President's Commentary: The top ten reasons to expand the Canada Pension Plan

CPP is the envy of the world: it’s secure, funded on a sound basis and well managed by professional staff independent of government.

Growth in Canada's health spending hits 13-year low

Despite an aging population, Canadian health care costs are not growing as fast as they used to, according to a new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).

Federal mining bill's defeat another black eye for Canada

Parliament's defeat this week of a private member's bill to improve corporate accountability by Canadian mining companies operating in developing countries is a huge step backward for human rights and for Canada on the international scene.

Geneva Centre says it will lock out employees Oct. 29

Management at Geneva Centre for Autism in Toronto says it will lock out 75 employees (OPSEU/NUPGE members) on Oct. 29.

Families, workers, service providers and advocates work together to address BC community living crisis

A broad and diverse group of almost 200 self-advocates, families, workers and other key stakeholders met in Vancouver earlier this week to strategize around working together to address the current crisis in the community living sector.

NBU's 38th convention a big success

The New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE/NUPGE) held their 38th Convention in Fredericton on October 16 & 17. Close to 300 delegates from across the province reflected on the past two years and debated new policies and initiatives for the next two years.

10th Anniversary of Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day

October 27th will mark the 10th annual Day of Appreciation for Child Care Workers and Early Childhood Educators in Ontario.

BCGEU calls for increase in funding for developmentally disabled British Columbians

Developmentally disabled British Columbians are being put at serious risk as government funding for community agencies is being squeezed and as a result services are being reduced. 

Maintenance and trades workers at Cape Breton University on strike for a fair agreement

Members of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) Local 18 are on strike. The members are maintenance and trades workers at Cape Breton University.

Province’s user fee plan penalizes BC patients

BC Health Coalition calls on province to reverse its directive requiring health authorities to charge fees to patients who need hospital care to recover from illness or injury. 

MGEU elects first female President

Lois Wales, a cardiology technologist, was elected president of the Mantioba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) at the union's convention this past weekend. It is the first time in MGEU’s history that a woman has been elected president. 

Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights established

CFLR to be a national voice promoting labour rights as an important means to strengthening democracy, equality and economic prosperity in Canada

Long-term care fees set to rise in Alberta

Alberta government increasing long-term care fees by three per cent. A seniors advocate says the increase is "unconscionable." 

BCGEU regional conference: building links with communities

Over 100 BCGEU members from northern B.C. and the Interior will be gathering in Prince George for the next three days to map out how their union can build allies in the community while fighting for workplace and social justice. The conference will also serve as the provincial kick-off for the All Together Now campaign.

MGEU convention gets underway today

Delegates representing more than 200 union locals from across Manitoba are scheduled to attend.

Majority blame Harper government record for loss of UN security council seat

Canada suffered an historic loss last week in a bid for a temporary seat on the UN Security Council. Fifty-one per cent of respondents in a new Harris-Decima survey conducted for The Canadian Press blamed the Harper government's foreign affairs record for the loss.

UK Conservative government slashes 500,000 jobs

The most savage public spending cuts in 50 years in the United Kingdom have been outlined by the Conservative government of David Cameron. UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector union, says the government is condemning the country to a dismal, downward spiral.

Maintenance and Trades workers at CBU looking for agreement to avoid a strike

Members of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE), who are the maintenance and trades workers at Cape Breton University, are looking for an agreement in order to avoid a strike.

NUPGE concerned Big Pharma trying to sway CETA negotiations in attempt to fatten profits

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is concerned that big brand name pharmaceutical companies are attempting to sway trade negotiations between Canada and the European Union to expand their patent rights. This move would drive up drug prices and costs for Canada’s health care system and individual consumers. 

PEI UPSE health members awarded contract

More than 1,000 health care workers who are members of the PEI Union of Public Sector Employees’ (PEI UPSE/NUPGE) have a new collective agreement. Arbitrator Thomas Kuttner brought forward the arbitration award earlier this week.

Legal storm brewing in area of mental health protection at work

A new report from the Calgary-based Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) suggests that employers who neglect psychological safety in the workplace could be legally liable for mental injury inflicted on workers.

B.C. government response to dam failure proves service cuts erode public safety

“Taxpayers expect the government to live up to their responsibility to protect the public interest and safety,” says Darryl Walker, president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE).

New poll shows Winnipeggers want more ambulances

New polling information from Viewpoints Research has found that 84 percent of Winnipeggers want the City of Winnipeg to invest in more ambulance resources.

Kingston labour says no to funding corporate profits

Kingston and District Labour Council (KDLC) staged a street theatre production recently to protest the Ontario government's proposed wage freeze and corporate tax cuts.

Court of Appeal upholds union certification of a Walmart store in Saskatchewan

The Court’s ruling is the latest chapter in legal process Walmart has dragged out since 2004