Course set for CUPE BC as province’s largest union concludes 2026 convention
VICTORIA — B.C.’s largest union has set course for the next year after wrapping up the CUPE BC annual convention. Over 500 delegates from across the province passed more than 45 resolutions directing the union advocacy on behalf of workers and B.C. public services. A top priority for the union, representing over 120,000 workers in […]
Toxic drug public health emergency is a worker’s issue: Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
VICTORIA— Over a decade into B.C.’s toxic drug public health emergency, workers are being put in more and more at risk by the misdirected response of governments. In their address to the CUPE BC Convention, DJ Larkin, executive director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, stressed that the toxic drug epidemic is a worker’s issue. […]
Be more than a bystander — how small actions can make workplaces safer
VICTORIA— Ashley Humphrys, Manager of Social Enterprise with the Ending Violence Association of BC, delivered a keynote address to CUPE BC Convention 2026 delegates on how small, everyday actions can make workplaces safer. “Start small. When people feel confident to step in, it’s because they’ve been given the tools to know what to say and […]
How CUPE Air Canada flight attendants grounded a back to work order
VICTORIA— Wesley Lesosky, president of CUPE’s Air Canada Component, gave CUPE BC delegates an inside look at how CUPE flight attendants took on Canada’s biggest airline and the federal government—and won. “We started with our organizing, and organizing I think was something that we did considerably different than the last time we went into bargaining, […]
CUPE members do not back down. We fight, and we win: BC Regional Director report
VICTORIA— In the CUPE regional director’s annual report to convention, Martina Boyd highlighted the challenges and gains made in the region over the past year. While bargaining has been tough, Boyd says B.C. locals have held fast at the table. “Despite employers talking about restraint and austerity, we made real gains for CUPE members,” said […]
Public services are what makes Canada strong: Rennick
VICTORIA— CUPE members in B.C. need to stay on the offensive in bargaining and political fights as government austerity threatens critical public services. That was the message from CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick to CUPE BC convention delegates. Rennick praised bargaining committees, local leaders and members in B.C. for pushing hard at bargaining tables across […]
Without CUPE members, there’d be no BC: Eby
VICTORIA— For his fourth time since becoming Premier, David Eby joined CUPE BC delegates for their annual convention. His address opened with a somber tribute to CUPE members that responded to the tragedies in Tumbler Ridge and at the Lapu-Lapu festival. “Every one of those CUPE members exposed themselves to trauma, life changing events and […]
Building Strength to Support Members Today and Tomorrow
VICTORIA— CUPE BC’s finances continue to strengthen, with healthy surpluses across all funds. These surpluses have allowed investments in services, member support, and solidarity work to grow. In his annual address to convention Thursday morning, CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Tony Rebelo gave an update on the Division’s financial outlook and the operational work that helps translate […]
Hancock: Are you ready to fight for the B.C. we all want and deserve?
VICTORIA— CUPE National President Mark Hancock is calling on B.C. locals to make workplace safety a top priority, saying violence on the job is a growing risk for members. Speaking Thursday at the CUPE BC convention in Victoria, Hancock opened by acknowledging the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge and said it underscored the need for stronger […]
CUPE BC convenes annual convention in Victoria
VICTORIA — B.C.’s largest union is setting its course to defend crucial public services and the rights of workers that deliver them. CUPE BC, the provincial division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, kicked off its annual convention this evening in Victoria with over 500 union members and guests from across the province. Karen […]