Welcome to CUPE's 50th anniversary national convention.
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When we’re united
we can’t lose

Now is a time to celebrate our achievements in making life better for our members and all Canadians, and we must be united to protect them for future generations. That was the message from National President Paul Moist to CUPE’s 50th anniversary convention.

“We believe the services we provide make Canada a great place to live, and we vow to defend those services,” said Moist in his convention report. “Throughout our history, CUPE has always supported the struggles of other workers. What we seek for ourselves, we seek for all workers.”

Attacks on pensions and collective bargaining rights, the Harper government’s attempts to silence voices of dissent, the right-wing driven austerity agenda – Moist didn’t hide the threats facing CUPE, and what needs to be done to fight back.

“If we build our solidarity and our unity, within our union and with communities across our nation – we can’t lose,” said Moist. “I believe profoundly in each of you as leaders and in our staff and I believe together we can build CUPE into a huge force for good in Canada.”

Concluding his address, Moist was joined on stage by CUPE members from all sectors. He then officially opened the 26th biennial national convention to a rousing standing ovation.  (watch online»)

We have everything we need to fight back

CUPE has the resources to counter attacks on workers, particularly those in the public service.

“We can fight back because we have the human and financial resources to protect our members and all working Canadians,” CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury told delegates.

“We must continue to oppose the austerity agendas of too many governments, as they affect our members, in their working conditions and in the services they provide to the communities,” he added.

Fortunately, the union’s finances are solid. CUPE also has a new permanent Fightback Fund and a healthy National Strike Fund. But in waging this battle, CUPE has its most valuable asset: its members across the country.

“A strong team must include all our members. That’s why we need to stay in touch with our membership. With the Fairness project, launched in conjunction with the CLC, we will have an even stronger fighting team to meet the challenges ahead. Together, we have the power to make change,” concluded Fleury.
(watch online»)
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“No one left behind”

Thomas Mulcair, Leader of the official Opposition, delivered a message of hope to delegates at this pivotal time for the labour movement.

“The Conservative government in Ottawa is not only attacking the benefits and services that Canadians rely on, they’re attacking our ability to stand up for those services with attacks on collective bargaining,” warned Mulcair.

The NDP leader explained how by intervening in the collective bargaining process (Canada Post, Air Canada) and by pushing forward Bill C-377 that forces unions to disclose detailed financial records, the Conservatives want to silence unions.

But, Mulcair added, the labour movement has never had a better friend, and as strong a friend.

“For 50 years CUPE and the NDP have stood together side-by-side on Parliament Hill and on the picket lines. And together, we’re standing up for a fair and inclusive Canada where no one is left behind.” (watch online»)

Kitchen table talks

CUPE Village Square

Tuesday, October 22,
12:30 p.m.
The Economy at Work Connecting the dots and creating solutions. Hosted by Toby Sanger and Pierre-Guy Sylvestre.

Wednesday, October 23,
8 a.m.
Employment Insurance Changes
What are the impacts on seasonal workers? Hosted by Graham Cox.

Tonight:


For full coverage of the Youth Forum, Equality Forum, resolutions debate and other convention events please visit cupe50.ca
This bulletin is published daily by CUPE Communications, and is distributed by email and on the convention floor each morning.



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