'Laid-off workers have not received their severance entitlements despite an employment standards regulation requiring the employer to pay out all wages within 48 hours.' - BCGEU.
Labour Rights
We have witnessed an erosion of labour rights in Canada. Federal and provincial governments in Canada have passed 179 pieces of legislation between 1982 and 2008 which have restricted workers’ rights in Canada.
It’s critical that we reverse this damaging trend. The more labour rights are under attack in Canada, the harder it will be to reduce income inequality and raise the standard of living for low income earners.
That’s why it’s important for all of us, regardless of whether we are trade unionists or not, to focus on labour rights as human rights. Get involved and be part of our campaign to restore workers' rights and fairness in Canada's labour laws
Check out www.labourrights.ca and e-mail national@nupge.ca to receive our Labour Rights are Human Rights E-Bulletin containing news, research and trends on labour rights from across the country and around the world.
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President James Clancy’s Labour Day message
It’s time for Canada to put into practice our international commitments to labour rights.
Small victory for exploited migrant farm workers
$400 deposit fee finally dropped but other 'outrageous' exploitation practices against Guatemalan migrants continue in Quebec, says UFCW Canada.
Charges laid in deaths of mushroom farm workers
Two companies and four corporate officials face a total of 29 charges for failure to protect the safety of employees.
Canada must not bow to this Caesar from Clamato
Please sign to petition to stop a U.S. beverage company from milking Canada's good name for corporate profits.
OPSEU gives Ontario an earful on wage restraint
'It is simply wrong for hard-working people to be bank-rolling already profitable corporations.'
OPSEU tries to protect law on employment standards
Bill 68 would open workers to 'reprisals and termination' by forcing them to confront unfair employers personally.
Tories won't target federal workers to pay for deficit
John Baird says Harper Conservatives will make constraint in spending growth 'the centrepiece' of their approach to tackling record federal budget shortfalls.
Obama renews support for Employee Free Choice Act
Speech to AFL-CIO calls on workers to support Democrats this fall over the Republicans 'who drove America's economy into a ditch.'
Canada ratifies ILO Convention on Maritime Labour
First ILO Convention ratified in over a decade; Canada continues to refuse to ratify many of ILO’s fundamental conventions.
USW plans ‘Day of Solidarity’ to thank supporters
Workers vote 75% to accept agreement ending year-long strike against Brazilian giant Vale.
Tentative agreement in long nickel strike at Sudbury
More than 3,000 workers vote this week on contentious settlement with Brazilian nickel giant Vale.
First round victory in ILO fight for domestic workers
Despite the substantial progress made at this first discussion, a number of challenges remain for the second and final discussion in 2011.
RCMP will finally get the legal right to form a union
Legislation will remove a longstanding RCMP Act prohibition against unionization after being declared unconstitutional in a 2009 court ruling.
ITUC - 101 Trade Unionists Murdered in 2009
Of 101 murdered, 48 were killed in Colombia, 16 in Guatemala, 12 in Honduras, six in Mexico, six in Bangladesh, four in Brazil, three in the Dominican Republic, three in the Philippines, one in India, one in Iraq and one in Nigeria.
Migrant farm workers need access to public healthcare
In spite of contributing to the Canadian economy and paying taxes for 4 to 5 months for up to 25 years, these workers are marginalized from the healthcare coverage their taxes should entitle them to while they are here.
Court upholds seniority rights of highway workers
Protracted legal battle dates back to layoffs imposed by the Newfoundland and Labrador government in 2005.
Canada's rank and file Mounties want a real union
National poll finds widespread support for a staff association with real bargaining power or a traditional trade union.
New Westminster first city to adopt living wage
All direct and indirect employees will be paid at least $16.74 an hour, well above minimum wage rates in B.C. and across Canada.
Labour applauds Quebec ruling on migrant workers
'From a legal perspective it's a tremendous victory.' - Naveen Mehta.
Wal-Mart to face massive class-action law suit
Lawsuit centers on allegations that Wal-Mart pays women less than men for the same jobs and that female employees receive fewer promotions and have to wait longer for those promotions than male counterparts.
NUPGE asks ILO to reopen case on part-time college staff in Ontario
“A law that has no practical use is no law at all,” says NUPGE president James Clancy. “The amended CCBA technically allows part-time college workers in Ontario to unionize, but it’s been a complete failure in practice and these workers continue to have their rights denied.”
Study challenges Saskatchewan government's Bill 6
Study concludes that Wall government's Bill 6 amendments to the Trade Union Act are in violation of sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Union victory for Quebec farm workers
Workers at Mirabel-area farm go union with UFCW Canada after Quebec Labour Relations Commission strikes down 40-year-old labour code regulation as unconstitutional
Saskatchewan unions join together against Bill 80
Anti-labour Wall government takes side of construction contractors against building trade unions.
W.Va. mining tragedy renews call for tougher laws
Like Canada's Westray tragedy in 1992, the deaths of 29 coal miners in West Virginia could have been prevented with tougher laws to crack down on negligent corporate operators.
