About Us

Acknowledgement of Indigenous Territory

The CUPE National Constitution requires certain Bylaws Governing Chartered Organizations, and within that is the requirement of a Acknowledgement of Indigenous Territory during union local meetings of members. Below is the current Acknowledgement used by CUPE 1615.

We want to acknowledge that we are here today on the territories of the five diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaw, Innu, Inuit, and Métis. We also acknowledge the many territories and lands across Turtle Island.

We are honored to be here as guests on this land that Indigenous peoples have cared for and continue to care for.

We invite you to take a moment to think about where you presently live and honor the people of the land. Think about your relation to the place you live, work, and interact. This is our inquiry to honor the past and present and to stay connected to decolonization practices.

Primary CUPE 1615 Committees

• Negotiating Committee
• Trustee Committee

CUPE 1615 Standing Committees

1. Grievance Committee
2. Education Committee
3. CUPE Cares Committee
4. Occupational Health & Safety Committee
5. The Grenfell Campus Administrative Committee
6. Social Committee
7. Awards Committee

CUPE 1615 Special (Ad-hoc) Committee

• Committee to Review the By-laws Review Committee
• Committee to Review Composition of Bargaining Unit; Position Title/Band Level and Inclusions/Exclusions Disputed List (Appendices A1-A3)
• Committee to Propose Options Regarding Strike Fund Surplus

Joint Union-Management Committees

• Joint Union-Employer Committee
• University Pensions Committee
• University Benefits Committee
• Workplace Health and Safety Committees

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Inactive Committees

• Green/Sustainability Committee
• Greeting Committee
• Professional Development Committee
• Sexual Harassment Committee
• Youth Committee

Union solidarity is based on the principle that union members are equal and deserve mutual respect at all levels. Any behaviour that creates conflict prevents us from working together to strengthen our union.

As unionists, mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding are our goals. We should neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic, or homophobic hurts and thereby divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of ability, age, class, religion, language, and ethnic origin.

Sometimes, discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue, or humiliate. Harassment should not be treated as a joke. The uneasiness and resentment that it creates are not feelings that help us grow as a union.

Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different; and they reduce our capacity to work together on shared concerns such as decent wages, safe working conditions, and justice in the workplace, society, and in our union.

CUPE’s policies and practices must reflect our commitment to equality. Members, staff, and elected officers must be mindful that all persons deserve dignity, equality ,and respect.