National Secretary-Treasurer's Reports

Since Trump returned to power last year and began openly threatening the economic stability and sovereignty of many countries – including directing open hostility toward Canada – the federal government has failed to clearly articulate a strategy to defend our economy and sovereignty. That failure becomes most visible not in speeches, but in fiscal choices. And what we learned from Mark Carney’s first budget is not just what the government plans to spend, it’s also what it’s willing to sacrifice.

This report comes just a few weeks after our national convention, and I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt thanks to all CUPE delegates and members across the country for their continued support. It is an incredible honour and privilege to represent CUPE’s 800,000 members. As I begin my third mandate as your National Secretary-Treasurer, I do so with renewed energy and determination to continue supporting the members of this great union, because we are worth everything we are fighting for, and so much more.

With our convention coming up next month, we mark the close of another two-year cycle – and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve achieved together. During this time, our members have launched an unprecedented number of campaigns and made historic gains at the bargaining table. We’ve broken mandates, defied expectations, defeated some of the most regressive conservative governments in the country, and we’ve grown Canada’s largest union to over three-quarters of a million members.

Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends:

This winter has been marked by unusually cold temperatures across much of the country, but CUPE members have managed to heat things up with their determined actions in several regions. In some areas, these bold demonstrations of solidarity and strike action have been a rare occurrence, as some regions have not seen this level of militancy and worker mobilization in over two decades. Their efforts have sparked renewed energy and commitment to advancing workers’ rights.

It’s already that time of year when we discuss how to allocate funds for the upcoming year to maximize our impact in CUPE-represented workplaces and communities across the country, as well as with our partners and allies around the world. I’m excited to bring forward a budget that will leverage the successes of 2024 and lay the groundwork for a strong and impactful year ahead.

Over the summer, our union was busy focussing on internal development, strategic planning and ensuring that locals and members are well-supported and prepared for the many challenges ahead. Some of our leaders and members are gearing up for a season of heightened activities with strategic rounds of bargaining and campaigning that will be extremely consequential. As always, CUPE will be there to assist and support you in every way possible.

The last few months have been filled with opportunities to meet with leaders, members, and activists from across the country at regional conventions. CUPE is now 750,000 members strong, and I am incredibly honoured to have the privilege to represent these hard-working members on the national stage.

The last year ended on a high note with the presentation and adoption of CUPE’s historic 2024 budget, and I want to recognize the courage of the members of the National Executive Board who unanimously supported this progressive plan for our organization. I had the privilege to present the highlights of our budget to CUPE staff across the country in the first weeks of the year, and it was met with gratitude to the NEB for recognizing and acting on this need for both members and staff. The staff commitment to fight with our members for better working conditions and a more just society leaves me with no doubt that the new resources will be put to good and immediate use for CUPE’s and our members’ continued benefits.

I want to start this report by recognizing you for the trust and support you have shown to me and for re-electing me at our recent national convention. I am incredibly honoured that I have the opportunity to continue to serve as National Secretary-Treasurer and look forward to another two years of continued member mobilization and great achievements for the labour movement in Canada and abroad.

Excitement is building up in anticipation of our 31st National Convention in October. The last quarter has therefore largely been focused on preparing to welcome CUPE delegates to beautiful Quebec City on October 23 to 27. As this will be our first in-person convention since 2019, we are preparing for a dynamic event that will showcase the incredible work that has been done over the last two years, gather delegates’ inputs in developing our orientations for the next two years, and celebrate CUPE’s 60th anniversary.

The second quarter of 2023 has been as busy as it always is with spring Division conventions. This year, with our first full round of in-person conventions since 2019, it has been wonderful to see members in person again, and to hear first-hand about all the amazing work happening in your regions. There are so many creative campaigns and efforts underway in your regions.

The first quarter of 2023 has been incredibly busy, with our first round of in-person staff meetings since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the start of division conventions. It has been wonderful to continue seeing members and staff in person for the first time after nearly three years of gathering primarily online.

This fall has been incredibly busy. In-person events have continued to increase, and it has been wonderful to see so many members again after more than two years of gathering mostly online. It’s clear that we all needed these in-person connections to fuel our ongoing work together as a union and a movement. I am proud CUPE continues to prioritize the health and safety of members and staff as we learn to adjust to the ongoing pandemic, with COVID-19 policies that follow recommendations from scientists and public health.

This has been an extremely busy summer. In-person events have continued to increase, as we learn to adjust to the ongoing pandemic and find ways to gather safely despite it. Parallel rising inflation and interest rates are placing real pressure on CUPE members. COVID-19 also continues to take a toll on those in frontline jobs, who continue to face employers and governments who do not prioritize their health and safety.

The second quarter of 2022 was extremely busy and productive as Division Conventions took place across the country. Our activities intensified as cross-country travel increased and both in-person and virtual events brought CUPE activists together in each region.

So much has happened so quickly in the last few months – so many disruptive, destabilizing and world-changing events have taken place already this year.