Labour Rights

Saskatchewan government proposes new workplace legislation but rules out public hearings.

Daniel Aguirre becomes the seventh Colombian trade unionist killed this year, and the 61st since Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos took office in August 2010.

The world needs to create 50 million jobs to return to pre-crisis employment levels, according to the ILO, but fiscal austerity and tough labour market reforms threaten a true jobs recovery.

The myriad assaults on the nation being implemented by Harper are really just the latest chapter in what has been a revolution of lowered expectations: a deliberate and systematic culture war on

"This book makes the connection between labour rights and human rights. It brings together the perspectives of a group of prominent individuals who share the view that labour rights and independent unions are essential for democratic and just societies.”

ILO asks the Ontario government “to lift any obstacle in law and practice” which continues to hinder part-time college workers from exercising their right to join a union and bargain collectively.

The ILO “has been expressing concern for many years on the exclusion of wide categories of workers from statutory protection of freedom of association and on the restrictions on the right to strike in several provinces.”

“This ILO report is very troubling… It damages the human rights reputation of Canada and many of our provinces."

During the LRB hearings, UFCW Canada argued that Mexico and its consulate in Vancouver colluded with the operators of a B.C. agriculture operation to bust the union at Sidhu & Sons Nursery where the workers voted to unionize.

“Bill C-33 is not simply bad labour policy as the Air Canada walkout has demonstrated. It is also an affront to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canada’s obligations under international law.”

“Labour rights are human rights and are a fundamental cornerstone to achieving social and economic justice. Such cavalier disrespect for these fundamental rights is a primary reason why we have unprecedented growing income inequality in Canada.”

Government’s move to prevent Air Canada employees from going on a legal strike, in part because it might interfere with March Break, most recent example of disregard for democracy, even our Constitution.

“… no other essential services legislation is as devoid of access to independent, effective dispute resolution processes to address employer designations of essential service workers." - Justice Dennis Ball.

"On behalf of the 340,000 NUPGE members, we offer deepest condolences to the families of all the victims of this terrible accident," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

"Workers in Ontario — workers everywhere — benefit from the board's findings and rulings."

New members from a range of sectors join OPSEU/NUPGE to improve working conditions.

“We must continue to make the connection between strong labour rights and our ability to achieve economic justice and equality for all Canadians.”

Despite mounting evidence of poverty among injured workers, KPMG promotes further cuts that would force more of them to seek social assistance or become homeless.

Help push back B.C.'s antidemocratic legislation. Fight Bill 18!

"This 30 year struggle shows that Canada needs to improve its pay equity laws to ensure this injustice never happens again. Women must be treated and compensated fairly in every workplace." - James Clancy, NUPGE President

"This is good for all workers in Nova Scotia," says NSGEU President Joan Jessome. "Eighty per cent of Canadians already have labour legislation like this. Our workers deserve the same kind of supports."

Politics, more than the economy and technology, has a greater impact on rates of unionization.

Unions argue Bills 5 and 6 violate the right to freedom of association under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms

“This government seems to have learned nothing from the Supreme Court battle over labour rights," says Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.

www.labourrights.ca is a valuable research and educational tool for those interested in promoting and protecting labour rights

“This report is an important contribution to understanding the Fraser decision’s meaning for labour rights.”

Electrical workers persecuted by Mexican government.

Postal workers mount serious legal challenge against Conservative government actions.

“Mr. O’Leary’s wilful promotion of contempt and hatred towards unions reflects a viewpoint that has often ended in violence perpetrated against union members and leaders around the world.”

For a government to legislate away the power of labour at the negotiating table is simply reckless. It is blatantly designed to tip the balance in favour of the employer.

It is the role of a democratic government in a civil society to defend all human rights. Human rights cannot flourish where labour rights are not enforced.

There’s a dark cloud hanging over Labour Day celebrations this year. Workers and their families are scared and angry as they struggle to cope with the ongoing economic crisis.

Letters of protest sent shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper defends the progress Colombia made and promotes Canada-Colombia trade agreement.

Three of Canada's best know whistleblowers from Health Canada received the decision last week as to whether they would be re-instated to their former positions after seven years of legal battle.

Unionization campaign at Swedwood was a huge success partly due to the solidarity of other workers across the globe.

