“On behalf of members, I am writing to voice NUPGE’s support for legislation to strengthen CEPA. We believe that, in the face of the climate crisis, modernizing and strengthening Canada’s environmental protection legislation is critical.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President
Occupational Health and Safety
Decades of cuts to EI mean that the benefits from the extension of sickness benefits will be limited.
“Climate change is the crisis of our time. We need to continue to build the awareness and sense of urgency in order to force our governments to seriously act.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President
Members of Alberta’s major health care unions are joining together to demand that the government of Alberta develop a plan to deal with the crisis in health care.
"New equipment is always necessary, but it’s people who answer the emergency calls and respond, not phones and ambulances.”— Mike Parker, HSAA President
"Forcing these workers on strike as they try to negotiate their first contract just shows they had a good reason to unionize. We need them to hear us loud and clear: get back to the table now! These workers deserve a fair deal." - Bert Blundon, NUPGE President
“These women and men have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the public. All Canadians must remember their names. Our members who are peace officers have a difficult and dangerous job, and this service reminds us of the risks and threats they face." — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President
“It is unconscionable that the TSSA is willing to compromise the public safety of all Ontarians rather than provide safety inspectors with fair working conditions." — JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President
"April 28 is the National Day of Mourning and is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness due to work. As the pandemic restrictions are being removed it is critical that we ensure that all workers are properly protected, and that health and safety is placed as the highest priority. NUPGE remembers those who have been harmed and continues to call for improved workplace safety and protection." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
The survey findings also underscore the need for Canada to ratify and implement the ILO Convention on violence and harassment in the world of work (No. 190).
"Islanders and Canadians alike know that fundamental change is necessary and that we must work together to see it through for the benefit of all. Let’s stand together to not only improve the working conditions for our members, but also to improve the quality of life for those they care for." — Karen Jackson, PEIUPSE President
“All HSAA/NUPGE members want is to be able to be there when people need them." — Michael Parker, HSAA President
If you were part of the protest and you made no move to counter the disgusting behaviour, if you knew this was happening and you stayed because you were having so much fun, as one protester put it, then you were part of the problem.
Concerns for health, safety and access to vital services are also growing beyond frontline workers: an Angus Reid poll released earlier this week found almost 59% of Saskatchewan residents are unhappy with Premier Moe’s handling of the pandemic.
HSABC/NUPGE continues to be on the front line demanding improved and increased precautions for health care workers.
"These and other measures to protect and support workers in precarious jobs — and to support the creation of good, secure, unionized jobs — will be important for addressing income inequality and other inequities." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
"HSAA/NUPGE members know who they work for… all Albertans. All we want is to be there when people need care. To do it our members need to be rested, they need to know they and their families are safe, and that they are supported.” — Mike Parker, HSAA President
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to act in a timely matter to protect public health and keep Ontarians as safe as possible — including Ontario’s public colleges.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU/SEFPO President
As a union, we have always believed that great things can happen when we work together. This time is no different. We will keep fighting for good jobs with good wages, safe working conditions, and decent pensions. We will continue to fight for better communities and workplaces, free from racism and intolerance. We will fight to make equality and fairness part of any recovery.