(Marystown) – CUPE members from across Newfoundland and Labrador have re-elected St. John’s school board worker Wayne Lucas as their provincial president for the ninth time in a row.
Delegates at the union’s convention in Marystown gave Lucas the nod for what will likely be his last term in office. He has been president of CUPE NL since 1991.
Lucas says, “CUPE is on a very strong financial footing. We heard from our National Secretary-Treasurer, Claude Généreux that our strike fund is at $31 million.
“Our National President Paul Moist applauded our strong stand against P3 health care facilities on the west coast. He told us that if the Board of Trade sees CUPE as the major barrier to privatized health care, we should wear that as a badge of honour,” says Lucas.
“Delegates also committed the union’s support to the FFAW in its current fight with FPI and plant closures. We also gave NDP Leader Jack Harris a rousing tribute for the work that he has done for all working families over his 15 years in the legislature,” adds Lucas.
The delegates also collected $2,000 for the Portnoy family, the refugees from Israel who are staying in a local church to avoid deportation.
For information:
Wayne Lucas, President, CUPE NL, (709) 753-0732 (o), (709) 727-2509 (Cell)
John McCracken, CUPE Communications Rep., (902) 455-4180 (o)