CUPE National President Paul Moist says CUPE members are the organization’s greatest strength. And as employers look to balance post-recession deficits, Moist says all workers must be ready to fight concessions from employers.
“Workers didn’t cause the recession, but they’re paying the price,” says Moist. “Even in times of recovery, we will see rollbacks demanded from workers.”
“This is a pivotal moment, not only for CUPE, but for the labour movement as a whole. We must collectively decide that we will not march backward. We will get through this recession, and we will have a plan for the future. Sixty per cent of Canadians have no workplace pension. Across the country, part-time jobs are replacing full-time jobs. Contracting out is rampant. And we have a long way to go before we achieve full equality in the workplace.
“Our work is cut out for us. Luckily, we’re up for the challenge. In our union are some of the most committed activists I have ever seen. When we are united, we are an unstoppable force.”