VANCOUVER—CUPE’s commitment to diversity, equality, inclusiveness and social justice was recognized recently at the 14th annual cultural DIVERSEcity awards for business, sponsored by the Community Resources Society.
CUPE was a finalist in the not-for-profit category, along with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS). This year’s winner was YWCA Vancouver.
The DIVERSEcity awards ceremony, held at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown on April 15, is an annual celebration to recognize businesses and other organizations that have not only promoted awareness of cultural diversity but have successfully implemented culturally diverse initiatives in the workplace.
CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill, who attended the ceremony, said the award acknowledges the fine work of CUPE locals, activists, and the B.C. division in making cultural diversity a top priority in the union over the past several years.
“From the establishment of our committee against racism and discrimination, and the various gatherings we’ve held for First Nations members and workers of colour, to getting contract language that recognizes traditional aboriginal culture, CUPE really has been at the forefront of the movement to make our workplaces, and our union, more representative of its membership,” said O’Neill.
“It is both an honour to receive such an award and a reminder that we must continue our efforts to promote cultural diversity within CUPE as well as within our workplaces.”