No Help for Beleagered Environment in 2012 Budget
The list of strikes against the environment is significant in this budget.
The list of strikes against the environment is significant in this budget.
First contract reached for MGEU/NUPGE WRHA interpreters.
The federal budget will increase income inequality, decrease the quality of life for Canadians and slow economic recovery.
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.
"We need an investment in our justice system combined with strategic reforms if we are to fix the damage that has been done over the last decade.” - Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.
The New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE/NUPGE) response to the 2012-2013 Budget.
“After a long and difficult round of negotiations an agreement has been reached our members can be proud of." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
"If this Budget passes, it will hurt people, slow our economy, and sharply increase income inequality in this province."
Toronto (28 March 2012) - The provincial budget tabled by Finance Minister Dwight Duncan is a shameful disaster that fails Ontario on multiple fronts, the President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) says.
“Music therapy is one of the therapies that is the first to go when health authorities look for cost savings,” said HSABC President Reid Johnson. “It’s seen as a ‘frill service,’ but the value of the therapy proves otherwise.”
“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.”
NAPE members representing Air Services, Marine Services and Highway Workers meet in St. John's to plan for negotiations.
New dates have been added to the bargaining schedule in order to reach a new contract.
MGEU members at Family Visions Inc. turn down tentative agreement.
NSGEU/NUPGE members at Dalhousie University vote to accept a deal that features a 3.5 per cent wage increase this year.
World Water Day is a designated United Nations day to recognize the common life sustaining resource that is our fresh water.
Let’s make Aboriginal and racial justice our goal, not just a slogan for one day each year.
Ottawa (21 March 2012) – Today, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On that day in 1960, South African police opened fire and killed 69 people, mostly women, at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid in Sharpeville South Africa.
Canadian society has marked the day since it was declared by the United Nations in 1966, as a moment of reflection and commitment to racial justice in our own society.
“These hard-working individuals deserve a fair first contract,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Rally and information picket at IWK Health Centre in Halifax to highlight cuts to youth worker positions.
“Don’t cancer patients in Saskatchewan deserve the same commitment to quality, uninterrupted care?” she asked.
“We think the government’s decision to sell off the LDB warehouses is dead wrong. Still, we’re pleased we were able to win protection for our members,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.
“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.”
Listen to the new MGEU/NUPGE radio ad supporting direct government community workers.
"We’re calling on this government to deliver a transparent budget that protects the services Canadians rely on and scrap costly programs like new prisons and fighter jets that don’t reflect the priorities of mainstream Canada.”
“Privatizing Ontario’s gaming facilities will be devastating to Ontario’s most vulnerable communities,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Organizations representing farmers, students, cultural, Indigenous groups and labour were left out of the trade committee's inquiry. Not one Quebec group was asked to present, which is unacceptable.
Create your own workplace "bottled water free" zone and "back the tap!"
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.
"Islanders expect and deserve quality health care services. They should not have to accept a significant reduction in vital services because of poor fiscal management on the part of government." - Shelley Ward, President PEIUPSE.
“Why reduce the numbers of staff who are experienced in helping children and youth?”
MGEU members ratified a new agreement on wages and working conditions.
“Government talks about attracting workers to the province while at the same time it is forcing highly skilled young workers to look elsewhere for their economic future,” said Furlong.
“This is the first sign we’ve seen that HEABC has been given the green light to be at the bargaining table to negotiate,” Johnson said.
Vancouver (09 March 2012) - On Mar. 6, the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) announced that it was rescinding the plan to roll back the temporary market adjustment for pharmacists.
Health Sciences Association of BC President Reid Johnson applauded the efforts of hospital pharmacists across the province who spoke out against the nine to 14 per cent wage rollback planned for April 1, 2012.
Find out why bargaining has broken down at Dalhousie University during the NSGEU/NUPGE info picket tomorrow.
Women in Canada and the U.S. have not been in this much danger for a generation.
Toronto (8 Mar. 2012) - Heather Mallick is a Canadian journalist and author who has been a guest speaker at several National Union Women's Conferences. Below is her article posted in the Toronto Star on March 6, 2012:
Thursday is International Women’s Day. Women in Canada and the U.S. have not been in this much danger for a generation.
“When, because of traditions, social taboos or simple prejudice, half of the world’s population is prevented from making its contribution to the life of a nation, the economy will suffer.”
On February 29, 2012, a motion was passed in the BC Legislature to declare March Community Social Services Awareness month.
“The number of front line probation officers is not increasing, even though B.C. has the second highest probation officer caseload in the country” says BCGEU President Darryl Walker.
Ontario claims inspectors will be taking a "zero-tolerance" approach to any breach of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
"We have to wonder what will be the impacts of this estimated $7-9 million dollars in savings. How will the services being changed be affected? Who will be doing the work of the 100 or so positions being cut? What will be the impact in different parts of the province?”
Disappointment in movement at the bargaining table leads NSGEU/NUPGE to file for conciliation for members employed by the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres.
Research indicates that lack of access to timely and appropriate mental health services is a fundamental part of the problem.
Supporters show solidarity with OPSEU/NUPGE developmental services workers over contract negotiations.
"What this province needs is a new kind of accord to chart the best way forward. Respectful discussion and serious thought can build a prosperous – and compassionate – future." - Open letter to Premier McGuinty.
Want to give Harper a piece of your mind, and possibly win $100?!