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 know that a majority of young workers (58%) believe that unions play an important, and very, important role in Canada. Only 6% believe unions have never played an important role and do more harm than good. That's good news!" — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (05 Nov. 2018) — In late 2016, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) embarked on an important project to determine the impact generational change is having on our union as well as on the broader labour movement. The project also examined the implications for organizing workers. The union reached out to a leading research firm that has been focusing on the millennial generation, to conduct the research of this project.
Engaging young workers in our union
The National Union has produced a booklet entitled, Communicating with Young Members, that briefly outlines key issues young workers care about, how they see unions, and how they want to be included in union activities. This information will support union leaders as our union works to engage and motivate millennials to become strong and active union members.
"The findings in the Communicating with Young Members project show that the majority of young workers want to be involved in their union. They want to be seen, heard, and represented by the actions of their union," said Larry Brown, NUPGE President. "The booklet focuses on the best ways to get our messages heard by this generation and includes the best methods and language to attract current and future millennial members."
Young workers are our future leaders
"We know that a majority of young workers (58%) believe that unions play an important, and very, important role in Canada. Only 6% believe unions have never played an important role and do more harm than good," said Brown. "That's good news for us! We need to seize this opportunity to reach younger workers in the language, and on the issues, they relate to most."
"The findings also reveal that we have some changing to do if we want to engage young workers in a meaningful way in our union," said Brown. "We need to update the way we do things, expand our subject matter, and organize our work differently. This is an exciting moment for our union, and I know that we're all up to the challenge."
More information:
Communicating with Young Members