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.
"Unions matter because we fight for all these issues, to move them forward and to share the burden. People before us fought to better our lives; we have a responsibility to continue the fight for fairness for those who follow." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (06 Sept. 2016) — On Labour Day, Canada’s unions launched a new website, fairnessworks.ca, and 3 compelling online videos to showcase the ways unions are improving the day-to-day lives of all Canadians.
“We have a long, proud history of winning changes that improve workers’ lives, and this Labour Day we celebrate and showcase ways we are making a difference to all Canadians today,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the CLC.
NUPGE strong partner in the campaign for fairness
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has been campaigning on the issues close to the hearts of Canadians — retirement security, quality public services, workers rights and tax fairness — for years.As part of theAll Together Now! campaign, NUPGE launched a national bus tour, the Fairness Express, in 2014 to cross the country talking to people from every walk of life about why unions matter and how we can work together to create fairness for everyone.
"What we found, and continue to find, is that people are struggling. Working multiple jobs, many at low pay, having difficulty finding affordable child care, or a good job — these are the real issues people are facing," said Larry Brown, NUPGE President. "Unions matter because we fight for all these issues, to move them forward and to share the burden. People before us fought to better our lives, we have a responsibility to continue the fight for fairness for those who follow."
Videos focus on issues unions are taking on across the country
The videos focus on how Canada’s unions are campaigning for a ban on asbestos, winning stronger public pensions, and making working life better for everyone.
Yussuff says that as a former mechanic who was exposed to asbestos, he is especially proud of the work Canada’s unions are doing to win a comprehensive ban on asbestos in Canada.
“Many Canadians don’t know where asbestos is in their own communities, or that imports of asbestos-containing products are on the rise, and that puts all of us at risk. Winning a full ban will mean making workplaces and public spaces safer for everyone,” he said.
Labour movement celebrates improvements to retirement security through CPP
Unions are also celebrating the success of a multi-year campaign for a stronger Canada Pension Plan, something the federal government has promised will be legislated this fall.
“Most union members have workplace pensions, but more than 11 million Canadians don’t, and we all have a responsibility to work to end future seniors’ poverty. Improving the CPP will benefit younger Canadians most, especially in a job market where secure, stable jobs are hard to come by. That’s why we have campaigned so hard and so long to win this,” said Yussuff.
"Supporting the creation of new, good jobs and making existing jobs better is another example of how unions are improving Canadians’ lives today," says Yussuff.
“Too many workers are caught in low-wage, part-time and insecure jobs, without access to basic social benefits like sick leave, let alone pensions and other benefits. That’s why we are working hard to make existing jobs better, for example, by campaigning for a $15 minimum wage,” said Yussuff.
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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