The CUPE Cast

Are unions bringing sexy back? What’s cooler than being cool?! Having a union card or working to organize a union in your workplace! This month we have an updated chat on all the reasons why it’s super sexy to be in a union and where to find some union love in pop culture and more.  Because when you’re in a union you can buy your own flowers!  Show Notes: Dripped Out Trade Unionists tweeted this:...

Are you fed up with the rich getting richer, while workers struggle to get by? This month the CUPE Cast is saying Enough is Enough! The rich are richer than ever. Workers are working harder than ever for low wages. The rich rule by dividing us. Together, we have power! Workers are saying ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! We will discuss just that - how to get involved in your own campaign, ongoing strikes and mov...

This month the CUPE Cast is discussing the topic, Black Workers Matter.  In this episode we will be covering everything from the Black Class Action Lawsuit, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Black Sleeping Car Porters, and more. This is also an extra special episode where we are welcoming our brand new CUPE Cast co-host, Brianna Plummer and saying goodbye to CUPE Cast co-host Elise....

Often when people think of unions, they think of higher wages and safer working conditions - which are absolutely true. But unions also fight for equity, equality and for the human rights of all. This month’s episode is a conversation with activist and CUPE National human rights representative, Kimalee Phillip on why human rights are union rights. Kimalee Phillip is an experienced social justice a...

Cozy up with your favourite warm beverage, snuggle into your comfiest blanket, gather your loved ones near and enjoy this months bonus CUPE Cast episode “The Night Before”, a retelling of Clement Clarke Moore’s  “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, with a fun union and labour twist!

Everything you needed to know about Bill 28 in one spot!  This fall has been a whirlwind with OSBCU CUPE Education Workers bargaining, the Conservative Government passing Bill 28, the possibility of a General Strike and the repeal of Bill 28 - leaving us all wondering what the heck is happening here in Ontario!  Hopefully this month's episode will help clear things up. We will take you s...

The new CUPE Cast is here! What’s your favourite picket line food? In CUPE Cast Episode 18, Tiffany, Brittany, and Elise chat about picket lines, strikes, what to do when you see a picket line, how to support workers on strike, famous picket lines and more! Show Notes: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/strikes-and-picket-lines-explained/amp https://cupe3338.ca/strikeinfo/ https://3903.cupe.ca/picket...

This month the CUPE Cast discusses the future of our labour movement… young workers!  Young workers have taken union organizing by storm, everywhere from Sephora, to Starbucks, to Chipotle and beyond. The CUPE Cast also discusses who is considered a young worker, what are the key issues impacting Generation Z, how young workers leverage social media sites like TikTok, and the "new" Generation...

Uber Eats, DoorDash, Skip the Dishes and Foodora. You probably have heard of all these online apps that can help you get food delivered straight to your door. You can shop from hundreds of restaurants and not even leave your couch. These apps are fast, easy and right at your fingertips. They were popular pre-pandemic, but then boomed even more during the pandemic. But what do we know about the wor...

In this month’s episode, Tiffany, Brittany, and Elise chat about union revitalization, strikes across Europe known as the Summer of Our Discontent, organizing for possible strike or job action, and strike myths. They will also conduct an exciting interview with the Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU) President Laura Walton on the work they are doing organizing for power. Show Notes: htt...

In this CUPE Cast episode Elise, Tiffany and Brittany chat about June being Indigenous History month. They focus on Indigenous celebrations, events, meaningful land acknowledgments, and  they have an interview with Leila Paugh - the CUPE Ontario Indigenous Council Chair.  Content warning: They cover the Missing and murdered indigenous women, girls ad two spirit people as well as the resi...

In this episode Tiffany, Brittany and Elise are joined by a LIVE audience for a special episode with the Niagara District CUPE Councils Women In Solidarity committee. They discuss the importance of Women Committees, menstrual equity, the history of Women’s contribution in the Labour Movement and have a live Q&A with the audience. The CUPE Cast would like to give a huge shoutout and thank you t...

In this episode Tiffany, Elise and Brittany talkabout how Doug Ford’s cuts have personally affected each of us and how it has impacted education workers, municipal workers, health care workers and workers in the university sector and social service sector. We’ll also talk about how we can take action to ensure Doug Ford and his government are a one-term premier. OFL Ford Tracker: https://ofl.ca/fo...

Unions are hotter now than ever before. Workers everywhere are wanting to organize their workplaces or get involved with their unions. The pandemic has shone a light on harshened inequities in our workplaces and unions are there to have your back. In this episode we will discuss how to form a union with an interview with CUPE National Union Organizers Daniela Scarpelli & Kristy Davidson, look...

In this episode of the CUPE Cast, Tiffany, Brittany and Elise were inspired by Valentine's Day and share their 10 reasons why they love the labour movement. Everything from fighting for child labour laws and fighting back against the bad bosses are discussed. Hopefully, at the end of this episode, you love the labour movement as much as they do. Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p...

It’s 2022 and the dumpster is burning, but so is the planet. It’s a lot like the movie “Don’t Look Up!” We will be discussing all the things you may have wondered about climate justice but didn’t know where to look. We will be breaking down terms and climate justice framework: what is a just transition, who is impacted by environmental racism, how will this be a provincial election issue, and how...

It’s the last podcast of the year, so let’s get to know your CUPE Cast hosts better! Listen in as the table turns and CUPE Ontario Young Worker Chair Moe Alqasem interviews Elise, Brittany, and Tiffany. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday and an amazing New Year! Show links: Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AOjgLptZCn0 Article about the blockade in Guelph f...

Blurb: In this month’s CUPE Cast episode, Brittany, Tiffany and Elise talk about victories of the Canadian Labour Movement! They discuss wins ranging from Maggie’s Toronto Sex Workers Action Project unionizing with CUPE to General Motors producing PPE and the minimum wage. Show Notes: Check out Maggie’s Toronto Sex Workers Action Project for more details on their organizing work and resources: htt...

In this month's CUPE Cast Tiffany, Brittany, and Elise talk about what really happens after the rally, addressing issues such as activist burnout, wellness, depression, self care, community care, how to take care of yourself, and how to say no! 

Tiffany, Brittany, and Elise explore the importance of women in the labour movement and how to combat sexism. They discuss the We Believe You initiative of the CUPE Ontario Women's Committee, microaggressions, news coming out of Activision Blizzard and the 2020 Olympics, and more. With special guest Candace Rennick—CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer and candidate for CUPE National Secretary-Treasure...

In this month’s podcast, Elise, Brittany, and Tiffany explore how unions are portrayed in pop culture and the media. Listen in on how the media influences perceptions, including all aspects: from movies, to television, to video games, and even a curated labour themed book list for all ages! Spoiler Alerts galore but mostly for movies/series that have been out for quite some time. And before our li...

In CUPE Cast's third episode, Brittany, Elise, and Tiffany spill the tea on the 2021 Canadian Labour Congress Convention, the history of the CLC, and how the heck conventions even work - especially when they are virtual! Whether you missed out on the CLC 2021 Convention or want to relive your favourite moments, the CUPE Cast recap is for you! We are also joined by a very special guest interview, L...

In this episode of CUPE Cast, Tiffany, Brittany and Elise discuss what Rainbow Capitalism and Pinkwashing are and how they are used to distract and prevent Queer Liberation. The CUPE Cast also hears about Tiffany’s personal experience as a Bi woman in union spaces and reviews the meaning of 2SLGBTQIA+. The CUPE Cast is also joined by special guest, CUPE Ontario Pink Triangle Chair, Susan Gapka.

The CUPE Cast Episode 1 — Cooler than Side Parts and Skinny Jeans: Unions are “in” now!