Code of Conduct
The mandate of our union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Alberta Division, is to organize and defend workers and to promote economic and social justice for our members and for all workers. In carrying out our work, we in CUPE strive to promote our core values which include the principles of solidarity, equality, democracy, integrity, and respect. We are committed to mobilizing our energy and skills to work together to promote these values and to attain these goals in our union, our communities, and globally.
CUPE is committed at all levels to creating a union which is inclusive, welcoming, and free from harassment, discrimination, and all types of bullying and intimidation. CUPE needs to ensure that we provide a safe environment for members, staff, and elected officers to carry out our work. CUPE’s expectation is that mutual respect, understanding, and co-operation will be the basis of all our interaction.
This Code of Conduct sets out standards of behaviour for participants at national convention, conferences, schools, meetings, and any other union events organized by CUPE National, CUPE Alberta, or any other CUPE chartered body. It is consistent with the expectations outlined in the Equality Statement and the CUPE National Constitution.
This Code of Conduct is intended to deal with complaints of inappropriate behaviour at events organized by CUPE National and at events, meetings, and activities by other CUPE bodies. It does not apply to complaints arising in the workplace, as those are dealt with through the grievance procedure and/or the applicable workplace harassment policy.
As CUPE members, staff, and elected officers, we commit to one another and to the union to be governed by the principles of the Code of Conduct and agree to:
- Abide by the provisions of the Equality Statement.
- Respect the views of others, even when we disagree. Recognize and value individual differences.
- Communicate openly.
- Support and encourage each other.
- Make sure that we do not harass or discriminate against each other.
- Commit to not engaging in offensive comment or conduct.
- Make sure that we do not act in ways that are aggressive, bullying, or intimidating.
- Take responsibility for not engaging in inappropriate behaviour due to use of alcohol or other drugs while participating in union activities, including social events.
Harassment is objectionable behaviour which may include actions, language, gestures, and/or written material, and which the harasser knows or ought reasonably to know is abusive and unwelcome. Bullying is a form of harassment which is serious ongoing behaviour which targets an individual or group and which threatens that person or persons’ mental and/or physical well-being.
CUPE Alberta Division Constitution 2023 20