Saskatchewan Party government flouts ILO
Employment Minister Rob Norris defies International Labour Organization ruling.
Saskatchewan and Ottawa must act on ILO ruling
NUPGE president James Clancy says decision by United Nations body 'damages the human rights reputation of both the province and the Canadian government.'
ILO blasts anti-labour laws in Saskatchewan
UN body instructs government of Premier Brad Wall to consult and with labour and work out a more balanced approach to essential services legislation, union organizing votes and a labour relations board all parties can trust.
Harper Tories complicit in exploiting farm workers
UFCW Canada blasts province for arresting farm labourers while ignoring agricultural operators who break the rules.
World unions organize global action against Vale
Unions working together include dozens of labour organizations from Australia, Brazil, Germany, Indonesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Peru, Sweden, South Africa, Zambia, among others.
Justice prorogued for immigrants and refugees
Legal experts warn of rights-clawback as Parliament returns
Women’s Court of Canada reverses Supreme Court’s 2004 decision on pay equity
“The Women’s Court finds that fiscal considerations should never suffice as a pressing and substantial basis for overriding equality rights”
N.B. extends rights to part-time and casual workers
New law tabled in legislature will implement landmark lawsuit provisions won last year by NBUPPE.
Guest Commentary - Canada’s migration policies: for cheap labour, against human freedom
York University professor disputes the positive assessment of Canada’s migration policies in the UN Human Development Report 2009
President’s Commentary: Two steps forward and one step backward for labour rights in 2009
(29 Jan. 2010) - While 2009 provided several significant victories for workers across Canada, governments continued their legislative attack on the rights of labour, says NUPGE president James Clancy.
Migrant workers score breakthrough in Manitoba
New UFCW Canada contract in Brandon puts migrant workers on the road to permanent settlement in Canada.
Scab labour at College of the North Atlantic - NAPE
'The fact that scab labour is being used to carry out the work of persons with disabilities and their job coaches is almost unfathomable.' - Carol Furlong.
Union wins case upholding 'hot edict' against Telus
Longstanding legal case finally resolved by the B.C. Supreme Court.
NUPGE strongly backs Ontario college teachers
Province-wide strike vote will be held Jan. 13 after management walks away from bargaining table.
Epic fight for farm workers reaches Supreme Court
It is because of UFCW that farm workers will soon have the same human rights as all other workers, including their right to join a union and bargain collectively."
Freedom of Association: harmonizing Canadian norms with international commitments
University of Saskatchewan conference to examine Canadian labour laws and their degree of compliance with various human rights treaties
Supreme Court urged to recognize provincial jurisdiction in First Nations certification
BCGEU appeared before Canada's top jurists to make the case for provincial jurisdiction of labour relations of First Nations communities in B.C.
Colombia: 195 teachers killed, no one guilty
There has been 195 teachers assassinated in Colombia, without a single arrest being made, and at least 35 trade unionists have been killed this year alone.
NUPGE celebrates International Human Rights Day
'Labour rights and human rights should be promoted, protected and strengthened.' - James Clancy.
Wal-Mart wins Supreme Court case on technicality
'The workers at the Jonquière store know in their hearts why Wal-Mart shut their store. So do most Canadians. So does Wal-Mart.' - UFCW Canada.
Alberta told to put 'Rand formula' in labour code
Landmark 2007 Supreme Court ruling on collective bargaining means unions must have compulsory check-off of union dues to represent workers, says ALRB.
Fraser Health Authority flouts Supreme Court ruling
Ignores restrictions imposed by Canada's top court when sections of Bill 29 were struck down as unconstitutional.
Labour and human rights policies are becoming the norm for large companies
First-of-a-kind benchmark study finds 43 percent of European companies have supply-chain labour and human rights policies, with North America and Asia lagging behind
OPSEU Charter challenge over classification disputes
'The very foundation of law provides that, at the end of the day, if two parties can’t agree there is an independent person to make a final decision.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Campbell government introduces legislation to end ambulance strike
“A shocking new low by this government.” –First time a government has legislated a contract on workers while they were in the middle of voting on an offer.
BP hit with largest-ever OSHA fine of $87 million
'This administration will not tolerate disregard of our laws. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to protect their workers.' - Hilda Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor.
Ontario tries to block tally of part-time college vote
OPSEU seeking Ontario Labour Relations Board hearing as soon as possible to resolve the impasse.
NDP blasts anti-worker Saskatchewan government
'All health care workers in our province who provide dedicated frontline care should be treated with dignity, respect, and equality by their government.' - Dwain Lingenfelter.
President’s Commentary: Wall government’s Bill 80 is pay back to big business and phony unions
(16 Oct. 2009) - The objectives of the legislation are threefold: to eliminate sectoral bargaining, to allow the establishment of employer-dominated company unions and to greatly reduce the power of unions in the construction industry.
