It is bittersweet that CUPE Ontario recognizes the retirement of National Secretary-Treasurer, Charles Fleury. While we wish him well in the next chapter of his life, we also reflect on the profound impacts that he has had on our union.

Charles’ 18 years of leadership at CUPE’s National Executive Board level have paved the way for monumental ideas to take root and shape our society—benefiting workers and our broader communities through his devout commitment to advancing workers’ rights and creating a more just society for all.

Charles has been the strong and steady hand on CUPE member’s collective resources for over a decade. Even with the uncertainty and turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, CUPE is in a firm and healthy financial position—successfully preserving critical staffing and services that our members rely on. Charles’ leadership and hard work on behalf of CUPE members from coast to coast to coast has made CUPE stronger, more vibrant, and has resulted in a strong and productive relationship with CUPE Ontario–the strongest it’s been in more than 20 years.

Charles has always been there for members in Ontario. He readily ensured that CUPE Ontario had the resources needed to take on the important campaigns, engage in necessary legal battles, and engage in on-the-ground organizing that has made our union what it is today.

Charles’ journey in trade unionism began in 1982 when he began working for Hydro-Quebec whose workers were represented by CUPE Local 1500. In 2003, Charles was elected to the National Executive Board as the Regional Vice-President for the Quebec division. Then in November 2011, he became CUPE’s National Secretary-Treasurer.

We are deeply appreciative of everything Charles has done for CUPE. He will always be a part of the CUPE family and a champion for the causes we fight so hard for every day.

We wish Charles all the best in his future endeavors and are forever grateful for the support and solidarity he has shown to our region and for his vital contributions to our union.