"If new attacks on your pension security are launched by the government, we'll mobilize to deal with them." — Gil McGowan, Chair, Alberta Labour Coalition on Pensions.
Edmonton (23 Sept. 2014) — Albertans who have been fighting to protect public pension plans can breathe a sigh of relief this week. Jim Prentice, the new Premier of Alberta, has prorogued the Legislature, and by doing so, killed controversial Bill 9 and Bill 10.
The highlight of the agreement on pensions is a commitment to establish joint trusteeship of the Public Service Pension Plan.
PEI deputy ministers will no longer receive benefits for two pension years for every one year of work, but government wants to increase base pay by $50,000.
This pamphlet, published under the auspices of the National Union's Action on Retirees' Concerns (NUARC) Committee, offers a realistic, affordable and effective plan to rebuild and reform Canada's pension system.
Elisabeth Ballermann, President of Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE), has written the members that while she is encouraged by news that government is backing away from pension changes warns that members to keep up the fight.
"The real story is that government has reduced the benefits of over 13,000 pension holders by up to 29 per cent and is saving half a billion dollars. It’s not fair or accurate to then blame the current deficit solely on the public pension.” — Debbie Bovyer, PEIUPSE President.
Proposed Robin Hood Tax rate is very low but would raise between $10 and $12 billion per year for Illinois.
Workers in Alberta continues to organize against unjust pension attacks. Join the rally to show your support for pensions!
"The average public sector pension is about $1,200 a month — hardly lavish. It is paid for by workers. The pension is in return for them turning down higher salaries in the private sector (oil and gas wages, anyone?) to provide vital services." — Elisabeth Ballermann, HSAA President
Alberta members, stay by your phone tonight for the Pension Telephone Town Hall or head down to the live audience.
"There's an old saying that if something isn't broken, you shouldn't try to fix it. This is a perfect time for Albertans to be reminded of that saying." - Elisabeth Ballermann, HSAA President.
"For our organizations, a negotiated settlement is better than a forced agreement" said La Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec union leaders.
Expanding the Canada Pension Plan and Québec Pension Plans – everyone’s pension plan - will make sure that all workers in Canada can count on a decent pension in retirement. Sign the petition today!
“Lastly, government’s ‘immunity clause’ in the pension legislation speaks volumes about their lack of faith in their own numbers." - Debbie Bovyer, PEIUPSE President.
Multi-union campaign to prevent cuts to pensions underway. Get involved at Defending Alberta Pensions.
“There is a made-in-PEI solution,” Clancy said during the rally. “This government should get back to the table with the unions.”
“We can stop the drastic cuts to our pension by working together!” - Debbie Bovyer, PEIUPSE President.
“Hopefully this strong consensus amongst provincial and territorial Finance Ministers to enhance the CPP will be enough to get federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty to reconsider the federal government’s position”: James Clancy.
PEIUPSE/NUPGE has been working hard against government changes to public service worker pension plans that will dramatically reduce retirement security. Make sure the government knows you don't agree with cutting retirement income.