All Together Now!

Eighty-one per cent of respondents disagree with government cuts contained in the budget.

“We believe that employers and Ottawa are using the import of vulnerable migrant workers to promote a low wage strategy in Canada.” - Ken Georgetti, CLC President.

Canadian money sent off shore means less being invested in Canada. This means the loss of billions of dollars in tax revenue for quality public services and fewer new jobs being created in Canada.

The union's claim documents “the distinctly gendered history of how part-time work developed at the LCBO” and how systemic sex discrimination continues today.

“We believe that the provincial government must reinvest in community living and other critical services that support vulnerable families across British Columbia." - Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.

Care about ambulance service in the Frontenac area? Find out more about reduced service.

 “The inconsistency in what government is saying and what government is doing is unbelievable. There is clearly a credibility issue here.” - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

“If this government truly believes in fairness, as it claims, then the province’s corporations have to be involved." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Research shows that Alberta has lost $1.5 billion in tax revenue since it privatized liquor stores in 1993.

Harper government more interested in cost saving than providing support services for unemployed.

Your action can help make a difference for garment workers everywhere.

Workers come together to organize against Harper's harmful EI changes.

How does the Manitoba government's budget meet the needs of communities? Read the Report Card.

“We believe that this letter from concerned faculty contains a number of compelling arguments against the cuts to CNA as well as the privatization of ABE." - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

“Public safety is at risk if wildfire detection services are turned over to an automated system that has not been proven to work effectively in any other Canadian jurisdiction." - Bob Bymoen, SGEU President.

“Privatization does not work, no matter what you call it. The public pays more for lower quality services. Just think Ornge, gas plants, e-Health, Highway 407 – and now, chemo drugs.”

Income inequality activists never sleep. Check out the ATN Campaigner to find out the great work going on across the country.

In a wide-ranging interview Clancy laid out the systematic attack that conservatives have waged against unions since 1980 and how these attacks have driven down the wages and well-being of working people.

"The money is there to continue funding the Health Accord. This is more about the Harper government's right wing ideology than cost cutting." NUPGE President James Clancy.

This one small story illustrates the larger danger of greed unchecked. All of our jobs and all of our communities are vulnerable to outsourcing and its cousin, privatization. These strategies might boost profits, but at a terrible cost.

“It is clear that the government was forced to act due to the public outcry on the impact of the cuts and that they are also second guessing themselves." - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

Join the protest against cuts to programs at the College of the North Atlantic.

28,700 federal public service jobs to be cut by 2016

“This is astounding,” stated Furlong. “The layoffs aren’t even fully in effect yet and already the system can’t handle the mess created by government’s layoff fiasco.”

“Privatizing the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program at CNA may be the first sign of privatizing our public education system,” warns NAPE President Carol Furlong.

Four days of Parliamentary hearings will examine the issue of income inequality.

“We believe that in this time of economic recovery, we all have a role to play and the burden should not rest solely on the public sector." - Susie Proulx-Daigle, NB Union President.

When the Auditor General of Ontario looked at Brampton’s William Osler Health Centre privatization in 2008, he concluded that the higher rate of interest paid by the private sector added about $200 million to the cost of the project.

“This is a quality services issue, but it’s also about quality of life. ” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “More than two thirds of the CLGS workforce is part-time or casual. The frontline staff should be able to afford to work there.”

"Unions are about fairness: workplace fairness; economic fairness; opportunity fairness; political fairness; and democratic fairness. Unions promote fairness, not just for their members, but for all Canadians.” - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

Vast knowledge shared with conference participants on second day of Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights conference.

Paper connects regressive labour laws to rising income inequality.

Richard Wilkinson, one of the world’s preeminent researchers on income inequality, delivers keynote speech.

“Maybe younger people coming up don’t understand the history of how things got to be so good here in Ontario,” said McDonald. “If it’s going to continue to be good, I think there’s still a fight to be had.”

The gains that union members make at the bargaining table spill over into creating healthier and more prosperous communities for everyone.”

“Our economy is being held back because the Prime Minister refuses to work with all major stakeholders to develop a comprehensive national skills development strategy." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“Government must be accountable for both the quality of services delivered to Saskatchewan families, and the cost of providing those services." – Bob Bymoen, SGEU President.

World Water Day is a designated United Nations day to recognize the common life sustaining resource that is our fresh water.

Federal government changes to EI system target unemployed.

Richard Wilkinson, one of the world’s most preeminent researchers on social inequalities, and author of the bestseller "Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone" will kick off the CFLR conference as the keynote speaker.

"We cannot give in to the divide and conquer tactics our governments and our employers use. We need to look for the things that join us together." – James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“Every employee that is here takes a lot of pride in the work that they do and they feel very proud that they are providing the service they do to the public, families of patients, and also patients that come down here." – Raymond Theriault, NSGEU Local President.

Austerity measures are compounding the problem, creating a “fiscal drag” effect that is slowing economic growth and undermining budgetary progress.

UN report "warns that short-sighted austerity measures, failures to address persistent inequalities, and a lack of opportunities for meaningful civic participation could threaten this progress unless leaders take bold corrective action."

Community social services are about creating and maintaining supportive, healthy, stable and caring communities. The workers who provide these services are the heart and soul of our communities.

Alternative Federal Budget plan tackles Canadians' real concerns.

“Given alcohol’s status as the leading risk factor for ill-health, injury and disability in North America” much more needs to be done, according to the researchers.

"Social attitudes about early childhood education and educators have been tied to outdated and gendered notions about women's work for decades. This devalues the profession--reflected in low wages and recruitment and retention problems."

As a longstanding defender of migrant workers' rights, UFCW Canada expressed a variety of concerns relating to the TFWP in its submission to the Ministers.

"While most Canadians faithfully pay their taxes, this government wants to downplay the fact that hundreds of billions of dollars are going offshore to tax havens – virtually untracked and untaxed. That increases the tax burden for the rest of us.”

