Standing Committees
Equal Rights & Opportunities (EROC)
Rossbrook House Christmas Party
Arlene Macklem, Recording Secretary for the Winnipeg Labor Council along with her granddaughter Viola, volunteer at the annual Rossbrook House Christmas Party. The party is sponsored by WLC with donations from its affiliates. This year, about 30 inner city children, were treated to pizza, a magician’s show, fantastic face painting and an amazing balloon creator! Rossbrook House is a neighborhood centre for children and youth in Winnipeg's inner-city. It offers a constant alternative to the destructive environment of the streets. Rossbrook is open 365 days of the year, 24 hours on weekends or any school holidays. Beyond the 'drop-in', a variety of recreational, arts, cultural, women's and employment development programs are offered. CUPE 998 supports Rossbrook House Christmas Party with a $50.00
January 10, 2012
CUPE Manitoba
CUPE Manitoba Hosts Human Rights Conference
CUPE Manitoba hosted a Human Rights Conference on December 8th and 9th in advance of International Human Rights Day on December 10th. Sixty-five CUPE members and staff from 17 locals participated in this year's conference. This year's theme was "Advancing Human Rights in the Workplace and the Community."
The conference was kicked off by a keynote address from University of Winnipeg President and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lloyd Axworthy.
Dr. Axworthy spoke to delegates about his time as Foreign Affairs Minister and the frustration he felt during the conflicts in Rwanda and the Balkans as the old international sovereignty laws prevented Canada from intervening and saving human lives.
These conflicts led to the development of a Human Security Focus as opposed to the old National Security Focus that allowed political leaders to hide behind the state when committing crimes against humanity. Today, those who commit crimes against humanity are tried in an international court as the sovereign rights of people are superior to the sovereign rights of governments.
He concluded his remarks by urging CUPE to continue its commitment to fight for human rights. “Unions represent the rights of people, so all the more reason for labour to be a part of the global movement to protect human rights,” concluded Dr. Axworthy.
Delegates participated in four workshops during the 2-day conference. These included: Strategies for Achieving Workable Accommodations; Aboriginal Water Issues; Creating Racial Justice; and Transgender Issues.
A panel discussion on Changing Demographics took place on Friday morning. It included presentations from CUPE Equality Representative, Maureen Morrison, Manitoba Labour and Immigration Credentials Assessor, Shannon McKay, City of Winnipeg Workplace Consultant, Simon Gillingham and CUPE’s Senior Officer for Aboriginal Issues, Don Moran.
“It is critical that we as a union, and the labour movement in general, pay attention to the changing demographics, in order to make sure that we are truly inclusive and representative of our members,” proclaimed Maureen Morrison.
CUPE Supports the new Human Rights Museum
As a Chairperson of the CUPE National Human Rights Committee, Arlene Macklem attended this groundbreaking event. See Event Photos