“When we mourn together, we are not alone”: CUPE Ontario’s statement on Transgender Remembrance Day

COVID-19, Pink Triangle, Solidarity

On November 20, CUPE Ontario’s 280,000 members join our communities in observing Transgender Remembrance Day and in celebrating our collective victories while recommitting to addressing the many challenges that still exist. The challenges are long-standing and speak to virulent transphobia which has taken root everywhere, even in otherwise progressive and inclusive institutions and communities. Today, we’re seeing…

“Solidarity and Respect”: CUPE Ontario stands in Support of Alberta Health Care Workers

Solidarity, Strike Support

On Monday, October 26, thousands of health care workers, members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) went on a wildcat strike in Edmonton, Calgary, and other municipalities in the province. They were proudly joined in solidarity by workers from many other unions in that province, including members of CUPE Alberta from health care, social services, municipalities,…

“It’s time to root out the seeds of hate”: CUPE Ontario’s statement on the threats against a Toronto mosque

Solidarity

CUPE Ontario’s 280,000 members join Muslim communities and allies in expressing outrage over the news that a Toronto mosque was the victim of despicable threats of violence. No one should have to be subjected to the kind of cowardly vitriol these worshippers experienced – least of all Muslims, members of a community that has long faced both systemic and explicitly violent forms…

CFS Hamilton workers vote to join CUPE

Social Services, Solidarity

HAMILTON, ON – Workers at Catholic Family Services (CFS) Hamilton today voted strongly in favour of joining the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The roughly 75 employees include social workers, early childhood educators, counsellors, support workers, cooks, housekeepers, and office, clerical, and maintenance staff. “Workers at CFS Hamilton provide vital services for very vulnerable…

“We must oppose colonial violence in our communities”: CUPE Ontario sends message of support to Indigenous Land Defenders at 1492 Land Back Lane

Aboriginal Council, Solidarity

CUPE Ontario sends its solidarity to Indigenous Land Defenders at 1492 Land Back Lane from Six Nations who are reclaiming land along the Haldimand Tract, south of Caledonia. Six Nations was given the land after their alliance with the British during the American Revolution, but the land was sold to developers, McKenzie Meadows, where they…

Free CUPE member Cihan Erdal!

CUPE 4600 member, Cihan Erdal was arrested on September 25th by Turkish police on unspecified charges related to social unrest in 2014. Erdal is one of 82 people issued arrest warrants in relation to alleged incitement of protests in 2014 which were violently repressed by Turkish police. These arrests are part of a broader effort…

“When communities stand together and demand change anything is possible”: CUPE Ontario’s Labour Day Statement

Solidarity

Normally we’d be spending Labour Day at events with hundreds of union activists, allies, and community members. There would be hugs, smiling faces, and group pictures. We’d celebrate our victories and look ahead to building our solidarity for the challenges ahead. But this year is different. Our Labour Day events are digital. Our group photos are physically distanced ones. And building…