WHO WE ARE
Local 5277, established under the Canadian Union of Public Employees, is comprised of workers and activists who have come together to create quality, union-developed community and member-targeted awareness/engagement campaigns for labour unions. Our members consist of designers, animators, IT specialists, programmers, cinematographers, photographers, editors, creative writers, event specialists and more.
We operate as a resource for unions to complement the current communications work being done by local and national union staff.
Our members provide innovative alternatives to classic communication methods in an effort to modernize the way unions communicate with their members and the community. CUPE Local 5277 helps fellow unions develop strong local identities through the creation of customized logos and general branding; streamline member engagement through custom website creation, app development, robocalls and e-blasts; garner public awareness through media buy campaigns and press releases; generate online conversation and interaction through social media campaigns and regular updates; encourage member participation through local event planning, management and documentation; and update/inform members through union-printed flyers, postcards, booklets and calendars. With a fully-equipped unionized print shop, we have the unique ability within CUPE to provide our clients with the materials they need quickly, while guaranteeing print products that are developed and printed by CUPE-unionized staff.
As young, proud members of CUPE, we take pride in the work we do for our fellow brothers and sisters and are excited to be able to assist in the creation of campaigns that have the potential to greatly affect the lives of hard-working Canadians.
WE are…
Web Developers
Photographers
Videographers
Illustrators
Web Application Engineers
Interactive Media Writers
Printing Press Operators
Creative Writers
Product Specialists
Conceptual Designers
Web Administrators
Graphic Designers
Support Technicians
LOCAL HISTORY
In October 2013, Union Marketing employees made the decision to organize. In this unique situation, the employees’ decision to organize was supported by the employer. Employees were looking to establish a collective voice, while management wished to support the work of its clients.
CUPE Local 5277 ratified its first collective agreement for a one-year term in December 2014; the agreement included an 8.5% wage increase along with a variety of other innovative clauses, such as the potential for a student debt retirement plan that transforms into a pension plan. This plan is currently in development by the local.
In August 2015, CUPE presented our local with its first official charter, naming us CUPE Local 5277. Elections were held shortly after – conducted according to guidelines in the CUPE Constitution – and the first official executive was formed.
In January 2016, negotiations began for CUPE Local 5277’s second collective agreement. The agreement was ratified by 100% of the membership in June 2016. Highlights included an 8.5% wage increase over a 3-year term, 100% employer-paid benefit premiums, a Long Term Disability (LTD) benefit plan with 100% employer-paid premiums and additional days for bereavement leave. The new agreement will expire December 31st, 2018.
UNION STRUCTURE
EQUALITY STATEMENT
Union solidarity is based on the principle that union members are equal and deserve mutual respect at all levels. Any behaviour that creates conflict prevents us from working together to strengthen our union.
As unionists, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We should neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic or homophobic hurts and thereby divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of ability, age, class, religion and ethnic origin.
Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate. Harassment should not be treated as a joke. The uneasiness and resentment that it creates are not feelings that help us grow as a union.
Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different; and they reduce our capacity to work together on shared concerns such as decent wages, safe working conditions, and justice in the workplace, society and in our union.
CUPE’s policies and practices must reflect our commitment to equality. Members, staff and elected officers must be mindful that all persons deserve dignity, equality and respect.
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