Two years after adopting CUPE’s Organizing the Organized policy, the second stage of this important initiative to mobilize members has been approved.
Delegates from across the country reported on an unprecedented number of grass roots actions involving more and more rank and file members. Others reported that they are now tying organizing the organized principles to negotiations, grievances and campaigns to save jobs and public services.
Locals were also encouraged to set up retired members’ chapters so that their experience and knowledge can also be mobilized.
In supporting the new policy, delegates pointed out how important it was to ensure that our members have a clear sense of how power and class operate in our society. There was clear recognition that communications with members is the foundation to build membership confidence that they can fight back and win.
Organizing the organized means that stewards must play a pivotal role in mobilizing members. Stewards have traditionally focused on administering the contract, but CUPE is redefining the role of stewards as educators, organizers and mobilizers.