And every day, CUPE members across the country continue to confront ongoing racism in our union, communities and workplaces, including racial profiling and criminalization, Islamophobia and anti-Semitic hate.

Black, Indigenous and racialized workers face discrimination in many aspects of their lives including inequities in employment and education opportunities, inadequate health care, precarious work, unequal access to public services, environmental racism and a lack of basic human rights for migrant workers.

At the same time, March 21 is a day to recognize the significant achievements of Black, Indigenous and racialized people in advancing equity and justice in our communities, our workplaces and our union. This includes our members, whose activism has strengthened our movement by bringing new ideas, perspectives and energy into the struggles of working people.

CUPE embraces our members, neighbours and friends. We reaffirm that unions play a vital role in fighting hatred and fear in Canada and around the world. Far-right, white supremacist groups have used the pandemic as cover to step up their mobilization, as we saw with the occupation of Ottawa and other ongoing disruptions in communities across the country. We must unite in solidarity to resist all right-wing attempts to spread racism and hate.

It is important for our members facing any form of racism, discrimination and/or harassment to contact their local steward or an executive member to file a complaint and/or grievance. It is equally important for locals to act promptly by listening to the member and ensuring that the complaint is brought through the entire grievance process.

CUPE stands strong with Black, Indigenous and racialized members experiencing racism. CUPE does not tolerate any harassing, racist or discriminatory remarks or acts of violence against anyone. Instead of division, we need global and local cooperation, and mutual aid.

Ratification Vote – Financials

March 9th – 12-2pm and 7-9pm

This memo is to give notice of the upcoming ratification vote for the tentatively agreed upon Collective Agreement – Financials. As you are aware, the financial pieces were brought back to the table with the Bill-124 being struck down. This vote will be strictly for the financial pieces of the Collective Agreement.

Important note: The vote will be taking place at 2 different locations, based on the time of day.

12-2pm vote will take place at CUPE 4000 located at 32 Colonnade Rd
7-9pm vote will take place at CUPE Ottawa office located at 1378 Triole St

The Bargaining Committee will be present during the above times to do a short presentation to highlight the changes. They will remain available to answer any questions you may have prior to casting your vote.

In Solidarity,
Michelle Doiron
Recording-Secretary
CUPE Local 2195

Ratification Vote Results

The non-financial aspects of the Collective Agreement have been ratified!

As discussed during the presentations on January 25th, the financial aspects of the Collective will be brought back to the table, given that Bill-124 has been struck down. We will provide updates on this process at the next General Membership Meeting.

Thank you to everyone who took time out of their date to come vote, especially given the weather.

In Solidarity,
Michelle Doiron
Recording-Secretary
CUPE Local 2195