Help the Rocky Mountaineer workers reach a fair collective agreement.

“It is hard to fathom how subjects like determining bargaining units and levels of negotiation cannot be viewed as being of fundamental importance to the exercise of basic associational rights.”

By Laura Penny

This reactionary and authoritarian attitude is pretty depressing when you recall that, a few short decades ago, Nova Scotians like Lisa Raitt’s dad fought long and hard for workers’ rights.

Domestic workers are excluded from the right to join a union and bargain collectively in the provinces of Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick.

“Short-term coercive fixes do not create the conditions for developing long-term solutions to the challenges facing Canadian workers and employers.” CFLR Board Member Judy Fudge

The CCLA Ottawa (17 June 2011) - The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has written to the Minister of Labour urging her to reconsider the proposal to introduce legislation that would forc

"Our members across the country support postal workers in their efforts to bargain for a solid and profitable corporation, one that treats its workers with dignity and respect, to serve the best interests of Canadians for decades to come." - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

“We’re witnessing a concerted effort by the new Harper majority government to weaken the rights of workers and the influence of their unions.”

"We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with CAW members and all Air Canada workers and urge you to show these workers the respect they deserve and negotiate a fair deal, including good pension benefits." - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

A survey across 143 countries find Colombia and the Americas the deadliest region.

“For the Court to suggest that a mere right to have bargaining proposals considered in good faith amounts to an extension of real and meaningful bargaining in the Canadian context is to ignore both labour history and collective bargaining reality.”

"The Colombian authorities must take every action necessary to end this constant violence against the trade union movement, as well as the impunity surrounding these crimes," said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

"We are pleased to have been selected by the employees for All Care Home Support as their union." - Carol Furlong, NAPE president.

"The farm workers case unfortunately seems to have been lost in a larger political battle beyond their control.” 

Law would have eliminated collective bargaining rights for most public sector employees.

In the last 29 years, federal and provincial governments across the country have enacted 90 pieces of back-to-work legislation.

The goal of the seminar is to bring timely analysis of the Fraser decision and to explore response from the labour community.

“Farm workers are one of the most vulnerable groups of workers in Canada. How the Supreme Court could deny them access to effective collective bargaining in order to achieve fair wages and working conditions is beyond me.” – James Clancy

“The Courts interpretation of the AEPA is unworkable. The decision does not reflect the realities of collective bargaining on the ground and the unequal bargaining power between employers and farm workers.”

Why is Premier Ghiz discriminating against Civil Service casual employees by denying them their full collective bargaining rights?" - Shelley Ward, PEIUPSE president.

“We now have four years of consistent jurisprudence that recognizes the constituional obligation of governments to respect the collective bargaining process and refrain from enacting legislation that strips away the Charter rights of their employees.” James Clancy

Members chanted as they marched, "Open the ballot boxes. Count those votes now!"

The pretense for the attacks is that state governments are broke and radical measures are required to eliminate budget deficits. This is a false argument.

This show of solidarity will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 2 pm at the Peace Arch Park on the Canada-US border.

'We Are One' events to take place across the U.S. on April 4, the 43rd anniversary of the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated after speaking in Memphis, Tennessee on behalf of striking black sanitation workers.

According to Global Compass Group, the lobby firm hired by Koch Industries to represent its interests, it will focus on issues ranging from taxation policy, energy and resource and economic development.

“Restricting fundamental collective bargaining rights of transit workers just to appease the new anti-union administration at Toronto city hall is a slap in the face to all unions in Ontario and across Canada." - James Clancy, NUPGE national president

UPDATED Sun. Mar. 13 - NUPGE national president James Clancy joined other NUPGE representatives (Doug Evetts OPSEU/NUPGE; Jim Paul OPSEU/NUPGE; Vic Wonnacott MGEU/NUPGE; Holly Page BCGEU/NUPGE; and Greg Hamara OPSEU/NUPGE) in Wisconsin to provide support and solidarity to public service workers. They joined with 100,000 other people who marched around the state Capital. Check out these photos.

In 30 minutes, in the dark of night, Republican Senators undid decades of civil rights in Wisconsin. They used a sneaky procedural move to strip collective bargaining rights from public service workers. But the people of Wisconsin aren't giving up. They're planning actions for the rest of the week and NUPGE representatives are there to support them.

