The courts have again confirmed that private for-profit health care and the 2-tier system it creates would harm our public health care system and not improve patient access. They have ruled in favour of protecting public health care as constitutional and necessary to protect health care that is delivered based on need and not on the ability to pay.
Ottawa (18 July 2022) — A ruling by the B.C.
“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 can’t be more impressed with the campaign you led and the inspiration you gave to others across the country. Thank you for showing all of us what dedication and solidarity really look like.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
St. John’s (22 April 2022) The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) is pleased to announce that it has reached a tentative agreement for members at Choices for Youth (The Lilly). Read full story » “NAPE reaches tentative agreement with Choices for Youth (The Lilly)”
“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.
The hardest hit sector was health care and social services where 13.3% of all workers were absent in January. That represented a 34.3% increase in absences.
Ottawa (10 Feb. 2022) — Statistics Canada data released last week provides a clear sense of why the latest COVID-19 variant has been so stressful for essential workers. According to the data, the percentage of workers absent from work due to illness or disability in January was 37% higher than the average.
“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.
North Bay (18 August 2021) — Some 73 professionals represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO/NUPGE) at One Kids Place have delivered a convincing strike mandate to their bargaining team. In all, 97% voted in favour of strike action, if needed. “A strong strike vote hands the bargaining team a powerful tool,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU/SEFPO President . “It tells management that members are solidly behind their team, even if it means a strike. Read full story » “One Kids Place professionals vote overwhelmingly for strike mandate”
Ottawa (21 April 2021) — Once known as “Secretaries’ Day,” April 21 is now celebrated as Administrative Professionals Day. Historically, these workers were shown gratitude with gifts of cards, flowers, chocolates, and lunches for their hard work.
Today, we celebrate the day by acknowledging the depth, breadth, and importance of their role in our workplaces. The day now recognizes the contributions of many more people who work as administration professionals: administrative assistants, executive assistants, personal assistants, receptionists, client services representatives, and other administrative support professionals. Read full story » “Celebrating administrative professionals”