Our National Executive Board (NEB) has been meeting regularly, by teleconference and videoconference, since March 2020, in order to monitor and discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our members and our union.

Our regular June meeting was also held by videoconference, from June 16-18, 2020. 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 in our CUPE family. Remembered were: Wade Kidd, Local 4642; Ronaldo David, Local 145; Warlito Valdez, Local 1936; Steve Stone, Local 150; Victoria Salvan, Local 2881; Jean-Guthro Joseph, Local 2199; Roger Desautels, Local 416; Mike Osborne, Local 2745; Steve Howard, Local 626; Mariyan Beile, Local 2199; Normand Fraser, retired staff; Eugene Kostyra, retired staff; Harold Martell, retired staff; Megan Whitfield, Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

Regional Vice-President, Saskatchewan

Following the resignation of Brother Tom Graham in March, chartered bodies in Saskatchewan were invited to nominate candidates to serve the remainder of the term.

Brother Kent Peterson was sworn in as Regional Vice-President representing Saskatchewan on April 8, 2020.

Humanitarian Support

At meeting held April 15, 2020, in consideration of the severe impact the global pandemic was having on families, the NEB made a special contribution of $250,000 to Food Banks Canada, to be distributed to local food banks across the country.

Following significant flooding in Fort McMurray, Alberta, the NEB made a further contribution of $25,000 to Wood Buffalo Food Bank at their meeting on May 13, 2020.

New Managing Director

The NEB ratified the appointment of Cavelle Lane as Managing Director of Human Resources and wished her well in her new role.

Global Justice Fund

The Annual General Meeting of CUPE’s Global Justice Fund was held on June 16, 2020. The meeting approved continuation of ten projects totalling $180,500. These projects are undertaken in partnership with workers and women’s organizations in countries around the world, including Burma, Colombia, Honduras and the Philippines.

Financial Statements

The financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2020 were presented.The impacts of COVID-19 on CUPE finances for that period were minimal, which is understandable given the pandemic only began to affect our workplaces in mid-March. The National Secretary-Treasurer has been closely monitoring revenues and expenditures in the second quarter.

Fiscal Year 2019 Audit

The audit for the 2019 financial year would have normally taken place in April and be presented to the Board at our June meeting. The audit was postponed to the end of June and is being performed remotely by our external auditors.

Financial Support 

The National Executive Board approved eight cost-share campaign requests totaling $573,856.50, and nine requests for legal and arbitration support were approved, totaling $174,130.86.