CUPE Women’s Day event a big hit in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
Celebrations for this year’s International Women’s Day, spon.sored by CUPE Metro District Council, honoured women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Guest speaker Melanie Mark, B.C.’s first-ever First Nations woman elected to the Legislature, shared stories of the bullying she has witnessed throughout her life, and called for an end to bullying. “We need to overcome the past because we want to make a difference,” she said.
Participants enjoyed drumming performances and making cedar bracelets. Those in need went home with protein-pack lunches and purses filled with personal care products donated by young workers. The contribution by 22 volunteers from CUPE locals made the luncheon possible for the 140 women who attended the event, organized by women for women.
CUPE member steps up for Saskatchewan elections
Vicki Mowat, 30, is a proud member of CUPE 3287- the University of Saskatchewan Sessional Lecturers. She ran in the recent Saskatchewan provincial election and narrowly lost to the Saskatchewan Party incumbent.
Mowat grew up in a working family that always encouraged her to help other people out as much as possible. I ran for the New Democrats because they are the only party that will stand up for working people,” said Mowat.
Manitoba: Taking action for stronger social services!
From domestic violence contract language to equity for midwives, members in Manitoba have been taking the fight to the streets. Members of CUPE 2348 have had a busy year, mobilizing the community to speak out in support of Winnipeg School Division community liaisons and successfully staving off proposed job cuts.
CUPE 2348 mobilized women’s shelter workers in Steinbach Manitoba to take to the streets, calling on their employer to support contract language that would protect workers who are victims of domestic violence. During this campaign, the provin.cial government announced ground-breaking legislation requiring that all employers must provide paid days off for victims of domestic violence.
The local also teamed up with the Midwives Associa.tion of Manitoba launching an intense campaign to improve compensation and equity for Manitoba’s midwives. This community-driven campaign included early morning info pickets and garnered over 1,500 petition signatures. All this in addition to participating in countless community events such as PRIDE!, the Day of Pink, International Women’s Day, and more!
CUPE 2348’s experiences make it clear that working with the community and taking direct action gets results for the membership, and beyond!
