Equality and Human Rights

"On December 6, it is important to reflect on the deadly impacts of gender-based violence (GBV) and misogyny. GBV is a societal problem — and, too often, a workplace problem — that we all have a responsibility to tackle.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

“With the ongoing rise of the far right at home in Canada, and around the world, we must be extra vigilant at pushing for legal protections for transgender and gender-expansive people and for education for the public about transgender and gender-expansive issues.” ― Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

“Together with labour and civil society colleagues, NUPGE will be there to call for bold climate action that not just gets us to our climate targets but addresses inequities and upholds human rights." — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

"We are where the power in this province resides. They might only be coming for education workers now, but when you come for one of us, you come for all of us. Let this last week be an example — workers united will shut this province down whenever we need to." — JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President

“If the unions in Ontario need financial support, we will be there for them. The Ford government decided to attack some of the most vulnerable workers in the province. That’s a fight we are not going to shy away from." — NUPGE President Bert Blundon

Find the nearest CUPE rally to you by postal code

“This isn’t some remote history. We’re talking about movements and legislation that happened within our parents’ lifetimes, and in many cases, our lifetimes.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

Throughout October, as we acknowledge and celebrate Women’s History Month, I hope all Canadians recognize the difference that union women have made in ensuring that Canada is more inclusive and equitable. — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

We have a long way to go before we can create a truly equitable society. An equitable society will not happen without reconciliation. — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

"I echo the demands of local and international activists for an end to human rights violations in Iran, including the repression of women’s rights.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

"The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) remains committed to fighting against gender discrimination and inequality, including the gender pay gap, today and every day." — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

"The CBS Board and CEO have betrayed the trust of Canadians by contracting with a for-profit company to collect plasma in Canada. Paying for plasma has been shown to harm voluntary collection of both blood and plasma. The consequences of this contract could destroy the security and integrity of our blood and plasma supply."  — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

"While slavery has been abolished, anti-Black racism still exists across our country. It is our hope that Emancipation Day is used as a catalyst for more people to join the ongoing fight against anti-Black and Indigenous racism and discrimination." — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

The courts have again confirmed that private for-profit health care and the 2-tier system it creates would harm our public health care system and not improve patient access. They have ruled in favour of protecting public health care as constitutional and necessary to protect health care that is delivered based on need and not on the ability to pay.

“Canada has done some great things for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, like passing Bill C-4. But there’s still work to be done. NUPGE will continue to stand in solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ people and push for equality for all.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer

“We cannot be complacent about 2SLGBTQIA+ issues and rights.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer

Just because it’s happening down there, don’t for a minute think that Canada is immune from these types of rollbacks. Every year we hear individual Conservative politicians raise the issue of abortion and push to get it on the national agenda. Under Erin O’Toole’s leadership, 81 Conservative MPs, the majority of their caucus, voted to reopen the debate on a women’s right to choose.

"John led a life in service to people with disabilities, fighting for recognition and equity. His work at NUPGE helped inspire our members, and others in the labour movement, to work for fairness and to break down barriers. His commitment was unwavering, and we are all better for his efforts. We will miss him." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

“In the midst of a climate emergency, we must move beyond awareness-raising to action.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President