In Memory

The National Executive Board (NEB) observed a minute of silence to reflect upon the loss of members in our CUPE family. Remembered were: Brother Xiaochun Luo, Local 500, workplace fatality; Sister Renuka Amarasinghe, Local 4400; Brother Simon Cudworth, Local 1858; Sister Stacey Laidlaw, Local 873; Brother Ray Arsenault, retired staff; Brother George Wilson, retired staff; Brother Denzil D’Souza, retired staff.

Canadian Labour Congress

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has undertaken a review of their constitution. The NEB spent time reviewing the terms of reference, the consultation documents, and the constitution itself. In preparation for CUPE’s submission, the Board asked for information on the level of CUPE affiliation and participation in Labour Councils and Federations of Labour across the country. Watch for a local union survey soon.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh

The NEB welcomed Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s NDP, on June 12, for a discussion about the federal political landscape and the work being done by the NDP caucus and the Party in the lead up to next year’s federal election. Among the topics discussed: the importance of public services and public infrastructure; the need to protect and expand our public health care system; and the fight for fair and equitable taxation.

New Managing Directors

The NEB ratified the appointment of Daria Ivanochko as Managing Director of Organizing and Regional Services and Robert Lamoureux as Managing Director of National Services and wished them both well in their new roles.

Humanitarian Support

The NEB approved a special contribution of $20,000 to six New Brunswick organizations providing direct support to the communities most devastated by the spring floods: Good Samaritan Food Bank; Chipman Community Centre; Greener Village Community Food Centre; Oromocto Food Bank; Hampton Food Basket & Clothing Centre; and River Valley Food Bank.

A special contribution of $20,000 was also made to the Boundary Community Food Bank in Grand Forks, to support communities most impacted by spring flooding in the southern interior of BC.

Financial Support

The National Executive Board approved 29 cost-share campaign requests totaling $1,638,724.03 and 14 requests for legal and arbitration support, totaling $650,937.85.

2017 Audited Financial Statements

Deloitte, our external auditing firm, presented the 2017 audited financial statements for our General Fund, our National Strike Fund and our National Defence Fund.

CUPE Global Justice Fund

The annual general meeting of the CUPE Global Justice Fund was held in conjunction with the NEB. The meeting approved funding for twelve projects totalling $162,000.