1882 Committees

Driven by Members, Powered by Union Strength

Discover the committees that protect our rights, build our skills, support our wellbeing, and bring our membership together.

How Our Committees Work

Union strength starts with active participation. CUPE Local 1882 operates with Standing Committees (permanent committees focused on ongoing local operations) alongside Special Ad Hoc Committees established for targeted, specific purposes—such as collective bargaining.

Whether defending your workplace rights or planning our next local event, these committees keep our union strong, supportive, and engaged.

Standing Committees

1. Grievance Committee

Purpose: Safeguarding your rights and enforcing our collective agreement.

  • What We Do: We step in to review, process, and handle all formal workplace grievances that are not resolved at the initial stage. Our team works closely with our CUPE National Representative to ensure every member receives fair, expert representation.

  • Committee Structure: Includes the Chief Steward, Local President, Vice-President, and designated Stewards.

Need to file a grievance? Grievances must be submitted in writing using official CUPE National forms and signed by the affected member(s). Contact your Steward to get started.

2. Education Committee

Purpose: Empowering our membership through learning and professional growth.

  • What We Do: We identify and arrange member participation at CUPE educational seminars, workshops, and conferences. We maintain a library of event reports, collaborate on union communications, and work with CUPE’s Education and Public Relations departments to deliver top-tier training to Local 1882 members.

  • Committee Structure: Composed of 2 to 3 elected members. Backed by a dedicated annual local education budget of $12,000.

3. Sick Committee

Purpose: Offering care, compassion, and support during life’s tough moments.

  • What We Do: We ensure no member faces illness, recovery, or loss alone. The Sick Committee reaches out to members who are ill for more than a week with tokens of support (whether recovering at home or in the hospital), coordinates blood donation efforts for members and their immediate families, and extends official condolences and support during times of bereavement.

  • Committee Structure: Composed of 2 to 3 members.

4. Social Committee

Purpose: Building community, connection, and solidarity across our local.

  • What We Do: We plan and host all social and recreational activities for Local 1882 members and their families. From community gatherings to seasonal celebrations like our annual Children’s Christmas Party, this committee works to bring our members together outside the workplace.

  • Committee Structure: Composed of 2 to 3 members. Note: While major events aim to be self-supporting, nominal participation fees (such as for the Children’s Christmas party) may be requested to offset costs.

Negotiating & Special Committees

Negotiating Committee (Ad Hoc)

  • Purpose: Preparing proposals and negotiating our collective agreement with the City of Cambridge.

  • Timeline: Established at least six (6) months prior to the expiry of our current collective agreement, and disbands automatically once a new agreement is signed and ratified.

  • Composition: Up to 6 total members—including at least 3 Executive Board members, up to 3 executive-appointed members in good standing (5 active members plus 1 alternate), and our assigned CUPE National Representative in an advisory, non-voting capacity.

Special Ad Hoc Committees

  • Purpose: Created by the membership as needed to handle specific, short-term tasks or projects.

  • Establishment: Formed during membership meetings, with committee members either elected directly by the membership or appointed by the President/Executive Board. Two Executive Board members serve as ex-officio members.

Want to Join a Committee?

Standing Committee Chairs are elected by the membership at general meetings, and additional committee positions are jointly appointed by the Chair and Executive Board with membership concurrence.

Get involved and make a difference in your workplace! Contact the Executive Board or attend our next general membership meeting to learn about open committee spots.