“Credit for this agreement also goes to our members who backed the bargaining committee with a strike vote and strike action. We could not have achieved this collective agreement without them,” said Walker. UPDATED
It’s time for a fair and reasonable contract - including a wage increase - for the lowest paid in the broad public sector,” says Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.
The National Union is encouraging its members and all Canadians to show their support and focus attention on the crisis of murdered and missing Aboriginal women and their families.
Thank you for honouring some of the issues we all care so much about with your time and with your words." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
Workers speak out about overcrowding, understaffing, out-dated equipment and increasing violent incidents while Corrections Minister fails to act.
Our Future is Young and Diverse conference hosted by the SGEU/NUPGE Human Rights Equity Committee was held from September 24-26.
Three members of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP), along with President Wendy Despins and Executive Director Lee Manning, recently met with Health Minister Theresa Oswald to share information on their respective occupations and the challenges they are facing.
The meeting is timed every year to coincide with the Canadian Police And Peace Officer's Memorial held on Parliament Hill.
Members to vote on final offer by Manitoba Public Insurance.
“This is a very significant and important decision. It means that employers cannot just pick and choose what part of the agreement they like." - Jeanne Meyer, HSABC/NUPGE.
Conciliation talks to begin to resolve bargaining impasse.
“It is time for this employer to get back to the table,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “Their failure to negotiate a reasonable contract with staff is an embarrassment to the community.”
As a result of the telephone town hall meetings many members were shocked at the possibility of losing control of their retirement savings, while others questioned the legality of the McGuinty plan.
Wage increases plus improved benefits negotiated for MGEU/NUPGE members at Impark.
“We fully expect that the negative impact on our healthcare system will only worsen in the foreseeable future if the current trend of cutbacks is not stopped,” continued Furlong.
Negotiations resume for 25,000 direct government workers in B.C.
After almost three years, SGEU/NUPGE has reached a tentative agreement with Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.
Regina (24 Sept. 2012) - A tentative collective agreement between the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU/NUPGE) and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) has been reached.
MGEU/NUPGE honoured by Paramedic Association of Manitoba.
Winnipeg (25 Sept. 2012) - Later this fall, the Manitboa Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) will be honoured at the Manitoba Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Awards Gala with the 2012 EMS Excellence Award for the union’s work in public relations on behalf of the province’s EMS Professionals.
This report is a critical review of the Saskatchewan government's Consultation Paper’s orientation, namely its lack of recognition of the role of labour rights in advancing democracy, equality and economic justice.
“It’s a Made in Canada problem – it reflects the way immigration and labour laws and policies fail to adequately regulate Canada’s migrant labour market. But there is a Made in Canada solution.” - Fay Farady, Metcalf Foundation.
“The mere mention of OPSEU/NUPGE has moved the dynamics of our workplace in a positive direction,” said Doug Rook, Association President.
"By failing to convene a fall session of the legislature, the government is not being accountable to British Columbians." - Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.
First agreement brings improvements to wages and working conditions for home care workers.
New agreement for community workers at Winnipeg's Family Centre.
“Spending reductions will put added pressure on public services like social workers and child protection,” said Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.
As well as job loss, CETA would undermine independent government decision-making according to report author John Jacob.
Ottawa (20 Sept. 2012) - A trade deal with the European Union (EU) that’s being negotiated behind closed doors could result in as many as 70,000 job losses in Ontario, says a new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ (CCPA) Ontario office.
McGill University Health Centre P3 in the middle of more scandal.
“Their jobs are among the most difficult in the health care system, and we are proud to have them as part of our union.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
SGEU campaign coordinators will be telling current and future young workers about what is at stake under the provinces proposed changes to labour legislation.
Country's leading peace activist arrested while preparing to board a plane at Bogota's El Dorado International Airport en route to a meeting in Barcelona, Spain.
“This tiny tax on Wall Street will make our economy more stable and more fair. The U.S. once had a Robin Hood Tax and we were better off for it, it’s time to bring it back.” Liz Ryan Murray, National People's Action.
As two sides meet the government raises specter of debt and deficit reduction.
