CUPE has a proud history of championing equality - within our union, our workplaces and our communities. Through the equality history project, we’ve now traced our role in key human rights struggles over the years, in Canada and internationally.

This digital timeline describes more than 200 events since our inception in 1963. The stories cover all five CUPE equality-seeking groups: women, LGBTTI, racialized and Aboriginal members and members with disabilities. They touch on bargaining, political action, organizing, education and other areas of activism. Examples of our global solidarity work are woven throughout.

In documenting this history, we aim to:

  • Learn about CUPE breakthroughs and activism on human rights.
  • Remember and honour equality activists who came before us.

  • Be inspired to make history.

We will use the timeline for staff and member orientation, starting with national committees, and in human rights, labour history and other workshops. Knowing what and how we’ve won will also inform our strategy for making further headway on equality.