We Are CUPE Local 116

About Us

Canadian Union of

Public Employees

Local 116

“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth.
Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”

- W. Clement Stone

History of CUPE Local 116

CUPE Local 116 was created in 1942, when the workers at the University of British Columbia united for workers’ rights, equality, fairness, job security, and wages as the country was recovering from a severe economic depression

during World War Two.

It started when a small group of workers came together and made a decision to join a Union, known then, as the National Union of Public Employees. In 1963 the name was changed to the Canadian Union of Public Employees and in 1968, CUPE 116 signed onto the charter. Our National Union has an impressive 650,000 plus members across Canada from coast to coast to coast, in other words, 1 in 55 Canadians are members of CUPE.

How CUPE Local 116 Works

CUPE Local 116 is responsible for maintaining three Collective Agreements; University of British Columbia, University of British Columbia Aquatic Center and the Graduate Students Society (Koerner’s Pub). Each Collective Agreement is bargained separately from the other. The local has one Constitution, and one Executive governing all three groups. Your elected Executive is comprised of one President, one General Vice-President, one Secretary-Treasurer, one Recording-Secretary, three Vice Presidents at large. With the exception of the President (three year term), all other positions are two year terms. We also have a number of Shop Stewards from a wide variety of areas on campus.

The Union, based on the University campus, coordinates actions on major issues, provides resources to members, and assists in organizing, bargaining, political action and education.

Every third Wednesday of the month (except July and August) the local holds a general membership meeting to allow members to express any concerns or issues and discuss policies and actions

CUPE 116 is a large, diverse Local that represents members across three Bargaining Units serving approximately 2200 members at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Local 116 members provide vital services that make UBC work - we are Tradespeople & Labourers, Custodial Workers, Housekeepers, Animal Care Workers, Lifeguards, Technicians, Bartenders & Servers, Food Services Workers, Student Housing & Hospitality Service Workers, Dental Assistants, Campus Mail Workers, Horticulturists, Security Officers, Parking Officers, Clerks, Bookstore Employees and more…

CUPE Local 116 advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services, decent wages and benefits and opportunities for all working families.

CUPE Local 116 is a Union comprised of a diverse group of people who share a common commitment to public service.