Manitoba government announces plans for self-regulation of paramedics
"This will improve patient care and provide consistency, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of emergency medical care.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
"This will improve patient care and provide consistency, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of emergency medical care.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
“Whether northern Ontarians are fighting school and hospital closings, high electricity rates, or to keep Hydro One in public hands, you can always count on these folks to fight the good fight for the public good.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
"Health care aides in Thompson, and throughout the province, make $4 more per hour than these members, but they all have the same level of training. How does that make sense?” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
Winnipeg (29 Nov. 2016) — About 30 members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) who work at the Nisichawayasihk Personal Care Home (PCH) in Nelson House are now on strike. The strike began after the employer failed to meet the request of the bargaining committee.
Weak international response to tackling tax havens costs Canada $8 billion a year in lost tax revenue. But Howlett says the failure of international cooperation in tax matters costs developing countries $70–120 billion per year.
Download the updated version of the publication, New Forms of Privatization.
“The findings of auditors general in 5 provinces suggest reports claiming P3 privatization schemes save money cannot be trusted." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
"Continued pressure for funding by Canadian Network of Shelters and Transition Houses (NWSTH) and labour unions has seen results. We must keep this momentum going into the future." — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
“No patient should have to suffer the consequences of this merger by losing services in their community.” — Sara Labelle, Chair of OPSEU's Hospital Professionals Division
"By not filling these vacant positions, it leaves our current members working short [staffed] and puts them at an increased risk of violence in the workplace." — Jason MacLean, NSGEU President
“The privatization industry want us to believe Social Impact Bonds are ‘free money.' This report shows that, in reality, Social Impact Bonds increase the costs of public services.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
"The same survey showed that 62 per cent of members work up to 4 hours of unpaid overtime in a week, and 76 per cent of members are concerned that workload is negatively impacting patients." — Val Avery, HSABC President
"Without the ability to negotiate a fair wage, it gets tougher to maintain a qualified workforce and services inevitably suffer.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
“The new stroke ambulance being deployed by Alberta Health Services (AHS) is a great example of different health care experts working together to improve the care Albertans receive.” — Mike Parker, HSAA President
You have until November 23 to have your input into the health reform consultation.
“Forcing workers to vote on union certification after they have already indicated their decision allows the employer time to obstruct their choice through intimidation and coercion.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
"BCGEU/NUPGE and its members are committed to the safety and well-being of children and youth in care, and we intend to work as collaboratively with the new independent representative as we always have with his office.” — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
"[Ontarians] understand that there’s no reason to pay a premium to private contractors through this infrastructure bank when the government can borrow at historically low rates." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Polling shows how unpopular and costly privatizing public services is, but Ontario government continues to push forward with privatization projects.
The NDP promised to make child care more accessible and affordable during the election campaign, and they are making good on that promise — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
The campaign for retiree pension benefits was strong and effective forcing the government to negotiate.
These dedicated workers want improved working conditions to help them better advocate for children and families." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
"It's time governments across the country stop wasting time on attacking unions and workers and get back to working on critical issues that will benefit our communities." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
"We would ask the federal and all provincial governments and territories to follow Quebec and Ontario's lead in prohibiting for-profit corporations that pay for blood and plasma donations." — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
"This issue was significant enough that government felt it warranted the time and expense of a study. Why are they now dragging their feet on implementing the recommendations that were made?" — Jason MacLean, NSGEU President
“For people without defined benefit pension plans, there’s an ever-present fear of seeing a significant drop in their retirement income.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
The BCGEU/NUPGE is so proud of Officer Knighton and the immense courage he demonstrated that day.
“Lawrence instills confidence and pride in his students and draws on his experience in the field to encourage students to be their best.” — Apprenticeship Manitoba Awards
“The Ministry of Justice is making a decision that will definitely reduce security in our courts, based on the assumption that it will save some small, unknown amount of money.” — Bob Bymoen, SGEU President
“This is an historic agreement by any measure. As a result of this deal, more than 4,000 casuals will be on a pay grid that takes them to the top rate earned by full-time permanent staff." — Denise Davis, Chair of OPSEU's Liquor Board Employees Division
"I want to thank all of the instructors in both the NBCC and CCNB systems for educating and mentoring the next group of leaders in our province." — Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President
Fredericton (08 Nov. 2016) — The New Brunswick Union's (NBU/NUPGE) latest advertisement focuses on the hard-working instructors of the New Brunswick Community College system (NBCC).
“This is not what the founders of medicare had in mind. They sought a universal, publicly-funded health care system, and SIBs undermine that principle.” — Lucy Morton, Chair of OPSEU's Health Care Divisional Council
"We’re very proud to be out here and be a part of this and be a sponsor for it." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
Workers who get PTSD from their jobs need to be covered by WCB. Join the rally on November 10 to show your support!
Fires and equipment destroyed in latest incident at Burnaby Youth Custody Centre.
"Allowing a pay-for-donation plasma collection centre to open in Moncton is a step backward for the healthcare system both in our province and the country as a whole." — Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President
“Mental health workers want nothing more than to treat their patients. But they can’t do that if they’re not safe in the workplace.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
“I was told by the Premier that he wouldn’t rule out wage freezes, which is troubling for many of our members whose wages have barely kept up with inflation over the past decade and, in many cases, have fallen behind those in the private sector." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
"For a long time, we have said that the current program does not adequately cover the needs of workers during these periods of their lives. We hope the government is listening to what we have to say." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
"The defence of the status quo by the Minister of National Revenue and CRA officials in the committee hearings makes it clear we will need to keep the spotlight on the recommendations if we don’t want them watered down to the point of uselessness.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Know any non-union home support workers interested in unionizing, let NSGEU/NUPGE know!
"How much more evidence does our government need to prove that women continue to face inequality and discrimination? We need a government that will not just talk about improving equality but one that will actually act." — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
Sign the BCGEU/NUPGE petition to Premier Christy Clark about increasing danger and violence inside B.C. prisons.
"The Liberals are still proposing a gag order for six months before an election that would effectively prevent communicating about any issue associated with any party.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
"On behalf of all BCGEU/NUPGE members, I’d like to thank Mary Ellen for her service and the legacy of passion and commitment to our province’s most vulnerable that she leaves behind." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President