"A recent poll shows that the vast majority of Albertans reject cuts to public services and agree that there should be an increase on taxes for the wealthy and corporations."- Elisabeth Ballermann, HSAA President.

"When governments give away revenue to their corporate friends, there is less money dedicated to the public services the majority of Canadians need." - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

"The problem of growing inequality can be resolved in two main ways. The first is by transferring wealth from profits to wages and public services. The second is through tax fairness." – Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

In the weeks ahead OPSEU/NUPGE will assess Wynne’s government to see if the new Premier will commit to preserving quality public services in Ontario and ensuring that services are delivered by professional public sector workers.

“Thanks to everyone who came out to support these workers today. Our rally provoked the attention and support these workers deserve. Now let’s get them back to work,” said Kathleen Demareski, OPSEU Negotiator.

Public services will be cut and assets sold off, hurting families and communities across the province.

"We work on behalf of our members to promote and protect their rights in the workplace but our social justice work ensures that all boats rise together - union and non-union, here in Canada and around the world."

Hugh Segal, Conservative Senator and former advisor to Premier Bill Davis and Prime Minister Mulroney, has spoken out in defence of trade union rights and against Bill C-377.

Ready, set, record!

U.S. campaigners for Robin Hood Tax are calling on Jack Lew, the next Treasury Secretary, to implement a tax on Wall Street. 

It's about shoring up one of the basic human rights supporting a fair and prosperous Canada. But ultimately, it's about saving lives.

The provincial government continues to take credit for tax cuts that have failed to deliver the economic gains that were promised. The government also refuses to accept responsibility for the budget cuts and corresponding service cuts.

Send a message to the Finance Committee to demand the government start taking tax havens seriously.

Missed what happened in Sudbury on January 8 during the All Together Now! campaign's townhall meeting? Watch the online videos to find out.

NUPGE urges the Conservative government to establish a Fairness Test to assess the distributional impact of key tax and spending policies in budgets and determine whether they will reduce income inequality or make the problem worse.

Join the BCGEU/NUPGE www.cantaffordchildcare.ca where families can petition the government and the official opposition to commit to implementing $10 a day childcare.

“Unemployment is still unacceptably high and corporations that received tax breaks to create jobs are hoarding cash instead. But the government prefers to demonize the victims of the recession." - Ken Georgetti, CLC President.

“It is our hope that the next finance minister will come to work for the 99 per cent, not the one per cent. For a change.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

NUPGE celebrates Black History Month honouring those who have fought for equality and justice everywhere.

Groups issue a joint statement ahead of two-day meeting between European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and Canadian International Trade Minister Ed Fast.

The National Union is encouraging all Canadians, especially those living in a Conservative riding to contact their MP to urge them to support this desperately needed housing strategy.  UPDATED

A new report by the Conference Board of Canada says Canada is falling short in addressing these critical issues. 

National Union wants Harper government to join with its European counterparts in implementing an FTT.

The public has a right to know and needs to know result of HQCA investigation.

Health-care union fears other programs may be cut.

New report from Canadian Labour Congress says tax freedom day is coming earlier for the country's corporations, thanks to aggressive government tax cuts.

"Our Sisters are on the frontlines of the struggle to reduce income inequality everyday. Our union and the movement is stronger because of the leadership role they play in communities and workplaces across this country." — James Clancy, NUPGE President.

"We are asking delegates to consider which candidates have the closest ties to Bay Street, which candidates draw their support from big corporations. Our new Premier must put people before profits,” says Thomas.

"Albertans have made it clear time after time that they favour a fairer tax system over a failing health-care system,” says Ballermann.

"Government has purposely raised the bar too high for citizens to access their own employment insurance program." — Debbie Bovyer, PEIUPSE President.

"It is a milestone for EU tax policy, as it paves the way for more ambitious member states to progress on a tax file, even when unanimity could not be achieved," said Algirdas Semeta, the european commissioner for tax.

Oxfam warns that extreme wealth and income inequality is not only unethical, it is also economically inefficient, politically corrosive, socially divisive and environmentally destructive.

This leadership convention marks a potential sea change for Ontario, where priorities can be shifted to promoting quality public services, taking action on tax fairness and investing in communities with a real job strategy.

“Kids diagnosed with autism need immediate and intensive therapy. But it’s not just children with autism who are waiting for therapy,” Johnson said.

World Economic Forum releases pessimistic report.  The report sees severe income disparity and Climate Change as among top three greatest risks to world economy.

New treaties could undermine the ability of Canadians to pursue public policies that curb domination of the fisheries by large corporations and help spread the benefits of the fishery.

Along with Public Private Partnerships (P3s), Social Impact Bonds are a bit like money laundering because they allow politicians to hide debt.

Top elected leaders from eight major Ontario unions will be in Sudbury Tuesday night to host a forum on income inequality in the province.

“The public wants to see the LCBO remain a valued public asset that contribute attractive annual dividends to help pay for education, health care and infrastructure.” - Warren (Smokey

The rich and the rest of us: A northern forum on jobs, inequality, and the future of Ontario – January 8, 2013.

Chief Spence’s action has helped to galvanize a movement called Idle No More, which arose as a result of the federal government’s recent omnibus Bill C-45.

"The real threat to our economy is the constant attack on the wages of Canadians, something being encouraged by the Harper government. When people have less income, they spend less, or they borrow more and they have less to save for retirement. None of these scenarios help build a stable economy," continued Clancy.

We will be doing a disservice to our collective goal of achieving greater equality if all Canadians don't mount a spirited and vigorous offence in support of labour rights and unions.

For too long, women have been having conversations in isolation from each other about the current context that women and women’s organizations find themselves in.

"Manitobans are going to be paying more for this service, and if other provinces' experiences are a barometer, we’re going to lose jobs while we’re at it." - Michelle Gawronsky, President MGEU/NUPGE

Eleven EU countries received overwhelming support to pursue introduction of Financial Transactions Tax.  The countries involved account for 90 per cent of the Eurozone's Gross Domestic Product.