"In Canada, we’re told that Wisconsin is a lesson for public sector unions. The public can no longer afford to pay for "cushy" salaries and benefits for public sector employees. We have to get with the times. What a complete crock." - NUPGE secretary-treasuer, Larry Brown

NUPGE representatives are in Madison providing support and solidarity to Wisconsin public service workers. This is the first in a series of dispatches from Wisconsin, where the governor's union-busting is spurring a popular uprising.

Most major advanced democratic countries honour collective bargaining rights of public employees. By contrast, many undemocratic countries restrict or prohibit collective bargaining by public employees.

"Sometimes I think I live in a parallel universe to Margaret Wente. Today I know so."- James Clancy, NUPGE national president

“The Charest government knows this law will eventually be overturned in the Courts but yet steamrolls ahead anyway with a law that is clearly unconstitutional.” - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

Wisconsin Governor’s attack shouldn’t be a surprise to any of us. Indeed, the question has only been when and which jurisdiction in North America would be first to take such heavy handed action.

Quebec organ donors allowed unpaid leave

OPSEU president Smokey Thomas writes Premier Dalton McGuinty calling on action to count the ballots of part-time college workers who voted to unionize.

Union cites 'the devastating impact of changes made by the B.C. Liberal government' to labour laws and employment standards since it was first elected in 2001.

Introduced legislation in Ontario banning the use of scab workers during labour-management disputes.

71% of Canadian public sector workers belong to a union compared to 16% of private sector workers.

'The scapegoating of public employees by The Economist is an insidious way of dividing public and private sector workers who actually share the same aspirations.' - James Clancy.

Vancouver restaurant outlet accused of reneging on wages and refusing to repay $6,000 processing fees paid in advance by 50 Philippine cooks and servers.

'Huguette was a trailblazer. She spent her whole adult life fighting for fairness and defending the interests of working families.'

'Migrant workers ready, willing and able to march and tell their story of abuse, injustice and false hopes of making a better life.'

Map shows the levels of respect around the world for the fundamental Freedom of Association Conventions of the ILO.

Memorandum negotiated by OPSEU amounts to substantial victory for members of Local 505.

'This is a huge victory for Walmart workers and their ability to freely communicate on the Internet.' - Wayne Hanley.

PSI appeals to governments around the world to mark the occasion by making a commitment to ratify UN Conventions aimed at strengthening the rights of migrant workers.

Latest in a series of austerity measures announced by the new Conservative government.

'This action demonstrates a complete lack of respect for the hard-working, dedicated staff.'

Appeals allowed for four workers wronged by unfair selection process in Ontario.

New Nova Scotia Labour Board will eventually combine the activities of six existing boards and agencies performing labour relations functions.

'There is a clear goal of eliminating independent trade unions in Mexico.... Let’s stand in support of all independent Mexican unions.'

The impact on public employees will stretch far beyond the two-year freeze proposed by the province – all for the benefit of already-wealthy corporations.

Province refuses to respond to international condemnation for denying part-time college workers the right to organize.

College negotiators in Saskatchewan want anti-labour government to pick arbitrator on long-running dispute.

International Labour Organization, a UN agency, says an Ontario ban on farm unions violates human rights of 100,000 migrant and domestic farm workers in the province.

This is the first time UFCW Canada union has negotiated a contract specifically for this sector of the workforce.

"Dwight Duncan is cutting almost $5 billion in corporate taxes in the next three years despite Ontario having one of the lowest tax rates in the industrialized world." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Women experienced disproportionately more gains in unionized jobs.

CFLR to be a national voice promoting labour rights as an important means to strengthening democracy, equality and economic prosperity in Canada

The Court’s ruling is the latest chapter in legal process Walmart has dragged out since 2004

Union alleges discrimination, intimidation and targeting of union activists by operator formerly known as Ontario Air Ambulance.

Brian Keller deals blow to McGuinty government restraint plan by ruling in favour of employees at Windsor Regional Hospital.

Workers hope the retail giant will not shut down the store as it did five years ago in Jonquiere, Que.

However, union organizers get broader access to organize officers while waiting for related Supreme Court ruling this fall.

