Mobilizing CUPE women by putting in place local union women’s committees is a way for us to work to raise our wages, gain workplace equality and promote union activism. It’s a way to strengthen the connection of CUPE women to the union - and that means building a stronger CUPE to fight for all our members’ rights.
Women’s committees are a good way for the women in your local to identify the unique problems of women workers. Through such a committee, women can carve out some space to share their experiences, support each other in their activism, and plan for mobilizing on equality issues and other union priorities.
Providing a vehicle for women to organize among themselves helps the entire union. Union women have worked with supportive members and leaders to push many issues forward that once weren’t considered conventional workplace concerns. Issue such as child care, pay equity, employment equity, harassment and spousal leave. Gains made in all these areas have benefited men as well as women.
Women’s committees provide a way for CUPE women to:
- Build women’s power and make sure CUPE women’s voices are heard in our locals and at the bargaining table.
- Work with each other in ways that are inclusive and sharing.
- Develop stronger ties to each other.
- Learn about the union and union activism in a comfortable environment.
- Raise awareness and build support for the fight for equality.
- Find ways to integrate women’s issues into the local’s daily priorities and bargaining agenda.
- Develop women leaders and activists to work with our brothers and support the union in all its struggles.
Want to start a women’s committee? Download the pdf below.
