In 1994, CUPE and BC’s Hospital Employees Union (HEU) completed what was described as “the largest merger in Canadian labour history to date” when 39,000 hospital workers voted to become a provincial service division of CUPE. According to CUPE National President Judy Darcy, the merger put CUPE “even more at the forefront of healthcare issues across Canada.” HEU retained its structure and autonomy, while strengthening its ability to advocate for its members by gaining access to CUPE’s specialist services and National Strike Fund.
The Leader, CUPE, Nov-Dec 1994, p.2