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

This digital timeline describes nearly 275 events since CUPE was founded in 1963. The stories touch on bargaining, political action, organizing, education and other areas of activism.

In documenting this history, we aim to:

  • Learn about CUPE breakthroughs and activism on human rights.
  • Remember and honour equity activists who came before us.
  • Be inspired to continue making history.

This timeline can be used in orientations, workshops and presentation. Knowing what, and how, we’ve won helps guide us as we move forward and keep breaking barriers!