Members outside of Allan Gardens in Toronto, holding up signs that say "CUPE members fight for rights... and won't forget". The sign has a hand-drawn angry pink elephant on it

CUPE Ontario is the political wing of the Canadian Union of Public Employees—Canada’s largest union—in the country’s largest province.

With over 290,000 members, CUPE Ontario is a strong voice for rights and fairness for our members and our communities. We work at the provincial level for legislative, policy and political change on issues affecting public services, equality, healthy communities and a better Ontario for everyone.

Our leaders are elected at our convention by delegates selected by member locals. At Convention, we also democratically decide on our political action. Locals choose to join CUPE Ontario because of the strong voice we have collectively, and because of our history of advocacy. We are very proud that the vast majority of locals in Ontario have chosen to affiliate to CUPE Ontario.

Across the province, our members work in five main sectors:

image of HCWCC members at a rally

Health Care

CUPE Ontario represents hospital dietary, service and maintenance workers, registered practical nurses, engineers, clerical staff, and ambulance and paramedical personnel, as well as workers in nursing homes, long-term care facilities and community care access centres.

Bonfield workers posing in a photo

Municipal

Members work for municipalities maintain roads, operating water and sewage plants, performing clerical and technical duties, installing and repairing traffic lights, delivering social services, maintaining our parks, picking up garbage and keeping our streets clean.

School board workers rallying against Bill 115

School Board

In all four educational systems, our members work in schools and board offices in roles including education assistant, administrative assistant, custodian, stationary engineer, bus driver, cafeteria worker, ESL or literacy instructor, and community advisor.

SSWCC workers posing with teddy bears

Social Services

Our members ensure the health and economic well-being of communities, through community agencies and by providing child care, developmental services, child protective services and municipal social services.

OUWCC members rally

University

In universities across the province, our members include instructors and sessional lecturers, technical, research and library workers, and people working in security, skilled trades, caretaking and various clerical and administrative roles.