Strengths

CUPE Local One currently has over 1,000 members. Our democratically elected leaders have been running this sizable organization to the benefit of its members for decades. Our union office is staffed by a full-time President, Vice-President, Health and Safety Representative and Office Administrator. We have the years of experience needed to effectively function as the union representative all of the workers in the amalgamated utility.

CUPE Local One is a leader in collective bargaining in this province. Bargaining priorities and tactics are decided democratically by the members of our union. Our contracts are exceptional and stand out far beyond the others of the utility sector.

CUPE Local One members have stood solidly together to make gains in collective bargaining. Contract after contract we have made significant gains which other unions have sought to match.

You know it’s necessary, and given the option from the other unions, you are asking yourself, “Why CUPE Local One?”

• For many years we have been running this union covering over 1,000 members like a well oiled machine. Our union office is staffed full time by three full-time leaders and one full-time office administrator. No other union is better set up to mangle the growing pains of representing several hundred more members. CUPE Local One is the only union with decades of experience operating in this manner. The other unions have experience at running locals with a membership size of up to approximately 350.
• Who is or has been running CUPE Local One? Our present and past leaders are the rank and file members who work with you at the office or on your crew. These are people you know and people who know your workplace issues. Our workplace will change because of the amalgamation of the utilities, and merger of the unions. Who best to deal with these changes but the union with the best collective bargaining track record and the best organizing record?
• Our affiliation to the National Union is an integral part of our strength as a union. Our national union is the only truly national all-Canadian union. The Canadian Union of Public Employees is the largest union in Canada with over 460,000 members nationwide. The National Defense Fund affords our members $200 per week strike pay and our full benefits are covered during a strike. No other union even comes close to offering this. As a part of a national union, our local contributes money to the National, but because of our autonomy at Local One, we get money back form the national for such things as legal and arbitration costs, fight-back campaigns and strike aversion costs. CUPE also provides our members with necessary research, educationals and training. Also, with CUPE our members have a loud voice defending workers interests on issues such as deregulation, privatization and government legislation at both the provincial and federal level.
• The new Toronto Hydro management group for the new utility is not much different from the old group. The management style we have seen until now has given us every indication that it will even be more aggressive. CUPE Local One is a determined fighting Union and is the most prepared to defend your interests against this type of employer.
• Toronto Hydro management has not succeeded in dividing our Union. The government of the day has passed Bill 136. Don’t let this piece of legislation divide us. A vote for CUPE Local One is a vote for continued solidarity.

CUPE Local wants to be your union. We have the required experience and resources necessary to represent and serve a large and diverse membership. On vote day, vote CUPE Local One. Remember: “ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL”.