Ontario provincial government raises minimum wage to $11 per hour to catch up with the cost-of-living increases over the last four years. Poverty advocates and workers are disappointed in the move, saying the crisis needs bolder action.
“The employer is also suggesting some serious clawbacks in their ‘Final Settlement Offer.’ What they have presented is simply unacceptable.” — Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.
Join supporters of Bill 67, the PTSD bill for first-responders, for its second reading at Queen's Park on February 27. Help make this legislation reality.
" Rights of corporations take precedence over rights of democratically elected government and its citizens. Only by speaking out against these deals, will we expose their true nature and harm to our future." — Larry Brown, NUPGE National Secretary-Treasurer.
"The average public sector pension is about $1,200 a month — hardly lavish. It is paid for by workers. The pension is in return for them turning down higher salaries in the private sector (oil and gas wages, anyone?) to provide vital services." — Elisabeth Ballermann, HSAA President
"As a labour movement, we will always appreciate the sacrifices he made to make the world a more just place. Now, it is up to us to carry on his message." — James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
“As soon as they think no one is watching, this federal government is going to back away from any measures that might protect Canadians and foreign workers from abuses of the TFWP.” - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
“In uncertain economic times we were able to work productively with government and negotiate an agreement that delivers real gains for our members.” - Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.
Hear directly from nurses about how increasing nures-to-patient ratio could help.
"By sharing this information, and getting more people involved in the campaign, people see there are solutions. When we work strategically together, we can make a difference." - Bob Bymoen, SGEU President.
A new radio ad campaign is talking about a growing problem in our home care system: reduced task time.
BCGEU/NUPGE staff and members at Victoria Youth Custody Centre looking for ways to fully use the facility.
"We need more creative and forward thinking by Canada Post. Right now its decisions are hurting Canadians two-fold: cutting service and raising prices. Sounds like a recipe for privatization." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
"People need a living wage, not a survival wage." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
Wage parity and improved recruitment process are among the highlights of new contract.
“Home support workers play a critical role within our healthcare system. They certainly deserve the same hourly wage their counterparts receive,” said Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.
"Through our discussion, we were able to show how the attack on labour rights, the lack of tax fairness, the lack of an organized strategy to create good jobs, with good wages and the reduction in public services all have a role to play in making income inequality worse, " said Larry Brown.
Long-term care workers, do you care about your health and safety conditions at work? If yes, participate in this new survey by SafeCare BC. Your input will make a difference.
Alberta members, stay by your phone tonight for the Pension Telephone Town Hall or head down to the live audience.
Rigged rules mean economic growth increasingly "winner takes all" for rich elites all over the world.
Wearing blue, presenting pastry turnovers and speaking out about crisis in developmental services across the country, OPSEU/NUPGE members got creative to get attention.
“The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress,” said King in a speech in 1965. “Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, government relief for the destitute and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life.
"If we're going to reduce inequality, we have to be the ones putting forward solutions," said Clancy.
If there’s ever been a time for us to speak up loudly about why unions matter — and to actively support politicians who do the same — it is now. If we don’t, we will doom our children, grandchildren and perhaps even our great grandchildren to more poverty, discrimination, and authoritarianism.
Responding to recent attack of Óscar Arturo Orozco, President of the Caldas branch of the Confederación Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT), and the murder of Ever Luis Marín Rolong, a regional leader of the SINALTRACEBA brewery workers union.
NSGEU/NUPGE is establishing itself as a world leader on how to identify and prevent on-the-job bullying and psychological harassment
"There's an old saying that if something isn't broken, you shouldn't try to fix it. This is a perfect time for Albertans to be reminded of that saying." - Elisabeth Ballermann, HSAA President.
Health care members from over 270 job classifications are bargaining for a renewed collective agreement in B.C.
“The privatization of food services in corrections will be a net loss for the public, staff and inmates." - Bob Bymoen, SGEU President.
Washington court strikes down Federal Communications Commission's rules on Net Neutrality on technical basis. Net Neutrality advocates calling for agency or Congress to act.
"Harper should take the advice he gave to the Liberals during the sponsorship scandal, 'stop the waste and abuse right now and order a freeze of all discretionary government advertising?' We'll see if he's up to that challenge." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
“It is time for a serious commitment to properly funding developmental services,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
MGEU/NUPGE young members will be taking a wintery plunge for the Special Olympics. Donate today!
Thanks to persistent efforts by BCGEU Corrections and Sheriff Services members, government changes decision on protective vests.
Third winner chosen in Why Unions Matter contest. Send your entry to whyunionsmatter@nupge.ca.
"More and more, hospital professionals know that OPSEU is the union for changing times, and we have the experience that gets results for hospital workers.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
Open forum to discuss the impact of growing income inequality on communities, families and workers and what we can do about it.
Taxes are used to provide a better standard of living and quality of life for everyone, says Debbie Bovyer, PEIUPSE President.
The parties demonstrated creativity and flexibility in arriving at this agreement allowing labour relations and the protection of employees’ rights to move forward quickly.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
"Workers across the country are working harder and longer than ever before, only to see their wages frozen and rolled back or jobs eliminated, while CEOs enjoy the riches of our labour. This report reveals just how dramatic the wage divide really is." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
Strike votes to begin for VON members ahead of conciliation meetings.
Health science professionals have voted 76 per cent in favour of accepting a new five-year contract.
Low wages and poor benefits pushing more home support workers in Ontario onto picket line.
With reports that the federal government will announce a greater surplus than expected the National Union urges the development and use of a Fairness Test to ensure that future budgets reduce, not increase, income inequality.