Conservatives making life hard for migrant workers
'Even more than immigrants, temporary migrants like farm workers, live-in caregivers, construction workers and others face exploitative and precarious work and living conditions.'
World Day for Decent Work focuses on global crisis
Occasion marked annually by the International Labour Organization and worker groups around the globe.
Historic union contract for migrant workers in B.C.
'This a great victory for the workers at Floralia who have exercised their Charter rights to join a union and bargain collectively.' - Wayne Hanley.
SGEU fights back against draconian Sask. law
Unfair labour practices complaint against the Brad Wall government alleges that its essential services legislation violates the Trade Union Act and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Part-time college support staff to vote in October
10,000 part-timers at Ontario's 24 community colleges can opt for OPSEU as their voice at work.
Wal-Mart thugs beat Chinese shoplifter to death
Woman accused of stealing from store in Jiangxi province is attacked on street by five employees after refusing to show a receipt. She dies four days later in hospital.
President's Commentary: Cruel and needless recession hangs like a cloud over Labour Day 2009
(31 Aug. 2009) - 'I ask you to reflect on the victims of this powerful recession and to speak out for the changes that our government must make if we are to build a better world for ourselves and our families.'
The Fraser Institute and the Flat Earth Society
'There are, to put it mildly, serious questions and doubts about its research methodology.' - NUPGE's Larry Brown.
Civil liberties group criticizes Wal-Mart lawsuit
Copyright protections are 'not designed to insulate corporations from public criticism.' - CCLA general counsel Natalie Des Rosiers.
ITUC marking Oct. 7 as World Day for Decent Work
International body urges trade unions worldwide to stage activities marking the occasion.
Mexican consul tampered with migrant farm vote
Threatened Mayfair Farms workers with blacklisting before union decertification vote was held.
Wal-Mart tries to shut down union organizing site
'This injunction request is an over the top assault on effective freedom of speech.' - Wayne Hanley, UFCW Canada national president.
President’s commentary: Still waiting after 60 years
(28 July 2009) - Why is Canada still refusing to ratify ILO Convention No. 98 – the right to form unions and bargain collectively? After 60 years, the federal government has run out of excuses. Even the Supreme Court of Canada has recognized this right. - James Clancy.
Cadillac Fairview engages in flagrant union-busting
Multi-billion-dollar company is wholly owned by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.
N.B. will not appeal court ruling on casual workers
'I am pleased to advise you and other New Brunswick public sector unions that this government will not appeal.' - Human Resources Minister Rick Brewer.
Union to appeal Wal-Mart ruling in Weyburn case
'The situation in Weyburn is a perfect example of how multi-national corporations with bottomless legal budgets are allowed to never-endingly drag out the process.' - Wayne Hanley.
Obama sees 'difficulties' with Colombian free trade
'It is important that Colombia pursue a path of rule of law and transparency.'
Sask. government continues to stall ILO complaint
Despite numerous requests from NUPGE and SGEU, the Saskatchewan minister of labour has refused to make public his government’s reply to the ILO on NUPGE complaint against restrictive labour laws.
Big victory for casual employees in New Brunswick
Court ruling says freedom of association rights are guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
NUPGE joins in mourning latest Colombian murders
Canada can, and should, reject proposed Harper free trade deal with bloody Colombian regime.
President’s commentary: Canada's shameful refusal to ratify the ILO convention on forced labour
(18 June 2009) - Canada has a shameful secret, says NUPGE president James Clancy. It is one of only nine countries in the world that have failed to ratify the International Labour Organization's Convention No. 29 on Forced Labour.
ITUC says 76 unionists killed worldwide in 2008
Assaults, threats and firings for union activists remain common around the world.
Canada's 'sham' response to UN human rights review
Harper government rejects or partially rejects more than half of all recommendations contained in the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review of Canada.
Farm profits soar but workers are still exploited
Farm sector total net revenues increased for the second consecutive year to $3.3 billion — up $1.3 billion.
Study: Anti-union behavior by employers intensifies
Rise in firings, intimidation, coersion, threats, surveillance, retaliation and harassment demonstrate need for Employee Free Choice Act.
President’s Commentary: A people’s response to the economic crisis
(18 May 2009) - The “experts” had their chance. We tried it their way. It didn’t work. Now it’s our turn. It’s our turn to ensure our governments find real economic alternatives that work for everybody. — Commentary by NUPGE president James Clancy.
Labour groups push Harper government to ratify labour and human rights Conventions
'Successive Canadian governments, including the current Harper administration, have refused to ratify three key Conventions or to explain their failure to do so.' - NUPGE, CTF, CPA, UFCW Canada.
Obama signals big shift in labour policy
Three individuals with a strong union background have been appointed to key positions
PSAC to challenge Harper government's attack on workers' and women's rights
The Expenditure Restraint Act violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by denying workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Union bashing in the Canadian auto industry
'It’s brutal, dishonest, economically asinine and painful to observe.... Union wages account for about 7% of the cost of a car.' - Larry Brown.