The actions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs are out of step with the tradition of diplomacy that Canadians have been so proud of. The belligerent bully is not the persona that I want my country to adopt on the world stage.

"People know that when economic injustice and inequality exist, our families and our communities suffer. Economic well being is a human right that must be protected." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“In many communities they are their family’s sole income earners. Why does Tim Hudak want to kill off these jobs that help build strong communities?”

"We already have six or seven layers of upper and middle management above most unionized workers in government. Why would we need to take another layer of employees out of the union and add them to this managerial bureaucracy?" asked Bymoen.

The Ontario government’s attack on public structures and public service workers is political, said Thomas. “And the solution is political.”

Two important events may shape the future of Medicare: the expiration of the Health Accord in 2014 and the federal election in 2015.

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is calling on governments in Canada to make the goal of accessibility and inclusion for all people a priority.

Most willing to pay higher taxes to support policies that improve quality of life.

This years World Health Organization theme for World Aids Day, December 1, Getting to Zero: Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination. Zero AIDS Related Deaths is ambitious but achievable says the National Union.

Find out where your MPP stands on privatizing public services.

Over 1,000 people take to the street to speak out for fair taxes everywhere at Public Services International.  

"If the TD bank took it's own findings seriously, it would tell the government to act now by investing in this much needed and long overdue public service. Waiting only hurts Canadian families and our economy more." - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

"The best way for any nation to combat income inequalty is to ensure its common wealth is used for its common good." - Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Alberta VP and HSAA President.

"We urge the government to consider the value of Crown corporations before dismantling public institutions that have provided excellent service and good returns to Saskatchewan people over the years." - Bob Bymoen, SGEU President.

"Walmart is more concerned about furthering its low-wage, McJobs agenda intended to line the pockets of company executives while their workers barely scrape by." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

ISC earned $93.3 million for Saskatchewan people from 2007-2011.

“Manitobans have every right to ask Premier Selinger: What programs and services is he looking to cut and why would he endanger economic growth in this way?”

“When you take away those dollars in the name of austerity and deficit-busting, a child and their family are negatively impacted.  Is this the sort of legacy our government has chosen to adopt?” - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

If Conservatives succeed in killing or weakening unions, the real victims will be the Canadian middle class. Union jobs form the foundation of the middle class, even though many members of that class do not belong to unions.

Employees at Calgary outpatient pharmacies warn public care levels being undermined

Harper government giving into European drug patent demands during free trade negotiations. Move could raise drug prices in Canada by as much as $1 billion.

European Trade Union Confederation is calling upon Europe’s leaders to demonstrate their determination to deal with the deterioration in employment and to respond to the growing social anxiety felt by Europe’s citizens.

"Saskatchewan liquor stores have earned $1 billion for the people of our province in the last five years," Bymoen pointed out. "Why would we want to turn revenue from liquor sales over to out-of-province, private businesses?"

Those facing mental health issues need more support, not less.

Union members contribute to province's food banks.

"When the government cuts a dollar in health-care spending to balance its books, it is the patients who bleed." - HSAA/NUPGE submission to government's Dollars and Sense consultations.

NSGEU/NUPGE are helping families across Nova Scotia prepare for the winter months.

Nearly 25 per cent of all of Canada’s overseas investment dollars end up in tax havens.

Events around Hurricane Sandy highlight the importance of government and the public sector. Both in trying prevent these extreme occurrences and in responding to them when they happen.

Authors conclude that the privatization of liquor stores in Alberta and the partial privatization in B.C. have resulted in higher prices, lower revenues for government and increased social harms in comparison to Saskatchewan’s public system. 

While previously a holdout on a Financial Transactions Tax the new coalition government of the Netherlands will join the EU initiative.

"Alcohol is not just another consumer product. It is a drug and we need to examine the potential impact of changes to how we sell it." - Bob Bymoen, President SGEU

"ISC meets the needs of Saskatchewan people. Selling this Crown is just not in the best interests of the province." - SGEU President Bob Bymoen

The rally is about changes to the Employment Insurance system - changes that are hurting Islanders.

How do we fund quality public services in the future? Who should benefit and who will have to pay? These were the topics of Peter Waldorff's speech at the “Education in Crisis” seminar in Brussels.

Wall government considers privatizing despite the fact that ISC has posted nearly $100 million in net income most of which returned to the people of Saskatchewan.

Significant progress after more than seven years since a legal challenge was filed. 

On October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is urging its members to support the Dignity for All Campaign. 

Members will be conducting strategically targeted strike action on specific days in specific communities around B.C.

“This employer must come back to the table with a fair deal before the strike deadline,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “These workers have been without a contract for long enough.”

“If we band together and act as one, we can change Walmart.”

Hospital, nursing home and diagnostic treatment centre and emergency health workers who play a vital role in ensuring the health British Columbians resume negotiations for a fair deal.

“As Manitobans, we all have to realize that services are always affected. Any position you eliminate, even through attrition, is going to have an impact on the services delivered to Manitobans." - Lois Wales, MGEU President.

"Walmart workers need to know that they are not alone in their fight for labour rights. At NUPGE, we know that labour rights are human rights." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

If approved by the legislature, the Protecting Public Services bill would allow the government to not just freeze the wages it pays to unionized employees — ranging from nurses to home care workers to hydro linemen — but roll them back.

"The government knows this. The only reason for the government to want to come to the bargaining table is to demand concessions, cuts and pave the way for privatizing and selling off public services." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Details still need to be worked out but 11 EU finance ministers agree to impose tax as part of measures needed to curb risky speculative trading practices.

Ed Broadbent on ways to bridge Canada’s growing income gap, and why the one per cent should care.

"To make a difference, Canadians need to pressure our government to take on the issue of income inequality head-on." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“The IFH Program is in disarray and being mismanaged and the health of all refugees is being placed at risk,” said Dr. Philip Berger, Chief of Family and Community Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital.

