OPSEU delegates gather in Toronto

“The economy is still in the tank. Nothing in the provincial budget leads me to believe we are on the road to job creation to enhance fairness,” said Thomas. “Though we do have a tremendous fight on our hands, we are up to the challenge.”

Toronto (20 April 2012) - Over 1500 delegates, observers and guests gathered in Toronto on Thursday to kick of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) Annual Convention.

In his opening address, OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas told members, “Since our last convention, we have fought against wage restraints, faced public service cuts and austerity measures. We have run information pickets and other campaigns. And we have done all the stuff that some people will call old school. It is tried and true, and we will never give that up.”

"OPSEU promoted member participation in the provincial election, resulting in a Liberal minority. If the Liberal budget from March is defeated, the province may face another election. A majority government, Conservative or Liberal, is bad news for members, their families and their communities as austerity measures will be deep and unchallenged."

“The economy is still in the tank. Nothing in the provincial budget leads me to believe we are on the road to job creation to enhance fairness,” said Thomas. “Though we do have a tremendous fight on our hands, we are up to the challenge.”

Delegates are debating many resolutions but of great interest is an action plan which will focus on ensuring income equality, human vitality and spending power after retirement, fully-funded and supported pensions, and quality jobs.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 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