Charles Fleury | National Secretary-Treasurer
Like all governments, employers and other organisations, all levels of CUPE will be hit by the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, at the national level, CUPE’s financial situation is still solid and allows us to continue the important work we do for our 700,000 members across the country.
Despite the extreme difficulties we are all facing, CUPE is here to support all chartered organizations and their members during these difficult times. We still offer critical support services such as: servicing, legal, communications, health and safety, worker’s compensation, job evaluation, research, human rights, organizing and education, all provided remotely by our dedicated staff. Our administrative, technical and clerical staff continue their work, making sure the phone lines remain open and mail is monitored.
We are also implementing internal administrative measures to help chartered organizations. We are extending the deadlines for current cost-shared campaigns, and we negotiated extended deadlines for trustees’ reports, so that bonding insurance can continue.
At the same time, CUPE is working on a revised budget to make sure we are fully back on track when this crisis is over. To maintain our revenues stream, we will make sure employers understand that dues deductions must continue as usual. For our union to stay strong, we also need our local financial solidarity more than ever. Therefore, for the benefits of all our members, per capita payments remain mandatory. I know we can count on you because in CUPE, we always have each other’s back.
In closing, I want to thank each and every one of you who continue to take an active role in our union, and those who are on the front lines of the crisis caring for the sick, operating our transportation systems and making sure our public services continue to support our communities.
Solidarity!
