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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.

labourrights.ca

 

Care centre fails to pay wages owed to workers

'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.

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