Wrapping up four days of discussions and deliberations in Vancouver, delegates to the 2024 CUPE BC convention have set the priorities for B.C.’s largest union for the coming year.
The convention passed over 45 resolutions on issues important to B.C. workers including - defending and strengthening public services; fighting for better and safer workplaces; championing social, economic, racial, and environmental justice; renewing commitments to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; organizing workers so they can have the unions they deserve; and using the collective power of the union to better the lives of all workers and better their communities.
But with a provincial election on the horizon, CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta says to advance on these priorities, work for the union must start at the ballot box.
“Our number one priority in the coming year must be the re-election of the David Eby BC NDP government. What government we wake up to the morning after this election is in our hands,” says Ranalletta. “If we do the work, we will see the return of a progressive government, opening the door to countless new victories for working people.”
CUPE National President Mark Hancock pledged national support to help B.C. keep a progressive provincial government.
“I think we all remember how dark things were under the BC Liberals and, we need to remind ourselves never to take what we’ve got for granted,” said Hancock, recounting the 16 years of government by the party now known as BC United. “Folks, a government led by Kevin Falcon would be an all-out attack on working people. We have to do everything in our power this October to prevent that from happening.”
To ensure the union is ready to effectively take on this political action and be responsive to challenges facing workers, CUPE BC Secretary Treasurer Trevor Davies led a forum looking to refine the unions decision making process.
“We know change is necessary to meet the financial realities of a growing and more diverse union, and to better respond to the needs of members,” said Davies, who also reported that CUPE BC is ready financially for any challenge ahead. “Our financial strength lets us send a clear message - we are a strong union, and we are a united union.”
Elections
In the only election at this convention, delegates elected Kyle Clark as a 3-year Trustee to CUPE BC’s Executive Board. Terms for the rest to the Executive Board members continue until next year’s convention, also being held in Vancouver.