CUPE Ontario is the political wing of the Canadian Union of Public Employees—Canada’s largest union—in the country’s largest province.
With over 280,000 members, CUPE Ontario is a strong voice for rights and fairness for our members and our communities. We work at the provincial level for legislative, policy and political change on issues affecting public services, equality, healthy communities and a better Ontario for everyone.
Our leaders are elected at our convention by delegates selected by member locals. At Convention, we also democratically decide on our political action. Locals choose to join CUPE Ontario because of the strong voice we have collectively, and because of our history of advocacy. We are very proud that the vast majority of locals in Ontario have chosen to affiliate to CUPE Ontario.
Across the province, our members work in five main sectors:
Health Care
CUPE Ontario represents hospital dietary, service and maintenance workers, registered practical nurses, engineers, clerical staff, and ambulance and paramedical personnel, as well as workers in nursing homes, long-term care facilities and community care access centres.
Municipal
Members work for municipalities maintain roads, operating water and sewage plants, performing clerical and technical duties, installing and repairing traffic lights, delivering social services, maintaining our parks, picking up garbage and keeping our streets clean.
School Board
In all four educational systems, our members work in schools and board offices in roles including education assistant, administrative assistant, custodian, stationary engineer, bus driver, cafeteria worker, ESL or literacy instructor, and community advisor.
Social Services
Our members ensure the health and economic well-being of communities, through community agencies and by providing child care, developmental services, child protective services and municipal social services.