Friends and comrades,
In this week’s Dispatch, we are covering a negotiations update, the Forever Canadian petition, upcoming committee meetings, upcoming proposals for changes to our Local By-Laws, and a letter of support for the Kawasaki United Labor Union.
Solidarity,
Kyle Turner, Communications Officer
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Negotiations Update
On September 12th at 10 amEST, our National Union will be holding a press conference to provide an update on the status of negotiations with the Corporation. National President Jan Simpson, CUPW National Director for the Metro-Montreal Region Yannick Scott, and members of the RSMC and Urban negotiating committees will be speaking at this press conference.
According to the Communique, this press conference will not be livestreamed and there is no phone-in option. You can read the bulletin HERE. Check the National website for the latest bulletins once this press conference is over.
Forever Canadian Petition
At our September GMM and after much debate, the membership voted to endorse the Forever Canadian petition. This has also been endorsed by the Alberta Federation of Labour, which has stated: “Alberta workers will organize to promote and protect national unity and demonstrate the collective power we hold to build a stronger, fairer and more resilient Canada.” Worker participation in this campaign upholds our commitment to national unity and democracy as Albertans and Canadians.
Forever Canadian is aiming to collect 300,000 signatures in order to have a provincial referendum with the following question: Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?
If you would like to sign the petition, you must do so in person. To find a location where you can sign, click HERE.
Committee Meetings
Thursday, September 18th is a busy day. The Women’s Committee has a meeting scheduled for 5:30, the Social Committee has a meeting scheduled for 6:45 pm, and the Organizing Committee has a meeting scheduled for 7 pm. For more information about how to attend these meetings, click HERE.
Upcoming By-Laws Proposals
At the September GMM, there was a Notice of Motion to make changes to our Local By-Laws. These changes will be voted on at the October GMM. You can read the By-Law Review Changelog HERE and what the proposed updated By-Laws HERE.
Support for the Kawasaki United Labor Union
The Local membership voted at our September GMM, to support the Kawasaki United Labor Union (KULU) in its struggle with their employer. The letter we have written will be sent to the leadership of Kawasaki Motors (Philippines). In addition, we would like you to show support to our comrades in the KULU by visiting THIS website and filling out a brief petition. This is a small but effective act that can lead to international change. We were successful in petitioning for the release of community and union activists from Pakistan through a similar effort.
Community Announcements
- Fundraiser for Search Efforts for Samuel Bird: 14-year-old Samuel Bird has been missing since June 1st 2025, last seen leaving a friend’s house in the Canora neighbourhood. If you would like to contribute to the search efforts, you can donate and find more information HERE.
- Arms Embargo Now!: This is a call to action from YEG Fast for Gaza. There is a protest on Thursday, September 11th, at Churchill Square (10205 102A Ave NW) from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. This coincides with Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal caucus visiting Edmonton, sending them the message that we refuse to play any part in the continued occupation and genocide of the Palestinian people. CUPW supports the rights of the Palestinian people for respect, justice, and peace — for more information on that, read Article D-36 of our National Policies in our National Constitution (pages 56-57 of the Policies).
- Day of Pink ECHO Tour: The Pink Echo Tour will be coming to Edmonton on October 19th. This event calls on us to tune into the voices of queer and trans communities, past and present. For more information and for tickets to attend, click HERE.
Reminders
- Staying Connected: Sign up for the text service or email list HERE.
- Regional Educational: For information about the upcoming 3-day educational, click HERE.
- Labour College: Application deadline is September 14th. Click HERE for more information.
- Special Assessment: The Local’s Special Assessment is suspended for the fiscal year (July 2025-June 2026), but will return in July 2026. So you should see a decrease in dues payments by slightly less than $15/month.
- Disability Supports: To access the Disability Supports portal, which provides a list of programs and services in your community, click HERE.
- Union Savings: To take part in these savings, you can register at unionsavings.ca/.
- Buy Union: Looking for a list of union-made goods and services? Click HERE.