Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton Region Employees Successfully Unionize with CUPE
Edmonton, AB [August 23, 2024] – Around 120 employees at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Edmonton Region have officially unionized with the Canadian Union of Public Employees after a successful organizing drive that saw 85 percent of staff vote in favour of unionization.
There were 98 eligible voters, as some casual staff were ineligible to cast a ballot.
CMHA is the leading community mental health organization in the region, delivering key services in mental health support, education, training, wayfinding, and collective action to support individuals, families, communities, and the social sector.
CMHA Edmonton’s workers will now join CUPE Alberta’s membership of over 40,000 workers across the province.
“By coming together, CMHA Edmonton Region employees aim to strengthen our advocacy for mental health services and our own workplace needs,” said Briana Kroeker, a Shift Lead Crisis Services worker at CMHA and a member of the organizing committee.
This unionization effort, spearheaded by dedicated staff members, reflects their ongoing commitment to the mental health and well-being of both clients and colleagues. It also reflects their commitment to working collectively with colleagues throughout the province to achieve collective gains.
This successful unionization effort marks an important moment for mental health workers in Alberta, and CUPE Alberta looks forward to working with our new members to achieve our shared goals: winning better wages, providing quality services, and ensuring dignity for all.
Contact: Brigitte Benoit, Organizing Representative
403-200-7688