With the holiday season upon us, we’d like to thank CUPE members, activists, and staff for their hard work over the past year. We can take great pride in the work we’ve done in our workplaces, and in our communities, to build a better society for workers, their families, and all people in Canada.

This year we can celebrate the great strides CUPE has made at bargaining tables across the country. We have stood strong on picket lines, and against attacks on the public services Canadians depend on every day. Working together, we have won many gains for CUPE members and all workers.

Looking back at 2016, we can also celebrate the hard fought expansion of the Canada Pension Plan. While the expansion doesn’t go as far as we had hoped, these improvements to the CPP will go a long way to give millions of workers a more dignified retirement. This wouldn’t have happened without the tireless efforts of union leaders, activists and members.

In 2017 we will build on this victory to push for more improvements to our public pensions, and to defend defined benefit pension plans. We will never be silent in the fight against the spread of precarious work, and we will become an even louder voice for equality in our workplaces and communities. We will continue to build CUPE as a force for positive change.

Please enjoy a well-deserved break with friends and loved ones. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.

In Solidarity,

Mark Hancock
National President

Charles Fleury
National Secretary-Treasurer