Friends,
Labour Day is usually a time for CUPE Alberta members to enjoy one last blast of summer before school starts, and before we dig in for another prairie winter.
It’s also a time when I reflect on the battles won by working people and look ahead to what battles are coming.
For the first time in generations, Alberta workers don’t have a government actively working against them. Instead, the provincial election of May 5th brought us a government promising an increased minimum wage, better labour laws for farm workers, and a tax system that doesn’t put all the work on the backs of lower and middle income earners.
I admit this new reality is taking some getting used to! But we have to remain vigilant in fighting for the things that matter: better wages and working conditions, strong public services, equality for all people, and an environment that allows us to reach our full potential as individuals and as a province. Even with a friendly government, there are strong forces in our province working over time against positive change.
So have a happy and safe Labour Day weekend, because our fights have not ended. They just got a whole lot more interesting.
In solidarity,
Marle Roberts, President
CUPE Alberta
MR/pk cope 491