Transportation

Elephanttalk.ca is intended to start the conversation for Manitobans to share their concerns and their stories about public services in Manitoba.

 “The inconsistency in what government is saying and what government is doing is unbelievable. There is clearly a credibility issue here.” - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

“If this government truly believes in fairness, as it claims, then the province’s corporations have to be involved." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

SGEU/NUPGE says new law improving safety conditions for highway workers is welcome.

"We must ensure every worker has the freedom to join a union to protect their interests. Only then will workplace tragedies be prevented," said Clancy. James Clancy, NUPGE President.

“Privatization does not work, no matter what you call it. The public pays more for lower quality services. Just think Ornge, gas plants, e-Health, Highway 407 – and now, chemo drugs.”

“Government must be accountable for both the quality of services delivered to Saskatchewan families, and the cost of providing those services." – Bob Bymoen, SGEU President.

“There is no reason that Saskatchewan labour law needs to be so radically different than the Canadian legislative norm in the treatment of supervisory employees,” says Clancy.

Research has shown that women shift workers exposed to light at night are at increased risk for breast cancer. 

Public services will be cut and assets sold off, hurting families and communities across the province.

Missed what happened in Sudbury on January 8 during the All Together Now! campaign's townhall meeting? Watch the online videos to find out.

This leadership convention marks a potential sea change for Ontario, where priorities can be shifted to promoting quality public services, taking action on tax fairness and investing in communities with a real job strategy.

Along with Public Private Partnerships (P3s), Social Impact Bonds are a bit like money laundering because they allow politicians to hide debt.

Chief Spence’s action has helped to galvanize a movement called Idle No More, which arose as a result of the federal government’s recent omnibus Bill C-45.

Richard Wilkinson, one of the world’s most preeminent researchers on social inequalities, and author of the Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone will kick of the CFLR conference as the keynote speaker.

We will be doing a disservice to our collective goal of achieving greater equality if all Canadians don't mount a spirited and vigorous offence in support of labour rights and unions.

"People know that when economic injustice and inequality exist, our families and our communities suffer. Economic well being is a human right that must be protected." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“Manitobans have every right to ask Premier Selinger: What programs and services is he looking to cut and why would he endanger economic growth in this way?”

"I can’t understand why there would be no mention of these details when the Minister was face-to-face with the working people directly affected by this legislation,” said Bob Bymoen, SGEU President.

This legislation gives the government the right to impose contracts, ban strikes and lock outs and circumvent the courts, the Human Rights Code and the province's own collective bargaining legislation.

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is encouraging Canadians to take the opportunity on World Mental Health Day to learn more about mental illness, as well as ways to promote positive mental health.

If approved by the legislature, the Protecting Public Services bill would allow the government to not just freeze the wages it pays to unionized employees — ranging from nurses to home care workers to hydro linemen — but roll them back.

BCGEU/NUPGE members achieve wage increases and other improvements in contract settlement.

This Labour Day in 2012, NUPGE celebrates the legacy of those who came before us and we commit to continue the fight for fairness.

"It is not the inexorable march of global economics alone, but rather choices – choices in public budgets, and in economic and social policy – that have failed to rein in the increasing income inequality distributed by the private market and aided in propelling us down this path."

“This incident should set alarms ringing for officials at Manitoba Health, and at regional health authorities across Manitoba, about what we’re putting our medics through and what changes need to be made.” - Lois Wales, MGEU President.

Strike vote was taken over two days, August 20 and 21, 2012, after the employer served 72 hour lockout notice to the union.

Union asks Labour Relations Board to rule lockout illegal.

“Many of the changes suggested for consideration by the consultation paper are either directly antagonistic towards unions and workers’ rights and freedoms, or reflect a lack of knowledge about the democratic character of unions as organizations." Paul Champ, human rights lawyer and CFLR board member. Download CFLR report here.

Get your copy of the ATN Campaigner today!

On July 18 Canadians will be sending provincial premiers and the Harper government a message to resume negotiations on the 2014 Health Accord.

“Some of the ideas being floated by the government will undermine unions' ability to represent their members, drive down wages and working conditions and will ultimately negatively impact t

The intolerance that is often at the root of internal displacement and refugee flows is also present in some of the countries that refugees flee to. Instead of finding empathy and understanding, they are often met with mistrust or scorn.

