B.C.’s largest union has set course for the next year after wrapping up the CUPE BC annual convention. Over 500 delegates from across the province passed more than 45 resolutions directing the union advocacy on behalf of workers and B.C. public services.

A top priority for the union, representing over 120,000 workers in B.C., will be working to elect progressive candidates in the upcoming municipal elections.

“In communities across the province, CUPE members have experienced some real and deep challenges that can only be resolved by a change in direction at the municipal council or school board level,” said Ranalletta. “It is incumbent on all of CUPE BC to work hard to elect progressive, competent, and capable leaders.”

As CUPE BC gears up political fights, delegates were told members facing tough bargaining in the next year can count on support from their union—the largest in B.C. and Canada.

“It is a commitment we make to all of you, as local leaders, that you can assure your members that the resources they need will be there when they take a stand for themselves and each other,” said CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Tony Rebelo.

In the CUPE National President’s address to convention, Mark Hancock stressed the need for CUPE BC to keep up its advocacy at the provincial level.

“No matter who the B.C. Conservatives elect as their next leader, they will try to rip up our collective agreements, privatize health care and cut services... That’s why it’s vital that we stay engaged,” said Hancock, who previously served as CUPE BC President before being elected National President in 2015.

Expanding and strengthening public services will continue to be a key priority for CUPE BC, with particular attention to health care and transit. Delegates also said improving workers safety in the province is urgently needed. Tackling the chronic underfunding to B.C. post-secondary education was also singled out as urgent work.

“If we don’t fix the post-secondary education and skills training system, we will fail in our larger goal of building the stronger and independent economy we need to deliver prosperity to our communities and families,” said Ranalletta, who served 4 terms as president of CUPE 2950 at the University of B.C.

Wrapping up the convention, Ranalletta thanked delegates for their thoughtful and respectful debate, and for the hard work ahead of them. “Take the message back to your locals, we are ready to work for the B.C. we want and deserve. And to those that stand in our way—when we fight, we win,” she said.

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