News

“This health care crisis we’re facing has been manufactured by our governments to make people believe that the only answer is the private sector coming in to save our health care system. Well, we’re fed up with that lie.” — Jason MacLean, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer

Ottawa (15 Feb. 2023) — On February 7, the day that Canada’s First Ministers were meeting, members of the labour movement, including representatives from the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), and civil society gathered on Parliament Hill to send a loud message: Invest in public health care! 

“I couldn’t be happier with this strong result. But it was the lead-up – the five weeks of intensive organizing, pop-up voting sites and mail-in ballot-collecting – that really forced the public service agency to change its tune”-Stephanie Smith, president of the BCGEU and chair of the union’s bargaining committee.

Burnaby, B.C. (22 June 2022)— Hundreds of BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) activists have pressured their employer to return to negotiations by organizing the union’s biggest ever strike vote for 33,000 members in the public service.

“We are ready, willing, and able to go back to the table whenever the employer comes to their senses and treats these workers with the respect they deserve for the incredible work they do. While these workers would want nothing more than to provide support, care, and mentorship to the people at The Lilly, they will not continue to allow this employer to stonewall.” —

“We want to return to negotiations and to work, serving our communities. We know service disruptions from job action are stressful for the community and so members paused job action Thursday in hopes the employer would take our action seriously and send an offer. We’re disappointed that hasn’t happened yet. VIRL’s management has the power to restore library services.” — Stephanie Smith, BCGEI President

Burnaby (15 March 2022) — Members of the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) working as librarians for the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) have been without a contract since December 2020.

“This significant pay increase is a long-awaited acknowledgment of the value of the crucial work that you do, each and every day.” — Jason MacLean, NSGEU President

Halifax (10 Feb. 2022) —After years of lobbying the government to address the wage disparity of continuing care assistants (CCAs) across the province, the government announced that all CCAs in Nova Scotia will receive a pay increase of approximately 23%.

“While the world is consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must not forget that the HIV/AIDS pandemic is ongoing. World AIDS Day is an important moment to press for continued action to eradicate HIV/AIDS. Understanding the failures made in dealing with  AIDS can help us better deal with the current pandemic. ” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

Ottawa (1 Dec.. 2021) — December 1 marks World AIDS Day.

“Our members continue to deliver public health care and social care services throughout the pandemic and other crises, and under extremely challenging circumstances. They have come to be seen as heroes. And they deserve this recognition and our thanks, but they also deserve decent work. That means investment in quality public and social services, which will benefit us all.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

Ottawa (26 Oct.

“As we approach the second winter of this pandemic, the impacts on mental health are increasing and demand immediate action. Mental health and well-being have long been ignored or met with caring words, followed by little else. This World Mental Health Day, we are demanding governments show their commitment through action! The pandemic has greatly harmed the mental health of many.