The CUPE Cast

Migrant workers are members of our communities and play a role in keeping the services we use running. Recent changes to Bill C-12 could affect the livelihoods of thousands of workers and their families. In this episode of CUPE Cast, Brianna and Krista interview Jaela and fellow co-host Katherine, who share their experiences participating in the International Migrants Alliance’s Canada Labour Tour...

The Ontario government introduced Bill 60, the “ Fighting Delays. Building Fast Act ,” in October 2025. With this omnibus bill bulldozing its way through Queen’s Park, it has quickly brought in reforms that will affect tenants’ rights and new opportunities to privatize our public water. On this episode, you’ll hear from tenant organizer An and CUPE Local 1785 wastewater worker James Marangon. Join...

CUPE Cast is back! In this episode, Brianna welcomes the two new co-hosts to the podcast: Katherine Grzejszczak and Krista Laing. Plus, Brianna, Katherine and Krista discuss the OMERS governance review. As the Ford Government calls for a review of OMERS, CUPE Ontario has launched the “Save our OMERS” campaign to spread its awareness about the review and highlight why CUPE members should have their...

The trades are in high demand—not only for new skilled workers, but also to keep up with the growing demand from communities and cities. Chris Yates, President of CUPE Local 2361 and co-chair of CUPE Ontario’s Trades Committee, sits down with CUPE Cast co-host Brianna to shed light on the Trades sector. In this episode, Chris and Brianna explore some of the issues affecting trades workers in the w...

It seems lately, one of the big topics on the news and with businesses is tariffs.  With the United States imposing new tariffs on Canada and other countries, what does that mean for the Canadian economy and, most importantly, the working class? In this episode of CUPE Cast, the co-hosts are joined by CUPE National’s Research Director, Angella MacEwen, who breaks down the concepts of tariffs, the...

Frustrated by stagnant wages and crumbling public services, workers are turning to our most powerful tool — the strike — to fight back and win real gains. As of June 1, 2025,  three CUPE locals are on strike across Ontario. These workers are standing strong, and they need your support. Come hear directly from them, their stories, their struggles, and the solidarity they’re counting on. One day lon...

Back in March 2025, CUPE National held a Building Strong Locals Conference in Montreal. CUPE members from across the country gathered in one place to build their skills on member mobilization and engagement, as well as to have conversations about defending public services against right-wing threats and bargaining to win. In this episode, CUPE co-hosts Brianna and Moe catch up with Chloe Bell, Jess...

It's election season in Ontario! With eligible voters heading to the polls on Thursday, February 27, 2025, the CUPE Cast hosts jump right in to discuss the provincial election. In this episode, they explore why the provincial election is taking place over a year early and discuss several issues affecting CUPE members as they head to the polls. Dr. Carlo Fanelli shares his insights about the cu...

CUPE Cast is back, and Brianna is joined by a new co-host, Mohammed (Moe) Alqasem. In the first episode of 2025, Moe and Brianna sit down with Brandon Hayes from CUPE Local 4948 and Nas Yadollahi from CUPE Local 79 to discuss their bargaining process as they return to the bargaining table with their employer. With understaffing, health and safety, and wages being some of the key issues, these loca...

The push to privatize the healthcare system continues to affect Ontarians across this province. In this episode, the CUPE Co-hosts chat about how privatizing health has negative implications for the patient and the worker. The co-host also sits down with Unifor member Tiffany, who shares her story about fertility and her experience navigating the private healthcare system.  Brittany also says her...

On today's episode, Brianna and Brittany will be recapping the LCBO Strike and how the LCBO benefits the whole of Ontario. With the LCBO workers going on strike this summer, everyone, from the government, unions, and the public, had an opinion and a stance. Let’s dive in and bring you up to speed about the LCBO strike.  LCBO Strike would be first in Ontario liquor stores history:  https://www....

In our summer episode, we are talking about beating the heat. We’ll discuss how parts of the labour movement are calling everybody out - the government, and the employer, to do better. We’ll be highlighting some current campaigns from the OFL and CUPE locals. Summer vacation may be out for students, but for the workers, the fight is always in session. Grab a seat and get ready because we are comin...

