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Members vote overwhelmingly for agenda for change

Delegates to CUPE Ontario’s 44th annual convention were unequivocal in supporting an agenda for change that will bring a fresh approach to everything from staff hiring, greater diversity in board leadership to CUPE Ontario’s place within the national union.

“The feedback we are getting from delegates is that this was the best convention ever,” said Sid Ryan, President of CUPE Ontario. Ryan and his Executive Board put forward an ambitious agenda that generated much discussion on the floor.

Delegates voted overwhelmingly for a fairer financial arrangement within the CUPE National structure that would provide CUPE Ontario with access to surplus dollars it generates after its obligations to other regions and National services have been met. These funds would enlarge CUPE Ontario’s resources if needed for its many political campaigns fought on behalf of members.

Delegates voted on an Agenda for Change that would see Ontario is at least at the national average in terms of staff to member ratios, and they supported more open hiring processes for staff at both the Ontario and national levels. Delegates also supported the need for more inclusivity and diversity on executive boards.

Along with voting on a number of Agenda for Change campaigns to be run in the lead-up to the provincial election, delegates gave NDP leader Howard Hampton a number of standing ovations for his election platform, which mirrors so much of CUPE Ontario’s work. His party is campaigning for public health care, a cleaner environment, a new school funding formula, the ability to engage in collective bargaining without intimidation, and a stop to the downloading of public services, among other issues.

Click here to see Convention Photographs

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