In November 2020, a request for proposals was circulated to the CUPE 1281 membership and the public seeking a consultant to undertake a structural and equity review of the organization. The initial contract amount for the consultant was up to $5000. After careful discussion with CUPE 1281 executives and staff it was decided that CUPE 1281 needs to increase the amount of funding allocated for this work to take place. On February 8, 2021, the CUPE 1281 executive committee voted in favour of increasing the contract amount up to a total of $10,000. Below are the updated details for the Request for Proposals: Anti-Oppression Consultancy/Equity Review.

BACKGROUND
As a progressively minded organization, CUPE 1281 is seeking to improve its practices as an Employer and Union, and to promote equity for marginalized groups within our communities. We seek to ensure these principles are reflected throughout the Local’s policies, procedures, practices, relationships with staff, members, allies, and communities within which we work and live. We understand the importance of working towards ending the mistreatment, oppression, and violence often targeted at marginalized groups. CUPE 1281 understands that racism against BIPOC, and oppression more generally, are systemic within our societies and our structures and, therefore, within CUPE 1281. We must continually review and question our practices and work to change the way we confront discrimination and bias, whether conscious or unconscious. We must confront and dismantle racism and oppression within our internal structures and provide a safer work, and union, environment.

GOALS
CUPE 1281 is seeking a consultant to undertake a structural assessment of the local, with a focus toward barriers for equity-seeking individuals, and to provide recommendations in regards, but not limited, to: