WINNIPEG – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is donating $250,000 to the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The donation was announced today by CUPE National President Paul Moist.
“We believe that recognizing the importance of human rights, through an institution of this stature, will help protect the rights we have and promote the rights we must extend to all citizens of Canada and of the world,” said Moist.
“The protection and promotion of human rights has been a hallmark of CUPE’s social activism and collective agreement negotiations for our 46 year history. As union activists, we believe labour rights are synonymous with human rights.”
Gail Asper, National Campaign Chair for Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, accepted the donation.
“Some 90 years ago, Canada stood transfixed when union and non union workers came together because of their discontent over inflation, unemployment and a belief that challenged their rights as workers,” noted Asper.
“What started as a disagreement between metal workers and their employers became the infamous Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 that saw the voices of many raise to stand up for what they believed. This generous gift will help the Canadian Museum for Human Rights tell stories just like this one.”
-30-
For information, contact:
CUPE National Media Relations: (613) 852-1494
Dennis Lewycky, CUPE Communications: (204) 942-0343