CUPE BC Statement on the Passing of UFCW 1518 President Kim Novak

BURNABY— Kim Novak was more than a union leader. She was a dynamic, dedicated, and passionate advocate for some of the most overlooked workers in our province. A friend to all working people, Kim made time for what mattered, and never failed to show up for other unions whenever workers anywhere were under threat. In […]

CUPE BC sets sights on worker power at the ballot box

“When we plan together, bargain together, campaign together, and stand together…we win” – Karen Ranalletta, CUPE BC President to 2024 CUPE BC convention VANCOUVER— Wrapping up four days of discussions and deliberations in Vancouver, delegates to the 2024 CUPE BC convention have set the priorities for B.C.’s largest union for the coming year. The convention […]

Worker solidarity: protecting hard-fought worker’s rights in upcoming elections

VANCOUVER— Enhance and defend worker rights. Strengthen labour laws. Support the right of workers to organize. These are the things Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, said politicians need to make a priority to win the votes of workers. “We must be under no illusions that workers are having a very hard time […]

The power to radically improve the lives of workers

VANCOUVER— Whether they spell it labour or labor, unions are working to better the lives of workers, fight for racial justice, and are united in opposing right-wing extremism on both sides of the U.S – Canada border. Delegates of the 2024 CUPE BC convention welcomed April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council for […]

Convention Forum charts a course to a better CUPE BC convention model

VANCOUVER— This year’s convention forum was dedicated to the future as delegates gathered to consider how CUPE BC’s senior decision-making body, its annual convention, could evolve to better meet members’ needs. In his introductory comments, Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies led forum participants through both the opportunities and challenges facing the union when considering how to best […]

Building a Canada that works for workers: Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh

VANCOUVER— The federal Liberal government has rigged the system to make it harder for workers to make ends meet – and Conservatives aren’t going to make it any better. That was the message sent by federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh to delegates at the 2024 CUPE BC convention. “Times are pretty tough… I know it’s […]

We are stronger together: BC Premier David Eby

VANCOUVER— CUPE BC delegates gave B.C.’s 37th Premier a warm and loud welcome to their 2024 convention Friday morning in Vancouver. Premier David Eby opened his address by thanking CUPE for its ongoing support for the BC NDP. “Our partnership and our relationship with CUPE is as critically important to me as Premier as it […]

CUPE leading the way in BC: Rennick

VANCOUVER— CUPE members wins at the bargaining table, defence of public services and advocacy for social justice were praised by National Secretary Treasurer Candace Rennick in her report to the 2024 CUPE BC convention. “With the NDP in power in B.C., your province is a bright spot on the mostly bleak political landscape across the […]

Year of Solidarity and Success for CUPE BC: Executive Board Report

VANCOUVER— It’s been a busy year for CUPE BC, marked by two high-profile strikes, increased community engagement, a historic organizing drive, a province-wide public childcare campaign, and ongoing government relations work. These and other achievements were presented Thursday morning in the Executive Board’s report to convention. General Vice-Presidents Dal Benning, Sheryl Burns, Amber Leonard, and […]

Our finances are strong, but our locals and members are stronger: Davies

VANCOUVER— CUPE BC remains in a strong financial position having run large surpluses across all funds, reported Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies in his annual address to convention Thursday morning.  He said this is largely driven by strong investment returns and greater than expected revenue. Davies, who has served as Secretary-Treasurer since 2015 also told delegates about […]