Advocates are urging a reform of public-sector union funding in Canada, emphasizing the need to end mandatory dues. This call comes in light of recent events at the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) national convention held in Toronto. CUPE, which represents 800,000 public employees, focused on issues such as Canada’s withdrawal from NATO and funding legal defenses for activists protesting foreign conflicts. Critics argue that these discussions are disconnected from the everyday realities faced by workers. The current system, rooted in the Rand formula established in 1946, mandates that all employees in a unionized workplace pay dues. This was intended to prevent “free riders” from benefiting from collective bargaining without contributing. However, critics now contend that mandatory dues have become a forced subsidy, diverting funds from workers to support ideological causes that may not align with their interests. A Supreme Court ruling in 1991 upheld the legality of these mandatory dues, even when used for political purposes that some workers oppose. However, many believe that after more than three decades, a national reform is necessary. Proposed changes would direct mandatory dues solely toward core collective bargaining functions, prohibiting their use for political or ideological campaigns. Quebec serves as a case study, where union power is significant, yet public sentiment is shifting toward the belief that union membership should not be compulsory. The provincial government has begun advocating for reforms to ensure unions focus more on representing workers rather than engaging in political activism. Recent constitutional amendments by CUPE National have raised concerns about the organization’s priorities. Instead of addressing pressing labor issues, CUPE leaders have emphasized ideological activism, often aligning with the policy agenda of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Critics argue that this alignment allows a select few to concentrate power within the union, creating a culture resistant to change. Moreover, the national convention did not address the pressing shortage of skilled workers or the need for craft training. Delegates displayed a notable resistance to technology, which some described as bordering on technophobia. This lack of focus on equipping employees with necessary skills for a digital economy raises questions about the future of Canada’s workforce. As Canada aims to enhance its economic sovereignty and promote domestic innovation, there is a growing belief that public-sector unions must modernize. Advocates argue that eliminating mandatory union dues is essential to prevent the misuse of employees’ contributions and to refocus unions on their primary purpose: representing workers' interests. The call for reform highlights a critical juncture for public-sector unions in Canada, as stakeholders seek to align union activities with the needs and interests of their members.