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Blundon takes over as Secretary-Treasurer of NUPGE.
Winnipeg (22 June 2019) — Bert Blundon, former Secretary-Treasurer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE), was elected as the new Secretary-Treasurer of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) at its triennial convention.
Blundon has a proven track record as a union activist and leader. From the moment in 1986 when he faced police officers and refused to open up a picket line, Blundon has fought for workers' rights, leading many fightback campaigns against privatization, layoffs, anti-worker legislation and cuts to public services.
Prior to serving as NAPE's Secretary-Treasurer, he served as an officer with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour, as a NAPE Employee Relations Officer and as part of the NUPGE National Executive Board.
Blundon's negotiating and political skills have enabled him to advance workers’ issues at the bargaining table, at arbitration and at the political level. His accomplishments include negotiating joint sponsorship for NAPE member's pension plan.
As the NAPE Secretary-Treasurer, Blundon rebuilt the union's finances from the verge of bankruptcy, without raising members' dues. Today, NAPE operates from a position of strength and financial might to protect its members and their communities.
Addressing the delegates, Blundon spoke of his commitment to working people, his appreciation of the NAPE family, and his love for his grandfather's garden. "With gardening, there is always more work to do. And so it goes for the labour movement. It will be my honour to tend to this work with you over the next 3 years. Thank you."