Dear Sisters and Brothers:
The fall and winter period was a very full one for CUPE activists and staff throughout Canada.
On the bargaining front, members continued to walk the line in British Columbia
(Local 608, Naramata Centre). A new dispute began in British Columbia (Local 2262 - Castlegar, BC). Bargaining is going on in all regions (see section on Collective Bargaining / Strikes / Lockouts for more details).
In early October a total of almost 1,200 members, staff and guests gathered for our first ever National Sector Council Meeting, in Toronto. All of the feedback we have received to date has been positive as delegates focused on sector specific issues related to collective bargaining and other key issues.
Brother Lee Saunders, International President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) fired up our crowd with a strong message in defense of public services and of the importance of solidarity within and outside of our respective unions.
In October, our nation was shocked to see two military personnel murdered for no reason other than they were wearing armed forces uniforms. The deaths of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec and Master Corporal Nathan Cirillo, in Ottawa were marked by a moment of silence in their memory at our December National Executive Board meeting.
In addition to a very tough bargaining climate, legislation in both Nova Scotia and Quebec which affects key sectors in both provinces is receiving our full attention.
Our October 2014 membership report shows we have for the first time hit the 630,000 level as our National Union now represents 630,027 members. Our Union continues
to grow, albeit at slower pace than previous decades.
As another year ends, let me offer my sincere thanks to all activists and staff; together, your efforts combined, making life better for CUPE members.
