Most Canadian labour standards people now consider “normal” — weekends, EI, pensions, safety rights, parental leave — started as union demands and became law because organized workers pushed governments to act.
1894 — Persistent labour advocacy resulted in Labour Day becoming a national statutory holiday recognizing workers’ contributions.
1919 — The Winnipeg General Strike forced governments to acknowledge workers’ demands, accelerating labour law reform across Canada.
1940 — Union lobbying during the Great Depression led to Unemployment Insurance (now Employment Insurance) becoming a federal program for all Canadian workers.
1948–1960s — Union bargaining normalized the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, and paid vacations, later adopted into employment standards laws.
1965 — Strong union advocacy helped establish the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), providing retirement income to all working Canadians.
1970s — Union campaigns secured the right to refuse unsafe work and mandatory joint health and safety committees, now required by law.
1981 — Union pressure influenced the expansion of paid maternity leave through Unemployment Insurance, later Employment Insurance.
1996 — Employment Insurance was restructured, retaining union-won protections like parental and sickness benefits for Canadian workers.
2000s — Unions pushed for stronger employment equity, pay equity, and anti-harassment protections, later embedded in legislation.
2018–2023 — Union advocacy helped win paid domestic violence leave, improved parental EI benefits, and safer-workplace legislation across provinces.
2022–2023 (Ontario) — CUPE education workers across Ontario, including locals representing public sector staff, defended their right to strike and helped force repeal of restrictive provincial legislation (Bill 28), affirming collective bargaining rights for all public employees.
Benefits of Joining CUPE Local 1287
Summer BBQ Access: Members and their family can attend the annual Fall BBQ.
Holiday Party: Members and their family are invited to the Holiday Party with lunch and gifts for children under 12 years old.
Collective Agreement Voting Rights: Members have the right to vote and ratified their collective agreement.
Union Meetings & Door Prizes: Members can attend union meetings, where they can voice their concerns, determine what direction the Local is taking and make financial decision. In addition, they may have a chance to win a door prize.
Educational Opportunities: Members can access educational funds to gain unionize based education through CUPE National, CUPE Ontario and other affiliates. In addition, every member has the opportunity to become part of the Executive Board and gather tools, skills and resources that can enhance your resume and career. CUPE offers plenty of employment opportunities where your skills and experience is more important than your educational status.
Discounts: Members can register with Union Savings to enjoy the benefit program and save on automotive, beauty, electronics, entertainment, fashion, financial, food & drink, home, insurance, services, sport & leisure, travel and wellness. Visit https://unionsavings.ca/en/for-partners for more information
CUPE Event Participation: You can take part of conferences, conventions, schools and many other events organized by CUPE and their affiliates.
Stay Connected: Connect using our member platform where you can get updates, chat with your union representative, vote and more. Visit https://younified.ca/landing?uid=633cfc490f5876eafde14b88