We are over 750,000 CUPE members across the country. Our collective action as a union can make a big difference on election day. But to make that difference, we need to get organized and mobilized to support the NDP, the only party that stands with Canadian workers and supports quality public services.
Here is a list of actions you and your local can take to make our voices heard this election. Make a plan to do at least some of them! The more we can engage our members, the more likely we are to elect worker-friendly MPs to help us fight for the country we deserve.
- Encourage your members and other workers to sign up for CUPE Votes. We will distribute other information and resources that will help workers make an informed decision and become politically active.
- Post CUPE’s election material on union boards in the workplace and/or distribute among your members at your local’s events. You can view and download CUPE’s election materials online at cupe.ca/cupe-votes, including posters, stickers, and fact sheets. Need multiple copies of these materials? Please email politicalaction@cupe.ca or reach out to the Political Action Coordinator in your region.
- Use CUPE’s social media kits. Sosha is a tool with various templates CUPE Votes activists can use to make engaging social media posts in your local Facebook pages, on personal social media accounts, and in emails to help engage more CUPE members. Share stories and updates in social media and help increase the visibility of our campaign.
- Register to attend CUPE training on federal election rules and how locals can participate in elections. This training is great if you are new to being involved in politics and want to explore how you can participate as a union member. For more information, please email politicalaction@cupe.ca or reach out to the Political Action Coordinator in your region.
- Organize or attend 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 social space where you can discuss the issues and challenge the anti-worker ideas and policies.
- Invite a political action coordinator from CUPE to speak about the election at your executive and/or membership meeting. Not comfortable talking about 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
- Book a member (or more) off work to have non-partisan conversations with other members in your local about issues that matter to them. Speaking with our members is the best way to get organized and mobilized. This member-to-member outreach, however, should not promote a political party or candidate. To ensure compliance with federal regulations, please email politicalaction@cupe.ca or reach out to the Political Action Coordinator in your region.
- Invite other members to come canvassing with you. CUPE Votes activists are organizing local canvasses to talk about issues and support local NDP candidates in your area. 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. Sign up with CUPE Votes for more information on finding or organizing a canvass event near you!
- 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 elections.ca to find out how to register online or in person at your polling station. Encourage other members to also register. People who are registered are more likely to actually vote.
- Consider volunteering on an NDP local campaign and signing up to get out the vote on election day. There are many ways to help, including by making calls from your own home. Every vote counts.
Questions? Contact your political action coordinator or email us at politicalaction@cupe.ca.
