CUPE will put $500,000 into a campaign to punish the Danielle Smith government for using the notwithstanding clause against workers and others.
Secretary Treasurer Candace Rennick made the announcement at CUPE Alberta’s convention. Rennick said the union decided to contribute to a campaign with the Canadian Labour Congress.
“Danielle Smith used the notwithstanding clause against Alberta teachers to end their strike and trample their constitutional rights. And there is no doubt that she will use it again,” said Rennick. “But there must be consequences for stepping on fundamental rights. Consequences on the streets, and most importantly, consequences at the ballot box.”
Rennick said governments that weaken public services, who roll back rights, and who try to divide workers can be defeated, but only if CUPE is ‘all in.’
“Every local, every sector, must step up. Every local must engage every member, every day. And the national union must not only be there to lead and support – it must coordinate, strategize, and stand shoulder to shoulder with every local to ensure no one is left behind.”
Rennick noted that CUPE added 8.5 new permanent positions in Alberta over the last five years, compared to just five new positions in the previous ten years.
“These investments ensure that locals, sectors, and members have resources, support, and leadership to organize, campaign, and defend public services.”