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CUPE launches new literacy project

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has launched a new literacy project, Union Building through Basic Skiffs Training. The goal of the project is to provide support to members, locals and staff interested in literacy and basic skills.

"Our project is about building the union by building on and sharing our members' skills,"
said CUPE National President, Judy Darcy. "It is about providing opportunities for our
members to participate more fully in the workplace, in the union, and in the community."

"Our project is about building the union"

In the first phase, the union will work to create a network of members and staff interested in workplace literacy and basic education,
and a database of existing CUPE programs. The union also plans to hold a national conference, Literacy-a union issue, in January 2001.

A group of CUPE literacy activists From across Canada will help guide the project and promote its work. 'Tm willing to do whatever is needed to further this cause," said Jim Jensen from CUPE Local 825 in Pon Moody, B.C.

The project has received funding from the National Literacy Secretariat.

For more information, contact Sylvia Sioufi, CUPE Literacy Project Coordinator, at (613) 237-1590, ext. 341, literacy@cupe.ca, or visit
the CUPE web site www.cupe.ca (look for Literacy under Issues).

Sylvia Sioufi, CUPE, Onawa

Front row left to right: Ron Bishop (I. 30, AB), Dianne Martin (L. 1289, NF), Jim Jensen (I. 825, BC), Donald McLaughlin (L. 1282, NB). Middle row left to right: Monique Joly (National Staff), Gail Lasiuk (L. 1975, SK), A1/.anBleich (L. 2348, Manitoba), Ray Smith (L. 503, ON), Sylvia Sioufi (Literacy Project Coordinator), Nancy Friday-Cockbum (L. 1582, ON), Cathy Remus (National Staff). Back row left to right: Catherine Jeffrey (HEU, BC), Leo Cheverie (I. 1870, PEI), Danny Cavanagh (L. 734, NS), Tom Ciancone (L. 4400, ON).