Wage restraint legislation in 2009 federal budget to face constitutional challenge
Restricting the ability of public sector unions to negotiate pay rates and compensation with their employers violates the rights to freedom of association guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Union contract imposed at Ste-Hyacinthe Wal-Mart
Giant retailer won't say whether it will close store as it did when operations were unionized in Jonquiere and Gatineau.
Ontario court says RCMP officers entitled to a union
The existing RCMP Act 'interferes with the freedom of members of the RCMP to engage in collective bargaining.' - Justice Ian MacDonnell.
Ontario colleges continue to block union vote count
'Basically, it’s a strategy to have the application (to unionize) dismissed without counting the vote.' - Connie Huziak
Supreme Court agrees to hear farm workers case
Ontario Liberal government appeals to Canada's highest court to deny bargaining rights to agricultural workers
President’s Commentary: Financial Post excuses corporations by blaming unions for the recession
(31 March 2009) - The same corporate 'experts' who flattened the stock market and triggered the economic crisis with relentless deregulation are now claiming that higher wages for workers is bad for the economy — Commentary by NUPGE president James Clancy.
Flawed essential services process wastes resources
'Three out of five members of the union negotiating committee ... have been identified as essential. If there were a work stoppage, we would be virtually unable to meet to bargain an end to the strike.'
UFCW Canada files Ontario complaint with ILO
UFCW Canada has filed a formal complaint with the ILO asking the body to investigate the denial of collective bargaining rights to farm workers by the government of Ontario.
Leading American economists: Employee Free Choice Act key to rebuilding economy
Passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is critical to rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy
Wal-Mart forced to the bargaining table by U.S. Court of Appeals
After nearly a decade of legal maneuverings and circumventions of federal law, the U.S. National Labour Board finally forced Walmart to the bargaining table in Jacksonville, Texas.
Anti-scab resolution on agenda for Manitoba NDP
Other resolutions call for labour courses to be taught in high school and post-secondary institutions and for an apology to leaders of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.
Ontario colleges blocking historic union vote count
'The colleges should quit wasting taxpayers’ money on a fight they’ve already lost.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Death threats a way of life for Colombian unionists
Thirty-nine trade union leaders were killed in 2007, and 41 in 2008, an average of one per week.
Essential services legislation unnecessary and ineffective
A legislative ban on strikes in all essential services or all public services simply doesn't work. It doesn't meet the most basic test of effectiveness.
Ballots cast but Ontario Colleges move to prevent vote from being counted
Colleges have asked Ontario Labour Relations Board to deny application for certification outright - want the ballot boxes to remain sealed and they don’t want the votes to be counted. Union calls on Minister to act.
National Union joins call for improvements to Employment Insurance
As the number of unemployed grows the National Union is demanding the federal government move quickly to fix the Employment Insurance program.
UN committee urges Canada to improve human rights record
Long list of concerns about Canada's performance raised with particular attention to living conditions of Canada's Aboriginal Peoples, the use of Tasers, and the refusal to ratify outstanding human rights agreements.
UFCW calls on Alberta Premier to 'End the Harvest of Death'
'End the Harvest of Death' - UFCW national president Wayne Hanley says that it is time for Alberta to join the national consensus by becoming the ninth province to respect the health and safety rights of agriculture workers.
Denying collective bargaining rights to casuals & summer students violates Charter, says PSAC
Public Service Labour Relations Act (PSLRA), excludes student, casual, and short-term workers from access to collective bargaining
Saskatchewan government holds up ILO hearings on labour laws
NUPGE and SGEU have written to Labour Minister Rob Norris to urge the Saskatchewan government to cooperate with the ILO and provide a response to the complaint.
America needs stronger unions: pass the EFCA now
'The sooner the Employee Free Choice Act is enacted, the better - for U.S. workers and for the U.S. economy.'
Top court rules against Saskatchewan widow
Dispute over pension benefits dates back to 1980s.
Obama chooses pay equity as first bill to sign
With the Harper Conservatives moving in the opposite direction, the contrast between Canada and the new administration in Washington is startling.
McGuinty disrespects collective bargaining
NDP is the lone party to defend the collective bargaining process.
Saskatchewan labour groups may appeal LRB ruling
Labour Relations Board chair replaced last year by Brad Wall.
The campaign for labour reform in the United States
A $3-million campaign by American Rights at Work has been launched in support of the Employee Free Choice Act.
Wal-Mart assailed in Supreme Court of Canada
'Shutting down the Charter rights of 200 Canadian workers.'
Historic college organizing vote in Ontario
College part-timers and sessionals are voting on OPSEU.
Ontario Liberals appealing farm workers ruling
Premier Dalton McGuinty is behaving no better on workers' rights than former Tory Premier Mike Harris, says UFCW Canada.
