The following report was prepared by Gavin N., CUPE 1281 Secretary-Treasurer. 

CUPE 1281 sent a small but mighty delegation to the recent CUPE Ontario Convention, which took place May 27-30 2026 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. Our Local put forward a number of important resolutions regarding the climate emergency, gender-based violence, and increasing retiree participation in our union. Over the course of four days, our delegates also voted in important elections which saw a new President and Secretary-Tresurer, as well as new Vice-Presidents and Members-at-Large, elected. Unfortunately, proud 1281 member Jeff C. narrowly missed the last member-at-large position after a well-fought campaign.

Throughout the Convention, our delegates met fellow unionists from across the province and different sectors, and formed new friendships with union members working towards our shared goals of better working conditions at home, and international peace and justice abroad.

Every resolution that 1281 put forward that hit the convention floor was adopted, with the support of members across the province and fulsome motivation from our 1281 speakers.

Your 1281 delegates also took time to join striking OPSEU members on two picket lines across the city, demonstrating the power of union solidarity.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to grow our capacity as unionists and to learn more about how CUPE works.