The 2019 federal election will be a very important election for CUPE members and working families across Canada. Canadians have an opportunity to elect a government that will strengthen our public services and create good-paying jobs for workers. We have an opportunity to elect an NDP government committed to creating universal pharmacare, building more affordable housing, and taking the bold action needed to fight climate change. We have an opportunity to break the pattern of electing Liberal and Conservative governments that attack our pensions, privatize our public resources, and stand in the way of a cleaner economy and environment.
There are 700,000 CUPE members across the country, which means our actions as a union can make a difference on election day. But to make that difference, we need to organize and mobilize our members to get out and support the NDP, the only party that stands with Canadian workers.
You are a leader in our union, and we need your help to make that happen. Please review the list of actions below and make a plan to do at least some of them over the course of the upcoming election campaign. The more we can engage our members in this election, the more likely we are to elect worker-friendly MPs on October 21.
1. Share information with your members about registering to vote
Encourage your members to make sure they’re registered at elections.ca. People who are registered are more likely to actually vote. Sharing this information with our members is an easy non-partisan way you can help.
2. Get to know where CUPE stands on the issues
CUPE has produced a series of fact sheets about the key issues in this election. Read more about where the current government has fallen short and how we can improve the lives of workers across the country at cupe.ca/cupe-votes.
3. Invite someone from CUPE to speak about the election at your Executive and/or Membership meeting
Not comfortable talking politics at your union meeting? Not a problem, we can find someone who is. Just ask your National Rep, or send an email to politicalaction@cupe.ca
4. Post CUPE’s election material on union boards in the workplace and share during your local’s Labour Day events
You can view, download or order CUPE’s election materials online at cupe.ca/cupe-votes, including posters, flags, and fact sheets. Ordering is free (shipping included).
5. Carry the CUPE sign up sheet for campaign volunteers
Getting our members involved in the campaign will help us expand our reach, and elect more worker-friendly MPs. Many members don’t attend membership meetings, so having these forms with you means you can sign members up outside of meetings. You can order these forms on cupe.ca.
6. Register to attend the CUPE “Using our Power at Election Time” workshop in your area
This workshop is great if you are new to being involved in politics and want to explore how you can do that as a union member. Visit https://cupe.ca/mrm-union-education/events to find a workshop in your area.
7. Book a member (or more) off work to talk to your local members about the election
Speaking directly with our members is the most efficient way to get the word out, and it has the bonus of creating a more cohesive and stronger group when we have to stand together in the future.
8. Organize a debate watching party for your local
This is a great social way to start political conversations within your local. Invite your members to a local pub or social space where you can discuss the issues and challenge the anti-worker ideas coming from the other parties.
9. Invite your members to come canvassing with you
You can share with your members that you will be volunteering for your local NDP candidate on a specific night and encourage your members to join you. Canvassing can be intimidating when going alone, but if you go as a group, it’s more fun and you will learn together while doing some of the most important work needed to get worker-friendly MPs elected to office.
10. Go vote!
Plan ahead: confirm you’re registered to vote and that you know where your polling station is. Don’t forget to bring your voter information card and proof of your identity and address. Not registered yet? Visit www.elections.ca to find out how to register online or in person at your polling station. Extra credit: consider volunteering on a local campaign and signing up to get out the vote on election day. Every single vote counts.
Questions? Contact your National Representative or contact our election organizer at politicalaction@cupe.ca.
Produced by CUPE for CUPE members.