"This government is not interested in a genuine conversation with stakeholders on how we can improve and expand the post-secondary education system," said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

"Austerity measures will exacerbate the economic challenges we face and create undue hardship on many of our province’s most vulnerable citizens,” says Walker.

“Dalton McGuinty has tossed his so-called ‘green agenda’ into the trash can,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

McGuinty uses slight of hand announcement to further his austerity agenda: announces hiring of 18 ESA officers one day; lays off 19 days later.

Workers speak out about overcrowding, understaffing, out-dated equipment and increasing violent incidents while Corrections Minister fails to act.

As a result of the telephone town hall meetings many members were shocked at the possibility of losing control of their retirement savings, while others questioned the legality of the McGuinty plan.

“We fully expect that the negative impact on our healthcare system will only worsen in the foreseeable future if the current trend of cutbacks is not stopped,” continued Furlong.

“Spending reductions will put added pressure on public services like social workers and child protection,” said Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.

McGill University Health Centre P3 in the middle of more scandal.

“This tiny tax on Wall Street will make our economy more stable and more fair. The U.S. once had a Robin Hood Tax and we were better off for it, it’s time to bring it back.” Liz Ryan Murray,  National People's Action.

“Scott Walker’s attempts to silence the union men and women of Wisconsin’s public sector was an immoral, unjust and illegal power grab.” - Phil Neuenfeldt, President, Wisconsin AFL-CIO.

In this funny German video a reluctant banker tries to avoid the inevitable.  

Some governments unilaterally reformed collective bargaining arrangements at the height of the economic crisis.

“Liquor and gaming are two very unique industries requiring careful and socially responsible oversight to ensure safe and healthy communities,” said Lois Wales, MGEU President.

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) study reminds provincial governments: You can't pay for education with a tax credit.

Cuts to the federal public service affect us all. Join the opposition to these actions in your community on September 15.

“We’ve not taken the decision to strike lightly. Our last strike in direct government was more than 20 years ago.”- Darryl Walker, BCGEU President on the one-day strike.

NUPGE leadership activists discuss strategy and develop skills to confront the biggest challenge facing workers today: growing income equality. 

This Labour Day in 2012, NUPGE celebrates the legacy of those who came before us and we commit to continue the fight for fairness.

"It is not the inexorable march of global economics alone, but rather choices – choices in public budgets, and in economic and social policy – that have failed to rein in the increasing income inequality distributed by the private market and aided in propelling us down this path."

“There are many ongoing discussions on very promising sources of funds, like a financial transaction tax, which is also called the Robin Hood Tax,” Karen Orenstein, Friends of the Earth.

“When workers, through their unions, are able to bargain freely for decent wages, benefits and pensions, there are benefits for the middle class and for society as a whole." - Ken Georgetti, CLC President.

“Even by the standards of this government, which has gone after the deficit with outrageous abandon, the loss of highly-skilled experts in crime fighting is beyond comprehension,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas

With Europe in a financial crisis the question remains how far is Canada willing to go to achieve a deal?

Governments have a role to play in ensuring citizens live healthy lives.

France the first country in the European Union to introduce a Robin Hood Tax on financial transactions. 

Over 25,000 people have signed the petition asking for the LBD to remain public. Opposition to the privatization is broad-based and includes the media, brewers, distillers, bar and restaurant owners, local government and the general public.

“This hidden offshore sector is large enough to make a significant difference to all of our conventional measures of inequality," says James Henry, former McKinsey & Co.

Thousands of people living with HIV, HIV/AIDS organizations, unions, student groups, faith communities and other activists mobilize to fight AIDS and for economic justice!

Get your copy of the ATN Campaigner today!

Employment inequality likely to increase due to reduced monitoring resources of government department.

"The people of the province expect and deserve a health care system they can they have confidence in and depend on when needed." - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

On July 18 Canadians will be sending provincial premiers and the Harper government a message to resume negotiations on the 2014 Health Accord.

In federal prisons, “double-bunking” squeezes more prisoners into jails designed to accommodate one inmate per cell. In Ontario jails, most single cells have been modified to house two inmates, and often sleep three or even four.

Via Rail cuts services, puts 200 people out of work.

“The College of the North Atlantic plays a crucial role in ensuring that we are adequately prepared to deal with this labour force crunch. It is counterintuitive to cut instructional and support staff at the College at this crucial point.” - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

"Teachers thrive amid the myriad of external conditions imposed upon them,” says CTF president Paul Taillefer, “they just want to be given the respect and flexibility they need to make the best decisions possible for their students’ academic success.”

The B.C. government's Economic Benefits of British Columbia’s Provincial Parks study reveals a huge economic return from government investment in B.C.’s parks system.

Health Care Heroes: They don't have super-powers, but they share the power of caring.

“The numbers are staggering,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “From 2003 to 2007 alone, the LCBO permitted close to $1 billion in retail alcohol sales to be sold through private agency stores."

Supporters of Robin Hood Tax see move as an important step forward for the proposal.

We will be told, of course, that this deal too will enhance trade, will enrich Canadians and will be good for our economy. All of this we will be expected to swallow whole.

Global poll shows 63 per cent support financial transactions tax (Robin Hood Tax) with support highest in France, Germany, U.K., Canada and the U.S.

National Union young workers from across Canada are meeting in Ottawa to strategize how to  build a future with economic justice for all.

Stand up for democracy by joining the June 13 protest agains tthe Conservative's budget bill.

Capital Health contracts out AV and print services in September 2012.

The Conservative government, with its Parliamentary majority, is pursuing an agenda of fiscal austerity, cuts to public services and jobs and a renewed determination to attack trade union righs, al

PEIUPSE/NUPGE campaign highlights the move away from "compassion and cooperation in favour of a society leaning toward privatization and the elimination of people and services that all Islanders depend on.”

Employers have hijacked the process based on a misplaced ideological conviction that the right to strike, guaranteed under numerous laws, domestic constitutions and international instruments, poses a threat to corporate greed.

