NATIONAL AND REGIONAL CUPE LEADERS STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH PEI WORKERS

On August 09, 2025, CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick and CUPE National President Mark Hancock visited Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to show national support for local workers, their families, and the broader community. Their presence brought a message of solidarity from CUPE’s more than 770,000 members across Canada, underscoring the importance of collective action and unity in the face of ongoing challenges.

Representatives from several Atlantic CUPE divisions were also in attendance, including Ashley Clark (CUPE PEI), Iris Lloyd (CUPE NS), Sherry Hillier (CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador), and Alan Linkletter (CUPE NB). Each brought remarks on behalf of their respective divisions and expressed continued support through both advocacy and financial contributions.

From New Brunswick, Will Thibodeau, President of Local 1253, transported the CUPE NB RV to the event. He was joined by Chris Curran (President, Local 1251), Jamie Agnew (President, Local 963), Kathy Wilkins, and Bob Keays, all of whom participated to show regional solidarity.

The event served as a powerful demonstration of the strength and unity within the CUPE network across Atlantic Canada and the country as a whole.

For more information on CUPE 830 and the strike visit: Local 830 Job Action Info – CUPE PEI

Charlottetown’s Water and Sewer Workers urges residents to contact their City Council to come back to the bargaining table

“We are CUPE Local 830, City of Charlottetown water and sewer workers and we have been forced out on strike by the city bargaining team. We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. For over 60 years, we have provided quality award-winning water for our residents. We deserve fairness and respect at the bargaining table.

We need the City Council to act immediately. Contact your city councillor today to demand they fix this now.”

A message from CUPE LOCAL 830

Follow us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CUPE830/

More info: Local 830 Job Action Info – CUPE PEI

CHARLOTTETOWN’S WATER AND SEWER WORKERS OF CUPE 830 LOOKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT

 

“Employees of the City of Charlottetown Water and Sewer Corporation have worked for over 60 years providing quality award winning water for our citizens.  Workers of the CUPE Local 830 deserve fairness and respect at the bargaining table.

For the First time in history, the local is forced to take a strike vote, and the members have overwhelmingly voted in favor of job action

Islanders believe a hard day’s work should receive a fair day’s pay. Being treated with fairness and respect are our core values.

We support your water needs; we are asking you for your support.

A message from CUPE Local 830.”

More info will be available here: Local 830 Job Action Info – CUPE PEI

CUPE and Health PEI Reach New Tentative Collective Agreement

Charlottetown, PEI –  – Health PEI and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) are pleased to announce a tentative three-year collective agreement covering the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026. CUPE members in healthcare (Locals 805, 1051, 1778, and 1779) will vote on the agreement on Tuesday, June 24.

The tentative agreement represents a shared commitment to building a stronger health system through fair compensation, improved working conditions, and long-term staffing stability.

“CUPE members are the backbone of safe, high-quality care across Prince Edward Island,” said Melanie Fraser, CEO of Health PEI. “This tentative agreement shows what we can achieve when we work together to find solutions. We remain committed to building a more sustainable health system for all Islanders.”

“It has been a very difficult five years for our members. We went through COVID-19, rising living costs, staff shortages, and more than two years without a contract,” said Robyn Sharp, President of CUPE Local 1051. “This investment by Health PEI recognizes the critical role our members play in the health system and gives them the respect and support they deserve.”

John MacKenzie, Chief Shop Steward for Local 805 and long-time member of the bargaining team, said: “This was one of the most difficult rounds of negotiations we’ve faced, but it resulted in a historic agreement that our members have earned. I am not the only one who feels that this deal will be life-changing for workers. It’s an exceptionally good deal, and I’m happy to see that Health PEI and the Province are investing in their front-line staff.”

Key Highlights of the Tentative Agreement:

  • General wage increases of 10.5% over three years
  • A $5.50/hour wage grid reset, effective April 1, 2025, to improve competitiveness and address wage compression
  • A Full-Time Commitment Pay of $1.07/hour worked (on a trial basis, expiring March 31, 2026)
  • Service Retention Premiums:
    • Additional 2% after 10 years of service
    • An additional 2% after 15 years
  • Increased shift premiums:
    • $2.25/hour for shift work
    • $3.50/hour for weekend shifts
  • A $500 Retiree Return Incentive
  • A $130,000 annual Professional Development Fund with structured reporting

This agreement was made possible with the support of the Government of Prince Edward Island and Treasury Board, which provided an updated mandate aimed at achieving a fair outcome. Negotiations resumed collaboratively ahead of a scheduled interest arbitration hearing in October 2025.

CUPE and Health PEI remain committed to working together to support a resilient, responsive, and respectful public healthcare system for all Islanders.

CUPE Locals 805, 1051, 1778, and 1779 represent over 1300 healthcare workers in the PEI public health system. They represent workers in laundry, dietary, maintenance, maintenance trades,  housekeeping,  ward clerks, sterile technicians and more. They work in our hospitals, public long-term care homes, addiction treatment centres and public health offices.

Public Service Workers Call Out Lantz Government Over Failed Labour Relations and Privatization

Charlottetown – Over 125 public sector workers rallied today outside the provincial government office on Rochford Street to send a clear message to Premier Lantz and his cabinet: public services matter, and so do the workers who deliver them.

The noon-hour rally, organized by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) PEI, drew members from education, UPEI, education, nursing homes, municipalities, and other frontline sectors. Participants called for immediate action on stalled contract talks, an end to costly privatization schemes, and real investment in public services.

“Premiers have come and gone, but our healthcare locals are still without a fair deal,” said Ashley Clark, President of CUPE PEI, addressing the crowd. They have been waiting since March 2023. “It’s unacceptable that this government continues to waste millions on consultant firms like KPMG while ignoring the practical solutions being offered by its own workers.”  “How about listening and bargaining with your own employees before getting third parties to make a profit on the crisis?” asked Clark. CUPE PEI notes that over 5 million dollars has been wasted on opaque consulting firms hired to analyze issues plaguing public healthcare. 

Speakers at the rally highlighted the growing pressure on the public system and called on the Lantz government to prioritize its workforce as a path to better service delivery.

“Public services are not a business experiment,” said Clark. “Education needs investment, long-term care needs stability, and our members need wages that keep up with the cost of living.”

CUPE PEI is also concerned by the changes the PC government pushed through regarding visa eligibility for international students. “Their decisions caused layoffs and austerity at the University, and it is affecting both students and staff. This is hurting our province’s future,” said Clark.

Clark also warned that labour relations will be a central issue in the upcoming by-elections across the province. “Our members are mobilized. Voters are paying attention. Fighting back against privatization will matter at the doors and in the ballot boxes.”

CUPE PEI represents thousands of public sector workers across Prince Edward Island in sectors including health, education, municipalities, PSE, and social services.