Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.

Literacy activists gathered in Ottawa last week and reminded us why it is so important for the union to be involved in literacy. The Literacy Working Group is a national committee that brings together activists from across the country to guide CUPE’s work on literacy and clear language.

The Working Group held a joint meeting with the CUPE Learners’ Council - a network of literacy champions who share their experience to help us develop good learning opportunities and inspire other CUPE members to embark on their learning journey.
 
The joint session allowed both the working group and the learners themselves to share experiences and ideas through open discussions and workshops. This was a wonderful opportunity for both groups to build on their different perspectives as they brainstormed how to move literacy forward.
 
Key issues discussed:

  • Getting CUPE locals to start literacy and essential skills programs at work to help members upgrade their skills or complete high school.
      
  • Creating learning opportunities online with the help of appropriate e-learning tools.
      
  • Calling on the Federal government to restore literacy funding and to renew funding agreements with the provinces and territories (Labour Market Agreements).


The two groups held a lunch and learn at the CUPE National Office. Learners shared their success stories and thanked CUPE for making literacy a priority.
 
For more information on CUPE’s Literacy Program go to cupe.ca/literacy or email literacy@cupe.ca.