On June 4, NUPGE is joining with faith groups, trade unions, associations, businesses, First Nations, environment groups, human rights groups, pro democracy groups and seniors, across the country, to say: Silence is Not an Option.

Thousands join together to protest the federal budget by darkening their websites on June 4.

In fighting the dramatic tuition fee hikes, the student movement is defending the values of equality and solidarity which underpin this social contract.

With a 13 per cent child poverty rate, Canada ranks higher than the average and places 24th of 35 industrialized countries.

"If Canada had a modern industrial strategy, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Visit the www.labourrights.ca website to send Minister of Labour Lisa Raitt an email to tell her to stop interfering with collective bargaining!

Robin Hood and his merry activists take to streets across from Parliament Building in support of the Robin Hood Tax. UPDATED

Activists in over 30 countries pile pressure on Governments to back a Robin Hood Tax, as leaders discuss FTT at European Summit

While income inequality has begun to receive the attention it deserves, CMIS is determined to start a serious debate on the economic development strategy for this country.

Young trade unionists from all over the world are meeting prior to the G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting to discuss the dramatic situation of young people looking for a job.

Higher costs, reduced accountability and privatization are all risks in the social impact bond funding scheme for public services.

“Income inequality is the greatest social and economic challenge facing Canada today,” said James Clancy, NUPGE President.

Of course, the country can afford pensions for some people. Pretty good pensions, in fact. CEO’s and the Executive ranks are doing quite OK in their retirement.

“At some point during the crisis, three of Canada’s banks—CIBC, BMO, and Scotiabank—were completely under water, with government support exceeding the market value of the

The world needs to create 50 million jobs to return to pre-crisis employment levels, according to the ILO, but fiscal austerity and tough labour market reforms threaten a true jobs recovery.

"Is this the new PEI?

Watch new video interviews from the Women 4 Change training session.

Modern day Robin Hoods disrupt traffic in financial district chanting "Tax Wall Street and End AIDS". 

The myriad assaults on the nation being implemented by Harper are really just the latest chapter in what has been a revolution of lowered expectations: a deliberate and systematic culture war on

“We want C4Ps to focus on a positive message which talks about the impact workplace pensions have in providing seniors with decent retirement income as well as creating a strong and healthy e

“Austerity,” she said, “is not the remedy. Austerity will only increase inequality and push up demand for public services.

The federal budget will increase income inequality, decrease the quality of life for Canadians and slow economic recovery. 

"We’re calling on this government to deliver a transparent budget that protects the services Canadians rely on and scrap costly programs like new prisons and fighter jets that don’t reflect the priorities of mainstream Canada.”

Government’s move to prevent Air Canada employees from going on a legal strike, in part because it might interfere with March Break, most recent example of disregard for democracy, even our Constitution.

“Government talks about attracting workers to the province while at the same time it is forcing highly skilled young workers to look elsewhere for their economic future,” said Furlong.

“When, because of traditions, social taboos or simple prejudice, half of the world’s population is prevented from making its contribution to the life of a nation, the economy will suf

"What this province needs is a new kind of accord to chart the best way forward. Respectful discussion and serious thought can build a prosperous – and compassionate – future." - Open letter to Premier McGuinty.

A simple remedy: Let’s just all pay our fair share.

“Mr. Drummond wants to take an axe to public services, ignore tax fairness, and actively kill jobs by taking money out of communities." Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President OPSEU/NUPGE

Rather than spending wildly on no-strings attached corporate tax cuts, Harper could have provided tax refunds to corporations after they actually created jobs; instead, job-killers like Caterp

Presentations to the Commission on Quality Public Services and Tax Fairness range from child care and health care, children and women's rights, workers and the justice system for two days of hearings in Toronto.

Toronto (26 Jan. 2012) - Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) Region 4 Executive Board Member Chris Cormier, takes on the corporate gravy train in the following letter printed in the Jan. 13 edition of the Toronto Sun. Cormier is one of the National Union of Public and General Employees’ All Together Now! campaign's Writers 4 Change. 

Members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) gathered in Victoria this week to discuss the ongoing Health Accord negotiations and various labour relations and professional practice issues. They were joined by representatives from the B.C Hospital Employees' Union.

“What we have in Ontario is privatization of alcohol sales by stealth,” Christianson concluded. “We’re losing out on millions of dollars that could be spent on public services.”

With Italy, France and Germany already in support, the UK is now the only centre-right Government amongst Europe's five biggest economies not to back the tax.

Keep up-to-date with campaign activities and issues with your copy of the ATN Campaigner.

"It's dangerous to go down a path of looking at reducing government expenditures and dealing with the deficit, in terms of public sector's programs and services, without talking to people." - Judy Wasylycia-Leis, Public Services Foundation of Canada chairperson.

"The time has arrived to study other ways of sustaining good public services in this province through a tax system that can fund programs and services."

"Paul knows that public services are important to building a good quality of life for Canadian families and he understands the need to ensure greater tax fairness in this

Provides fact based response to reports to the anecdotal attacks on the public sector from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) and other conservative think tanks.

Statement from the National Executive Board of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

The CBC asks the question "What is it like being poor in Canada?" on a live phone-in show. Call in to have your voice heard.

What Kent did stand for, and speak out for, throughout his life, is the public interest. And the debate for the future is about creating a public space where the public interest can be debated, defined, and advanced.

All Together Now! women activists to focus on public services key to achieving life/work balance.

Dignity Denied 2011 illustrates the flaws in our current system of long-term care and offers common sense solutions for positive change.

Retirees 4 Change will champion issues of retirement security and long-term care as part of NUPGE's All Together Now! campaign.

“We want to hear what people have to say on a wide-range of issues ….

"The McGuinty government can’t build a strong Ontario if they keep weakening the foundation. They need to stop the cuts before it’s too late.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

"Workers are being told to work longer, pay more and receive less," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President. "We stand in solidarity with each and every UNISON member in the fight for decent pensions. Enough is enough."

