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Many CUPE members often ask "why does CUPE support the NDP?".
The answer is quite simple.
In 1956, tired of Conservative and Liberal rule, workers in the Canadian Labour Congress and the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation came together and asked "why isn't there a party for working people?"
The NDP was created from those conversations in 1961 as a party for working people.
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
On April 19th Manitobans will vote in the provincial election to determine who will lead our province for the next four years. Elections are important for all citizens, as CUPE members, 25,000 strong, delivering needed public services throughout Manitoba.
Who governs our province matters a great deal.
The NDP has governed our province since October 1999, and many CUPE members, have not worked under any other government and don’t know the struggles that many CUPE members faced in the 1990’s when our right to free collective bargaining was taken away by legislation and all citizens lost when our former crown corporation, the Manitoba Telephone System was privatized.
Today the Premier of Manitoba officially dropped the writ, beginning a month-long election that will determine the next government of Manitoba on April 19.
But what does this election mean for CUPE members?
The Conservatives and Liberals want to cut jobs, privatize services, and reverse the gains we have made as workers under the NDP.
Winnipeg – Midwives represented by CUPE Local 2348 have voted to reject their employer’s most recent offer, following a ratification vote held on March 10 and 11.
“Midwives in Winnipeg are sending a clear message that more support is needed for their profession,” said Sheree Capar, CUPE National Representative. “We are falling further behind other jurisdictions in terms of compensation, and the most recent offer doesn’t do enough to catch up”.
The unions that represent Winnipeg’s municipal workers and the city’s administrative, supervisory, and professional staff, are calling for Mayor Bowman to end the Katz-era practice of not filling vacant positions.
“The city has been slowly eroding Winnipeg’s municipal workforce,” said Gord Delbridge, President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 500.
The province’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook tabled in the Manitoba Legislature today offers a more progressive way of ensuring that the wealthy pay their fair share. With the implementation of a new tax bracket that would see Manitoba’s highest earners provide slightly more in income taxes, the province is able to expand tax credits and supports for lower income earners.
Today the Manitoba NDP pledged to continue to fight to close the gender pay gap if re-elected to govern the province on April 19 - a valuable reminder that work continues to be done in support of pay equity.
Minister of Health, and NDP candidate for Kirkfield Park Sharon Blady announced that the province would ensure that provincial budgets are created with a specific focus on the impact they will have for women.
The CUPE Local 2348 (Midwives) bargaining committee met with the employer representative and a provincial conciliation officer on March 2nd to discuss outstanding issues.
These issues are predominantly related to fair compensation.
There was some positive movement at the bargaining table, and CUPE will be meeting again with the conciliation officer and employer on Wednesday, March 9 to continue negotiations.
Community members have organized an online petition in support of CUPE Local 2348 members who are seeking equity in their contract! Please sign the online petition here. (more…)
The 2016 CUPE Manitoba convention will take place May 4-7 in Winnipeg.
For more information please review the 1st & 2nd call for convention below.
Please note the following corrections:
The Convention Committee meetings are Tuesday, May 3rd, the Health & Safety Conference will be Wednesday, May 4th and Convention itself will open on Thursday, May 5th.