Anti-scab legislation has worked for decades in Quebec and B.C. and the time is right for such a law in Ontario, says NDP MPP France Gélinas.

OPSEU says a two-year freeze would cost many members nearly $2,000 annually in lost purchasing power.

Quebecor operating le Journal de Montreal with electronic strikebreakers 20 months after locking out workers.

Public invited to join march from Leamington to Windsor to help 'Break the chains of indentureship' for migrant farm workers in Canada.

SEIU case sets precedent for long queue of similar cases pending across Ontario.

Employees fighting freeze say money saved in wages would be scooped up by long-term care executives and private shareholders.

Three-month strike drew support from across the United States and Canada and from global unions and labour federations.

Deaths of two Jamaican workers at Ontario orchard under investigation.

It’s time for Canada to put into practice our international commitments to labour rights.

'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.

$400 deposit fee finally dropped but other 'outrageous' exploitation practices against Guatemalan migrants continue in Quebec, says UFCW Canada.

Two companies and four corporate officials face a total of 29 charges for failure to protect the safety of employees.

Please sign to petition to stop a U.S. beverage company from milking Canada's good name for corporate profits.

'It is simply wrong for hard-working people to be bank-rolling already profitable corporations.'

Bill 68 would open workers to 'reprisals and termination' by forcing them to confront unfair employers personally.

John Baird says Harper Conservatives will make constraint in spending growth 'the centrepiece' of their approach to tackling record federal budget shortfalls.

Speech to AFL-CIO calls on workers to support Democrats this fall over the Republicans 'who drove America's economy into a ditch.'

First ILO Convention ratified in over a decade; Canada continues to refuse to ratify many of ILO’s fundamental conventions.

Workers vote 75% to accept agreement ending year-long strike against Brazilian giant Vale.

More than 3,000 workers vote this week on contentious settlement with Brazilian nickel giant Vale.

Despite the substantial progress made at this first discussion, a number of challenges remain for the second and final discussion in 2011.

Legislation will remove a longstanding RCMP Act prohibition against unionization after being declared unconstitutional in a 2009 court ruling.

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.

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.

Protracted legal battle dates back to layoffs imposed by the Newfoundland and Labrador government in 2005.

National poll finds widespread support for a staff association with real bargaining power or a traditional trade union.

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.

'From a legal perspective it's a tremendous victory.' - Naveen Mehta.

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.

“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 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. 

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

Anti-labour Wall government takes side of construction contractors against building trade unions.

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.

Employment Minister Rob Norris defies International Labour Organization ruling.

NUPGE president James Clancy says decision by United Nations body 'damages the human rights reputation of both the province and the Canadian government.'

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.

UFCW Canada blasts province for arresting farm labourers while ignoring agricultural operators who break the rules.

Unions working together include dozens of labour organizations from Australia, Brazil, Germany, Indonesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Peru, Sweden, South Africa, Zambia, among others.

Legal experts warn of rights-clawback as Parliament returns

“The Women’s Court finds that fiscal considerations should never suffice as a pressing and substantial basis for overriding equality rights”

New law tabled in legislature will implement landmark lawsuit provisions won last year by NBUPPE.

York University professor disputes the positive assessment of Canada’s migration policies in the UN Human Development Report 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.

New UFCW Canada contract in Brandon puts migrant workers on the road to permanent settlement in Canada.

'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.

Longstanding legal case finally resolved by the B.C. Supreme Court.

Province-wide strike vote will be held Jan. 13 after management walks away from bargaining table.

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."

University of Saskatchewan conference to examine Canadian labour laws and their degree of compliance with various human rights treaties

BCGEU appeared before Canada's top jurists to make the case for provincial jurisdiction of labour relations of First Nations communities in B.C.

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.

'Labour rights and human rights should be promoted, protected and strengthened.' - James Clancy.

'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.

Landmark 2007 Supreme Court ruling on collective bargaining means unions must have compulsory check-off of union dues to represent workers, says ALRB.

Ignores restrictions imposed by Canada's top court when sections of Bill 29 were struck down as unconstitutional.

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

'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.

“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.

'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.

OPSEU seeking Ontario Labour Relations Board hearing as soon as possible to resolve the impasse.

'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.

(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.

'Even more than immigrants, temporary migrants like farm workers, live-in caregivers, construction workers and others face exploitative and precarious work and living conditions.'

