Our National Executive Board (NEB) met in Ottawa from December 10-12, 2024. These are the highlights of their deliberations and decisions.
In Memory
The NEB observed a minute of silence to reflect upon the loss of members of our CUPE family. Remembered were: Jean-Eudes Doiron, CUPE 1190; Martha Taylor, CUPE 1416; Sarah Fairbrass, CUPE 374; Danny Scheibli, retired staff; Catherine Bonnar, retired staff; Beverly Drane, retired staff; Bill Lucy, Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); John Horgan, Former Premier, British Columbia; and Murray Sinclair, Senator and Indigenous Judge of the Manitoba Provincial Court.
New Regional Vice-President
Following the resignation of Trevor Davies, and in keeping with the National Constitution, Tony Rebelo was duly elected in as the new Regional Vice-President representing British Columbia.
National Disaster Relief Fund
The NEB approved a motion to use $55,000 from its recently reestablished National Disaster Relief Fund to support CUPE Local 1458 (Municipality of Jasper) members who were evacuated in July due to wildfires and suffered great losses. Additionally, $25,000 will be allocated to the Jasper Community Teams Society, a volunteer organization in Jasper that has been assisting the community in rebuilding. Finally, $20,000 will be allocated to the Red Cross, which also played a key role in providing vital assistance during this crisis.
Humanitarian Support
The NEB approved special contributions of $50,000 to the Palestine Red Crescent Society and $50,000 to the Lebanese Red Cross in support of their humanitarian and relief efforts in the impacted communities.
2025 Budget
Over the past year, CUPE has remained in a strong financial position due to collective commitment and hard work, particularly in securing fair wage increases. The 2025 budget builds on last year’s milestone budget, which made significant investments in services and staff supporting CUPE members. As members’ militancy grows in response to high inflation and government austerity, CUPE is making strategic investments in programming and staffing to support bargaining efforts and advocate for strong public services. This historic and progressive budget, approved by the National Executive Board, allocates additional staff across all regions and invests millions to enhance programs directly aimed at supporting CUPE members and locals.
The 2025 budget includes the creation of 73 new positions to provide more direct support to locals, alongside significant resources for CUPE’s organizing efforts. To ensure effective and creative campaigns, the cost-shared campaign budget will also be increased. Additionally, funds have been allocated for a leadership development program and an initiative to strengthen bargaining power. These initiatives are designed to enhance the internal capacity of locals, support the growth of bargaining councils, and bolster coordinated bargaining efforts.
2025 National Convention
CUPE will hold its 32nd National Convention in Toronto from October 6-10, 2025.
Locals, councils, and divisions are, as always, encouraged to send delegates to convention. Advance notice will be sent to all chartered organizations by April 10, 2025, and locals will have until July 8, 2025 to submit resolutions and constitutional amendments.
The NEB appointed former National President Judy Darcy as Electoral Officer for convention, and in accordance with the National Constitution has set the convention registration fee at $250.
Financial Support
The NEB approved 47 cost-share campaign requests totaling $3,594,437.86, seven requests for legal and arbitration support totaling $297,000.00, and three requests for legal support through the strike fund, to preserve collective bargaining rights in the amount of $340,000.00.