It's convention season at CUPE Ontario, so let's revisit a past episode, “Convention Baseball”, where we give a complete overview of all things convention so you will be refreshed and ready for this exciting week! CUPE Ontario Draft Convention Agenda: https://cupe.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-CONVENTION-AGENDA.pdf CUPE Ontario Constitution: https://cupe.ca/sites/default/files/cons...

Mental Health is health. We can’t divorce our physical well-being from our mental well-being. In this episode, Brianna and Brittany discuss why mental health is a health and safety issue in the workplace. Looking at current events, pop culture, and workplace issues, it is evident that mental health affects us all—in different capacities. CUPE National Representative Andréane Chénier joins the CUPE...

Airlines won’t fly without flight attendants, but did you know that they work 35 hours per month unpaid while they carry out their duties? In this episode of CUPE Cast, Brianna and Brittany discuss the airline sector campaign and the “Unpaid Work Won’t Fly” Campaign. CUPE Airline’s Division Wesley Lesosky sits down for an exciting interview to raise awareness of some of the issues flight attendant...

March 8th is an exciting day for women and gender oppressed folks because it is International Women's Day!!! A day to celebrate all that women have and continue to accomplish!  For this episode of the CUPE Cast, we are going to focus on the contributions certain women have made to the labour movement, events and how you can celebrate International Women's Day as well as messages from CUPE...

With Black History Month right around the corner, we will be taking a deep dive in this episode and discussing why Black History Month is celebrated in February.  We will also be  joined by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist Ontario Chapter’s First Vice-President Christopher Wilson.  Why is Black History month celebrated in February? https://www.npr.org/2023/02/01/1150977600/black-history-month...

What were your favourite moments of 2023? Because we know we have quite a few!  In this episode we will go over all the great times we had this year.  However we also will be saying goodbye to someone we all know and love.  So make sure to tune into CUPE Cast episode 32: 2023, A Year in Review! 

In this month’s episode, we explore the importance of accessibility in the workplace, focusing on the AODA Act and discussing disability rights, health and safety measures, creating an ability-smart workplace, and the Duty to Accommodate. The episode also highlights the political parties' response to the AODA alliance’s questionnaire to addresses barriers, and an interview with Brenda Cervante...

Get ready for a Halloween treat! In episode 30 of CUPE Cast, titled "No Tricks, Just Treats," we're diving headfirst into a special Halloween celebration, union style. Join us as we unravel the sweetest treats that are union-made for your trick-or-treat adventures, and get inspired with creative, union-themed Halloween costume ideas. And, brace yourself for some spine-tingling union...

This podcast episode explores the critical intersection of climate justice and labour unions. The discussion highlights how the climate emergency is not just an environmental issue but a profound health and safety concern for everyone, impacting all of us, irrespective of our backgrounds or workplaces. The episode explores the role of labor unions in advocating for climate justice, emphasizing the...

Recorded live co-hosted by Niagara District CUPE Council Women's Committee It’s another hot union summer, summer of the strike, and so many of these movements are women led! And don’t forget the Orcas too! Let’s explore what’s going down, because this Barbie is a Union Member. Recorded in front of a live audience, it’s Episode 28! Strong Women Summer! Links:  Local 2577 – Workers at Family &am...

August 1 marks Emancipation Day — a day signifying the enactment of the  Slave Abolition Act  of 1833 and the abolishment of slavery across the British Empire. But what does it mean to observe Emancipation Day? In this episode, the CUPE Cast hosts are joined by CUPE Ontario's Racial Justice Chair, Valerie Joseph, to discuss the origins of Emancipation Day and why it matters to reflect on the e...

It’s Pride Month, and many CUPE members work in public services that host pride flag raisings, Drag Storytimes, 2SLGBTQIA+ school clubs, and more but these services are under attack. As the backlash and rhetoric against 2SLGBTQIA+ people has grown, so have the threats and bigotry around pride and drag. We will explore how we can ensure safer spaces and organize support on the ground. And you’ll he...

It’s Convention season at CUPE Ontario! Let’s talk “inside baseball” when it comes to all things CUPE Ontario Convention: a complete overview of all things convention. No strikes - only home runs! Listen in for everything you wanted to know about CUPE Ontario Convention - let’s play ball!  CUPE Ontario Draft Convention Agenda: https://cupe.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DRAFT-CONVENTION-AGENDA-2...