Inspired by the story of residential school survivor Phyllis (Jack) Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, people across Canada have commemorated September 30 as Orange Shirt Day since 2013, and now also mark the day as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

As a young girl, Phyllis was given a new orange shirt by her grandmother before being taken to a B.C. residential school. The shirt was confiscated and destroyed by her teacher on the first day of class. The destruction of Phyllis’s shirt has come to symbolize the colonial goal of residential schools to assimilate Indigenous peoples.

In 2021, the federal government passed legislation to mark September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal holiday is an important part of the reconciliation process that has been called for by Indigenous peoples and by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Indigenous peoples across Canada continue to face systemic injustices, with funding meant for their communities often diverted to resource extraction and policing rather than the programs and supports they have identified as priorities. This misdirection contributes to environmental degradation and social disparities in Indigenous communities, reinforcing patterns of environmental racism. Recent legislation, such as Bill C-5, has been criticized for undermining Indigenous rights, highlighting the continuing work needed for true reconciliation.

What CUPE locals and members can do:

• Download CUPE’s guide on bargaining language for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to find out how you can observe the day and support reconciliation efforts. September 30 is a statutory holiday for workers in federally regulated sectors, as well as in some other jurisdictions.
• Order an Orange Shirt Day t-shirt through the official suppliers. Part of the proceeds will go to the Orange Shirt Society.
• Show your support on social media. Share a photo of yourself wearing an orange shirt using the hashtag #OrangeShirtDay. Tag CUPE on Facebook @cupescfp and Instagram @cupe_scfp
• Download our guide to reconciliation for CUPE locals and consider how you and your local can support the calls to action.
• Invite an Indigenous speaker to your next virtual or in-person meeting to talk about truth and reconciliation.
• Learn more by taking CUPE’s workshop Solidarity with Indigenous workers and human rights courses.

(Sourced from CUPE’s website, click here to view:  CUPE Statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)

Please be advised the members portal is now live! You can find the link on the local’s website by clicking on the Members Portal button.

Before logging in for the first time, you will need to create your own password which can be done by clicking “forgot your password?” and providing the email address the local has on file for you. You will receive an email with instructions to change your password and will be able to login after that.

There will be more details and instructions in the near future for what the Members Portal offers, what sites you can view, and more!

Please see updated Expression of Interest application for Steward – Disability Support. If you are interested, please submit your completed application by Friday, October 2nd @ 2359 (11:59pm).

Expression of Interest: Steward – Disability Support

Please see attached newsletter for information related to upcoming events, union contact information, an update from the Administrator, and more!

CUPE 5441 Newsletter

CUPE’s National Executive Board (NEB) has approved the placing of CUPE 5441 under Administration at their recent Board meeting. The letter will be posted on the local website shortly.

As per Article 7.8(c) of the CUPE Constitution, any officer or executive member of the local can ask to speak at the Board meeting. The next NEB meeting will take place September 22-24, 2026 and, as per the letter, time will be set aside on September 24, 2026 to discuss this.

The deadline for eligible members to request in writing to speak to the NEB regarding the local’s administration is September 11, 2026.

Letter to Local regarding Approved Administration

Thank you to all who were able to attend and participate in the information meetings held on Monday. As mentioned, please find attached a 1-page summary of what was discussed at the meetings as well as the PowerPoint slides.

CUPE 5441 Information Meeting summary

CUPE 5441 Administration Information Meeting PowerPoint slides

July 20, 2026

Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends:

I am writing to advise the members of CUPE Local 5441, that in accordance with Article 7.8 (a) of the CUPE National Constitution, CUPE National has placed Local 5441 under administration. This means that the Local 5441 Executive Board has been relieved of their duties and CUPE National has appointed me, Robynn Clarke, as Administrator of the Local.

As Administrator of your Local, trust that the priority will be to make sure that all operations and obligations of CUPE Local 5441 are carried out with as little disruption as possible. Charlie Wryland will continue as CUPE National Servicing Representative assigned to the Local and CUPE’s Hospital Sector Staff team will continue to provide any additional support that is needed for coordination, research, legal, health and safety and communications.

Your patience and understanding are very much appreciated as we navigate many moving pieces throughout the next few days and weeks. Rest assured, we will keep you updated and look forward to engaging in discussions at an upcoming Membership Information Meeting. More information will follow in the coming days as to when the Membership Information Meeting will take place.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact myself via email at rclarke@cupe.ca or Charlie at cwryland@cupe.ca.

Dear CUPE 5441 Members

On July 09, 2026 to July 12, 2026 CUPE5441 conducted a vote through Simply Voting to either stay with the current benefits (Local) or to align with the central benefits with OCHU.

Below are the results for the affected bargaining units:

Clerical Vote Results

Service Vote Results

If you have any questions please contact Support@cupe5441.ca

As the month of June approaches and we look to celebrate pride month from June 1-30th, with family, friends and love ones, let us do so by supporting each other in accepting the differences in gender. It’s crucial we acknowledge and respect every individual’s identity by promoting love, kindness, and understanding.

LGBTQ2+ is a month to show support, not only now but always, to bond together and grow. Grow in our knowledge of acceptance while doing so with a listening ear, eager to learn.

Yet, there’s still work to be done.

Every individual deserves the freedom to live authentically, without fear of judgement or persecution. Let’s continue to break down barriers and stereotypes, promoting a world where everyone can thrive regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

By promoting love, kindness and understanding we can create a world where everyone feels valued and empowered to live their truth. Let’s work together towards a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.

As we celebrate with each other “Happy Pride month and Pride Day”.

Cupe local 5441 Executive, trustees and stewards.

Equality Coordinator,
Cheryl Belgrave

Dear CUPE 5441 PSW/HCA/Clinical Assistance/Resident Assistants

OCHU will be holding a zoom call on May 06, 2026 @ 7pm to address some of the concerns regarding the new regulation measures being put in place.

Please see the link below for more information.

PSW ZOOM CALL POSTER