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Bert Blundon, from NAPE/NUPGE and Jason MacLean, NSGEU/NUPGE have been elected by delegates to serve as President and Secretary-Treasurer of the 400,000 member National Union of Public and General Employees
St. John’s (18 June 2022) — Over 500 delegates, observers, and guests from across the country are in St. John’s for the Triennial Convention of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).
In addition to debating public policy issues, like labour rights, economic and social justice, and the climate crisis, delegates voted for the positions of President and Secretary-Treasurer. Delegates to the convention also had the opportunity to discuss policy, hold elections, and lay out a strategic plan for the next 3 years.
Leaving after long distinguished career
Current President, Larry Brown, who held positions in the union for over 32 years, announced his retirement in March 2022.
“I am very proud of the work we did together over the years,” said Brown, “and I know our over 400,000 members are in good hands with the election of these new officers. Bert and Jason lead with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Advocating for working people, public services, and social and economic justice are their life’s work. I congratulate them on their election!”
Bert Blundon elected as President
Delegates elected Bert Blundon as the National Union's next President. Blundon has served NUPGE as the Secretary-Treasurer for 1 term. Blundon previously held a position with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) as an Employee Relations Officer before being elected as NAPE's Secretary-Treasurer. In 2019, Blundon was elected as the NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer.
“I am honoured to be elected as NUPGE President,” said Blundon. “We have enormous challenges ahead of us, as our country recovers from pandemic. At this convention, with the hard work of our delegates, we have built a strategic agenda that paves the way for the next 3 years. This plan is grounded in our core values of fairness, equality, and justice that lifts up our members, and all working people.”
Jason MacLean moves from NSGEU President to NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
Former president of the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) Jason MacLean is NUPGE's new Secretary-Treasurer.
In 1995, Jason began his career in the public service as a Corrections Officer first at the Cumberland Correctional Facility in Amherst and then at the Cape Breton Correctional Facility in Sydney. Jason became a leader in his union local and soon was elected to the NSGEU Board of Directors, Provincial Executive, before being elected President in 2016.
“I believe this is a pivotal moment in history for the labour movement in Canada, and there is a great opportunity ahead of us to improve lives for all workers and members,” said MacLean.
“I am humbled by the support of the delegates, and my colleagues and look forward to representing our amazing members, and continuing to build a strong, thriving union.”
Challenges ahead
Both officers are looking forward to the challenges ahead. The Convention is taking strong positions on fighting for public services and opposing the policies of austerity, expanding and enhancing efforts for greater diversity, implementing anti-racism measures, addressing the climate crisis, and supporting struggles for Indigenous rights.