"How much public money is going to guaranteed profit for DynaLIFEDX? The province must release contract details so Albertans can see how much of their money is going to profits instead of patient care." — Mike Parker, HSAA President
Pensions and Retirement Security
- See also Retirees.
- Sign up for NUPGE's Pension Updates.
"While this report looks back, we are focused on the future. There will be challenges ahead but we'll face them. As we recover from the last 2 years, we remain hopeful. It's time to reimagine our world. And we will do that—together." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
When publicly funded institutions are allowed to use bankruptcy protection legislation, public accountability is lost. All that matters is what creditors want.
Ottawa (21 April 2021) — Once known as "Secretaries' Day," April 21 is now celebrated as Administrative Professionals Day. Historically, these workers were shown gratitude with gifts of cards, flowers, chocolates, and lunches for their hard work.
“Canadians don’t want to see their pension funds going to privatization schemes that harm the most vulnerable people in society” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
Please send a message of support for the 844 workers who are being forced to take strike action to protect their pensions here: https://nsgeu.ca/home_page/protect-dals-pension-send-a-message-of-suppo…
"It's not just Local 325 members fighting, it's all 390,000 of us." — Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
“While the vast majority of pension plans have the resources needed to withstand the impact of COVID-19 on their investments, if a plan is forced to sell assets at fire-sale prices to meet its obligations, it will have a devastating effect. Pension plans that are forced to take this step will likely be left with substantial pension deficits that will be very difficult to eliminate." Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
The reason cutting public sector wages hurts the economy so badly is that, like almost all low- and middle-income earners, public sector workers spend what they earn in their communities. The bulk of what public sector workers earn goes to businesses providing items like groceries or housing. When you take that money out of the community, everyone feels the pain.
As NUPGE members who work to provide services for seniors can tell you, funding has not kept pace with need.
Larry Brown urges equal treatment for wildland firefighters regarding the maximum annual pension accrual rate.
“Hosting the Leadership Development School is one of NUPGE’s greatest privileges. Each year, we bring engaged and passionate members together to learn from current leaders and experts, but also from each other. It’s an honour to say NUPGE is helping to strengthen solidarity and equip these members as they grow into leaders of the labour movement.” ― Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Given that workers and retirees worked decades to earn their pensions, they should not be left at the back of the line.
The collapse of Sears Canada is a classic example of how too many of the laws governing corporations protect the wealthy, while ignoring the rights of workers and the long-term health of the economy.
“NUPGE’s pension webinars provide our members with the tools and information they need to protect and improve our members’ pensions.” — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
Former Sears workers are having their pension fund cut, yet again, because those who controlled Sears made a deliberate decision to leave the pension plan underfunded.
“I’m as pleased as punch that we can take away some anxiety that some members might have about their retirement income." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Thousands joined the MGEU’s 2 pension tele-meetings to talk about potential changes to pensions and ask questions. If you missed the call, recordings of both meetings are now available.
“Our union remains committed to protecting public pensions and ensuring the government lives up to its promise to protect them as well." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
Whether you’ve been working on pension issues for years or are still thinking about getting involved, the information in the webinars will be helpful.