NUPGE Annual Report: 2020 in Review is a look back on what NUPGE accomplished in 2020.
Equality and Human Rights
"This International Human Rights Day, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is calling on governments to ensure policies brought in because of the global pandemic do not violate human rights" — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
"Canadian governments, employers, and unions all have a role to play in eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work, and to ensure the proper supports are in place for those who are affected. In fact, I believe we have a shared responsibility to do so." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President.
Every year, in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) recognizes a union member for their disability rights activism. The 2020 recipient is BCGEU/NUPGE member Darryl Flasch.
The campaign, Make Amazon Pay, is demanding changes to both Amazon’s company policies and government legislation.
“In making these commitments to lower emissions, it is imperative to consider and mitigate the impact on workers and communities.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
The Applicants in the case, 7 young people, are arguing that the Ford government’s climate policy, which weakened Ontario’s climate targets in 2018, violates their Charter-protected rights to life, liberty, and security of the person.
Education International has started a campaign via LabourStart. Individuals can add their voices to those condemning the death threats and the broader trend of violence, intimidation, and repression.
“We are witnessing a pandemic within a pandemic. Physical and social isolation, economic stress, and the overall uncertainty resulting from COVID-19 have created a perfect storm for the increased risk of domestic violence. What's worse, the lockdowns may make it harder for people experiencing violence to seek help.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
“We must continue to show that we stand in solidarity with the transgender community and make sure that these murders do not go unnoticed. We grieve for every person lost.” ― Larry Brown, NUPGE President
"We hope you agree that now is the time to make a universal public child care system a reality in Canada." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
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By Easter Tocol, HSABC/NUPGE member This article was originally published in the October 2020 issue of The Report magazine and subsequently posted by HSABC/NUPGE. |
"The appeal signals a willingness to ignore the horrors that refugees face in the U.S. Furthermore, it is an affront to those individuals who bravely shared their stories during the court case. It is especially disappointing from a government that has committed to welcoming newcomers." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
The petition seeks to ensure that Canadian companies abroad are held accountable for their role in human rights violations and that the Canadian government is held accountable for its political and financial support to both Canadian companies in the Philippines and the Duterte government.
"On behalf of NUPGE members across the country, I add my voice to those condemning the arbitrary detention of Cihan Erdal and demanding his immediate release. I implore you to take urgent action to secure Erdal's immediate release and safe return to Canada." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
"We have been pushing for the government to accept that there is no turning back to the ways things were. This Build Back Better Throne Speech is a signal that they've heard that message. We'll be spending our time before the federal budget to pressure the Liberals to stand by their words and put its money where its mouth is." – Larry Brown, NUPGE President
As economist Armine Yalnizyan has said, “No recovery without she-covery. No she-covery without child care.”
Recovery from COVID-19 calls for a rethinking of the ways in which our communities and our economy are organized. Prime Minister Trudeau: Full Immigration Status for All is just, fair, necessary and urgent. The time is now.
“Provinces must play their part in inflating the economy, not contribute to the further deflating of our economy." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
“I commend the Canadian government for taking leadership on this issue. We all have a responsibility to take action to stop the Rohingya genocide, and Canada is uniquely positioned to intervene and to support grassroots struggles.” ― Larry Brown, NUPGE President