National Union young workers from across Canada are meeting in Ottawa to strategize how to  build a future with economic justice for all.

Stand up for democracy by joining the June 13 protest agains tthe Conservative's budget bill.

Essential services protocol finalized in B.C. but negotiations continue for government workers.

Community college academic members begin face-to-face negotiations.

Over $210,000 was collected to support the workers who were killed or injured and their families in the Hampstead accident in February 2012.

PEIUPSE/NUPGE campaign highlights the move away from "compassion and cooperation in favour of a society leaning toward privatization and the elimination of people and services that all Islanders depend on.”

Employers have hijacked the process based on a misplaced ideological conviction that the right to strike, guaranteed under numerous laws, domestic constitutions and international instruments, poses a threat to corporate greed.

NAPE/NUPGE members demonstrate against cuts at Eastern Health.

On June 4, NUPGE is joining with faith groups, trade unions, associations, businesses, First Nations, environment groups, human rights groups, pro democracy groups and seniors, across the country, to say: Silence is Not an Option.

In fighting the dramatic tuition fee hikes, the student movement is defending the values of equality and solidarity which underpin this social contract.

Union activists from across New Brunswick gathered for the Spring Training Session.

Robin Hood and his merry activists take to streets across from Parliament Building in support of the Robin Hood Tax. UPDATED

According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Kevin Page, Old Age Security is sustainable - despite what the Harper government is telling you.

"Working to maintain our nation’s highways should not put these workers health and safety at risk. Far too many workers have been injured or lost their lives while doing so." James Clancy

"Wherever and whenever you need them, NAPE is there. Every day. For your day."

Online survey by Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) found that Newfoundland and Labrador has the dubious distinction of having five of the top 10 worst roads in the region.

“Mr. Drummond wants to take an axe to public services, ignore tax fairness, and actively kill jobs by taking money out of communities." Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President OPSEU/NUPGE

“We are ready to get to the bargaining table to negotiate collective agreements that reflect the value of the vital services our members provide to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.&

"We’re prepared for any action we have to take to get our members the improved contracts they’ve earned,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

“This is a positive first public sector agreement reached with the newly elected Dunderdale administration,” said Bert Blundon, NAPE Secretary Treasurer and chief negotiator.

“We look forward to meeting with Premier Wall to discuss issues that affect our members, many of whom are employed by the government of Saskatchewan,” said Bymoen.

Key items identified for 2012 bargaining by BCGEU/NUPGE members.

All Together Now! women activists to focus on public services key to achieving life/work balance.

Dignity Denied 2011 illustrates the flaws in our current system of long-term care and offers common sense solutions for positive change.

"Workers are being told to work longer, pay more and receive less," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President. "We stand in solidarity with each and every UNISON member in the fight for decent pensions. Enough is enough."

New research published by the Tax Justice Network shows that tax evasion costs governments around the world more than US$3.1 trillion annually.

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

NAPE/NUPGE members representing air services, marine services and highway workers meet in St. John's to plan for negotiations.

At least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime - with the abuser usually someone known to her.

"So bailing out the banks while punishing workers is not, in fact, a recipe for prosperity." - Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize winning economist.

"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

"We need to work together to force them to put people before tax cuts and excessive corporate profits." - 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.

The Occupy movement is here to stay. It will morph into something else. But it’s not going away until there are serious reforms to our economy and democracy.

"It’s a great first step towards wage parity,” says NSGEU President Joan Jessome.

“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.”

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.

“This strike vote is a clear signal to First Student and the Valley School Board that they’re no longer willing to be treated with such disrespect.” - Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

"We are prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve a fair deal for these dedicated women and men who are responsible for the safe transport of our children to and from school.” - Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

Help the Rocky Mountaineer workers reach a fair collective agreement.

“The lesson of the Mike Harris era is that cuts to public services hurt us all,” said Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

“The government must take action to ensure that the basic rights of its employees are safeguarded, and that no one is penalized for trying to stop workplace harassment,” Sid Wonitowy, a member of SGEU’s Public Service Negotiating Committee, concludes.

Planning gets underway for public service fightback campaign in Ontario.

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.

"We may be retired but we are huge in voter numbers so we are pleased to see how the efforts of NUPGE to reach out have been so successful. Grey power may not rule, but it sure does have an impact." Dave and Bonnie Scott, winners.

That's the question we want Canadians to think about.

