Our 5 delegates along with CUPE National rep Micha Pesta
The CUPE BC convention was in Victoria, April 29 – May 2 2026 at the Convention center downtown.
5 of our members attended, and here are their reports:
Shane Randall, President:
Cupe 917 attended cupe bc conference April 29-may 2nd 2026. I attended with 4 other delegates, 2 of which were first time delegates. Cupe 917 submitted a resolution to increase strike pay by 5 dollars per day or 25 a week however the resolution did not pass. I did receive emails from other locals to thank us for putting this issue forward again at convention. The common theme was united we fight we win.
And with 500 people with a like mind come together a lot can get accomplished. I did enjoy the debates on resolution and some were convincing enough for me to change my view or abstain from voting. It can also be an emotional ride as some delegates get very passionate and unable to contain the emotions when speaking to resolutions and it put a whole new perspective when seeing it from their view. Overall I was with a great group and appreciated the conversations both on convention floor and during lunch periods.
Dave Sylvest at the mic speaking to our resolution to increase strike pay
Dave Sylvest, Recording Secretary:
There is certainly something to be said about the aura and the feeling of the CUPE BC convention.
It is a single room that contains over 500 people; Unionists, labour leaders and political dignitaries from across Canada, all of which are supporters of the labour movement and workers rights to safe and fair work for honest wages.
I was able to talk to so many unionists like ourselves, network with them and, most importantly, to build solidarity between us all.
With speakers such as BC premier David Eby, CUPE National president Mark Hancock, President of BCGEU Paul Finch and President of the BC Federation of Labour Sussanne Skidmore, it is nothing short of inspiring to listen to all of them show their support for workers rights.
Throughout the convention, as resolutions were being discussed, we got to listen to so many impassioned speakers discussing a plethora of topics.
K-12 workers and the violence that they are seeing in classrooms, asking for help to make their workplaces safe for both students and staff.
Municipal workers speaking about the safety of their workers while providing the services that make all of our cities run safer and more efficiently.
There was also a large focus on the Post-Secondary sector and how we need more funding from both the Provincial and Federal government to improve conditions at all of the 25 post-secondary institutions across BC.
On the Friday of the convention, the delegates took part in the Day of Mourning ceremony, speaking the names of the members that had passed within the last year, and this responsibility fell unto me.
Although, it was exhilarating to listen to all of these speakers, there was something else that was even better for me.
For the first time, after attending this convention for the last 4 years, I did something that made me feel proud.
Our local had put forth a resolution to request that CUPE BC increase their donation towards strike pay, after we had only just recently come quite close to holding a strike vote ourselves, and I got up on the microphone and addressed the entire room on this topic.
I spoke of the fear that I had seen from members of our local who were afraid of the idea of living on reduced pay while we were to be on strike, and the effect that fear had on them as workers.
To be able to speak of the fear that these workers felt provided me with the motivation to put my own fear aside so that I could go up to the microphone and speak to the convention goers.
This was my first time as a speaker, and luckily the crowd at these conventions are quite supportive of all speakers, especially if it is for the first time.
In the future, I plan on speaking more often now that I have jumped the hurdle for the first time, and that the next time I will jump even higher to speak up for workers rights.
I look forward to continuing to do my part, and to attempt to change the world for the better, one thing at a time.
One step forward, no steps back.
Kristen Lee, Secretary Treasurer:
Overview:
The 2026 CUPE BC Convention brought together 512 delegates representing 119 locals from across British Columbia. The convention focused on union education, financial transparency, solidarity, workers’ rights, and member advocacy.
Key Things I Learned:
One important fact shared at convention was that British Columbia has the highest minimum wage in Canada, and it is tied to inflation by law. This means the minimum wage is adjusted regularly to help keep up with the cost of living.
Union Dues Breakdown:
Members of our union pay 1.5% in union dues overall.
Of that amount, 0.14% is paid monthly to CUPE BC and is divided into three funds:
General Fund – 0.08%
Defence Fund – 0.05%
Colleen Jordan (CJ) Humanity Fund – 0.01%
The General Fund helps cover: Staffing, Office expenses, Direct expenditures, Convention costs, Committees, Executive Board expenses, Conferences
The Defence Fund supports members and union actions by providing: Strike support of $15 per day to each member, Support for community events, A union vehicle
The purpose of the Colleen Jordan Humanity Fund is to provide dedicated funding for: International solidarity efforts, Domestic anti-poverty initiatives
Moment of Silence:
During convention, delegates participated in a moment of silence to honour union members who had passed away over the past year. Local 917 announced the names of two co-workers during this tribute.
Hotel Workers Local 40 Strike:
A major example of union solidarity discussed at convention was the Hotel Workers Local 40 strike. Workers initially received an employer offer of 5% over five years, which they rejected. After striking, they successfully achieved a new agreement worth 21% over five years.
This was presented as an example of the strength of collective action and solidarity among workers.
Reflection:
The convention highlighted the importance of solidarity, member participation, and understanding how union dues support workers both locally and internationally. It also demonstrated how collective action can lead to stronger outcomes for workers.
Kristopher Pantazis, Mechanical shop:
I found the CUPE BC convention to be a valuable opportunity to connect with our fellow locals, understand the larger workings of CUPE BC and CUPE National, and add our voice to the conversation of how CUPE as a whole should move forward in the coming year.
Solidarity with other Unions was paramount in the success we’ve had so far at the bargaining table this year. The value of the connections we make during convention can not be understated.
Understanding the larger picture, of how CUPE works at a provincial and National level was daunting. For me, Unions are first and foremost about workers, and my favorite moments were when the conversation focused on worker safety, rights, and benefits.
It was encouraging to see the discourse at the microphones, and the wide myriad of topics discussed. The ability to disagree, and properly debate what is the best course forward is essential to keep the best interests of workers at the vanguard of CUPE’s priorities.
John Berkes, Plumbing shop:
I was able to attend this years CUPE BC convention as a first time delegate. During this 4 day convention we heard from many guest speakers that spoke passionately about diverse topics with one main theme. POWER in SOLIDARITY!!! We use this term all the time but until you see 500 plus people meeting together under the same umbrella with similar goals, you just don’t appreciate it!! Just a little over a month ago we (the 3 locals at UVIC) came together to discuss the possibilities of a strike. It appeared unanimous that we would stand together and fight for fair wages and an all-inclusive work place, and we won!!!
The work that the team at CUPE BC puts in behind the scenes is nothing less than awesome. We debated and voted on many resolutions with delegates speaking from the heart, sharing their own personal experiences about topics we face every day. It is easy to sit on the sidelines and become complacent, let our executive carry us threw, however I strongly feel that each and every member has a right almost a duty to become involved! Just one person and their thoughts, their ideas can make a difference! If you want to make change, let your voice be heard, start PARTICIPATING! It starts here at our monthly meetings!
Thanks John
Convention Floor
