Ashley Clark Elected President of CUPE PEI

Charlottetown, PEI – CUPE PEI is pleased to announce the election of Ashley Clark as the new president of its provincial division. Elected during the 43rd CUPE PEI AGM, her 2-year mandate officially begins on Monday, June 5th.

In her victory speech, Clark thanked the outgoing president, Leonard Gallant, for having completed two 2-year terms (from 2019 to 2023) and having worked hard to bring more attention to front-line workers’ wages and fighting inflation.

Ashley Clark has been president of Local 1870, representing UPEI Support Staff. She has been involved with her union since 2015 and is active on the local, provincial, and national level. She is passionate about protecting public services from privatization and advancing equity in all institutions.

“I am honoured to have been elected as the President of CUPE PEI,” said Ashley Clark. “I am committed to standing up for our members and fighting for justice in the workplace and improving working conditions for all,” said Clark.

CUPE PEI represents over 3,300 members across various sectors including education, healthcare, municipalities, post-secondary, long-term care, group homes, and many others.


For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Ashley Clark
President, CUPE PEI
902-213-3353
aclark@cupe.ca

 

Pour publication immédiate                                                                                                         Le 2 juin 2023

Ashley Clark élue présidente du SCFP de l’IPÉ

Charlottetown – La division de l’île du Prince Édouard du Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP IPÉ) est heureuse d’annoncer l’élection d’Ashley Clark à titre de nouvelle présidente. Élue lors du 43e AGA du SCFP IPÉ, son mandat de deux ans débute officiellement le lundi 5 juin.

Dans son discours de victoire, Ashley Clark a remercié le président sortant, Leonard Gallant, d’avoir effectué deux mandats (de 2019 à 2023) et d’avoir travaillé fort pour attirer l’attention sur les salaires des travailleurs de première ligne et sur la lutte contre l’inflation.

Dans le passé, Ashley Clark fut présidente de la section locale 1870, qui représente le personnel de soutien de l’UPEI. Elle s’est impliquée dans son syndicat depuis 2015 et est active aux niveaux local, provincial et national du SCFP. Elle se passionne pour la protection des services publics contre la privatisation et la promotion de l’équité dans tous les établissements.

« Je suis honorée d’avoir été élue présidente du SCFP de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard », a déclaré Ashley Clark. « Je m’engage à défendre nos membres et à lutter pour la justice en milieu de travail et l’amélioration des conditions de travail pour tous », a ajouté Mme Clark.

Le SCFP IPE représente plus de 3 300 membres dans divers secteurs, notamment l’éducation, les soins de santé, les municipalités, l’enseignement postsecondaire, les soins de longue durée, les foyers de groupe et bien d’autres.

Pour plus d’informations ou pour des entrevues en français, contactez:

Ashley Clark
Présidente, SCFP IPÉ
902-213-3353
aclark@cupe.ca

43rd AGM – Ashley Clark Elected President of CUPE PEI

We are thrilled to share with you a summary of the 43rd CUPE PEI convention, where important discussions and decisions were made on behalf of our union members. This gathering brought together over 130 delegates and guests dedicated to promoting fairness, advocating for workers’ rights, and enhancing public services in Prince Edward Island.

Jennifer LeBlanc

The morning session commenced with a lively atmosphere, as attendees enjoyed a breakfast discussion on CUPE’s Anti-Racism Strategy. This initiative aims to foster diversity and inclusivity within our union, ensuring that workers of all backgrounds are valued and represented.

One of the convention’s highlights was the inspiring presentation by Leo Cheverie, a well-known activist from Local 1870. He shared updates on the ongoing “Water is Life” campaign, shedding light on the crucial efforts to protect our precious water resources. Leo’s passion and dedication reminded us of the power we hold as a collective to make positive change.

Leo Cheverie

Delegates actively participated in meaningful debates, particularly on constitutional resolutions. A significant outcome was the unanimous decision to create a diversity seat on the CUPE PEI executive board. This progressive step ensures that the voices and perspectives of Black, Indigenous, and racialized workers are heard and valued within our organization.

During the afternoon, the convention welcomed special guests, Katelyn Rogers and Meghan Rogers, PEI Easter Seals Ambassadors. Their impactful presentation highlighted the vital role our members play in supporting individuals with disabilities and showcased the profound difference our work makes in their lives. Locals Representatives, CUPE National, SCFP Quebec and many more pooled their funds to donate over $15 200 to the PEI Easter Seals

From left to right: CUPE President Mark Hancock, newly elected CUPE PEI President Ashley Clark and Leonard Gallant, outgoing CUPE PEI President

The convention also included important elections. We bid farewell to Leonard Gallant, who concluded his term as Division President and congratulate Ashley Clark on being elected as the new CUPE PEI President (2 year term). In her acceptance speech, Clark expressed her deep gratitude and commitment to advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and quality public services. Under her leadership, we are confident that our Division will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on workers and the community.

