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If there is anything the last year has taught us, it is how amazing CUPE Ontario members are.
It has been a rollercoaster of a year with elections, government budgets with deep cuts, and some very tough bargaining. But CUPE members across the province have risen to every challenge and built a stronger, more unified movement.
In May, hundreds of members volunteered on election campaigns across the province to stop the threat of Tim Hudak’s job cuts and attacks on unions. And in October, hundreds more supported municipal and school board candidates who stood up for good jobs and strong public services in our communities. It was an inspiring mobilization, and one that saw more than 170 endorsed candidates and many CUPE members elected.
Thousands of members participated in rallies, information pickets and creative events in campaigns to preserve and enhance public services in every sector, to fight poverty and to advance equality. This included an amazing demonstration of CUPE Pride at the World Pride events in Toronto.
This growing mobilization is happening in no small part because of Stand Up for Fairness. Today, more than half of locals have done Fairness training. They’ve seen higher turnout at membership meetings and members who are more connected with their union.
It’s hard to believe that less than a year ago, we were out on an ice-covered lake supporting members in Bonfield who were on strike to fight off a litany of concessions. Thanks to overwhelming support from members in every sector, we won their months-long struggle, maintaining their strong collective agreement and winning gains for their members.
As with strikes and lockouts in Durham, Black River-Matheson and at the Continuing Education Students Association at Ryerson, Bonfield was a good example of how we can work together, across the province and across sectors. We must continue to do so as we fight to preserve services under attack – hospitals, public child care, community schools and so many more –services we all rely on as citizens.
Despite a tough bargaining environment, we’re seeing locals not only defend themselves against concessions, but make real gains, like pensions for people who have never had them before.
The more we mobilize, the more we work with our communities, with coalitions, with members in other locals and sectors, the more we are able to make these important gains, even in this economic climate.
At year’s end, we hope you are able to rest, recharge and spend time with people who are important to you, and in the new year we will rise again to build a better Ontario together.
In Solidarity,
Fred Hahn Candace Rennick
President Secretary-Treasurer