Canada slammed during UN human rights review
Fifty submissions slamming Canada – on everything from the state of Aboriginal Peoples to the erosion of labour rights – have been filed with the Geneva-based UNHRC.
Ambrose intervenes, orders Ottawa bus vote
Sides with mayor who refused to bargain seriously with striking drivers.
Wal-Mart workers unionized at third store in Quebec
Employees in Gatineau follow lead of those in Jonquiere and Ste-Hyacinthe.
Human Rights Day highlights poor record of Harper government
Just before the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights Prime Minister Stephen Harper chose to violate human rights by further attacking labour rights
Conservative plan to derail pay equity complaints still stands
Attack outlined in economic statement remains despite political crisis in Ottawa
Quebec Court declares laws denying right to join a union unconstitutional
The Superior Court of Quebec has declared unconstitutional two pieces of legislation denying certain home care and child care workers their right to join a union and other labour rights.
Harper backs down on plan to ban public sector strikes
Conservatives reeling in retreat at prospect of losing power to an opposition coalition
Conservatives prepared to run a labour and human rights deficit
'The Harper government made it clear in the fall economic update that they are going to legislate away fundamental human rights, such as the right to collective bargaining and the right to equal pay for work of equal value.'
Time to strengthen rights for workers, says Ed Broadbent
No one should fear the right to strike - 'it's not often used.'
Labour organizations call on Prime Minister Harper to ratify international human rights conventions
Four of Canada’s largest labour organizations are calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to live up to international commitments of the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and declarations recognizing workers’ rights.
Labour Rights are Human Rights: James Clancy's plan
A seven-point strategy to advance the cause of workers in uncertain times
Strong trade unions are essential to a thriving democracy and economic prosperity
Countries with the best labour rights also do the best economically
Labour rights are meaningless without unions to give them life
Elaine Bernard of Harvard University opens international labour rights symposium
Ontario court ruling allows farm workers to unionize
The Ontario Court of Appeal has told the Ontario government to drop its law that bans more than 100,000 agriculture workers from organizing a union and bargaining collectively because it violates labour rights that are protected by Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Labour Rights Are Human Rights international symposium
'Helping to protect and promote democracy as well as the social and economic well-being of citizens.'
Wal-Mart actions in Quebec intimidate employees elsewhere
Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board refuses to dismiss unfair labour practice complaint citing Wal-Mart store closure in Jonquiere
Will Obama make the Employee Free Choice Act a reality?
Obama's election provides an opportunity for progressive labour law reform in the U.S.
One day strike and Indigenous mobilizations in Colombia
Follows six weeks of strikes and Indigenous mobilizations across Colombia against regime’s hard-line policies.
Wal-Mart closes unionized Quebec tire and lube shop
'If you join a union, they're going to close your shop.' - Wayne Hanley
Ontario's part-time college workers win right to unionize
Royal Assent given to Bill 90, ending more than 35 years of discrimination
OPSEU: amend law to cover information knowledge workers
Ontario's Employment Standards Act discriminates against huge group of modern-day workers
Incorporating human & labour rights risk into investment decisions
New Study Says Mainstream Investors are Assessing Labour and Human Rights Sustainability Risks for the First Time
Farm workers flown to Mexico to thwart B.C. union vote
Abbotsford greenhouse operator prevents seasonal employees from participating in legal vote
Top court rules on criminal pardons and employment rights
Sides with Montreal woman pardoned for shop lifting
NUPGE takes labour rights fight to UN Human Rights Council
'Almost every jurisdiction in Canada has experienced a major violation of bargaining rights.'
Labour Day 2008: A time to reflect as the struggle continues
Labour Day 2008 is an occasion for all workers to celebrate recent victories and to plan for the future, says James Clancy, president of the 340,000-member National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).
Celebrating Labour Day: the holiday Canada gave the world
The first Canadian parade for workers' rights was held in Toronto on April 15, 1872
Seasonal farm workers in B.C. go union
Seasonal foreign farm workers at Greenway Farms Ltd. in Surrey, B.C. have gone union after a majority of ballots cast earlier this month said 'yes' to representation by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada).
Collective agreement imposed at Gatineau Wal-Mart garage
Eight Wal-Mart employees become the first in North America with a union contract
Supreme Court of Canada to hear Wal-Mart anti-union case
Case accepted by top court on behalf of two employees who lost jobs when Wal-Mart store closed in Quebec
Wal-Mart accused of meddling in U.S. presidential campaign
Employees reportedly intimidated at meetings to vote for John McCain over Barack Obama
Charter case filed by SFL against Bills 5 & 6 in Saskatchewan
'The government cannot justify this rolling back of workers’ rights.' - Larry Hubich
Canadian labour leaders warn Colombians of free trade danger
'It will only exacerbate an already horrifying list of human and labour rights abuses.'
Canadians briefed on human and workers' rights in Colombia
Labour leaders undertaking week-long tour of South American country
More protection needed for temporary foreign workers in P.E.I.
