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"The government should be addressing the impact income inequality is having on peoples' lives," said Brown, "instead of supporting plans that will eliminate jobs, reduce our ability to regulate industries, and put the common good of our country at risk." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (07 Oct. 2016) — Each year, on October 7, the World Day for Decent Work, trade unions around the world mobilize in order to highlight the goal of ensuring people everywhere have access to decent work. Decent work has been accepted as an important solution to reduce poverty and foster development.
Decent work allows people to live a good life
"Decent work must be at the centre of government actions to bring back economic growth and build a new global economy that puts people first.," says the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is a strong supporter of the International Day for Decent Work (WDDW) and an ITUC member.
"When we say decent work we mean that workers must have the ability to be productive, to earn a fair income, to receive benefits, to raise a family with financial stability and to contribute to their communities, all while receiving equal treatment at work," said Larry Brown, NUPGE President. "When you boil it down, decent work really means that workers have the ability to participate in decisions that affect the quality of their lives."
Corporate greed hurts workers and the economy
"In Canada, we continue to witness the undermining of good jobs by corporations who want to increase their bottom-line. Low-wage, precarious work doesn't feed a family," said Brown. "We need businesses who will invest in their workers and treat them with dignity and respect."
"We also need a federal government that doesn't put corporate profits ahead of its own people," he continued. "But right now, we are seeing the Liberals move closer to signing more trade deals that will allow corporate interests to override decisions made by our elected governments. These deals hurt jobs, hurt public services, and hurt our overall democracy.
"The government should be addressing the impact income inequality is having on peoples' lives," said Brown, "instead of supporting plans that will eliminate jobs, reduce our ability to regulate industries, and put the common good of our country at risk."
Public Services International launches campaign for women's economic power
This year, Public Services International has marked World Day for Decent Work by launching a campaign for women's economic empowerment. Trade unions are perfectly placed to defend women’s rights at the workplace and in society.
Brown stated, "I am pleased that PSI's campaign to defend women's rights coincides with the start of Canada's Women's History Month. We know that in order to ensure women have equal access to opportunity, as a society, we must address income inequality. We must fight cuts to and the privatization of public services. We must fight discrimination, and unpaid labour and defend pay equity. There cannot be equal access to opportunity when these barriers exist."
"Our Prime Minister says he is a feminist; this government needs to focus on creating opportunities for decent work and developing ways to reduce the income inequality in our country," said Brown.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE