Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1169 represents the unionized members of the Calgary and Cochrane Public Libraries.

What is CUPE?

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canada’s largest union, with 740,000 members across the country. CUPE represents workers in health care, emergency services, education, early learning and child care, municipalities, social services, libraries, utilities, transportation, airlines, and more. CUPE is founded on the notion of local autonomy, and each Local has its own say in how the Local is run.

What Local 1169 does for the members:

• operates as your representative with the management of the Calgary or Cochrane Public Library.
• bargains Collective Bargaining Agreements for its members, covering many aspects of working conditions ranging from vacation entitlement to promotions to protection against discrimination.
• negotiates the wages earned by the members.
• files grievances and represents members regarding violations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• supports equality for all members.
• attends Joint Health and Safety meetings (5 times per year) with employer representatives.
• attends quarterly Joint Labour Management meetings with employer representatives.

What is a member in good standing?

As an employee of the Calgary or Cochrane Public Library, you are automatically represented by CUPE Local 1169. To be considered a member in good standing, you need to fill out a membership form, pay an initiation fee (when applicable), and receive a member number. Completed forms are sent to vicepresident@cupe1169.ca. As a member in good standing, you have the right to attend Union meetings, have a direct say in the operation of your Union, vote on matters of importance, such as ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreements (including wages), and election of the Local’s officers.

How do I become a member in good standing?

Unionized members of the Calgary Public Library will receive a membership form when they participate in the “Start Smart” orientation, which all new employees are required to attend.

Unionized members of the Cochrane Public Library will receive a membership form when they receive their orientation from an Union representative.

If new members choose not to fill out the membership form and become a member in good standing at the time of orientation, they may at a later date contact their Union office (president@cupe1169.ca) and a membership form will be provided. Completed forms are sent to vicepresident@cupe1169.ca (including the $2.00 initiation fee, when applicable). Members can also sign up when they attend any in-person General Membership meeting.

How can I find out more information?

• Contact any member of your Executive.
• Find out who your Information Steward is at your location or department.
• Attend a General Membership meeting.

 

“My Local works because I participate”