TORONTO, Ont. – More than 1000 members of Ontario’s largest union will be in Toronto next week for the 52nd annual Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario Convention.

The Convention, which runs May 27-30 at the Toronto Sheraton Centre Hotel, has an exciting lineup, with guest speakers including Federal NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Lucia McKeever, president of UNISON, which is the largest public-sector union in the U.K. and which has been fighting the austerity of Prime Minister David Cameron’s government.

Hundreds of members will also join a rally at Queen’s Park on Thursday, May 28, at 12:30 p.m., against the Liberal government’s plan to privatize Hydro One.

These and several other events listed below are open to media. Access to the Convention floor does require a press pass. Media are requested to register in advance so passes can be ready when you arrive. To register or for more information, please contact Craig Saunders, CUPE Communications, by phone (416-576-7316) or email ([email protected]).

Convention highlights:

Wednesday

10:10 a.m.             CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn

1:35 p.m.               Health & Safety Award

2:50 p.m.               CUPE National President Paul Moist

Thursday

11:30 a.m.             Lucia McKeever, president of UNISON, the largest public-sector union in Europe

12:30 p.m.             Mass rally at Queen’s Park to Keep Hydro Public (speakers at 12:30 p.m.)

1:55 p.m.               CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury

2:10 p.m.               Sisters in Solidarity Award

7-9 p.m.                 International Solidarity Forum featuring UNISON President Lucia McKeever, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change Coordinator Syed Hussan and Ryerson University Professor Grace-Edward Galabuzi

Friday

11:40 a.m.             Federal NDP Leader Tom Mulcair

Noon                      Equality Lunch featuring Desmond Cole, MPP Cheri DiNovo and New Tradition Music.

1:50 p.m.               Injured Workers Award

3:30 p.m.               CLC President Hassan Yussuf

Please note that exact times may change.

CUPE is Ontario’s community union, with 250,000 members providing quality public services we all rely on, in every part of the province, every day. CUPE Ontario members are proud to work in social services, health care, municipalities, school boards, universities and airlines.

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For more information, or to register, please contact:

Craig Saunders, CUPE Communications, 416-576-7316                                                                                          cope491:djk

Category: Convention