Comrades & friends,

Our Feb 6 GMM will have important reports and discussion about the flurry of activity surrounding the "Building Power To Win" campaign over the next couple of months. After the Feb GMM, we immediately start the process of developing policy for Negotiations 2022 that will be introduced and debated at our two March GMMs. More than ever, we need our members spending the few minutes needed each week to read these dispatches and stay informed of the many opportunities for their voice to be heard. If you ever have questions or concerns about how you can get involved, or need help understanding some aspect of union procedure, I'm always here, and happy, to talk with you.

This week's dispatch introduces a "Welcome to CUPW" webinar for members looking to be educated on how union structure and democracy works. CUPW 730-made magnets will be arriving in your facilities, looking for homes on your fridges, to give you that daily reminder to make our website one of your regular bookmarks (especially as we move into negotiations). Many of our members, and the sizable East Indian community in Edmonton, have been inspired by the mass struggle of farmers against the BJP Indian government; an excellent article by Spring magazine provides an informative summary of the events, and draws valuable parallels with Canadian politics. 

In Solidarity,

Welcome to CUPW - Webinar Series 

As a new (or new to caring) CUPW member, it is vital that you learn the many ways to contribute to worker power within your union’s structure and have a basic understanding of what it means to be a part of our Union. It is also necessary that you prepare yourself to effectively push back against CPC’s inevitable negligence and power abuses. Please join us for this three-part webinar!  (Read more>>)

Free Magnets Promoting Website

The Local 730 Communications Committee has designed a magnet that will be freely distributed to our members along with our next newsletter promoting our website to help our membership stay informed and connected. Since COVID-19 restrictions prevent regular workfloor visits, we are putting considerable effort toward building our website (cupw730.ca) into an information hub, and valuable resource, for our members. There, you can find regular updates from the local office, contact info for all your Executive representatives, full digital copies of our newsletter, bylaws, national constitution and Collective Agreements, as well as links to our social media pages, and more. Until we can gather in person, let’s continue to protect each other, stay safe, and stay connected.

Farmer Resistance Against Capitalism In India

From Spring Magazine: “These laws have global and domestic implications, from economics to human rights. Much of the Sikh diaspora is still connected to their land back home in Punjab. This is why protests related to these farms laws have popped up globally— from Toronto to Edmonton to Oakland and beyond. There are several reasons why Punjabis all over the world are rising up. From the economic implications for their families to a genuine fear of state violence against Sikhs and the people of Punjab reminiscent of what’s been occurring since the partition of India.” (Read more>>)

Reminder: Local GMM (Online) Sat, Feb 6, 11am

The deadline to register for our next (online) GMM is Friday, Feb 5 at noon. The official meeting notice, online guidelines, and registration information can all be linked below. Anyone with a smartphone or computer is able to easily connect to the meeting -- no need to download any new programs or apps, and you don’t have to turn on your camera if you’re feeling shy. These meetings are very informative and efficient, made all the better by having as many of our members are possible participating. More hands makes lighter work! (Read more >>)

Ongoing Reminder: Local Office Access

To stay aligned with the newest health guidelines, our office remains locked and available by appointment only. We are trying to conduct all meetings with members over the phone or via video conferencing. Exemptions can be made for unique circumstances. In either case, please call (780) 423-9000 to arrange an appointment with the appropriate officer. We are extremely busy in the office trying to put out a thousand different fires, so please leave a message if you’re unable to catch us on the phone.