“How can the government identify Children’s Aid as a source of savings at a time when programs for abused and neglected children need a major infusion of cash just to keep afloat?” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU president.

"Tax fairness has been flipped upside down in this country,” said Clancy. “Instead of billion dollar give-aways to corporations, the government should invest the money in the public services that ensure a decent quality of life for all Canadians.”

"In our workplaces, in our communities, and across this globe, we have a responsibility to stand up against injustice and discrimination." - James Clancy, national president, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

"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

"Trust in public institutions and in the police are essential to a well - adjusted society. Police brutality affects us all: it is a betrayal of the rule of law as people bound to maintain the law abuse it. "- Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)

Stable funding for Medicare, social programs and post-secondary education should not be sacrificed for today's corporate tax cuts.

On March 8th, as we take time to celebrate the achievements that women have made and their contributions to a better world, we must also renew our resolve to fight for a true and equitable society,” stresses James Clancy, president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

There's very little evidence these tax cuts will lead to more jobs. In fact, they come with no strings attached so companies that eliminate jobs are actually rewarded - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) will now be arranging times and locations for ratification meetings.

MGEU requesting a return to the bargaining table as soon as possible.

Tim Hudak is misleading voters by pretending that an attack on public sector jobs and wages will deal with a financial mess that the financial sector has caused, says James Clancy, NUPGE's national president.

Warren (Smokey) Thomas will present a brief on behalf of 125,000 OPSEU members across Ontario.

'The four-year deal includes a general wage increase of 2.75% in each of the last two years and a no lay-off clause.'

Dozens of events will be held across the province on Friday (Dec. 3) to fight back against the McGuinty government's plan to scapegoat public sector workers.

Incident involving impaired driver who fled accident scene illustrates dangers faced daily by public employees on Canada's highways.

Unanimous vote by Metro Vancouver Environment and Energy Committee welcomed by BCGEU and COPE.

'Polling has told us the public values the public services they receive.' - Joan Jessome.

Two-year deal ratified after 'a lot of hard work' by NSGEU negotiators who were constrained by a climate of 'ongoing program review' within the government.

Vital inspection work highlighted during truck safety blitz in southern Ontario.

Brings back memories of Mike Harris cuts causing 'flying wheels' and 'dangerous rigs'.

'These highway depots need to be reopened. This shouldn't be just about winning.' - Carol Furlong.

'NAPE is calling on government to immediately re-open the depots they closed this spring.' - Carol Furlong.

Premature closing of highway depots meant that in some areas snow clearing operators were unavailable as they had been laid off.

Workers face wide-range of health and safety concerns as well as attacks on job security, wages and benefits.

Private British Columbia highway contractors rewarded by Liberal government of Premier Gordon Campbell despite repeatedly failing safety inspections.

NDP MLA introduces private member's bill following tragic death of highways department employee Jim Gallenger.

'Ministry of Transportation needs to take back control of costs and operational outcomes to determine value for money.'

'The Campbell government is to blame for this troubling situation because it's failed to properly enforce standards.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker

Province-wide SGEU campaign features firefighters, highways workers, social workers and corrections workers.

BCGEU calls for immediate system-wide safety audit of all maintenance vehicles

Tragic crashes in New Brunswick and British Columbia

Vessels are accidents waiting to happen, consultant says

Information kit helps British Columbia drivers evaluate road maintenance

Deal with Argo Road Maintenance could set pattern for settlements with other private contractors

Provincial labour board decision brought down against Emcon Services Inc.

Transport minister will travel overseas this fall to talk with British officials

Private contractors trying to enforce seven-year contracts and tiny pay increases on workers

Two groups of BCGEU members employed by private road contractors are now off the job

Brave professionalism in safely evacuating 99 of 101 passengers has never been adequately acknowledged

Future negotiations will be settled by mediation and binding arbitration

Leaders united on strategy to achieve fair contract settlements

Fresh controversy for privately-managed ferry system already accused of lax safety standards

'For the sake of public safety, those positions must be filled.' - OPSEU

Transportation Safety Board begins formal writing process this week

Two passengers unaccounted for after B.C. Ferries' vessel sinks on West Coast

All 101 passengers aboard Queen of the North rescued from seas in Queen Charlotte Islands

B.C. ferries pushing ahead with 60-year Liberal privatization plan

Rusted fire equipment poses danger on 22 ferries, says BCFMWU report