CUPE is pleased to offer a range of resources related to job sectors, union activities and activism in the Member Resources section of our website. Here you will find useful information for bargaining committees, locals, financial officers, stewards, and communicators, as well as the Unite for Fairness project.
These resources include materials that can be downloaded directly from the website and ordered online to be delivered to locals.
- Newsletters and publications
- Fact sheets
- Guides and handbooks
- Posters and brochures
We also offer materials and support related to website hosting and newsletters at no charge to CUPE locals.
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Sectors of work
CUPE is Canada’s largest union, with over 800,000 members. It is also a very diverse union in terms of the sectors it represents. Our members work in eleven different sectors. Some sectors have over 150,000 members each, such as health care, education, and municipal services, while others have fewer members. However, our union relies on the strength of all its members, regardless of their sector or type of job. Learn more about each of these sectors and the specific issues facing each one.
Resources for bargaining committees
CUPE offers many tools to support locals during bargaining. They include CUPE National staff representatives, specialist staff support, the Collective Agreement Information System, bargaining-related workshops, regional office support, and materials for bargaining committees.
Resources for locals
CUPE National Representatives are the first line of help for local officers in all matters relating to operations and governance issues in running a local. They offer leadership and guidance for your bargaining team, and facilitate access to the broad range of services available in the union.
The following materials are offered to local officers to help them with the daily operations of their local and to assist them in compliance with respect to the CUPE bylaws and labour regulations.
Resources for financial officers
This section was prepared to help you do your job as a local’s financial officer.
Resources for stewards
Whether you are a new steward or have been doing this work for many years, your role is to watch and listen to what is happening in your workplace. You will do this on behalf of all CUPE members.
In fact often, when CUPE members think of their local union, they think of you and the work you do on our behalf.
The union needs you to represent our members and to protect the rights we have won in the collective agreement. Each clause in the collective agreement comes from negotiations with the employer, and every single clause is important.
Resources for communicators
If you are in charge of communications for your local, these tools are for you. Building a strong union depends on good communication between members, activists and leadership. Websites, newsletters, email, and social media are some of the tools available to local officers and members, as well as activists.
Safer Union Spaces
CUPE is firmly committed to creating union spaces where everyone feels safe and included. Worker power depends on unity. If even one union member is unsafe, we become weaker.
Legal briefs
Are you a member in good standing?
To fully participate in the union, you must be a member in good standing. Being a member in good standing gives you a say in how your union is run. Only members in good standing can attend and vote at union meetings, run for elected union positions, vote in union elections or serve as delegates to union events.
Order materials from CUPE
Publications
Make sure you’re getting the latest news from CUPE. Subscribe to CUPE Today, our daily news bulletin, as well as to publications covering a range of specific topics. As well, we’ll send you urgent action alerts. Subscribe at cupe.ca/subscribe.
CUPE District Councils
CUPE District Councils are groups of CUPE locals from a particular region that work together on common issues. Their work includes community projects, political action at the local level, bargaining support and the promotion of strong public services and other CUPE ideals. Find the district council nearest you.
Our committees and working groups
CUPE’s 18 national committees provide an opportunity for CUPE members to contribute to the work of our union on the many important issues and activities that shape our direction.