Workers at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights vote to join CUPE

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today the Ontario Labour Relations Board confirmed that workers at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights (Action Canada) voted overwhelmingly to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

The workers voted on May 5, but the ballots could not be counted until today because of objections raised by the employer, which have largely been resolved.

“CUPE supports the right of every worker to have an equal voice at the table. And we’re thrilled to welcome these workers who want to work together to improve their workplace and contribute to the future of Action Canada and its progressive goals,” said Kristy Davidson, a CUPE representative who helped organize the workplace.

Based in Ottawa, Action Canada is a pro-choice, charitable organization committed to advancing and upholding sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and around the world. CUPE is Canada’s largest union and a leader in advancing human rights alongside equity-seeking workers, including racialized, indigenous, young, LGBTQI+, women and workers with disabilities.

"Labour rights are a reproductive justice and feminist issue. We are excited to join CUPE and look forward to bargaining a collective agreement that reflects the values central to sexual and reproductive rights,” says Darrah Teitel, a member of this new CUPE bargaining unit. “We’re especially proud to continue our advocacy work as union members, and we hope that our efforts can help pave the way for more not-for-profit workplaces to take their place in the labour movement.”

Across Canada, CUPE has more than 700,000 members who work in municipalities, healthcare, social services, universities, schools, transportation and communications.

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