"The first thing we should be looking at is tax fairness rather than cutting social programs like Medicare." - Elisabeth Ballerman, CHPS Co-Chair and HSAA President.

New research published by the Tax Justice Network shows that tax evasion costs governments around the world more than US$3.1 trillion annually.

"So bailing out the banks while punishing workers is not, in fact, a recipe for prosperity." - Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize winning economist.

"We need to work together to force them to put people before tax cuts and excessive corporate profits." - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

Read Art Macklin's letter to better understand why we need to stop the dismantling of the Canadian Wheat Board.

The Occupy movement is here to stay. It will morph into something else. But it’s not going away until there are serious reforms to our economy and democracy.

All Together Now! rolls out three new, fact-filled pieces in the continuing fight for income equality.

This October employment declined by 54,000 full time positions. October's loss pushed the unemployment rate here in Canada up 0.2 percentage points to 7.3 per cent.

Advocates see progress during meeting as number of countries backing the Robin Hood Tax continues to grow.  Canadians see need for more pressure on Harper government to join.

The 99% and the 0.001% agree on something.  Will Harper government continue to oppose?

Respondents in half of 99 countries surveyed say they do not have confidence in their national governments.

The lawmakers proposal follows a similar measure being discussed by the European Union (EU).

www.labourrights.ca is a valuable research and educational tool for those interested in promoting and protecting labour rights

The Harper government's opposition to the Robin Hood Tax draws criticism from Canada's Occupy movement.

The All Together Now! campaign continues to build a movement in support of quality public services and fighting for tax fairness.

"Such a taxation would be very useful to promote global and sustainable development according to principles of social justice and solidarity". 

"Our organizations say NO to this agreement, which has been negotiated for the sole benefit of transnational corporations at the expense of people's rights and of the protection of the environment," says the declaration.

"Let's send them a clear message: We want you to slow down some of that $1.3 trillion easy money that's sloshing around the global casino each day - enough cash to fund every social program and environmental initiative in the world." 

We are told that this proposed free trade deal with the EU will be good for us, those of us who make up the 99%. That’s as true as the argument that rising incomes for the wealthy will help the economy.

National President James Clancy joined protesters in Ottawa to show solidarity and provide support. NUPGE activists share some of their photos from the weekend.

“The Harper government is not speaking on behalf of most Canadians on this issue." - James Clancy, National President, NUPGE

BCGEU urges provincial government to restore funding to much needed social programs.

"As the trade union movement has well pointed out, it is growth and decent jobs, not austerity, which are essential to beating the crisis and putting an end to the growing inequality and poverty around the globe." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

International watchdog points to extremely low tax rates on businesses, low regulation of resource industries and support for tax havens in the Caribbean.

It’s time for true political leaders in Canada to emerge and rise to the challenge of addressing inequality. And the rest of us must be more demanding of our governments to justify their policy choices – will they reduce inequality or make the problem worse?

New Brunswick Union's (NBUPPE/NUPGE) Tom Mann participates in project by the Common Front for Social Justice.

“It is time for the financial sector to make a contribution back to society,” - European Commission President José Manuel Barroso.

An investment in addressing poverty and income inequality in Canada would save billions in the long run.

NUPGE National President James Clancy participates in innovative international Robin Hood Tax campaign video launch and encourages you to join, too.

European campaigners for Robin Hood Tax are optimistic but see next eight weeks as crucial ones for the campaign.

Gap between incomes of rich and poor has been growing at a faster rate than in the United States since the mid-1990s.  Canada has the fourth largest increase in income inequality among its peers.

Statement calls on the international finance institutions to assume leadership in putting a halt to destructive economic policies and to put job creation at the top of their agenda.  

MGEU/NUPGE President Lois Wales responds to misleading editorial in Winnipeg Free Press.  

Poll finds that 30 per cent of Canadians want Parliament to focus on job creation while only nine per cent want debt reduction or tax breaks as a priority and three per cent want to see action on crime.

Walker calls on the B.C. government to hold meaningful talks on the heels of the HST referendum.

Manitoba provincial P.C. candidate Gord Steeves believes private corporations should take over auto insurance. The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) has responded with a campaign explaining why public insurance is the smart choice for Manitoba families and communities.  

Ottawa is abandoning federal inspection of meat produced for local citizens in BC, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

While the Harper government has rejected the proposal in the past it is hoped that their position will change as a result of the growing international support.

Help save B.C. parks.

Coast guard employee relieved of his duties for publicly disagreeing with the federal government's decision to move the Marine Rescue Centres to Halifax. UPDATED

1,500 members participate in union's first telephone town hall.

"At no time in modern British Columbia have corporations earned so much and contributed so little to public revenue." - Jim Sinclair, president, BC Federation of Labour.

Get the latest news and information about the All Together Now! campaign by downloading the most recent newsletter.

“The lesson of the Mike Harris era is that cuts to public services hurt us all,” said Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

“Hopefully this report will gain some traction with the broader corporate community and we’ll have a real conversation as to how to rectify this imbalance, before it’s too late.” says James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

All Together Now! conference delegates support Saskatchewan workers as they bargain for decent working conditions.

"It is absolutely unacceptable that the Cameron government is trying to make public sector workers, and working people in general, pay to reduce a deficit that was not of their making."  - James Clancy, National President NUPGE

Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) campaigners welcome support but emphasize that the revenues should be used to tackle poverty and climate change.

HSABC is encouraging members to vote “Yes” to scrap the Harmonized Sales Tax in the current BC-wide referendum.

"The fact that tax fairness is even being debated in the public forum is due in large part to the hard work of our members." - James Clancy, president, NUPGE. UPDATED

In the face of mounting threats to public services around the world, the Council of Global Unions is launching a campaign to defend and promote the value of public services.  

$605 trillion of derivatives speculation in 2010 – it’s time the finance markets paid their way in global economy, says international union body.

