VANCOUVER— CUPE continued its strong stance against concessions over the past year. And B.C.’s regional director told CUPE BC 2025 convention delegates – and employers across the province – that this won’t change anytime soon.
“I am so proud to report that we have not accepted a SINGLE concession at any bargaining table in British Columbia over the past year,” said Martina Boyd in her report to convention. “Employers pushing for concessions just don’t get it. They clearly haven’t read the memo. CUPE does not, nor will we ever roll back our hard-fought gains… It just won’t happen.”
Boyd, who has been the CUPE’s regional director in B.C. since 2022, said CUPE locals have not stopped at pushing back on concessions – they have also been focusing on making gains.
“These gains were not achieved overnight; they required significant work by local leadership, bargaining committees, and rank-and-file members working in solidarity,” said Boyd. “We have kept employers in negotiations longer; we have pushed harder; winning more by working as a union strategically and co-operatively to ensure that we leave no money on the table.”
And Boyd also reassured convention delegates that the bargaining and staff supports will be there for locals in the year ahead.
“While times might be uncertain, and the challenges new and emerging, you can count on support from CUPE. And we will face the coming year together, in solidarity, united in our commitment to deliver for our members and advance the rights and wellbeing of CUPE members,” said Boyd.
