Preparations for CUPE BC’s annual convention, the first to be held in-person since 2019, are well underway. With over 500 delegates registered, this year’s convention is already one of the largest in CUPE BC’s 60+ year history.
Convention 2022, which opens Wednesday afternoon at the Victoria Conference Centre, will feature a range of speakers, reports, resolutions, video greetings, and discussions. Highlighting this list are keynote addresses by Premier John Horgan and author Desmond Cole, whose award-winning book The Skin We’re In describes the struggle against racism in Canada.
“I am beyond excited to welcome our CUPE BC family back to the first in-person convention in three years”, said CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta. “Our lineup of amazing speakers and thoughtful resolutions will challenge us to strengthen our communities and our union as we set a course for the coming year.”
More than 70 resolutions were served to Convention 2022 by CUPE BC committees, district councils and locals. Though diverse in topic, a number address occupational health and safety issues, which are highly relevant in the wake of tragic workplace accidents seen in recent years, and the ongoing devastating effects of the pandemic on workplace mental health.
“Convention is foundational to our union democracy, and it is one of the most exciting and important things we do each year”, said CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies. “The decisions we make at convention ensure the voice and experiences of members are represented in the work we do every day.”
Delegates are invited to view the convention agenda and related documents at www.cupe.bc.ca prior to convention. Once on site, delegates will be provided with printed documents plus access to an online event space accessible from mobile devices. Questions that cannot be answered by a review of the online materials can be directed to events@cupe.bc.ca.