Russian workers being exploited by recruiting agencies
Landmark contract for seasonal migrant farm workers
First-ever collective bargaining agreement to apply to seasonal migrant workers in Canada, capping a 21-month struggle for union rights and representation
Clancy delivers message of international solidarity to UNISON
'It's unconscionable what some governments and corporations are doing in the name of globalization.'
Farm workers relegated to second-class status: CCPA study
'At the mercy of a complex and confusing system that exploits, threatens and silences them while putting their lives in danger.'
Bills 5 and 6 violate International Labour Organization Convention
New Saskatchewan laws weaken workers’ rights
NUPGE takes SGEU case to International Labour Organization
Challenging the Saskatchewan Party over two pieces of anti-labour legislation - Bills 5 & 6
Recognition for college part-timers tainted by scab option
New Ontario bill eliminates provisions forbidding scabs during college strikes and lockouts
Alberta strips ground ambulance services of right to strike
Stripping Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel of their right to strike during a labour dispute represents a 'further chipping away of workers' rights,' says Elisabeth Ballermann, president of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE).
Collective bargaining for farm workers back in the spotlight
Appeal arguments heard this week in case before the Ontario Court of Appeal
Saskatchewan Party rams anti-labour bills through legislature
Paying off the province's business community
Labour groups begin $54-billion Supreme Court EI challenge
Premiums paid by workers and employers diverted to other uses by successive governments
Labour Rights are Human Rights international symposium
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of four sponsors of an important international symposium planned in the fall. Entitled Labour Rights Are Human Rights, it will be held Nov. 19-21 at the Marriott Hotel in Ottawa.
Two public sector unions challenge collective bargaining limits
Federal legislation prevents negotiations on staff, job classification and pension issues
May Day celebrates the achievements of unions worldwide
Unfortunately, inequality continues to grow for millions of workers worldwide
SGEU planning big May Day rally at Saskatchewan legislature
Protesting two anti-worker bills tabled by right-wing government of Premier Brad Wall
Labour groups charge U.S. with violating NAFTA labour standards
NUPGE one of 40 Canadian, U.S., and Mexican labour bodies filing formal charge under side agreement to international trade deal
Saskatchewan essential services law blocks right to strike
NDP labour critic says proposals are so broad all health workers may be declared essential
OLRB slams door on union vote by Ontario college part-timers
OPSEU president accuses Premier Dalton McGuinty of breaking promise
Rights partially restored by removal of illegal parts of Bill 29
'The strength, solidarity and commitment of health care workers and unions has forced the government to correct this abhorrent intrusion on basic rights of workers.' - George Heyman
OPSEU files historic union certification application in Ontario
Seeking legal right to bargain on behalf of part-time workers at Ontario's 24 community colleges
Canadian labour lawyers blast political firings in Saskatchewan
Top officers of labour relations board ousted by right-wing Saskatchewan Party government of Brad Wall
Worst part of anti-worker labour law reversed in Australia
'Today, we declare Australian Workplace Agreements dead and buried.' - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
Saskatchewan's government fires top labour board officials
New chair described as 'complimentary' to government's right-wing agenda
Anti-labour legislation tabled by Saskatchewan government
Former NDP premier says new premier lied to voters during election campaign
March 6 will focus on 'crimes against humanity' in Colombia
Join a rally, organize a vigil, or write an MP
Supreme Court to hear landmark wrongful dismissal appeal
Test case being watched by employers, workers, advocacy groups and insurance companies
Mexico: new ITUC report on core labour standards
Report points out that violations regarding trade union autonomy are constant and that many obstacles prevent the effective right to form an independent union.
Forty Years Since King: Labor Rights Are Human Rights
By Michael Honey
History Professor at the University of Washington, Tacoma
Bush nominates anti-worker Labour Board Chair to serve second term
Anti-worker Robert Battista, the point man in Bush’s war on workers
Whitaker calls for union rights for part-timers and sessionals
'There is no justification for excluding these employees from collective bargaining. Part-time employees should be immediately granted the right to unionize.'
Settlement agreement reached in British Columbia on Bill 29
Expanded rights, compensation and retraining highlight deal settling thousands of grievances
Ontario must stop interference with college organizing drive
OPSEU demands crackdown against attempts by college managers to thwart unionization of part-timers
Rampant violence against workers in Colombia, says AFL-CIO
'Outrageous that Harper Conservatives would consider signing a free trade deal with such a country.' - James Clancy
B.C. health care unions resume meetings on Bill 29 today
Health care shortages and workers' rights must be addressed in wake of historic Supreme Court ruling
Bankruptcy protection fund for workers will be operating soon
Legislation will provide up to $3,000 in wage protection for employees of companies that go bankrupt
Union for part-timers 'best possible thing' for Ontario colleges
'Good managers support our campaign.' - Roger Couvrette
Labour demands talks before Saskatchewan legislation tabled
New provincial government appears set to introduce legislation first and consult later
December 10 is International Human Rights Day
(Dec 7, 2007) -- 'Labour rights are human rights. Seize them. Defend them. Promote them. Understand them and insist on them. It’s a sure way to strengthen our democracy while helping to achieve equality and justice for all working people.'
