Oxfam Canada Workers on Strike After Employer Refuses to Address Equity and Fair Wage Increases

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Members of CUPE 2722 at Oxfam Canada are officially on strike after the employer failed to reach a fair collective agreement that reflects the organization's stated commitments to feminist principles, equity, and social justice.

The strike comes after over a year of negotiations in which workers sought to protect key workplace rights and maintain language that supports fairness and dignity for all employees. Outstanding issues include leave provisions for gender-affirming care, protections and supports for workers experiencing domestic violence, a fair wage increase and maintaining an existing collective agreement right to a cost-of-living adjustment language that helps workers keep pace with rising expenses.

CUPE 2722 members play a critical role in advancing Oxfam's mission, building relationships with partners, supporting humanitarian and development programs, advocating for resources for the global south, and helping the organization fight poverty and inequality around the world.

"Our members believe deeply in Oxfam's mission and values, which is why we are so disappointed to find ourselves on a picket line today," said Carla Caxaj, a member of the CUPE 2722 bargaining committee. "Oxfam publicly champions gender equality, inclusion, and economic justice, but at the bargaining table it has refused to support important protections such as leave for gender-affirming care and has sought to dilute language that helps workers maintain their purchasing power in the face of rising costs. We are asking Oxfam to apply the same principles to its workers here in Canada that it advocates for globally."

The union says the strike is about more than wages and benefits. It is about ensuring that Oxfam's workplace reflects the values of equity, compassion, and fairness that are central to its public identity.

"Nobody wanted to be on strike," Caxaj said. "Our members remain committed to reaching a negotiated settlement and are ready to return to the bargaining table at any time. But we are standing up for our values, and we cannot accept any agreement that undermines these values, which are the same ones that Oxfam promotes externally. We are standing up to protect our hard-earned rights and for a workplace that practices internally what we promote externally."

CUPE 2722 is calling on Oxfam Canada's Board of Directors and senior leadership to return to the bargaining table with a renewed commitment to reaching a fair agreement that respects workers and avoids a prolonged labour dispute.

Members of the public are encouraged to send a message to Oxfam’s Board of Directors at www.cupe.ca/oxfam

The local will be picketing in Ottawa at Oxfam offices, 39 McArthur Avenue, and in Toronto at 110 Wellesley Street West.

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