CUPE Local 1169 represents over 700 workers for the Calgary and Cochrane Public Libraries, working across the city to provide quality library service to Calgarians.

How do I become a member?

If you are a employee of Calgary Public Library, and are not a full member of CUPE Local 1169, we encourage you to become a full voting member. The more members our local has, the stronger we are in representing our employees.

To become a member, simply fill out an application for membership (available from Memberships, Member at Large), and send it to them along with the $2.00 membership fee. You can also sign up at any General Membership meeting.

If you are not a full member you are considered to be a "Rand" member. You are still exclusively represented by CUPE Local 1169, but do not have a direct say in how CUPE represents you.

What Does Membership Do For Me?

Aren't I automatically a member of CUPE Local 1169 because I work for the library?

As an employee of Calgary Public Library, you are automatically represented by CUPE Local 1169 to the same degree as any other employee, however until you sign up as a full member, you do not have the right to attend Union meetings, have a direct say in the operation of your Union, nor vote on matters of importance, such as ratification of collective agreements (including wages), the election of the Local's officers, and more.

What is CUPE, anyway?

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canada's largest union, representing a wide spectrum of public service workers across the country. CUPE is founded on the notion of local autonomy, however, and each Local has its own say in how it is run. Members are the controlling factor in the Local.

What does CUPE do for me?

• CUPE operates as your representative with the management of the Calgary Public Library, as well offers support for its members in a variety of ways.
• CUPE bargains collective agreements for its members, covering many aspects of working conditions ranging from vacation entitlement to promotions to discrimination.
• CUPE negotiates the wages earned by employees.
• CUPE processes grievances and represents employees regarding violations of the Collective Agreement.
• CUPE strives for equality for each and every member.
• CUPE recognizes and shares its sympathies with its members in a number of ways during such occasions as anniversaries of employment, births, illnessess and deaths.
• CUPE provides social opportunities for its members, such as the Adult and Children's Christmas parties.
• CUPE operates a member of the overall community by donating to charities based on membership approval.
• CUPE offers a wide variety of free educational opportunities for its members.

How do I find out more?

Feel free to contact any member of the Executive of CUPE Local 1169, and ask whatever questions you may have. Check out this website regularly; read our newsletter, talk and discuss issues with other members, or come to a membership meeting. Knowledge is power!