The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is Canada’s largest union, representing over 650,000 members nationwide as of recent years. Founded in 1963 through the merger of two unions—the National Union of Public Service Employees (NUPSE) and the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE)—CUPE was established to unify public sector workers under one large organization[1][4][8]. Its membership spans diverse sectors including health care, emergency services, education, early learning and child care, municipalities, social services, libraries, utilities, transportation, and airlines[5][8]. CUPE has played a significant role in advocating for workers’ rights, workplace safety, and social justice. It has a history rooted in early Canadian labor movements and has contributed to landmark labor protections such as occupational health and safety legislation and maternity benefits. The union is recognized as a social union, actively engaging in political advocacy and public policy to advance fairness, equality, and dignity for workers and their communities[3][6][5]. In recent years, CUPE has focused on issues critical to its members and society, including improving retirement income security, enhancing health care and long-term care services, and expanding social programs like pharmacare and affordable housing[8]. It maintains a commitment to representing frontline workers who provide essential public services and actively participates in national and provincial political discussions to influence public policy in favor of workers and social equity[5][8]. CUPE continues to evolve by engaging directly with its members to strengthen the union movement and address challenges facing public employees in the 21st century. Its ongoing activism and advocacy underscore its relevance and leadership in Canada’s labor landscape[4][6].