Our National Executive Board met March 28-30, 2023 in Ottawa. These are the highlights of their deliberations and decisions.
In Memory
The National Executive Board (NEB) observed a minute of silence to reflect upon the loss of members of our CUPE family. Remembered were: Debra Taylor, Local 723; Larry Mintzler, Local 8443; Jennifer Doucette, Local 1630 (workplace fatality); Catherine Flood, Local 1615 (retired); Mary Cummings, Local 1328 (retired); Markos Krissilas, Local 416; Ron O’Brien, Local 416; Keith Taenzer, Local 500; Georges Jacques, Local 500 (retired); Robert (Bob) Crockett, retired staff; Pierrette Lampron, retired staff.
2023 National Convention
We are looking forward to celebrating our 60th anniversary at CUPE’s 31st National Convention, being held October 23-27, 2023 in Québec.
Advance notice for convention will be sent to all chartered organizations on April 26. This package will include information about submitting resolutions and constitutional amendments (which must be received at National Office by July 25); the National Convention and Events Assistance Fund (the deadline for application is June 9); and calls for nomination for various awards (the deadline for nomination is July 25).
The NEB also appointed Judy Henley, Nan McFadgen, and Yolanda McClean to a sub-committee that will review applications to the National Convention Assistance Fund and make recommendations to the Board at its June meeting.
Trial Procedure
Following a request for applications sent to all chartered organizations last fall, the NEB approved the appointment of 68 members from across the country to serve on regional trial panels, in accordance with Appendix F of the National Constitution. Another call for applications will go out to members later this year. We will be looking for members who have a capacity to listen and understand different perspectives, an understanding of human rights, the ability to convey a decision in writing, and are available to do the work of a trial committee.
The current iteration of the Trial Procedure, adopted at our National Convention in 2019, has been in effect since June 2020. CUPE’s legal branch prepared a report on their review of the trial procedure, which provided a quantitative review of complaints received, an assessment of the process, and recommendations for their consideration. The Board provided feedback on the report and its recommendations.
Safe Union Spaces Working Group
The National Executive Board received a report from the working group and voted to proceed with a recommendation to map out the creation of an office for the prevention of sexual harassment and gender-based violence, supporting women and gender diverse members in our union.
Financial Support
The National Executive Board approved 33 cost-share campaign requests totaling $2,329,257.03, eight requests for legal and arbitration support totaling $262,500,
and two requests for legal support through the strike fund to preserve collective bargaining rights in the amount of $350,000.
