Claude Généreux will not be seeking re-election to another term as national secretary-treasurer for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) at the national convention this fall. Généreux announced his decision today while giving his report to the CUPE Saskatchewan division convention in Regina, SK.
“Our finances are in good shape. I believe we never had this level of material resources at our disposal to support and assist our members,” said Généreux. “Our unity within CUPE is also at a high level. Those two ingredients are absolutely necessary for the times we’re facing so that workers have a fighting chance not to fall backwards collectively.”
“It is on that proud note that I have decided this is a good time for me not to overstay my welcome,” Généreux told convention delegates. “You will have given me a good run for ten years by the time we get to national convention. I am very proud that once elected, I have never been challenged.”
Généreux first became a member of CUPE Local 313 in 1980 when he was hired by a psychiatric hospital in Montréal. He was elected president of CUPE Québec in 1993, where he served until being first elected national secretary-treasurer in the fall of 2001.
“Brother Claude has done a remarkable job for the members of CUPE, and has helped make our union stronger than ever,” said Paul Moist, national president of CUPE. “It has been a pleasure working with him over the years, and I sincerely thank him for his years of service and friendship. He will be missed.”
Généreux closed his remarks by saying, “I am also very proud of the work I have been able to do with Paul and all of the National Executive Board to move the organization in a good direction. Thank you for that honour.”