CUPE BC’s 49th annual convention drew to a close today (April 28), with more than 500 delegates adopting a renewed Action Plan that will see the union focus on key strategic priorities in the year leading to the next provincial election and beyond.
Delegates to the four-day convention debated a wide range of issues and resolutions and heard from guest speakers like CUPE National President Paul Moist, Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury and BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix.
“The theme of our convention this year was “Working to Make Communities Work,” a recognition of the fact that CUPE members don’t just work for their communities, they live there,” said CUPE BC President Barry O’Neill. “CUPE members are integral parts of towns and cities across the province, serving as volunteers, supporting the local economy and helping make our communities stronger and more sustainable.”
Delegates also heard from Francisca Castro, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers in the Philippines, who spoke to delegates about the dangers trade unionists face in that country.
On Thursday, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Youth Ambassador Jake Kaese talked to delegates about his personal struggle with the disease and thanked CUPE BC for supporting the JDRF.
IBEW Local 258 President Michelle Laurie brought greetings and committed to work with CUPE BC on common issues like privatization, natural resources and economic development.
Next year’s CUPE BC convention will be held in Victoria for the second consecutive year.