“I will do my best each and every day for all our members across this great country. I am so honoured to be your national president,” said Hancock to convention delegates, after being elected. Hancock, who has been president of CUPE’s British Columbia division since 2013, won on the first ballot, defeating Fred Hahn, currently president of CUPE Ontario.
“I congratulate Brother Fred for running such an energetic and exciting campaign. I look forward to working with him and all CUPE members to build our union into an even stronger voice for workers in Canada and around the world,” said Hancock.
Hancock has been a member of CUPE 498, Port Coquitlam Municipal Employees, since 1984. He succeeds Paul Moist, who is retiring after over 40 years as a CUPE member, including 12 years as national president.
“Brother Mark is a dedicated activist and a proven leader, who I have had the pleasure and honour of working with for many years. He is a tireless trade unionist who will be a strong voice for CUPE members and all Canadian workers. I’m confident CUPE and the labour movement will grow even stronger under his leadership,” said Moist.
Hancock will officially take over as national president at the adjournment of CUPE’s national convention on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015.
Charles Fleury was also re-elected by acclamation as national secretary-treasurer.
“I want to thank you for this privilege to serve you for another term,” said Fleury. “I’m sure together we’ll be able to take on all the challenges we face. And I will make sure that we have the financial resources to succeed.”