As the Health Ministers from the federal-provincial-territorial governments meet in Vancouver to discuss a new Health Accord, the National Union of Public and General Employees calls on them to defend and expand the Canadian health care system.

Ottawa (19 Jan. 2016) — On the eve of an important national meeting on Canada’s health care system, James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), wants to remind the Health Ministers of the importance of their task.

“If the government is actually serious about narrowing the wage gap, it should stop the wage cuts and start recognizing its human rights obligations under the Pay Equity Act." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“If the government is actually serious about narrowing the wage gap, it should stop the wage cuts and start recognizing its human rights obligations under the Pay Equity Act." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

BCGEU/NUPGE will take action when an employer disrespects and breaches the clear language of a collective agreement.

In honour of Black History Month and Family Day, we’re asking for entries that say why unions matter to African Canadians or why unions matter to your family.

As it stands now, New Brunswick effectively forces new unions to strike when employers are not coming to the table in a meaningful way.

An investigation into the cancer identified there was a cancer cluster in the laboratory — where the incidence of breast cancer was eight times the rate of breast cancer in B.C.

"We will be paying close attention to the provincial budget in February to see if funding is there to improve, in a meaningful way, the services we provide to vulnerable children and youth in our province.” — Paul Finch, BCGEU Treasurer

NSGEU/NUPGE is optimistic that the strong collective message members have sent will help in the next step of bargaining. 

"Will the Liberals stop forcing Ontario’s colleges to seek revenue sources through offshore boondoggles? Or will they adequately fund our colleges so they can focus on providing the skills that bring jobs and prosperity to the province?" — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

"We hope this research will help shape public policy to address the shortcomings in our systems and provide the much-needed relief and support for today's families." — James Clancy, NUPGE National President

“Now, more than ever, workers need a union, especially in health care. For Ontario’s health care professionals, OPSEU is really the only choice." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

Only one Ontario Liberal MPP has toured a correctional facility to witness the ongoing crisis. OPSEU President says, "I always say, if you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to fear.”

"We want to be part of a constructive dialogue with the government on ways to ease this crisis and ensure the safety of the public, correctional staff, and inmates.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

Workers in the Impark Meter Department will now have access to a grievance procedure, ability to negotiate improvements to wages and benefits, and many other improvements with this first contract.