Why Choose CUPE?
The Canadian Union of Public Employees
We’re Canada’s largest and fastest growing union. We represent front line workers across Canada who provide high quality public services to communities every day.
Joining CUPE means you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources, including legal support, training programs, and labour relations expertise. By choosing CUPE, workers align themselves with a progressive and influential union that champions their interests, amplifies their voices, and fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity among its members.
Our Principles
As Canada’s largest labour union CUPE is committed to upholding fairness, equality and justice for all. The gains we make for members at the bargaining table have the potential to impact all workers and their families and to make a significant difference in our society.
There’s still much to be done before we have a truly just society. Empowering young workers, women’s rights, racial equality, dignity for the disabled, as well as justice for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.
Our values serve as the foundation upon which we build collective strength.Our goal is not only to champion the rights and well-being of workers but also to strive to create both fairer and more equitable and diverse workplaces and communities.
Social Justice
CUPE is committed to promoting fairness, equality, and inclusivity in the workplace and society at large. We are committed to ensuring all workers and people are treated fairly.
Solidarity
CUPE believes in the strength of collective action and mutual support among workers. We stand in solidarity with members facing challenges and we are committed to working with the broader labor movement and other allies to achieve common goals and objectives that improve life for all.
Democracy
CUPE operates on democratic principles, ensuring that decisions are made transparently and with input from members. Our commitment to democracy empowers workers to have a voice in shaping their union and influencing its direction.
Diversity
CUPE values diversity and recognizes the importance of representing the varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our membership. We strive to create an inclusive environment where all members feel respected and valued.
Equity
CUPE advocates for fair treatment and opportunities for all workers, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. We are committed to fighting discrimination and advocating for a fair and equitable society.
Better Services, Better Communities
Public services play a vital role in the well-being of communities. We are committed to defending and improving high quality, accessible public services for all Canadians.
As a young worker it’s sometimes hard to know what a safe work environment looks like. When you’re called to do something, your first reaction is to just go do it. It’s nice to have a union that knows what safety procedures should look like and can make sure to intervene if there is an unsafe situation. They can protect you or you can go to them and ask if you’re unsure about whether or not you should be performing certain tasks that seem unsafe. With a union you have someone in the office to meet with your employer for you or to look into things further. Our union is an incredible resource, and it helps make young workers feel supported and safe during their term of employment.
I’d never been part of a union before, but it has really created a sense of solidarity within our workforce.
We keep the lights and power on so that people can do their jobs and the things they enjoy. I like my work because it’s a challenge every day. It’s always something different and interacting with people is usually quite fun.
I enjoy the teamwork here. Electricians work in all the buildings and basically keep everything – including fire alarms, power and lights – working. I also take care of the outside lighting. The lighting poles and manholes. So, there’s always lots to do. Especially in the winter, when we have lots of rain, things happen.