Occasion marked annually by the International Labour Organization and worker groups around the globe.

'This a great victory for the workers at Floralia who have exercised their Charter rights to join a union and bargain collectively.' - Wayne Hanley.

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.

10,000 part-timers at Ontario's 24 community colleges can opt for OPSEU as their voice at work.

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.

(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.'

'There are, to put it mildly, serious questions and doubts about its research methodology.' - NUPGE's Larry Brown.

Copyright protections are 'not designed to insulate corporations from public criticism.' - CCLA general counsel Natalie Des Rosiers.

International body urges trade unions worldwide to stage activities marking the occasion.

Threatened Mayfair Farms workers with blacklisting before union decertification vote was held.

'This injunction request is an over the top assault on effective freedom of speech.' - Wayne Hanley, UFCW Canada national president.

(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.

Multi-billion-dollar company is wholly owned by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

'I am pleased to advise you and other New Brunswick public sector unions that this government will not appeal.' - Human Resources Minister Rick Brewer.

'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.

'It is important that Colombia pursue a path of rule of law and transparency.'

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.

Court ruling says freedom of association rights are guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Canada can, and should, reject proposed Harper free trade deal with bloody Colombian regime.

(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.

Assaults, threats and firings for union activists remain common around the world.

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 sector total net revenues increased for the second consecutive year to $3.3 billion — up $1.3 billion.

Rise in firings, intimidation, coersion, threats, surveillance, retaliation and harassment demonstrate need for Employee Free Choice Act.

(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.

'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.

Three individuals with a strong union background have been appointed to key positions

The Expenditure Restraint Act violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by denying workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

'It’s brutal, dishonest, economically asinine and painful to observe.... Union wages account for about 7% of the cost of a car.' - Larry Brown.

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

Giant retailer won't say whether it will close store as it did when operations were unionized in Jonquiere and Gatineau.

The existing RCMP Act 'interferes with the freedom of members of the RCMP to engage in collective bargaining.' - Justice Ian MacDonnell.

'Basically, it’s a strategy to have the application (to unionize) dismissed without counting the vote.' - Connie Huziak

Ontario Liberal government appeals to Canada's highest court to deny bargaining rights to agricultural workers 

(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.

'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 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.

Passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is critical to rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy

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.

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.

'The colleges should quit wasting taxpayers’ money on a fight they’ve already lost.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Thirty-nine trade union leaders were killed in 2007, and 41 in 2008, an average of one per week.

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.

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.

As the number of unemployed grows the National Union is demanding the federal government move quickly to fix the Employment Insurance program.

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.

'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.

Public Service Labour Relations Act (PSLRA), excludes student, casual, and short-term workers from access to collective bargaining

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.

'The sooner the Employee Free Choice Act is enacted, the better - for U.S. workers and for the U.S. economy.'

Dispute over pension benefits dates back to 1980s.

With the Harper Conservatives moving in the opposite direction, the contrast between Canada and the new administration in Washington is startling.

NDP is the lone party to defend the collective bargaining process.

Labour Relations Board chair replaced last year by Brad Wall.

A $3-million campaign by American Rights at Work has been launched in support of the Employee Free Choice Act.

'Shutting down the Charter rights of 200 Canadian workers.'

College part-timers and sessionals are voting on OPSEU.

Premier Dalton McGuinty is behaving no better on workers' rights than former Tory Premier Mike Harris, says UFCW Canada.

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.

Sides with mayor who refused to bargain seriously with striking drivers.

Employees in Gatineau follow lead of those in Jonquiere and Ste-Hyacinthe.

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

Attack outlined in economic statement remains despite political crisis in Ottawa

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.

Conservatives reeling in retreat at prospect of losing power to an opposition coalition

'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.'

No one should fear the right to strike - 'it's not often used.'

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.

A seven-point strategy to advance the cause of workers in uncertain times

Countries with the best labour rights also do the best economically

Elaine Bernard of Harvard University opens international labour rights symposium

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.

'Helping to protect and promote democracy as well as the social and economic well-being of citizens.'

Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board refuses to dismiss unfair labour practice complaint citing Wal-Mart store closure in Jonquiere

Obama's election provides an opportunity for progressive labour law reform in the U.S.

