constitutional and general resolutions, some of which address current national social policy issues, events impacting on our communities, as well as key strategic issues, stemming from the NWTF consultations.Financial Matters
The NEB received presentation of the National Trustees’ Report for 2006. In addition, the external auditors presented their 2006 statements for adoption.
Twenty-three cost share proposals, totalling $676,725.85, were approved from the National Defence Fund to assist locals in campaigns to fight privatization, mobilize members, and raise CUPE’s profile in our communities. In addition, the NEB approved 13 General Fund legal and arbitration expenditures, totalling $301,842.88.
Approval was given to purchase and renovate a CUPE office building in Cornwall, Ontario. This will add another significant asset to our union.
CUPE Retired Members
The NEB adopted a resolution to promote and encourage all chartered organizations to establish Retired Members’ Associations. We recognize that retired trade unionists represent an enormous wealth of skills and experience that can continue to effect positive change in our society. The resolution also commits to continuing to coordinate with the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada.International Solidarity Report
The Annual International Solidarity Report provides details of CUPE work on the front line around the world. Through our international activities and affiliations, participation in educational programs and conferences, and through the Global Justice Fund, we continually deepen our connections with workers in other countries. The NEB is committed to increasing local and member participation in the Global Justice Fund. The report has been included in a recent general mailing, and more information can be accessed at www.cupe.ca.CUPE’s District Councils
In April, CUPE hosted the first National District Council conference. A report with recommendations from the conference was adopted by the NEB. The recommendations include providing more education and support for councils to increase their ability to connect with locals and embark on political action and other projects.Post Secondary Snapshot
In our continuing efforts to assess our sector strength, “snapshots - analysis of sectors” are produced. The most recent one is the Post Secondary Snapshot, which provides information on where our more than 53,000 PSE work, and some of the challenges facing our members in this sector. Funding, tuition, and temporary employment are high on the list of issues.Sunrise Ceremony
On June 21st, a number of NEB members attended the Aboriginal Sunrise Ceremony in Ottawa on Victoria Island. It was a beautiful morning and a moving ceremony in celebration of National Aboriginal Day.New Regional Directors
The NEB ratified the appointments of two new Regional Directors – Brother Donn Stanley, BC; and Brother Michel Poirier, Quebec. Welcome!
On behalf of the National Executive Board, we wish you all a safe and fun summer and we look forward to seeing you at the 2007 National Convention in Toronto in October.