First Fully Funded Maternity Leave

In 1974, the Association of University & College Employees (AUCE) Local 1 at UBC made Canadian history by securing fully funded maternity leave in their first collective agreement. This was a significant achievement, predating similar benefits in other Canadian unions and marking a breakthrough for working families across the country.

AUCE, founded in 1973 with roots in socialist-feminist movements, was critical of existing trade unions for their perceived failure to address women’s issues. AUCE positioned itself as an independent, democratic, and feminist union. Its constitution prioritized equal pay for equal work, and its membership was predominantly women in clerical roles.

Organizing the UBC campus into 12 divisions facilitated grassroots involvement. With the aid of a new provincial Labour Code enacted by BC’s first NDP government, AUCE Local 1 was certified in 1974 as the bargaining agent for 1,200 library and clerical workers. A key demand, approved by the general membership, was fully funded maternity leave, ensuring no loss of job or seniority due to pregnancy and a “top-up” to match their full salary upon return.

The success of AUCE inspired other unions, with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers winning paid maternity benefits after a 45-day strike in 1981, further cementing maternity leave as a standard negotiation point. AUCE Local 1 later joined Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in 1985, becoming CUPE Local 2950, but its legacy as a pioneer in maternity benefits remains.

This booklet was prepared as part of Local 2950’s history project in 2017, which culminated in creation of a bronze heritage plaque in 2018. The plaque is located in the union’s office on the campus of the University of British Columbia.