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Keeping our roadways safe - national meeting of highway maintenance workers

"Working to maintain our nation’s highways should not put these workers health and safety at risk. Far too many workers have been injured or lost their lives while doing so." James Clancy

photo of a snowplow on the highway with other vehicles stoppedOttawa (16 May 2012) - This week representatives for workers who maintain Canada's highways are meeting in Ottawa to discuss a number of issues that are important to the sector. The meeting of highway maintenance workers, members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), is taking place in Ottawa on May 17 and 18.

One of the most important concerns of these workers is health and safety. Access to safe equipment and work zone safety measures can determine whether a worker returns home at the end of a shift - or not.

James Clancy, National President of NUPGE, explains that "working to maintain our nation’s highways should not put these workers health and safety at risk. Far too many workers have been injured or lost their lives while doing so."

Another worry for these workers is the ongoing threat of cutbacks and privatization. The workers will also participate in a presentation of the National Union's All Together Now! campaign.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE