In a time of unprecedented uncertainty – where workers’ rights are under threat from conservative politicians and corporate interests – the hard-won gains of the past century are at risk. A new generation of workers is stepping into this struggle, navigating harsh economic realities and social pressures while juggling their personal and professional lives.
Determined to tackle these challenges, five young CUPE members share their perspectives on why young workers across the country should get involved and how union activism can be an empowering force. Their insights come as CUPE hosts its first-ever National Young Workers Conference, bringing together future leaders and emerging activists to mobilize, organize, share ideas, and build on their skills and talents. The conference featured workshops and discussions focused on connecting new and veteran activists, strengthening union skills to build stronger, more dynamic and resilient locals, and amplifying young workers’ voices.
Meet the young workers
Mikayla Gallant (29) works as a cook in a health care facility in Prince Edward Island. She is the young workers’ representative with CUPE 805.
Alyssa McGree (27) is an education support worker with CUPE 2486 in Ontario. She grew up in a union household, introduced to union activism by her parents at an early age.
Trevor Carson (30) is a care attendant in a small-town long-term care facility in Newfoundland. He first got involved with CUPE 4935 at age 25.
Maxime Leroux (28) is a bus operator in Sherbrooke, Quebec. He took an active role in CUPE 3434’s fight against municipal transit privatization efforts.
Brittany Aube (31) works in child care in Manitoba. She is the president of CUPE 3060 and advocates for greater recognition of child care workers.
Why should young workers get involved with the union?
Mikayla:
“As young people, we need to learn how to navigate union procedures and build the foundational union skills that will allow us to take on leadership roles later.”
Maxime:
“It’s about our future. We want to help shape it and leave a strong legacy. What’s important is that we’re always stronger when we stand together.”
Alyssa:
“When our local was ramping up to go on strike in 2021, I got involved because I was curious about the work they were doing. That curiosity turned into action when I realized how much the human resources program I took in school overlapped with union activism. It’s crucial for young workers to know their rights – like the right to refuse unsafe work – and to be familiar with their collective agreements. By getting involved early, we can learn from experienced activists and help keep the labour movement strong as more people retire.”
Trevor:
“Workers’ rights are only possible because we have a union. It’s so important to start getting involved as early as we can.”
Brittany:
“Young workers are the future of our workplaces and our union. Our issues today are drastically different from those the older generations once faced. By getting involved, we can feel empowered to make real change. We’re often underrepresented in union roles, events and committees, so we must assert our voices and gain a better understanding of what the union is.”
What challenges are young workers facing?
Alyssa:“There is so much uncertainty for our future with the rising costs of housing, food, and other basics. Violence in the workplace is common, and casual, low-wage work without benefits makes it worse. Conservative governments, like Doug Ford’s, have cut indexing for pensions and threatened more cuts. Those policies hurt young workers most because we’re just starting out.”
Trevor:
“We’re facing both external and internal challenges. Understaffing pushes many young workers away and hurts retention. The cost of living is too high. Working parents can’t find affordable child care. In Newfoundland, there’s also a feeling of isolation on the west side of the island – we need more accessibility for rural union members to get engaged.”
Brittany:
“In child care, many young workers juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet. For those with children, living paycheque to paycheque is especially hard because there is no way to get ahead. It leads to social pressure and a sense of failure compared to previous generations. We experience financial distress and severe mental health challenges. I’m almost 32 and have worked three jobs (one full-time, two part-time) consistently for 10 years. I have gone through bankruptcy, I live with my mom, and I can’t fathom how I’d afford having a family. When my mom was 32, she owned a house and had two kids already. There has been a huge shift, the economy just doesn’t set us up to reach the same milestones.”
Mikayla:
“P.E.I.’s older population is retiring in large numbers since the pandemic, leaving workplaces understaffed and undertrained. Worse, young workers are offered financial incentives to stay casual, but then lose pensions, vacations, and health benefits. Here, too, the cost of living is so outrageous that many people can’t afford to move out of their parents’ home and desperately need that extra income. Plus, the vast majority of CUPE members on P.E.I. don’t have the right to strike, so it’s hard to deal with a government that refuses to bargain. It’s tough to convince front-line workers in many of our essential services to get involved if they feel they have no power – especially with constant privatization looming.”
Maxime:
“Privatization is a huge issue. In Sherbrooke, half of public transport is privatized, with lower salaries, pensions, and benefits. The private sector puts pressure on our good union jobs and public service funding. The city claims fair wages make public transit too expensive, then cuts the transportation budget, pushing more cars onto the road instead of protecting the environment. Young workers really care about our planet. How can we protect it if governments won’t help us?”
How can our union help young workers become activists?
Trevor:“It can be tricky to engage young workers. Having CUPE create spaces specifically for us helps us feel included. We need more workshops dedicated to young workers and basic union education at the local level. We also have to close the gap between newer and veteran activists so they can learn from each other.”
Maxime:
“It’s important for us to see the union’s concrete actions on the ground. Funding strikes and showing young workers how the union supports us builds engagement. I’m militant because I see firsthand how employers and governments try to keep us down, and how we’ve been fighting back. Visibility and transparency really matter.”
Mikayla:
“Having a young workers’ representative is a great first step for locals, but many of us have precarious jobs and irregular schedules, so we often don’t get paid for union work. Our union should find ways to nurture young workers – providing financial support and flexibility so we can actually participate. Clear communication and patience will also help new activists feel welcome.”
Alyssa:
“Providing safe, inclusive spaces for young workers to learn is essential, and so is creating opportunities for us to get more involved. If we’re showing interest, give us a task. At my local, we’re trying to create a young workers’ committee so we can support each other. Hosting social events geared to younger members can also spark interest.”
Brittany:
“We must reach out to, and find common interests with, all CUPE members, especially younger ones who feel restricted or excluded. Economic realities have changed – many of us spend years in school, switch careers to find the right fit, or take time to get established in our workplaces – before we feel ready to engage with our union. That’s why we need to recognize that “young worker” issues can easily extend beyond the “30 and under” demographic. Updating our constitution and structure could also ensure we have a say.”
If you could give the next generation of young workers one piece of advice, what would it be?
Brittany:
“Pay attention to what stirs strong emotions, like anger, sadness, or empathy. Those are signs of what you’re truly passionate about, so turn them into positive action. Step outside your comfort zone and be a voice for those who can’t speak up. You’ll change your mind a million times, so don’t worry about inexperience – the only way to gain experience is through new ideas, dreams, and goals.”
Mikayla:
“When we look around, it can feel like things are getting worse. It’s hard to stay hopeful and take action, but it isn’t hopeless. Getting involved can actually be a lot of fun. Being loud and making good trouble is empowering.”
Trevor:
“Go to your general meetings. In twenty minutes, you’ll see there’s so much you can learn. And read your collective agreement!”
Maxime:
“Don’t be scared to dive in. Do what you think is best. No one is going to fight for your rights if you don’t fight for them yourself.”
Alyssa:
“I found my voice by getting involved in my union. I used to be shy, but stepping up broke me out of my shell. Even if it’s scary, there are plenty of educational opportunities and support to help you grow and empower you to take up the space you deserve.”
