We all have many demands on our time: family responsibilities, work, and life in general. Many members find it challenging to also find the time to get involved and participate in their local union, but it doesn’t have to be a big commitment of your personal time. Here are some of the different ways you can get involved.
1. Sign up to get email updates from CUPE 2010
Sign up to get emails to your personal email account. It’s important that we have a personal email, especially around bargaining time as we will not send bargaining updates using the employer’s email. Sign up with your personal email here.
2. Attend membership meetings
Under normal circumstances regular membership meetings are held at the HI Hostel in Cheakamus Crossing. During the pandemic we have been holding our meetings on Zoom, which can make it easier for some members to attend. At membership meetings we review executive and staff business, our local’s finances, get updates on campaigns and initiatives in workplaces, and more. Thank you for attending when you can!
3. Become a steward.
Stewards are the backbone of this local. Stewards are the union’s representatives in the workplace. They support members and are often the first point of contact for members. Stewards provide information to members on what their union is doing and work with the Local executive to answer members’ questions. CUPE National provides regular training to keep stewards informed and educated on how to help members and deal with management.
4. Run for a position on your local executive.
Help shape this local to be the best it can be for its members.
5. Vote in the elections
Have your say in who runs this local. Elections are conducted electronically to make them as accessible as possible.
6. Attend union training sessions.
CUPE offers many training opportunities for members. CUPE Union Education is now offering online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online workshops are held on Zoom and are available to CUPE members from coast to coast to coast. Current topics include anti-racism, bargaining, stewarding and financial officer orientations, with more on the way. Check in regularly to see what’s new!