CUPE members in B.C. need to stay on the offensive in bargaining and political fights as government austerity threatens critical public services. That was the message from CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick to CUPE BC convention delegates.
Rennick praised bargaining committees, local leaders and members in B.C. for pushing hard at bargaining tables across the province and making much deserved gains for public sector workers.
“Because of your strength and your mobilization, you have deals in most of the health and community social service sectors, and a provincial framework agreement in the K-12 sector,” said Rennick. “I know that you still have some bargaining left to do, but your efforts have already made a difference, and they’ve made our union stronger.”
With mounting economic pressures and a deteriorating relationship with the U.S., Rennick says our union’s work to protect public services in B.C. and across Canada is more important than ever.
“Public services shape the conditions that make Canada strong, productive, and prepared. They are a strategic asset – creating good jobs, supporting communities, providing critical infrastructure, health, and education, and ensuring people in Canada can thrive every day. And that’s why we must step up to protect them,” said Rennick.
Rallying delegates to the defence of public services, Rennick assured them they could count on the national union to have their backs.
“In all your bargaining work, and fight back work, in your activism and organizing, I am here to tell you today—you will continue to have the full, unwavering support of our entire union,” said Rennick, who has served as National Secretary-Treasurer since 2021.
“We must fight to strengthen public services, because investing in health care,
education, and social programs is the most effective weapon we have against the forces that threaten workers’ security and rights,” said Rennick. “There is so much at stake and there is a lot to lose – but there is even more to win. And we can win.”