CUPE National President Mark Hancock opened convention with a rousing call to action: keep rising, keep organizing, and keep making history. In a system rigged against workers and tilted toward corporate profits, Hancock urged members to stay united and fight back.  

From major political wins like federal anti scab legislation, to impactful strikes by Air Canada flight attendants and others, Hancock reminded delegates that progress is possible and CUPE members make it happen. Offering proof that the labour movement is ascendant despite mounting challenges, Hancock celebrated that CUPE now represents over 800,000 members. 

Read on to discover his challenge and promise to all CUPE members.   

CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick brought a clear and inspiring message to convention: in the face of rising threats to workers, CUPE is strong financially, the membership is growing nationally, and members will have the resources needed to take on any fight. 

Backed by a rock-solid $243 million in combined assets across the General, Defence, and Strike Funds, CUPE is investing in organizing drives, permanent staff positions, and strike support like never before. 

These resources have had an immediate meaningful impact, enabling CUPE members to win at the bargaining table and take historic strikes.  

Rennick closed her address with a promise: “We are united. We are courageous. We are on strong financial footing. We are ready. And we are just getting started.”  

Read more about CUPE’s plan to support members and build power.  

In a major milestone, CUPE has officially surpassed 800,000 members nationwide.  

At a time when workers’ rights are under threat, CUPE has made it a strategic priority to ensure more workers have the protection of an active, fighting union. 

That commitment has come with more resources for organizing, and it’s paying off, with CUPE welcoming tens of thousands of new members since our last National Convention—from over 1,500 firefighters across Quebec to 1,200 clerical workers at Trillium Health in Toronto; from 1,200 cabin crew workers at Porter Airlines to CUPE’s very first local in the Yukon made up of 65 Air North crew members.   

Across sectors, CUPE continues to build and grow as Canada’s largest, strongest union. With a million members on the horizon, our power is still rising.  

Beginning Tuesday afternoon, delegates will have an opportunity to debate and discuss Strategic Directions, our union’s priorities and plans for the next two years.  

Solidarity in Uncertain Times: Strategic Directions 2025-2027 sets out our plan to defend public services, fight for better wages and stronger communities, and make gains for our 800,000 members nationwide.  

Look for Strategic Directions in the CUPE Convention 2025 app and join the debate on Tuesday and throughout the week.  

CUPE has awarded Jason Ramsey, from CUPE 4400, the 2025 National Health and Safety Award for his decade-long commitment to improving safety for tens of thousands of education workers. From leading inspections across 600+ sites to shaping a joint health and safety committee representing over 41,000 workers, Jason’s impact is enormous.  

“This is for every member who stood up and refused to accept unsafe conditions,” he declared while accepting the award.  

Read more.   

On Monday night, the Human Rights Forum featured a lively panel discussion exploring the theme The Role of the Union in Supporting Migrant Justice on Colonized Lands.

The panelists discussed interconnections between immigration, war and colonization, highlighting how war and genocide are reasons people migrate or flee from their home countries.  

The panel served as a reminder of the interdependence of people across the world and the shared struggle of all working-class people for autonomy and dignity. CUPE’s international solidarity is grounded in the idea that members’ struggles are directly related to the wider movement against global inequality and injustice. 

Immigration changes could force thousands of workers out of their jobs and out of the country this year. Migrant workers and international students are essential to our communities. They care for our children and elders, staff our hospitals and long-term care homes, and keep public services running.

Add your name to demand real solutions: permanent residency, renewed work permits, and an end to exploitative closed permits. Protecting migrant workers means protecting our schools, our hospitals, our long-term care, and our public services.