Follows six weeks of strikes and Indigenous mobilizations across Colombia against regime’s hard-line policies.

'If you join a union, they're going to close your shop.' - Wayne Hanley

Royal Assent given to Bill 90, ending more than 35 years of discrimination

Ontario's Employment Standards Act discriminates against huge group of modern-day workers

New Study Says Mainstream Investors are Assessing Labour and Human Rights Sustainability Risks for the First Time

Abbotsford greenhouse operator prevents seasonal employees from participating in legal vote

Sides with Montreal woman pardoned for shop lifting

'Almost every jurisdiction in Canada has experienced a major violation of bargaining rights.'

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).

The first Canadian parade for workers' rights was held in Toronto on April 15, 1872

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).

Eight Wal-Mart employees become the first in North America with a union contract

Case accepted by top court on behalf of two employees who lost jobs when Wal-Mart store closed in Quebec

Employees reportedly intimidated at meetings to vote for John McCain over Barack Obama

'The government cannot justify this rolling back of workers’ rights.' - Larry Hubich

'It will only exacerbate an already horrifying list of human and labour rights abuses.'

Labour leaders undertaking week-long tour of South American country

Russian workers being exploited by recruiting agencies

First-ever collective bargaining agreement to apply to seasonal migrant workers in Canada, capping a 21-month struggle for union rights and representation

'It's unconscionable what some governments and corporations are doing in the name of globalization.'

'At the mercy of a complex and confusing system that exploits, threatens and silences them while putting their lives in danger.'

New Saskatchewan laws weaken workers’ rights

Challenging the Saskatchewan Party over two pieces of anti-labour legislation - Bills 5 & 6

New Ontario bill eliminates provisions forbidding scabs during college strikes and lockouts

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).

Appeal arguments heard this week in case before the Ontario Court of Appeal

Paying off the province's business community

Premiums paid by workers and employers diverted to other uses by successive governments

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.

Federal legislation prevents negotiations on staff, job classification and pension issues

Unfortunately, inequality continues to grow for millions of workers worldwide

Protesting two anti-worker bills tabled by right-wing government of Premier Brad Wall

NUPGE one of 40 Canadian, U.S., and Mexican labour bodies filing formal charge under side agreement to international trade deal

NDP labour critic says proposals are so broad all health workers may be declared essential

OPSEU president accuses Premier Dalton McGuinty of breaking promise

'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

Seeking legal right to bargain on behalf of part-time workers at Ontario's 24 community colleges

Top officers of labour relations board ousted by right-wing Saskatchewan Party government of Brad Wall

'Today, we declare Australian Workplace Agreements dead and buried.' - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

New chair described as 'complimentary' to government's right-wing agenda

Former NDP premier says new premier lied to voters during election campaign

Join a rally, organize a vigil, or write an MP

Test case being watched by employers, workers, advocacy groups and insurance companies

By Michael Honey
History Professor at the University of Washington, Tacoma

Report points out that violations regarding trade union autonomy are constant and that many obstacles prevent the effective right to form an independent union.

Anti-worker Robert Battista, the point man in Bush’s war on workers

'There is no justification for excluding these employees from collective bargaining. Part-time employees should be immediately granted the right to unionize.'

Expanded rights, compensation and retraining highlight deal settling thousands of grievances

OPSEU demands crackdown against attempts by college managers to thwart unionization of part-timers  

'Outrageous that Harper Conservatives would consider signing a free trade deal with such a country.' - James Clancy

Health care shortages and workers' rights must be addressed in wake of historic Supreme Court ruling

Legislation will provide up to $3,000 in wage protection for employees of companies that go bankrupt

'Good managers support our campaign.' - Roger Couvrette

New provincial government appears set to introduce legislation first and consult later

(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.'

Gives Quebec government 18 months to amend Bill 30

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.

NSGEU wins status for all workers doing more than 10 weeks of bargaining unit work in a 12-month period

Canadian media failed to report that Howard lost the election largely because he declared an ideological war on the trade union movement.

New right-wing government making pro-business labour law changes a priority in first legislature session

'There is no better alternative to free collective bargaining.' - new report by CCPA

'Fix health care. Don’t pick on the people who deliver it on the frontlines.' - NSGEU

'We need to continue our labour rights are human rights campaign.' - James Clancy

(Oct 26, 2007) -- 'Union activity is an integral part of democratic civil society. Our problems are social and economic, but the solution remains political.'