We would also like to acknowledge the newly elected representatives who will serve on the board:

  • Secretary-Treasurer (2-year term): Linda Jones
  • Health Care East employees representative (2-year term): Darren O’Connor
  • Education West employees representative (2-year term): Chantal Chanel Walsh
  • UPEI 1870 & 501 Security/Police representative (2-year term): Cecia Huang
  • Atlantic EMS/Atlantic Baptist Nursing and Group Homes representative (2-year term): Alice Rice
  • Young Worker representative (1-year term): Mikayla Gallant
  • Trustee (3-year term): Cheryl Koughan

We extend our appreciation to all candidates who put themselves forward, demonstrating their commitment to serving our community and advancing the interests of workers.

In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude for Islanders’ continued support and engagement. Together, we will strive for a fairer and more inclusive society, where workers’ rights are protected, and public services are of the highest quality. We remain dedicated to building a brighter future for all residents of Prince Edward Island.

43rd AGM – Day One

CUPE PEI began its 43rd annual convention this Thursday, May 25. The convention will last until Friday afternoon. More than 135 convention-goers have come from the four corners of the province to assemble at the Rodd convention hall in Brudenell.

Many resolutions will be debated, notably on housing, cost-of-living issues, anti-privatization, support for our long-term care workers, health and safety campaigns, and much more. Delegates will hear speeches from multiple speakers such as CUPE National Officers Mark Hancock and Candace Rennick, Frédéric Brisson, Secretary-General of SCFP-Quebec, Carl Pursey, President of the PEI Federation of Labour, among others.

Friday is Leonard Gallant’s last day as CUPE PEI president: delegates will vote for a new Division president for a 2-year term.

 

Workers Day of Mourning

On April 28, National Workers’ Day of Mourning, We Remember those who lost their lives on the job.

Day of Mourning Ceremonies will be held at Charlottetown City hall at 10:30am
Summerside City Hall 12:00pm
Wreath laying ceremony at St. Paul’s hall
101 Prince Street at 7:00pm

 

Education should not be forgotten in this election

Charlottetown – CUPE Local 3260, which represents over 800 Education support workers in PEI, is calling on politicians of all stripes to hear what front-line staff have to say to improve the quality of education on the Island.

“Political parties, particularly the PCs, have been rather quiet in this election on what measures they will take to improve K-12 education. There are a lot of challenges in the sector that are unnecessarily happening. Why did Premier King let our bargaining situation degrade to the point where we are at this very moment in the arbitration process?” asked Carolyn Vandaele, President of CUPE Local 3260. “We should have had a new contract by now, but instead, the Education Minister has let the situation fester because apparently, they don’t believe in wages that go above inflation for front-line workers,” added Vadaele.

The Educational Support workers have been without a contract since April 1, 2021. The union is seeking better contract language and better wages to tackle recruitment and retention in their sector.

“When inflation is this high and our pay cheques are going behind, the government should not be nickel-and-diming the people making inclusive education possible on PEI,” said Vandaele.

Local 3260 conducted internal polling, which showed that over 50 percent of members need a second job in order to put gas in their cars and food on their tables for their families.  One member shared just how this affected her: “I am really feeling the brunt of the last 5 years of constantly holding down after-school and summer jobs.  The mental toll that it takes to organize, schedule and complete the after-school jobs that I do is huge.”  

“Our members need to hear from each political party what measures they would put in place to improve working conditions in our sector. It’s not easy making a living when you are only promised about 6 hours a day for 10 months a year,” concluded Vandaele.

 

CUPE Local 3260 represents over 800 Educational Assistants and Youth Service Workers, Student Attendants, Workplace Assistants, and Education Interpretation Workers in the PEI school system.

Global People Power: Building worker solidarity in a global economy

April 5, 2023 [6:30 – 9:30 pm AST]

REGISTER HERE

This workshop explains the role that capitalism plays in workers’ lives, and examines the links between local and global issues. We will explore how building solidarity with workers in other countries makes the labour movement stronger in Canada and around the world. This workshop will be offered virtually on April 5, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Atlantic. If you would like to register for this course, click the link https://cupe.ca/mrm-union-education/event/6213

CUPE PEI Would like to hear from you!

Now accepting nominations for the Leo Cheverie Activism Award

The nomination committee is looking to recognize a member who meets the following criteria:

Whose activities have benefitted social justice causes
Brought focus to environmental issues
Brought focus to social justice issues
Is a CUPE PEI member in good standing

Please submit an email that outlines who you’re nominating, to which local they belong, and how they meet the criteria, to cupepei@gmail.com by April 21, 2023.

The Leo Cheverie Activism Award is presented at CUPE PEI’s Annual Convention.  The award winner will have their name added to a commemorative plaque, and CUPE PEI will make a $100 donation to a social justice organization of their choice.