Communications

Delegates from CUPE Local 998 joined thousands of CUPE members from across the country at this year’s National Convention, where we came together to celebrate our successes, share strategies, and chart the course for CUPE’s future.

This year’s convention was especially memorable, as CUPE announced a major milestone — we have officially surpassed 800,000 members nationwide. At a time when workers’ rights, wages, and public services are under constant attack, that number represents more than growth , it’s proof that workers across Canada are choosing to stand together for fairness, respect, and better working conditions.

Convention in Review

The week was packed with meaningful discussions, learning, and solidarity. It opened with orientation sessions for new delegates and sector meetings that allowed members from across the country to connect and share experiences from their workplaces.

Through the week, delegates debated resolutions, reviewed constitutional changes, and heard from guest speakers who inspired action and solidarity. Forums focused on health and safety, human rights, equity, and international solidarity, giving members space to share challenges and solutions across sectors.

One of the most powerful moments came during the midweek rally, where delegates took to the streets to show support for public services and fair treatment for all workers. The convention closed on a strong note with a renewed commitment to organizing, mobilizing, and building worker power in every corner of the country.

Building Strength Through Organizing

Since our last National Convention, CUPE has welcomed tens of thousands of new members into our union family — including more than 1,500 firefighters in Quebec, 1,200 clerical workers at Trillium Health in Toronto, and 1,200 cabin crew members at Porter Airlines. CUPE also celebrated the creation of its first local in the Yukon, representing 65 Air North flight attendants and crew.

These organizing victories show what’s possible when CUPE locals, staff, and members work together to grow our movement and extend union protection to more workers. Each new local strengthens our collective voice and our ability to fight back against privatization and corporate attacks on public services.

A Growing Voice for Workers

Across the country, CUPE members are pushing back against privatization, contracting out, and cuts to public services. We’re advocating for better wages, stronger benefits, and safer workplaces. Every resolution debated and every action planned at convention reflects CUPE’s commitment to defending public ownership and improving the lives of working people.

Our collective strength comes from the solidarity we build every day ,from our locals to our national campaigns ,and CUPE 998 continues to play a proud part in that movement.

Looking Ahead

With one million members on the horizon, CUPE remains Canada’s largest and strongest union — and we’re only getting stronger. The National Convention reminded us that our success depends on unity, solidarity, and the shared belief that every worker deserves respect and a fair deal.

As your CUPE 998 delegates return home, we bring renewed energy and new ideas to strengthen our local, support our members, and continue fighting for public power and good jobs for all.

Together, we are 800,000 strong — and still rising.

CUPE Local 998 has been recognized with the Communications Award for Best Use of Digital Tools for its Keep Hydro Public campaign. This campaign showcased the local’s ability to engage members and the broader community through strong, consistent digital messaging that championed public ownership of Manitoba Hydro.

In addition to this major award, Local 998 was also commended for its outstanding work producing three informative and engaging newsletters — Watts Matters, The Power-Line, and Wired In — which keep members connected, informed, and involved in their union.

Other winners included Hydro Québec, highlighting the strong and growing representation of CUPE’s energy sector at the CUPE National Convention. This recognition reflects the dedication and creativity of CUPE 998 members who continue to lead the way in communicating the importance of public power and worker solidarity.

WINNIPEG, TREATY 1 – CUPE Manitoba and CUPE 998, representing workers in Manitoba’s energy sector applaud today’s plan for Manitoba to reach net zero emissions. The report makes important progress on important initiatives.

“It is refreshing to finally have a government that believes our province’s future is tied to addressing climate change,” said Gina McKay, President of CUPE Manitoba. “The government’s plan also supports energy sector workers in the transition to net zero.”
The plan commits to public investments in charging infrastructure through Manitoba Hydro – a model pioneered by Hydro-Quebec which has been enormously successful in that province.

“Publicly owned electric vehicle charging infrastructure allows us to scale up building this technology into our economy as the world continues to shift towards electric vehicles,” said Michelle Bergen, President of CUPE 998 representing workers at Manitoba Hydro. “With Manitoba Hydro at the helm, we are positioning ourselves to be a leader in clean energy in transportation, job creation in the energy sector, while also reducing costs for Manitobans”. Read full media release here

Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends:

CUPE stands in solidarity with the members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) who have returned to the picket lines across the country after the Liberal government’s announcement of a plan to allow Canada Post to end home delivery, slash delivery speeds, and shutter post offices across the country.

CUPW members provide a vital public service – and these cuts are nothing short of a direct attack on the public sector in our country.

We are calling on CUPE members across the country to show your solidarity by supporting a CUPW picket line in your community. To find a picket line near you click here.

This situation is developing quickly – and we will update you as needed in the coming days.

In solidarity,
Mark Hancock – CUPE National President
Candice Rennick – CUPE National Secretary Treasurer