OFL says unions need to look at other options

12,500 part-time college workers invited to sign cards

Passage of new law doubtful in minority legislature

Conference to provide a forum for the labour and human rights communities to explore labour rights as fundamental human rights

Throne Speech contains a vague hint but no promise that action will be taken

'It's pure politics.' NSGEU president Joan Jessome

'If there is anything Ontario families prize, it is to spend time together.'

Minority Tory government would impose binding arbitration in all future N.S. health care disputes

Labour federation calls for strict enforcement

Promise to OPSEU in advance of Oct. 10 Ontario election

Howard Hampton calls for longer layoff notices and job adjustment committees

Tentative agreement between CDHA and province's largest healthcare local.

The court ruling validated longstanding campaign to have labour rights recognized as human rights.

Ontario will introduce legislation in 2008 following review by Kevin Whitaker

Workers need a strategy to build on historic Supreme Court ruling, says James Clancy

Economic boom confined to corporations and CEOs

Provincial labour board decision brought down against Emcon Services Inc.

Liberal government of Premier Gordon Campbell given one year to amend unconstitutional sections of Bill 29

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.

Canada lags the world in paid time off work; big discrepancies also exist among provinces

Layoffs at Chilliwack seniors facility occurring under legislation struck down by Canada's highest court

(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.'

Canada lags badly in survey of paid vacation and paid holidays among 21 OECD countries

Decision follows landmark Supreme Court ruling that labour rights are human rights

Delegates applaud leadership taken by National Union in campaign focusing on labour rights

Time for all Ontario political parties to end the prohibition on organizing

Up to 8,000 health care workers were fired by B.C. Liberals during their first term of office

'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

Province would join Quebec and B.C. if it outlaws the use of strikebreakers in labour-management disputes

'I’m not sitting down at a table to talk about giving away the rights of workers.' - Joan Jessome

Human Rights Watch says workers have 'virtually no chance' to organize

Update on the organizing campaign in the Ontario's 24 community colleges

'This action was unnecessary. The collective bargaining process was not given a chance to work.' - James Clancy

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.

Demonstration at legislature includes one 'causal' worker with 31 years of service

'They might as well rename the federal labour department the Ministry of Business.' - James Clancy

New report says laws enacted by John Howard violate international labour treaties and conventions

Major drive underway to organize 17,000 workers at 24 Ontario colleges

Decision follows ruling by House of Commons Speaker to reject essential service amendments

Intervention in CN Rail dispute ignores Canada's international commitments to the UN and the ILO

Sex-discrimination case is largest in American history

Major campaign underway at 24 college campuses across Ontario

Legislation outlawing unionization violates International Labour Organization standards

McGuinty Liberal government restores protections stripped away by Mike Harris

Bowing to constant pressure from the business community

Number of unionized workers stood at 4,441,000 at the beginning of 2006

CLC urges MPs not to delay third reading of Bill C-257

The ruling has sent shock waves through the labour movement in the U.S. and Canada.

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.

NBUPPE joins other public groups in challenging six-month employment rule preventing casual workers from joining a union

Arkansas giant presented 'absolutely no evidence' labour board was biased

Repressive government in Tehran fails to honour international labour standards

Customers asked to leave store while employees were directed to remain and look for explosives

Boycott lifted as amicable settlement is reached after seven-week strike

'Governments that use the law to break the law have no right to expect us to obey the law.' - Larry Brown, NUPGE

Directed by managers to help police search for explosives; company spokesman claims workers could have left if they had asked

'A very significant victory ... for unions in general." - Union Network International

Denial of coverage in British Columbia violates terms of contract

Roy J. Adams' new book examines Canada's abject failure to live up to international committments at the UN and ILO

New book traces the history of workers from the first strike by fur trade employees up to the present day

James Clancy calls on new labour minister to reverse dangerous trend to undermine collective bargaining

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.

Canada's next prime minister is the only federal leader who refused to sign The Workers' Bill of Rights

Quebec political leader joins New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton in defending the rights of workers

NDP leader says party will 'stand up for working people' in Canada's post-election Parliament