As a strong and democratic union, CUPE is committed to improving the quality of life for workers in Canada. Women and men working together to form local unions built CUPE. They did so to have a stronger voice – a collective voice – in their workplace and in society as a whole.
Health care and municipal workers constitute CUPE’s two largest sectors. CUPE is also the dominant support staff union in the education sector representing junior kindergarten to grade 12.
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Meet our members
We asked our members to reflect on what CUPE means to them, and what their hopes and ambitions are for the union’s years ahead. The answers are inspiring. Watch the video.
National Sector Council
Our national sector council is a forum for discussions on bargaining that go beyond our locals. It allows us to share strategies and information within our respective sectors, and nationally. It also helps provide more bargaining education and development to make our members better negotiators.
Our committees and working groups
CUPE’s 18 national committees provide an opportunity for CUPE members to contribute to the work of our union on the many important issues and activities that shape our direction.
National Trustees
Divisions
CUPE divisions are the political voice of members in their respective provinces, and an integral part of our union. Chartered though the national union, each division advocates and campaigns at the provincial level for legislative, policy and political change in the interests of CUPE members and the communities they serve.
Each provincial division is lead by a democratically elected president, secretary-treasurer and executive board, who are directed by members at annual conventions (biennial in Quebec).
CUPE District Councils
CUPE District Councils are groups of CUPE locals from a particular region that work together on common issues. Their work includes community projects, political action at the local level, bargaining support and the promotion of strong public services and other CUPE ideals. Find the district council nearest you.
CUPE at a glance
CUPE is Canada’s largest union, with over 750,000 members across the country. CUPE represents workers across a broad range of sectors including health care, emergency services, primary, secondary and post-secondary education, early learning and child care, municipalities, social services, libraries, utilities, transportation and airlines.
CUPE Constitution
The CUPE National Constitution as amended at the 2025 National Convention.
Financial statements
Every year, CUPE issues audited financial statements, giving all members a clear picture of the union’s finances. The statements are audited by an independent accounting firm and conform to accepted accounting practices.