Posts published in February 2026

CUPE is sending its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and community members affected by the tragic violence yesterday in Tumbler Ridge, BC.

In moments like these, the pain felt by a small, close-knit community can be overwhelming. CUPE members across Canada stand in solidarity with the people of Tumbler Ridge as they mourn, support each other, and begin the difficult process of healing.

We recognize the first responders, health care workers, and community members who have answered the call in this time of crisis. Their professionalism and compassion are vital in helping communities get through these moments of tragedy.

Members of CUPE 2268 and CUPE 3730 have delivered a strong strike mandate, voting overwhelmingly in favour of strike action if necessary.

From 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 7 to 11 a.m. on Monday, February 9, members of both locals participated in a strike vote, with nearly 90% of those who voted in each local voting in favour.

“This result sends a clear and powerful message,” said Wayne Harriman, president of CUPE 3730. “Our members are united and prepared to take action to achieve a fair agreement that reflects the value of our work and addresses rising cost of living pressures.”

CUPE 2268 and CUPE 3730 remain committed to reaching a fair agreement and are prepared to return to the bargaining table at any time. However, the strike mandate highlights the seriousness of the outstanding issues and the urgency of reaching a fair deal.

“Our goal remains a fair agreement – not a strike,” said Teresa Hitchings, president of CUPE 2268. “This vote reflects how serious our members are about seeing these issues resolved.”

Neither local is currently in a legal strike position.

Qualified individuals are invited to apply for the bilingual position of Research Assistant to work from the Human Rights Branch of the National Services Department at the National Office of the Canadian Union of Public Employees located in Ottawa, Ontario.

Apply to work for us

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the direction of the Director of Human Rights, the Research Assistant provides research support, including research and analysis to support departmental needs as follows:

• Develop and maintain databases on equity and human rights for the Branch, including demographic information, bargaining language, research articles, CUPE historical archival content on equity/human rights, etc.
• Develop and maintain project management systems for the Branch for tracking and coordinating ongoing CUPE policy and initiatives on equity and human rights.
• Coordinate large projects led by the Branch, including interdepartmental projects such as the Anti-Racism Strategy and CUPE Equality Timeline.
• Research, analyze and prepare documentation and specific collective agreement comparisons including local bylaw language and reaching out to other unions in Canada and internationally.
• Collect data from various sources and distribute as required: demographic statistics, arbitration and conciliation board briefs; collect data from reports, publications, collective agreements, and other source material; select appropriate information as required and assemble in appropriate written or tabular form; collect information from labour organizations, governments, and departments; and provide information to labour and other organizations on request.
• Practice inclusive research and ensure equity and representation throughout the work.
• Assist in the preparation and drafting of government submissions, publications, briefing notes, presentations, conferences and workshops for various projects.
• Assist with conference preparation and planning: coordinate speakers, prepare biographies and introductions; arrange conference calls, meetings, and workshops, as required.
• Assist active committees to ensure they are ready for upcoming events and complete and distribute relevant research.
• Assist in developing questionnaires and analyzing results for various workplaces.
• Compile material, draft letters, and documents in reply to correspondence, and format reports and presentations.
• Conduct research on CUPE equity bargaining language (using MRM-CA and coordinating with Research) to support demand for Human Rights Branch advice on bargaining language and Branch publications and workshops on diverse equity and human rights issues.
• Maintain records and files on collective bargaining and other matters; amend and revise records and files as necessary; be aware of contents of various publications related to assignments.
• Work with staff and members to develop opportunities to use reports in speeches for lobbying/campaign purposes.
• Assist in the logistics related to campaigns.
• Provide support to all sectors or occupational groups as required.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Five years related work experience, ideally in a union environment.
• University degree or equivalent in a relevant field, particularly in statistics, economics, sociology and/or industrial relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of equity issues, human rights, and the intersectional challenges impacting equity deserving groups.
• Demonstrated ability in research skills, including the ability to develop information data banks.
• Project management experience including project coordination, the development and maintenance of databases and project management systems.
• General knowledge of:

• administrative policies and procedures;
• CUPE’s Human Rights Branch structure and work;
• CUPE’s Anti-Racism Strategy;
• CUPE political and organization structure;
• Internet research techniques;
• databases and data management;
• specific subject-matter requirements such as: qualitative and quantitative data analysis;
• research sources and methodologies.

• Ability to:

• speak and write at an above average level in English and French;
• communicate effectively in a respectful and cooperative manner with diverse teams, CUPE members, all staff, the public and contractors, etc.;
• work collaboratively with diverse teams;
• perform basic mathematical functions;
• work with minimal supervision;
• maintain confidentiality;
• meet deadlines and/or establish priorities while working in a high-pressure work setting and with competing demands;
• work with a high degree of accuracy;
• exemplify good organizational skills;
• solve problems, identify and correct discrepancies, and follow guidelines, where applicable;
• use advanced MS Office Suite and, where required, statistical and database applications, and learn new software.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT as set out in the collective agreement between CUPE and COPE Local 491.

Weekly Salary Range:     $1,681.88 to $1,706.67 (plus 7% bilingual bonus)

Persons interested should click APPLY TO WORK FOR US, select National Office and Human Rights, follow all required steps, and submit a cover letter and résumé no later than March 3, 2026. Please mention posting #COPE-2441 in the subject line of your email.

Apply to work for us

:ml/cope 491 / 1LBREA001

CUPE is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, accessible, and healthy workplace environment that is equitable and fair at all levels of its organization. We are committed to establishing a qualified workforce reflecting the diverse population and communities in which we live and serve. CUPE encourages applications from qualified members of equity deserving groups including, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. We will provide reasonable accommodations for any protected human rights grounds at any stage of the recruitment and/or selection process. When invited for an interview, please inform us if you require an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources Department at hr@cupe.ca. (All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, CUPE members and existing CUPE staff will be given priority)