Quebec court rules forced union mergers unconstitutional
Gives Quebec government 18 months to amend Bill 30
Ed Broadbent on the value of unions
No place for phony, defanged unions. The right to strike is as important today as it was when it was won by workers in Oshawa 70 years ago.
Breakthrough for casual public sector workers in Nova Scotia
NSGEU wins status for all workers doing more than 10 weeks of bargaining unit work in a 12-month period
The real reason John Howard got the boot in Australia
Canadian media failed to report that Howard lost the election largely because he declared an ideological war on the trade union movement.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall sets his sights on labour
New right-wing government making pro-business labour law changes a priority in first legislature session
Health care strike ban will mean less warning of trouble
'There is no better alternative to free collective bargaining.' - new report by CCPA
N.S. health care workers rallying against anti-strike law
'Fix health care. Don’t pick on the people who deliver it on the frontlines.' - NSGEU
Human rights wither when workers' rights are not enforced
'We need to continue our labour rights are human rights campaign.' - James Clancy
Activism is still the bedrock of the labour movement
(Oct 26, 2007) -- 'Union activity is an integral part of democratic civil society. Our problems are social and economic, but the solution remains political.'
Ontario court declines to enforce union fines against scabs
OFL says unions need to look at other options
OPSEU launches largest Ontario organizing drive ever
12,500 part-time college workers invited to sign cards
Nova Scotia will push ahead with health care anti-strike bill
Passage of new law doubtful in minority legislature
Workers
Conference to provide a forum for the labour and human rights communities to explore labour rights as fundamental human rights
How long will Canada's multi-billion-dollar EI scandal continue?
Throne Speech contains a vague hint but no promise that action will be taken
Nova Scotia health care unions boycott anti-strike briefing
'It's pure politics.' NSGEU president Joan Jessome
Ontario declares new annual Family Day holiday in February
'If there is anything Ontario families prize, it is to spend time together.'
Nova Scotia health care unions begin 'Right to Strike' tour
Minority Tory government would impose binding arbitration in all future N.S. health care disputes
B.C. regulation to protect night workers best in North America
Labour federation calls for strict enforcement
McGuinty won't sign TILMA if it undermines labour standards
Promise to OPSEU in advance of Oct. 10 Ontario election
Ontario NDP would make it harder to shut down good plants
Howard Hampton calls for longer layoff notices and job adjustment committees
Collective bargaining works in Nova Scotia
Tentative agreement between CDHA and province's largest healthcare local.
Executive Board hears implications of ruling on labour rights
The court ruling validated longstanding campaign to have labour rights recognized as human rights.
Collective bargaining rights at last for college part-timers
Ontario will introduce legislation in 2008 following review by Kevin Whitaker
Labour Day 2007: A time to reflect as the struggle continues
Workers need a strategy to build on historic Supreme Court ruling, says James Clancy
B.C. Federation of Labour calls for $10 minimum wage
Economic boom confined to corporations and CEOs
B.C. highway contractor guilty of using scab workers
Provincial labour board decision brought down against Emcon Services Inc.
HSABC welcomes talks on Supreme Court labour rights ruling
Liberal government of Premier Gordon Campbell given one year to amend unconstitutional sections of Bill 29
NUPGE seeks investigation of union deaths in El Salvador
In a letter to Elías Antonio Saca González, president of El Salvador, NUPGE president James Clancy said those responsible for the deaths of Miguel Angel Vásquez Argueta, whose body was discovered July 18, and of Gilberto Soto, who was assassinated last November, must be brought to justice.
CLC calls for minimum of three paid weeks of vacation
Canada lags the world in paid time off work; big discrepancies also exist among provinces
B.C.'s Campbell Liberals ignoring Supreme Court ruling
Layoffs at Chilliwack seniors facility occurring under legislation struck down by Canada's highest court
Much work remains in wake of Supreme Court ruling
(July 19, 2007) -- 'The Supreme Court ruling on collective bargaining rights is definitely a victory worth celebrating. But with so much at stake, we cannot and must not stop to rest or relax for long.'
U.S. shame: the only OECD country with no paid vacation
Canada lags badly in survey of paid vacation and paid holidays among 21 OECD countries
Migrant farm workers win right to organize in Manitoba
Decision follows landmark Supreme Court ruling that labour rights are human rights
Labour rights are human rights: NUPGE convention 2007
Delegates applaud leadership taken by National Union in campaign focusing on labour rights
Supreme Court ruling good for Ontario college part-timers
Time for all Ontario political parties to end the prohibition on organizing
BCGEU outlines impact for workers of Supreme Court ruling
Up to 8,000 health care workers were fired by B.C. Liberals during their first term of office
Supreme Court ruling affirms labour rights are human rights
'This landmark decision recognizes that collective bargaining is a right for all workers, and it affirms that labour rights are human rights.' - NUPGE President James Clancy
Newfoundland and Labrador considering anti-scab legislation
Province would join Quebec and B.C. if it outlaws the use of strikebreakers in labour-management disputes
NSGEU will not participate in strike-ban talks with province
'I’m not sitting down at a table to talk about giving away the rights of workers.' - Joan Jessome
Weak U.S. labour laws relentlessly exploited by Wal-Mart
Human Rights Watch says workers have 'virtually no chance' to organize
College part-timers have rights elsewhere - why not Ontario?
