CUPE mourns the passing of Geraldine McGuire, a trailblazing union leader, fierce defender of public services and former CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer.
Geraldine served as CUPE’s National Secretary-Treasurer from 1991 until her retirement in 2001. A former president and lifetime honorary member of CUPE BC, she brought conviction, courage and her trademark fire and wit to every role she held within our union.
Geraldine’s feisty spirit, together with the attacks on workers’ rights unleashed by then-British Columbia premier Bill Bennett, inspired her to become active in CUPE 951 at the University of Victoria. The experience taught her that even a strong collective agreement could be taken away through legislation if workers were not prepared to fight to defend their rights.
As Secretary-Treasurer, one of Geraldine’s most enduring contributions was her work to rebuild and strengthen CUPE’s National Defence Fund. At a time when CUPE was confronting more strikes involving larger locals and longer disputes, Geraldine championed a dedicated fund that would give members the confidence and support to remain on the picket line.
“No member need ever worry whether the union’s there for them when they’re walking the line,” she said at the time. Her goal was to make sure “the only ones under pressure are the employers.”
Geraldine’s vision of a stronger union also meant building a more inclusive union. She was proud of the fight to establish diversity seats on CUPE’s National Executive Board and the campaign to secure same-sex pension benefits. These achievements helped more members see themselves represented and their rights reflected within their union.
When asked at the time of her retirement how she hoped to be remembered, she answered simply: “With integrity.”
Geraldine’s contributions to equality, financial stability, strike support and the defence of public services continue to shape CUPE today.
We extend our deepest condolences to Geraldine’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many CUPE members, activists and staff whose lives she touched.
Rest in power, Geraldine.