“Short-term coercive fixes do not create the conditions for developing long-term solutions to the challenges facing Canadian workers and employers.” CFLR Board Member Judy Fudge

"Our members across the country support postal workers in their efforts to bargain for a solid and profitable corporation, one that treats its workers with dignity and respect, to serve the best interests of Canadians for decades to come." - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

“We’re witnessing a concerted effort by the new Harper majority government to weaken the rights of workers and the influence of their unions.”

"We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with CAW members and all Air Canada workers and urge you to show these workers the respect they deserve and negotiate a fair deal, including good pension benefits." - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

The resolution sets a clear direction for upcoming G20 meetings in France over which Nikolas Sarkozy, will be acting as President.

"If the Harper government were really intent on balancing the federal budget by 2014, they would not be giving tax cuts to corporations to the tune of billions of dollars a year." - NAPE President Carol Furlong.

"Continuing the spiral downward, the loss will in turn affect the overall economies in our struggling rural communities." - Joan Jessome, NSGEU president.

On the heels of a federal budget which gives more tax breaks to corporations but signals cuts to the public service, PEIUPSE launches regional meetings on the Value of Public Services.

“A majority of Canadians want the Harper government to cancel its plan for more corporate tax cuts and instead invest the money in the quality public services families need,” said James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

The concept of a tax "freedom" day has always been a corporate sham to undermine the value of the public sector and public services.

A new report released by the University of Alberta's Parkland Institute takes the conversation to the next level by discussing how we can change our tax system to accomplish that goal.

OPSEU plans to "decommission the Drummond Commission" by fighting for quality public services and tax fairness.

Get the latest news and information about the All Together Now! campaign by downloading the most recent newsletter.

Planning gets underway for public service fightback campaign in Ontario.

Five aspects of policy will affect the day-to-day lives of Canadians.

"As we heard from several well respected speakers this week, it is critical that we continue to educate, organize and mobilize our activists and fight for tax fairness and quality public services." - James Clancy, NUPGE president.

Delegates gather to debate issues of economic justice, quality public services and challenges facing working people.

The real question now is whether or not Canada Post is up to the job to be the innovator the country needs. There is a massive opportunity for CEO Deepak Chopra to make a transformative shift in our postal system. Now is the perfect time for Canada Post to open itself to the future, to invest and expand.

Economist David Macdonald and Ottawa Citizen columnist will be taking your questions about party policies on taxes and public services. Join us at http://alltogethernow.nupge.ca/webcast-apr28

"I believe if Canadians are presented with clear choices in this election, they'll choose the Canada that you and I believe in." - James Clancy, President, NUPGE

“With almost half of all MGEU members working directly for the province of Manitoba, it’s important for members to talk about public services and how these services are impacted by taxation. This is a chance for our members to address these issues and get informed,” said Lois Wales, MGEU president.

"This is a unique opportunity for our membership to learn a bit more about the federal party's platforms, especially with respect to fair taxation," said Scott Pattison, HSAA Communications Officer.

Pamphlet urges Canadians to be a “part of Robin Hood’s merry band in our own story of tax fairness.”

“Not one person I’ve spoken to about this campaign has said these cutbacks haven’t hurt them personally or someone they are close to. I’ve always had fire in my belly to make a difference, but this campaign has increased it more.” - Tamara Weber, Champion 4 Change.

Whose Canada? That's the question we want Canadians to think about in this election.

"OPSEU recognizes that the public wants a leader who understands the value of quality public services and is prepared to talk straight about the need to pay for them through a fair tax system. We hope you recognize this as well." - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

"The bottom line is that the Ghiz government has no concrete plan to ensure that Islanders receive continually improving services. If anything, services for Islanders are in jeopardy." - Shelley Ward, PEIUPSE president.

All Together Now! conducting town hall meetings and forums across the country to discuss questions of tax fairness, public services and the people who deliver them. Updated!

Class, quiet please. Our word for today is “taxes.” It is not a dirty word, it is a good clean honest noun for a healthy civic function in the body politic.

Whose Canada? That's the question we want Canadians to think about in this election. Is it Stephen Harpers? Or is it yours and mine? This is the second poster in our Whose Canada? series. It deals with the issue of crime and how to make our communities safer. Please share it with everyone you know.

A recent report coordinated by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA) highlights the sharp decrease in support for women’s issues under the Harper government.

Spending $6 billion on a tax cut to big corporations and up to $30 billion on fighter jets are simply not on the priority list of most Canadians.

There’s more fresh evidence that the Harper government's drive for ever-lower corporate tax rates has not produced the job creation payoff that the Conservatives have been promising.

The Canadian Press reports that the “32 projects were chosen by Industry Minister Tony Clement, the mayor of Huntsville, and the general manager of Deerhurst Resort” with more of an eye to helping the riding rather than supporting the requirements of the summit or abiding by stipulated government conditions.

"This downsizing fails to address the devastating impact of failing to fill vacancies for our members and the vital services they provide," says NSGEU/NUPGE

The pretense for the attacks is that state governments are broke and radical measures are required to eliminate budget deficits. This is a false argument.

"We may be retired but we are huge in voter numbers so we are pleased to see how the efforts of NUPGE to reach out have been so successful. Grey power may not rule, but it sure does have an impact." Dave and Bonnie Scott, winners.

That's the question we want Canadians to think about.

This show of solidarity will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 2 pm at the Peace Arch Park on the Canada-US border.

“How can the government identify Children’s Aid as a source of savings at a time when programs for abused and neglected children need a major infusion of cash just to keep afloat?” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU president.

According to Global Compass Group, the lobby firm hired by Koch Industries to represent its interests, it will focus on issues ranging from taxation policy, energy and resource and economic development.

The speech entitled “Tax cuts, political ideology and corporate profit: Who’s footing the bill” will examine the current economic situation in Canada.

Small GIS increase to go only to those seniors with less than $2,000 income a year.

"We can’t keep cutting social workers, highways workers, educators, and health care workers without putting public health and safety at risk,” says SGEU President Bob Bymoen.

