Interview with Deborah Bourque

Deborah Bourque's extensive involvement in the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), includes serving as its national president from 2002 to 2008. She describes the challenges CUPW faced in negotiating collective agreements and fighting against government legislation that threatened the union's right to strike.

Bourque also highlights CUPW's successful efforts to organize and gain voluntary recognition for rural and suburban mail carriers, a major accomplishment during her tenure. After leaving CUPW, Bourque worked for the Hospital Employees' Union (HEU) in British Columbia, where she gained valuable insights into the different organizational structures and cultures of public sector unions.

Bourque's experiences underscore the evolving nature of unions and the need for inclusive, progressive leadership to address the challenges facing workers today. She believes that as older leaders step aside, younger activists must seize the opportunity to shape the future of the labour movement and ensure unions remain relevant and responsive to the needs of all workers, including those in emerging sectors and marginalized communities.