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Delegates focus on why Unions Matter at 48th convention.
Vancouver (13 June 2011) - Members of the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) meet from June 15-17 in Vancouver at the union's 48th constitutional convention.
The theme Unions Matter will guide delegates from across the province through discussions and debates on resolutions focusing on the challenges ahead. Unions and union members around the world are facing unprecedented challenges from right wing governments and employers who are looking for someone to blame for the most recent economic crisis.
Governments are wrongly pointing the finger at public sector workers, and in response, are cutting public services and public sector jobs, deregulating and privatizing services, attacking workers’ pensions and benefits and severely limiting workers’ rights, such as the right to free collective bargaining. This along with corporate tax cuts and corporate bail outs is the road map directing right wing governments to economic recovery.
But we will not let them take these rights away. Together we will fight to defend them. Moreover, together unions and the community are fighting to bring an end to corporate tax cuts and demanding a fair taxation system that will afford quality public services for all.
Throughout convention, delegates will hear from speakers who will share messages of strength and solidarity such as James Clancy, national president, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), Libby Davies, NDP Member of Parliament for Vancouver East and health critic, as well as Jim Sinclair, president of the BC Federationof Labour.
Elections will take place on Friday, June 17 for the president, secretary-treasurer and vice-president positions.
Convention will stream live portions of the agenda for members who cannot be in attendance.
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
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