(St. John’s) - Labour Day is upon us, and as we bemoan the passing of summer we also have an opportunity to reflect on our working lives and the critically important role we all play in our various jobs and positions in the work world.
While our union strives to make improvements for our members, we also take pride in the role we play to improve the lives of all working people and their families, through the many social justice issues we bring our energy and resources to.
From decent, affordable child care, to increasing the minimum wage and labour standards for those who aren’t fortunate enough to have a union fighting for them, CUPE is on the frontline.
It’s also a good time of year to remind people that unions are not always about strikes and disruption. In fact, 95% of our contracts in CUPE are settled without a strike or a lockout. That is something we are also very proud of and part of what has made us the largest union in Canada with over half a million members.
Because the media tend to focus on conflict and controversy, we often only hear about the strikes and the lockouts giving people a sense that unions in Canada are ‘strike happy’. Nothing could be further from the truth, as this statistic clearly illustrates.
Labour Day is also a time to remember those who have come before us and made the road easier for us all. CUPE members are mourning the loss of our past president, Tom O’leary who died just last month. His family members are in our hearts on this important day.
As president of CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador, I am privileged to be the voice and face of our great union. On behalf of our almost 6,000 members here in NL., let me wish you and yours a safe and happy Labour Day weekend.
For information:
Wayne Lucas
President, CUPE NL.
727-2509 (Cell)
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Rep.
(902) 455-4180 (o)