We’ve worked hard to build support for tax fairness, public services and public employees. The only people standing in our way are the Harper Conservatives in Ottawa.

"Tax fairness has been flipped upside down in this country,” said Clancy. “Instead of billion dollar give-aways to corporations, the government should invest the money in the public services that ensure a decent quality of life for all Canadians.”

"In our workplaces, in our communities, and across this globe, we have a responsibility to stand up against injustice and discrimination." - James Clancy, national president, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

Lowering corporate taxes provides just 20 cents of growth for every dollar of tax cut. That compares to $1.40 per dollar growth from income support for unemployed and low-income Canadians and $1.50 per dollar growth from infrastructure investment.

The goals are simple: Get people to say “yes” to increased government support for mental health care services and “no” to additional corporate tax cuts. And build a tax fairness movement the federal government cannot ignore.

"We need to truly be "All Together Now" and stand united in opposition to government decisions which are not in the best interests of Canadians!" - Cathy MacKinnon, PEIUPSE/NUPGE member.

Our nation and our economy were built on the skills and knowledge gained through a public system based on accessibility, affordability, quality and accountability and funded through the Canada Social Transfer (CST)

How bad is income inequality in Canada? Really bad. And it is getting worse. A Fairness Test would ensure that the poorest Canadians are not hit the hardest by deficit reduction policies.

“Canadians are saying enough of the corporate tax cuts and demanding that money be put into meeting the needs of people.” - James Clancy, national president, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)

UPDATED Sun. Mar. 13 - NUPGE national president James Clancy joined other NUPGE representatives (Doug Evetts OPSEU/NUPGE; Jim Paul OPSEU/NUPGE; Vic Wonnacott MGEU/NUPGE; Holly Page BCGEU/NUPGE; and Greg Hamara OPSEU/NUPGE) in Wisconsin to provide support and solidarity to public service workers. They joined with 100,000 other people who marched around the state Capital. Check out these photos.

"In Canada, we’re told that Wisconsin is a lesson for public sector unions. The public can no longer afford to pay for "cushy" salaries and benefits for public sector employees. We have to get with the times. What a complete crock." - NUPGE secretary-treasuer, Larry Brown

Stable funding for Medicare, social programs and post-secondary education should not be sacrificed for today's corporate tax cuts.

“For the past two and a half years the government has been working on a 10-year strategy for mental health,” says Kim McDowell, President of OPSEU Local 152 (RMHC). “While they have been talking about improving the system, the reality on the ground has been one of program closures and layoffs.”

All Together Now! campaign’s Days of Action used both old and new media to get its message out – yes to more resources for mental health services and no to corporate tax cuts.

"Job cuts of the scale proposed by the Premier mean entire programs will have to be axed. There is no fat left to cut. Our members have been doing more with less for years now." - Warren "Smokey" Thomas, OPSEU president

“Once upon a time, Albertans were looking at a $17B-plus Sustainability Fund, which will almost be depleted with this budget, thanks to a government that seemingly values oil and gas companies more than its citizens,” said HSAA President Elisabeth Ballermann.

“It is imperative that there be a full public inquiry into what happened during the G20 in order to get at the truth and ensure it doesn’t happen again. The maintenance of public confidence in law enforcement demands nothing less.”

Highlighting how the growing public demand for increased resources for mental health services runs counter to governments pushing to cut corporate taxes even further.

PEI UPSE President Shelley Ward says “we are encouraging all Islanders to wear yellow on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 in support of mental health awareness on Prince Edward Island. Too many Islanders and Canadians are suffering in silence with mental health issues.

Based on the issues identified over the course of the public hearings, the report offers a comprehensive overview of the major civil liberties violations that took place during the G20 summit and puts forward a series of recommendations aimed at protecting constitutional rights in future public order policing operations.

No to more corporate tax cuts - Yes to more resources for mental health services.

“Canadians want and need jobs and social and economic security, but that is most effectively achieved by making investments in restoring public health care services and expanding our public health care to include services such as home care, universal pharmacare, dental care, etc." - Jef Keighley, winner of the ATN "Send Harper a Message" contest.

Events taking place across Canada placing the demand for increased investment in mental health care services against government planned corporate tax cuts.

Wisconsin Governor’s attack shouldn’t be a surprise to any of us. Indeed, the question has only been when and which jurisdiction in North America would be first to take such heavy handed action.

Over 2000 jobs cut to pay for $2.5 billion election slush fund.

Communities across Ontario and across Canada are joining in the fight for tax fairness and to promote quality public services.

This government must stop lecturing Canadians about what more they can do and focus on making serious changes to ease the burden on families and communities - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

“We are not afraid of asking our governments, which we choose and can control, to provide for us services which no one else can.” - Eugene Forsey

There's very little evidence these tax cuts will lead to more jobs. In fact, they come with no strings attached so companies that eliminate jobs are actually rewarded - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

The contest is open to everyone. It’s easy to do. You could win $100. And you get to have your say on an important issue!

NAPE says federal revenue losses may reduce transfer payments and impact provincial public services such as health and education.

'Rarely in my memory has a government come forward with a policy as blatantly unfair.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

"Conservatives are like fiscal anorexics. They just can't stop obsessing over portion reduction." John Moore, Special to the National Post.

'I didn’t even know most of the professions existed. But these people – amazing people – gave me my life back.'

'Our collective challenge today is to develop a sense of co-operation amid very significant challenges.'

'The scapegoating of public employees by The Economist is an insidious way of dividing public and private sector workers who actually share the same aspirations.' - James Clancy.

Tim Hudak is misleading voters by pretending that an attack on public sector jobs and wages will deal with a financial mess that the financial sector has caused, says James Clancy, NUPGE's national president.

'The Conservatives should not walk and talk like previous governments faced with the same economic challenges. They cannot simply turn to old solutions and stay away from seeking a new path.'

The Gilded Age of the 1920s is back for the super-rich while the middle class treads water or struggles to keep from sliding backward.