Committees!
Any members in good standing from affiliated locals may sit on a committee. Some committees are still waiting for you! Please attend a Niagara District CUPE Council meeting for more information or email infondcc9102@gmail.ca for more.
Communication Committee
The Communications Committee is responsible for developing and implementing effective communication strategies that promote the work, values, and campaigns of the Niagara District CUPE Council and its affiliated locals. The committee manages internal and external communications, including newsletters, social media, public statements, and promotional materials. It ensures that members are informed, engaged, and connected through clear, timely, and accessible messaging. The Communications Committee also works to strengthen the Council’s public presence, support local mobilization efforts, and amplify the voices of workers across the Niagara Region.
Chair: Tracy Kennedy
Co-Chair: Stephanie Burton
Member at large: TBD
Education Committee
The Education Committee of the Niagara District CUPE Council is dedicated to empowering members through knowledge, skill-building, and political awareness. This committee identifies training needs across the region and works to ensure that CUPE members have access to high-quality union education opportunities. This includes organizing and promoting workshops, steward training, health and safety sessions, political action courses, and equity-focused education.
The committee collaborates with CUPE’s Ontario and National education departments to bring relevant programs to locals, helps coordinate joint education initiatives, and supports leadership development across the labour movement. It also plays a role in promoting union literacy and fostering critical understanding of the issues affecting workers in Niagara. Whether through formal workshops or grassroots learning opportunities, the Education Committee believes that informed members are empowered members, and that education is a vital tool for building strong, inclusive, and effective unions.
Chair: Phil Wachel
Co-Chair: Tracy Kennedy
Member at large: Tammy DeRocco
Political Action Committee
This committee shall present the Council in all matters that necessitate Political Action in the broadest possible terms. Such action may involve lobbying and/or appointing officials in all levels of government via presentation or written briefs or verbal comment. This Committee shall cooperate with all Political Action Committees within CUPE structure and the labour movement in general.
Bylaw Committee
The Bylaw Committee shall be convened as needed at the discretion of the President. Its primary responsibility is to review, draft, and recommend changes to the Council’s bylaws to ensure they remain clear, consistent, and aligned with CUPE’s constitution and the evolving needs of the Council and its affiliates.
Retirees Committee
The Retirees Committee shall be comprised of any CUPE retirees from an affiliated Local or non-affiliated Local in the Region of Niagara. All retirees are welcome to attend meetings of the Niagara District CUPE Council, with voice but no vote.
Social Committee
This committee shall arrange and conduct all social, cultural, and recreational activities of the Council, either on the committee’s own initiative or as a result of decisions taken at General Membership meetings. The committee shall submit reports and proposals to the Executive Board or to the delegates as required.
Equity Committees:
This committee shall keep Council and its affiliated Locals informed about Equity issues and their impact. The committee shall act as a resource and liaison group.
Women’s Sub-Committee
This committee shall keep Council and its affiliated Locals informed about women’s issues and their impact. The Committee shall act as a resource and liaison group.
Pink Triangle Sub-Committee
This committee shall promote and defend the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, intersex and queer-identified union members. The committee shall act as a resource and liaison group and help create safer, fairer workplaces.
Racialized Workers Sub-Committee
This committee shall keep Council and its affiliated Locals informed about racial justice in our workplaces and communities. Work of the Committee includes promoting a diversity of representation and building strong relationships within Locals, community organizations, and allies. The committee shall act as a resource and liaison group for the Council’s affiliated locals
Indigenous Workers Sub-Committee
This committee shall promote and defend the rights of all Indigenous workers in our unions and in our communities. The committee’s goal is to educate Council and affiliated locals about Indigenous issues, increase participation of Indigenous members, and combat discrimination.
Workers with Disabilities Sub-Committee
This committee shall advocate for and raise awareness of disabilities within our union, workplaces and communities. The committee helps advocate for legislation that will advance equality for workers with disabilities, and play a role in educating Council and locals about accessibility, rights and relevant legislation, such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Young Workers Sub-Committee
The Young Workers Committee will work with CUPE Ontario Young Workers on issues that affect them such as precarious work, shift work, low hours, low wage work.