2025 – The Year of Union Power

It's been a big year for AUPE members. 

Tens of thousands of us are still bargaining for new contracts, preparing to take any and every action, including strike action, to win the wages and working conditions we deserve.

We knew this year’s Convention needed to meet the moment – and it surely did. 

Convention Delegates arrived energized and ready for business. They knew that the decisions made on the Convention floor would be critical in ensuring our success in this round of bargaining and the years to come.

“Convention delegates shoulder a great responsibility, representing their coworkers and making critical decisions,” says newly elected AUPE Vice-President Shamanthi Cooray. “Delegates new and old chose change. They delivered results for all AUPE members at Convention 2025.”

Reports from the President and the rest of AUPE’s Executive Committee set the stage on Day One. Delegates were reminded of key moments throughout the year of bargaining and strike preparations. They used this information to orient themselves and prepare for discussions on the Convention floor.

Delegates elected new and returning Executive Committee members on Day Two. 

Congratulations to AUPE’s New Executive Committee

President
Sandra Azocar

Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Justin Huseby

Vice-Presidents
Bobby-Joe Borodey
Shamanthi Cooray
James Gault
Darren Graham
Curtis Jackson
Andrew Wilson

Delegates continued critical discussions over the course of the second day, tackling Constitutional Resolutions. These resolutions change or reaffirm the fundamental practices of our union.

“Delegates were excited, committed, and ready to deliver results for all AUPE members,” says Cooray.

Members chose to make historic investments in their union and fellow workers, voting in favour of a dues increase, from 1.25% to 1.5%. This decision ensures we have the resources we need to succeed, including a robust defense fund for strike pay. 

As AUPE’s governing body, Convention is the greatest demonstration of our union’s commitment to a fair and equitable democratic process. All decisions made at Convention are made by members elected to their roles by their comrades. At this year’s Convention, delegates passed resolutions on the use of electronic voting and time limits on debate. These changes better facilitate democratic processes, an essential responsibility of Convention delegates.

Day Two closed by honouring members for their dedication and commitment to their union and fellow members. Life Membership is the highest honour the union can bestow. There are seven recipients this year, including: 

Judy Fader, Local 043
Marianne Van Elst, Local 046
Shauna Warrilow, Local 046
Mike Dempsey, Local 012
Susan Slade, Local 045
Jason Heistad, Local 071
In Memoriam - Glen Scott, Local 045

Spirited debate continued into Day Three. Delegates had further conversations about dues, sharing personal stories and their commitment to investing in our future. Members also decided to keep important monetary decisions in the hands of Convention delegates.
Convention concluded with a final critical decision: Delegates reviewed AUPE’s Proposed 2025/2026 Budget in detail before passing it. 

“Convention 2025 marked a year of considerable growth,” says Cooray. “Look at how far we’ve come, how boldly we’re charging ahead. AUPE members are taking control of their future, a future where we win the wages and working conditions we deserve.”