Union education helps us develop the tools we need to defend our rights. But it is also the place where we share our experiences and develop a critical analysis about what’s going on in the workplace, our society, and the world. It helps us make connections so that we understand better why our employers act the way they do, and what is behind government decisions.
Union education puts our individual struggles into context and shows us that we are part of larger struggles and movements for change – that we are not alone. Through union education, we learn to strategize together, to fight back together, and win.
Union education is often the only formal education workers have access to after
joining the workforce. It gives us the skills, knowledge and confidence we need to grow and live fuller lives.
Many CUPE members say that union education is the best thing about our union. It gives us hope and moves us to action.