This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
"We are standing up against employers and governments who think it's okay to pay community social services workers such a low wage they have to choose between taking care of the most vulnerable and feeding their own family. " - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
Ottawa (07 Oct. 2013) - Each year on October 7, we celebrate the World Day for Decent Work.
World Day for Decent Work calls for decent wages, safe working conditions and access to quality public services
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) joins with trade unionists around the world, through our affiliation with Public Services International (PSI), in demanding decent work for all and an end to the continuous attacks on trade union rights around the world. In Canada, we have seen this federally at a number of levels:
- Harper's strike breaking back to work legislation
- Bill 377, the Conservative financial disclosure information that has more than trade unions concerned
- Bill 525 which changes the way workers can certify and decertify a union and puts an unfair advantage on those who are not involved or are against unions and
- the rumours of so-called "right-to-work" legislation which would allow union members to avoid paying dues but maintain all the benefits of being in a union.
Provincially, we have seen similiar attacks, especially in Saskatchewan and through the Ontario Conservative Party which brags about implementing U.S. 'right-to-work" style legislation.
Standing up against attacks on labour - protecting jobs and services for the middle and working class
On World Day for Decent Work, we are saying that we want jobs that provide decent salaries and social security with safe working conditions. Public services provide decent work; quality public services can only be delivered by workers whose rights are fully respected.
Through the National Union's All Together Now! campaign, we have spent the last three years talking to our members and the public about how tax fairness can provide quality public services and labour rights. We know that by having strong labour rights, these things are protected, too. Through the Canadian Labour Congress' together FAIRNESS WORKS project, NUPGE members will be sharing this message about why having strong labour rights is essential . Workers who feel safe in their workplace because of their labour rights, will stand up when the common good is not being considered. They will speak up when decisions are made that are not in the best interest of families and communities. They will risk a lot to ensure that quality public services are providing the best possible.
Providing support to those on the frontlines of the struggle
"We are standing up against multi-billion dollar corporations who think it's a good idea to go after a small group of workers in order to implement its global wage agenda," says James Clancy, NUPGE National President. "We are standing up against employers and governments who think it's okay to pay community social services workers such a low wage they have to choose between taking care of the most vulnerable and feeding their own family. No one should be making that choice."
"We want everyone to have a good wage and decent benefits so people can provide for themselves and their families. We want tax policies that allow for job creation and growth and the creation and improvement of quality public services that support our communities. And we are pushing back against privatization, or whatever name they are calling it these days."
"That's what All Together Now! is all about. By working together, we can make a difference - not only in policy but in people's ideas about what is fair and just for us all."
More information:
Public Services International Statement
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