Our National Executive Board (NEB) met December 13 – 15, 2022 in Ottawa, with some members joining virtually. These are the highlights of their deliberations and decisions.
In Memory
The Board observed a minute of silence to reflect upon the loss of members of our CUPE family. Remembered were: Karyle Wehowsky, Local 1285; Kenneth Burr, Local 998; Maria (Espie) Mallare, Local 8; Stephanie MacHart, Local 5555; Jacques (Jack) Samyn, former CUPE Manitoba President; Terry O’Connor, former CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer; Selena Lashley, retired staff; Nancy McNeil, retired staff.
2023 Budget
The 2023 budget, adopted unanimously by the Board, incorporates the 2023 priorities identified in the extensive consultations held across the country by National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick with NEB members from each region, as well as with the regional and National Office senior staff.
The total new projected per capita revenue growth for 2023 is $15.4 million compared to the 2022 budget.
The cost to incorporate the necessary expenditure assumptions into the 2023 budget is $10.4 million, leaving just under $ 6 million of the new revenue available to spend on 2023 staffing priorities.
This budget proposal contains a record total of 31 new positions of which 23 are new permanent positions, three are existing temporary positions that are being made permanent and four are new temporary positions. In addition, one existing temporary position is being extended into 2023.
Provincial divisions in Newfoundland & Labrador, PEI, NS, NB, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta will also see an increase in funding of $25,000 in 2023, as a commitment to support these smaller regions in their important work.
2023 National Convention
CUPE will hold its 31st National Convention in Quebec City from October 23 – 27, 2023, where we will celebrate our 60th anniversary as a national union.
Locals, council, and divisions are, as always, encouraged to send delegates to convention. Advance notice for convention will be sent to all chartered organizations by April 26, 2023, and resolutions and constitutional amendments must be submitted by July 25.
The Board appointed former National President Judy Darcy as Electoral Officer for convention, and in accordance with the Constitution has set the convention registration fee at $235.
Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
The NEB was joined by CLC President Bea Bruske and CLC Secretary-Treasurer Lily Chang, who provided an update in the work of the Congress since the 2021 convention.
The 2023 CLC convention will take place in Montreal from May 8 – 12, 2023, and we encourage CUPE locals to participate.
The Board has endorsed the incumbent CLC officers seeking re-election at convention: Bea Bruske as President; Lily Chang as Secretary-Treasurer; and Siobhan Vipond and Larry Rousseau as Executive Vice-Presidents.
Financial Support
The National Executive Board approved 30 cost-share campaign requests totaling $1,501,794.74, two requests for legal and arbitration support, totaling $68,000 and 1 request for legal support through the strike fund to preserve collective bargaining rights in the amount of $50,000.
