Unlike many unions, CUPE members do not pay their dues to the national union.
In CUPE, each Local sets its own dues depending on their needs and priorities. For many Locals, members pay about two cents for each dollar they earn in regular wages but this varies widely.
Locals pay a per capita tax to CUPE National on behalf of their members that amounts to 0.85 per cent of their members’ average monthly wages.
Locals send CUPE National less than one cent for each dollar earned in regular wages.
With these funds CUPE National hires staff and provides materials and training. As well, a portion of the funds goes to the National Strike Fund and the National Defence Fund to ensure CUPE members have the resources to defend their jobs and improve their wages.