CUPE's 50th Anniversary Convention Highlights

CUPE 960 has one delegate at this year's convention and she has been very active attending events and convention proceedings day and night. Our delegate, Tiffany Balducci, has also been to the microphone twice so far to speak on library and young worker issues. As a first-time delegate speaking to over 2,000 delegates, this is very exciting!

Following a stimulating and lively panel discussion on how to “re-invent” the labour movement in Canada, the draft Strategic Directions plan for 2013-15 was introduced for its first phase of debate at convention.

Focusing on the introductory section and the first strategic priority – “Strengthen and Expand our Membership”—delegates responded to the document with passionate and enthusiastic commentary. Debate included suggestions about what some delegates felt was missing from the document, as well as proposals to strengthen and otherwise improve the plan.

Several delegates spoke of the importance of not just “talking the talk” but “walking the walk”** of including young workers in the plan. In addition, the importance of engaging new Canadians and translating materials into the languages they speak was suggested. Other delegates said it was important to “rebuild the machine” of organized labour as CUPE embarks on the Fairness project.

Several delegates spoke to the importance of providing sufficient resources—both financial and human—to locals to implement Unite for Fairness.

The document was referred back to the committee to incorporate comments and suggestions from delegates. A revised document will be presented to Convention for further examination, debate and approval as Convention continues.

**this is a direct quote from our delegate, Tiffany Balducci

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Our President and delegate, Tiffany Balducci, at the microphone speaking to over 1,000 CUPE convention delegates.

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This year's convention has been like none other! A young worker was nominated from the floor to run for CUPE National President against Paul Moist. This worker, Lydia Dobson, received approximately 19% of the votes which is a testament to direct action and democracy. Paul Moist won the position of CUPE National President and gave a very moving speech with his family on stage with him. 

Another very exciting event at the convention has been the online presence! Locals are live tweeting under the hashtag #cupe50 and we are seeing and sharing updates constantly. CUPE 960 has an awesome Twitter presence and you can see these tweets here. 

Today we rallied for Blue Collar workers in Quebec City to show solidarity and that CUPE Members unite for fairness. It was a great demonstration and a strong message. 

Don't forget to watch live streaming updates and photos at cupe50.ca

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