Search

If you are in charge of communications for your local, these tools are for you. Building a strong union depends on good communication between members, activists and leadership. Websites, newsletters, email, and social media are some of the tools available to local officers and members, as well as activists.

This section was prepared to help you do your job as a local’s financial officer.

Whether you are a new steward or have been doing this work for many years, your role is to watch and listen to what is happening in your workplace. You will do this on behalf of all CUPE members. In fact often, when CUPE members think of their local union, they think of you and the work you do on our behalf. The union needs you to represent our members and to protect the rights we have won in the collective agreement. Each clause in the collective agreement comes from negotiations with the employer, and every single clause is important.

CUPE National Representatives are the first line of help for local officers in all matters relating to operations and governance issues in running a local. They offer leadership and guidance for your bargaining team, and facilitate access to the broad range of services available in the union. The following materials are offered to local officers to help them with the daily operations of their local and to assist them in compliance with respect to the CUPE bylaws and labour regulations.

CUPE is a proud advocate for 2SLGBTQI+ rights. Our commitment is to fight against discrimination and hate in our workplaces and in our communities. Through the work of our Pink Triangle Committee and with our coalition partners, we’ve helped make strides for 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada and internationally. We work every day to ensure our 2SLGBTQI+ members can work in a discrimination and harassment-free environment.

CUPE members are an important part of our communities. As citizens with a stake in public services, they want and deserve a say in the decisions that affect their neighbours, friends and family. By being active in municipal, provincial and federal politics, CUPE can achieve positive change for our members and all Canadians. We do this work every day, not just during elections. We defend the interests of workers at the bargaining table and in society to ensure our voices are heard.

CUPE represents thousands of racialized workers in Canada. We work hard to make sure they have the same opportunities as other workers. We’ve taken action to make our workplaces and all levels of our union reflective of Canada’s diverse and changing demographics. Our work extends to our communities, where we advocate for fair and equal rights for all members, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Water is a precious resource and a vital public service. Public drinking water and wastewater services are human rights, and the lifeblood of healthy communities. We’re all better off with publicly owned and operated water services.

Women’s equality is at the heart of what we do. CUPE advocates for women’s rights in all areas of society. Our vision is one where women receive the same compensation as men, with full opportunity to advance in discrimination-free workplaces and communities.

Post-secondary education is an invaluable public good— important to everyone. The post-secondary sector makes a significant contribution to advancing Canada’s social, cultural and economic wellbeing, as well as its ability to innovate, respond to change, and maintain a vibrant and stable democracy.