Vancouver (18 Sept. 2012) - Bargaining for a new Health Science Professionals’ Bargaining Association (HSPBA) collective agreement resumed this week against the backdrop of a pessimistic pronouncement by B.C.’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Mike de Jong, about the state of the province’s finances.
“Scott Walker’s attempts to silence the union men and women of Wisconsin’s public sector was an immoral, unjust and illegal power grab.” - Phil Neuenfeldt, President, Wisconsin AFL-CIO.
OPSEU/NUPGE calls on the employer to return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair and reasonable collective agreement before Saturday deadline.
In this funny German video a reluctant banker tries to avoid the inevitable.
Some governments unilaterally reformed collective bargaining arrangements at the height of the economic crisis. Reversing those decisions and providing policy support for collective bargaining would be key to recovery, according to the ILO.
“Is this the message management truly wants to send to staff about their working relationship?" - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
“Liquor and gaming are two very unique industries requiring careful and socially responsible oversight to ensure safe and healthy communities,” said Lois Wales, MGEU President.
"College faculty have refused to allow the employer to disrupt the school year for hundreds of thousands of students," said college faculty bargaining Co-chair, Carolyn Gaunt.
Two years after signing the Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples, the Harper government continues to ignore major problems facing First Nations, Metic and Inuit communities.
BCGEU/NUPGE members achieve wage increases and other improvements in contract settlement.
Renewed contract for members at the Western Manitoba Regional Library provides improvements to working conditions and wages.
“The fact that our officers will be able to properly protect themselves on the job is a major victory,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
"The government wants to extend the two-year wage freeze and won't make an offer to keep up with inflation. So we’re stepping things up with an overtime ban.” - BCGEU President Darryl Walker.
More than 2000 OPSEU/NUPGE members across the province are affected by the McGuinty government's undemocratic legislation imposing working conditions, banning strikes and freezing wages.
Short documentary explains the health and safety concerns that forced Corrections Officers at Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre to refuse unsafe work.
The National Union asks Immigration Minister to allow Iraq war resister Kimberly Rivera and her family to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) study reminds provincial governments: You can't pay for education with a tax credit.
Improving patient care and patient safety through safe staffing and job security top priorities for Health Sciences Association of B.C.
Cuts to the federal public service affect us all. Join the opposition to these actions in your community on September 15.
“The court accepted our argument that the union acted in good faith when we consulted Elections B.C. regarding our advertising,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.
“The goal for us as a union is to make workplaces better and healthier for our members and for workers in general." - Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.
Halifax (10 Sept. 2012 )– Saturday, September 8 marked the second anniversary of the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union’s (NSGEU/NUPGE) popular and successful Bully-Free Workplaces Program.
Agreement ratified averting strike action at Ivany Place.
Campaign launched to fight Ontario government plans for pensions.
Toronto (10 Sept. 2012) - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) is going on the offensive to educate members and fight back against proposed pension changes by the Ontario Liberal government.
Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy.
Stop putting the squeeze on Community Social Services and the workers who provide them!
“More and more mental health care workers are realizing that OPSEU/NUPGE is the best choice for mental health care professionals." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
“We’ve not taken the decision to strike lightly. Our last strike in direct government was more than 20 years ago.”- Darryl Walker, BCGEU President on the one-day strike.
Help Elizabeth Fry Toronto workers get a fair contract. Send a message today.
Home care workers continue to make NAPE/NUPGE as their union of choice.
“We tabled a comprehensive package of proposals for changes to the collective agreement that would address a number of issues affecting our members.” - Jeanne Meyers, HSPBA negotiator.
Are you greening your office? It's never too late to start, especially now that HSAA/NUPGE is providing the incentive!
Edmonton (05 Sept. 2012) - How green is your workplace? Can you help make a difference? These are questions, the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE) is asking its members.
“Workers at Participation Lodge are asking that the employer value their work and recognize the importance of their contribution to the community,” said Lynne Easter-Froats, OPSEU.
Issue still not resolved as management has broken off negotiations. In response, the union has withdrawn from all joint committees (except Health and Safety).
NSGEU members employed by Dalhousie University reach tentative agreement.