CUPE BC

05/02/2026

B.C.’s largest union has set course for the next year after wrapping up the CUPE BC annual convention. 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. Further priorities included expanding and strengthening public services, improving workplace safety, and tackling chronic underfunding to B.C. post-secondary education.

President Ranalletta closed convention this afternoon by thanking delegates for their thoughtful and respectful debate, and for the hard work ahead of them... ready to work for the B.C. we want and deserve.

Read more: https://www.cupe.bc.ca/2026/05/02/course-set-for-cupe-bc-as-provinces-largest-union-concludes-2026-convention/

05/02/2026

That’s a wrap on CUPE BC Convention 2026!

It’s been a busy 4 days filled with important debate, key decisions, and meaningful conversations about the future of our union.

Thank you to every delegate who showed up and took part and made this such a great convention 👊

05/02/2026

Jim Hopson, President of the Vancouver Musicians' Association, reminded delegates that arts workers are workers, and shared how solidarity from CUPE members played a role in helping Vancouver Symphony musicians win a strong agreement. ✊🎶

05/02/2026

“The PEA stands with CUPE. When we fight together for public services, we fight for everyone in this province.”

Melissa Moroz, Executive Director of the PEA, addressed delegates this afternoon and thanked them for their solidarity during the PEA’s historic eight-week strike. A powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we stand together.

05/02/2026

"We win some, we lose some—but we fight all of them."

Kent Peterson, President of CUPE Saskatchewan, brought greetings from 30,000 battle-hardened CUPE members who are pushing back against a conservative government that's making life harder for workers.

Their fight is our fight, and we stand in solidarity with CUPE members in Saskatchewan.

Thank you to Kent for serving as our election chair for this convention.

05/02/2026

"Drug policy is not a fringe issue, it is a worker issue, it is a family issue, a community issue, and a public care issue... at a time when fear and stigma and convenience hold far too much power. It helps to define who is included, and who is abandoned."

DJ Larkin, Executive Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition shared a vision for BC drug policy with convention delegates this morning, stressing that responses have to be fair, humane, and evidence based.

05/02/2026

“Everyone has the ability do something in their workplaces to make people feel safer. Small moments have a big impact.”

We opened day 4 of convention with a keynote address from Ashley Humphrys, Manager of Social Enterprise with the Ending Violence Association of BC, who shared the transformative impact of the Be More Than a Bystander program.

She spoke about the program’s history, lessons learned, and actionable steps for workplace safety. Telling delegates that small actions add up, and everyday gestures can change workplace culture.

https://www.cupe.bc.ca/2026/05/02/be-more-than-a-bystander-how-small-actions-can-make-workplaces-safer/

05/02/2026

It's young workers night! Quick group photo before heading out for some well earned social time after convention adjourned for the day.

05/02/2026

From thoughtful debate to first-time speakers, day 3 was full of energy and engagement. A special shout out to the many first-time speakers today - great to see so many of you stepping up (and earning a t-shirt 👕)

See you all back in the convention hall tomorrow morning for the final day of convention 2026!

05/02/2026

Wesley Lesosky, president of CUPE’s Air Canada Component, gave CUPE BC delegates an inside look at how CUPE flight attendants took on Canada’s biggest airline and the federal government.

VICTORIA— Wesley Lesosky, president of CUPE’s Air Canada Component, gave CUPE BC delegates an inside look at how CUPE flight attendants took on Canada’s biggest airline and the federal government—and won. “We started with our organizing, and organizing I think was something that we did con...