Message From the President

The University is faced with shrinking government funding. Rather than lobbying the government to restore their funding, the University continues to sell off our public institution to private and corporate interests, such as condominium development. The University’s increased reliance on corporate and private donations has dampened and brought into question academic freedoms on campus. There is a lack of appropriate governance on our campus and the stewardship of campus lands and buildings. Much of our University infrastructures were constructed in the 60’s and 70’s or earlier, and are in need of significant rebuild or repair. Our members working at the University, many of whom are tasked with maintaining buildings, facilities, and grounds, have first-hand knowledge of the need for major reinvestment in the University infrastructures.

Our Local continues to lobby for open, accessible, public and affordable education adequately funded by the government.  This year is a bargaining year and with the Liberal government’s chokehold over free collective bargaining, we are working on a strategy to fight back and restore our ability to free collective bargain. We will coordinate with CUPE locals across the province to coordinate and build capacity in our locals to fight the toughest fight yet at the end of the Olympics. We know we will be expected to pay for the Olympic cost overruns. We will work hard to implement strategies to oppose government interference with our collective bargaining. 

This year we will continue our on-going campaign, “Universities Work Because We Do”. Promoting recognition of our members as university workers, students, parents of students, neighbours of universities, and taxpayers; to reach out to communities to ensure they are aware of the valuable work we perform at our universities is one of our top priorities in 2010.  Through this on-going campaign, we will work to ensure our members’ contributions made in maintaining campus communities as places where students, educators, and neighbours come together in safe, supportive, and stable environments, for the betterment of society as a whole, are highlighted to the public. 

This year is dedicated to Stewards!  In November 2009, delegates at CUPE’s National Convention decided to name 2010 as the Year of the Steward. Stewards are the face of the Union in the workplace. This is a very hard job, especially in these challenging times.  CUPE has committed to doing more to assist and support the Stewards of our locals. This year there will be a new Steward Learning series and our Local is committed to providing this new learning opportunity to our Stewards.  We will be organizing events and creating opportunities for our Stewards to connect with Stewards in other locals in our communities and on-line. We will be providing further information as events unfold, and watch for our new pins and handbooks in the coming months. 

The next year will be challenging, but I believe strongly that our Local is up to the challenge. Our collective unity and strength will keep us solid and we will prevail. 

Yours in Solidarity, 

Colleen