CUPE PEI concluded its 41st annual convention – it’s second virtual one – on Friday, May 21, 2021.
More than 100 guests, observers and delegates representing CUPE locals from across the province, participated in the Virtual AGM, which began Thursday night.
Friday, many strong resolutions were passed, such as the following :
- Lobby government to Increase affordable and accessible housing, including co-op housing for all Islanders
- Lobby government to Bring the paramedic service in-house and have it under the Department of Health.
- Lobby government to incorporate Health and Safety training as part of the school curriculum during the years of grade 7 to grade 9.
- Ensure government proclaim April 28th as the “Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace” in perpetuity on Prince Edward Island.
The convention delegates also reiterated the Division’s commitment to push for a Universal National Pharmacare program.
On the Federal labour front, delegates voted to endorse the Team Unite slate (Bea Bruske for President, Lily Chang for Secretary-Treasurer and Siobhan Vipond for Executive Vice-President) for the coming Canadian Labour Congress Convention elections.
Following resolutions, CUPE National President Mark Hancock and National Secretary Treasurer (NSTO) Charles Fleury delivered speeches. Both reminding us all just how much the pandemic showed cracks in our social safety net and the need to improve public services for all Islanders.
At this year’s convention, the union donated over $11,400.00 for the Easter Seals, a not-for-profit organization, working in partnership with persons with disabilities.
After Regional Director Sandy Harding addressed the convention, elections were held and the positions were filled:
- President (Leonard Gallant, 2-year term)
- Secretary-Treasurer (Linda Jones, 2-year term)
- Health Care East Employees (Bobby Kennedy, 2-year term)
- Education West Employees (Karyn Noble, 2 -year term)
- Island EMS, Atlantic Baptist Nursing & Group Homes (Donna Gormley, 2-year term)
- UPEI 1870 & UPEI Security Police (Tracy Carmichael, 2-year term)
- Trustee (John Ochsner , 3-year term)
Leonard Gallant was re-elected for a 2-year term as provincial president of the PEI Division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
“The past year was not easy, but we continued doing our best for our members despite the challenges,” said Leonard Gallant. I thank all the outgoing leaders, like Brother Jason Woodbury and so many others. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. To all delegates, thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue the work we began two years ago,” he added.