Update on the organizing campaign in the Ontario's 24 community colleges
NUPGE condemns back-to-work legislation in CN dispute
'This action was unnecessary. The collective bargaining process was not given a chance to work.' - James Clancy
ILO condemns Quebec for imposing Bill 142 on 500,000 workers; 2005 law violates international labour standards
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has condemned the Quebec government of Premier Jean Charest for imposing a seven-year contract on 500,000 public sector workers.
NSGEU demands fair treatment for casual public employees
Demonstration at legislature includes one 'causal' worker with 31 years of service
Majority of MPs side with business in anti-scab vote
'They might as well rename the federal labour department the Ministry of Business.' - James Clancy
International Trade Union Confederation condemns Australia
New report says laws enacted by John Howard violate international labour treaties and conventions
OPSEU allays fear of reprisals against college part-timers
Major drive underway to organize 17,000 workers at 24 Ontario colleges
Liberal party withdraws support for federal anti-scab bill
Decision follows ruling by House of Commons Speaker to reject essential service amendments
NUPGE says back-to-work law violates Canada's UN obligations
Intervention in CN Rail dispute ignores Canada's international commitments to the UN and the ILO
Green light for massive class-action lawsuit against Wal-Mart
Sex-discrimination case is largest in American history
Ontario asked to stop exploiting part-time college teachers
Major campaign underway at 24 college campuses across Ontario
The campaign to organize part-time Ontario college workers
Legislation outlawing unionization violates International Labour Organization standards
Successor rights back in effect for Ontario Crown employees
McGuinty Liberal government restores protections stripped away by Mike Harris
Canada's sad record on the issue of a federal minimum wage
Bowing to constant pressure from the business community
Survey shows union membership growing slightly in Canada
Number of unionized workers stood at 4,441,000 at the beginning of 2006
Anti-Scab legislation a victory for workers' rights in Canada
CLC urges MPs not to delay third reading of Bill C-257
U.S. labour board ruling banning RN
The ruling has sent shock waves through the labour movement in the U.S. and Canada.
Workers suffer continent-wide under NAFTA
A new three-country report shows that NAFTA has not lived up to its promise of better jobs and faster growth for Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Instead it has promoted an integrated continental economy with rules set by and for the benefit of the political and economic elite.
New Brunswick unions fighting for casual government workers
NBUPPE joins other public groups in challenging six-month employment rule preventing casual workers from joining a union
Saskatchewan court issues stinging rebuke to Wal-Mart
Arkansas giant presented 'absolutely no evidence' labour board was biased
ICFTU complains to ILO about terror against Iranian union
Repressive government in Tehran fails to honour international labour standards
Wal-Mart under investigation in Quebec bomb scare incident
Customers asked to leave store while employees were directed to remain and look for explosives
Striking Pepsi workers are back on the job in Newfoundland
Boycott lifted as amicable settlement is reached after seven-week strike
Canada's labour record ranks with Turkey, Chad and Morocco
'Governments that use the law to break the law have no right to expect us to obey the law.' - Larry Brown, NUPGE
Wal-Mart employees kept inside store after bomb scare
Directed by managers to help police search for explosives; company spokesman claims workers could have left if they had asked
GMB negotiates breakthrough Wal-Mart contract in Britain
'A very significant victory ... for unions in general." - Union Network International
Excluding migrant farm workers violates Canada Health Act
Denial of coverage in British Columbia violates terms of contract
Labour Left Out: collective bargaining as a human right
Roy J. Adams' new book examines Canada's abject failure to live up to international committments at the UN and ILO
On the Side of the People - a history of labour in Saskatchewan
New book traces the history of workers from the first strike by fur trade employees up to the present day
NUPGE calls on Canada's new government to restore rights
James Clancy calls on new labour minister to reverse dangerous trend to undermine collective bargaining
National Union protests crackdown on activists in Philippines
James Clancy, national president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), is urging members and supporters to protest the repressive actions of the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines.
How will Stephen Harper treat federal public sector workers?
Canada's next prime minister is the only federal leader who refused to sign The Workers' Bill of Rights
BQ Leader Gilles Duceppe signs The Workers' Bill of Rights
Quebec political leader joins New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton in defending the rights of workers
Jack Layton pledges to fight for federal anti-scab legislation
NDP leader says party will 'stand up for working people' in Canada's post-election Parliament
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