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.
CUPE 57 established in 1984 on the road to save Public Health Care, Stop the Cuts, Improve staffing levels, mental health supports and wages. We are an inclusive local supporting members of diversity. We represent 800 members in 37 departments with 42 classifications. Ontario has 200 000 health care workers. We are affiliated with the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) founded in 1982 following a difficult hospital strike, founded to improve the bargaining process, communication with members and locals in Ontario. OCHU is the voice for ALL Health Care Workers. They are our bargaining committee for our Central Agreement
