Mississauga, Ont. – In an effort to address issues of wages, fairness and respect, Canadian Red Cross drivers voted overwhelmingly to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
“We welcome Red Cross drivers to CUPE and will be working closely with them to improve their working and earning conditions,” said Anne Healy, CUPE national representative.
The 45 Red Cross drivers provide transportation services to and from medical appointments for clients in the Region of Peel, Halton and Oakville. This service was previously provided by Transhelp, a division of the Region of Peel, before the work was contracted out to the Canadian Red Cross. “The employer may have changed but the drivers will continue to be CUPE members and enjoy the full benefits of being part of Canada’s largest union,” said Donna Felder, CUPE organizing representative, who helped organized the drivers.
The Red Cross drivers will join Transhelp bus drivers, who are employees of the Region of Peel, to form a transportation unit within CUPE 966. CUPE 966 represents 3,500 workers in Peel region providing public services in the transportation, social services and health care, municipal, long-term care, library and supportive housing sectors.
CUPE is Canada’s largest union, representing over 590,000 members in different sectors, including schools, hospitals, municipalities, social services, universities, transportation and other sectors.
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For more information, please contact:
Anne Healy, CUPE National Representative, 905-568-4664
Donna Felder, CUPE National Representative, 416-292-3999
James Chai, CUPE Communications, 416-292-3999
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