March 2012 | National Union of Public and General Employees

No Help for Beleagered Environment in 2012 Budget

The list of strikes against the environment is significant in this budget.

MGEU members working as WRHA interpreters reach first collective agreement

First contract reached for MGEU/NUPGE WRHA interpreters.

Federal budget will increase income inequality; hurt families and the economy

The federal budget will increase income inequality, decrease the quality of life for Canadians and slow economic recovery.

B.C. Supreme Court asked to muzzle Labour Board regarding Mexico blacklisting evidence

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.

Investment and strategic reforms needed to reverse justice crisis created by B.C. government cuts

"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.

New Brunswick Union reacts to provincial budget

The New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE/NUPGE) response to the 2012-2013 Budget.

OPSEU members reach a tentative agreement at Fred Victor Centre

“After a long and difficult round of negotiations an agreement has been reached our members can be proud of." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

"One per cent" budget fails Ontario: OPSEU

"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.

While B.C. health authorities continue to eliminate services, film highlights value of music therapy

“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.”

Air Canada workers express frustration over denial of basic human rights

“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 prepares for bargaining for Maintenance and Operational Services, Air Services and the Marine Services members

NAPE members representing Air Services, Marine Services and Highway Workers meet in St. John's to plan for negotiations.

Frustration grows with slow pace of bargaining for BCGEU government members

New dates have been added to the bargaining schedule in order to reach a new contract.

MGEU members reject tentative agreement

MGEU members at Family Visions Inc. turn down tentative agreement.

NSGEU support staff at Dalhousie University accept new contract

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 - March 22

World Water Day is a designated United Nations day to recognize the common life sustaining resource that is our fresh water.

March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

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.

OPSEU members at Fred Victor Centre give negotiators strong strike mandate

“These hard-working individuals deserve a fair first contract,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

NSGEU organizes rally and info picket at IWK Health Centre over cuts to youth worker positions

Rally and information picket at IWK Health Centre in Halifax to highlight cuts to youth worker positions.

Wall government refuses to give cancer patients assurance in Saskatchewan

“Don’t cancer patients in Saskatchewan deserve the same commitment to quality, uninterrupted care?” she asked.

BCGEU reaches an agreement in principle to protect Liquor Distribution Branch sell off

“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.

A sad week for human rights in Canada

“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.”

Direct government service workers deserve job security

Listen to the new MGEU/NUPGE radio ad supporting direct government community workers.

Alternative Federal Budget: A budget for the rest of us

"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.”

McGuinty closes Ontario raceway slots leaving hundreds unemployed

“Privatizing Ontario’s gaming facilities will be devastating to Ontario’s most vulnerable communities,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

House of Commons Trade Committee report on CETA insufficient

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.

Bottled Water Free Day - March 15th

Create your own workplace "bottled water free" zone and "back the tap!"

When March Break Trumps Democracy; The Harper Government and the Right to Collective Bargaining

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 can't afford further cuts to health care

"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.

NSGEU challenges loss of Youth Care Worker positions at IWK

“Why reduce the numbers of staff who are experienced in helping children and youth?”

MGEU educational assistants at Seine River ratify agreement

MGEU members ratified a new agreement on wages and working conditions.

NAPE reacts to Premier’s comments regarding lay-offs

“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.

Pharmacists' wage rollback rescinded in B.C.

“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.

NSGEU members hold info picket at Dalhousie University after 78% vote in favour of strike

Find out why bargaining has broken down at Dalhousie University during the NSGEU/NUPGE info picket tomorrow.

We Need a Women's Rights Reawakening: Article by Heather Mallick

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.

Women for Change: Government must address crucial issues to women's economic equality

“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.”

Community Social Services Month in B.C. raises importance of sector

On February 29, 2012, a motion was passed in the BC Legislature to declare March Community Social Services Awareness month.

No new front line probation officers for B.C. despite government promises

“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 Ministry of Labour targets construction trades

Ontario claims inspectors will be taking a "zero-tolerance" approach to any breach of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

Need for labour adjustment strategy around new merged/shared service initiatives

"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?”