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Women's Issues

The National Union has worked tirelessly over the last 25 years to ensure equality for women both within our union and in Canada as a whole. Through the National Union’s Advisory Committee on Women’s Issues and working with our allies in the women’s movement, the union has worked on promoting leadership for women, fair gender representation, better pay equity legislation, an end to domestic violence and raising awareness about breast cancer and numerous other issues that effect Canadian women.

The National Union is also working to advance the social and economic equality of women around the world. It has developed partnerships and is supporting projects in Colombia, Africa and the Philippines.

Along with these issues, the National Union has begun a campaign to raise awareness of the additional stress placed on women to balance work life with their home life.

 

Publications

Reports

                                                                  Links

Global Women's Projects
 

March 8 centennial for International Women's Day

Idea dates back to second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910

Women's equality has declined under Harper Tories

Reality Check: 'A sharp decrease in institutional and political support by the government of Canada for the promotion and protection of the human rights of women and girls.'

Women’s Court of Canada reverses Supreme Court’s 2004 decision on pay equity

“The Women’s Court finds that fiscal considerations should never suffice as a pressing and substantial basis for overriding equality rights”

Ont. child care cuts will hurt poor kids and kill jobs

'The report shows there’s a lot more at stake than lost child care spaces.' - Andrea Calver.

NUPGE challenges PM: live up to lofty G8 rhetoric

Union says Harper must take action at home and abroad to show he is serious about championing maternal health and child care around the globe.

Vancouver supports BCGEU legal aid campaign

'We hope that local communities across B.C. will join Vancouver's lead.' - Darryl Walker.

Canada ignores human rights for women, says FAFIA

'Canada is the home of serious violations of the human rights of Aboriginal women and girls.'

Struggle for freedom never ends, says Angela Davis

Celebrated American 'academic activist' tells Black History Month audience in Canada that 'activism should be a joy.'

B.C. continues to turn its back on women at risk

'This government ought to be ashamed of its failure to meet its international obligations and responsibilities.' - Judi Filion.

$8 million Canadian Blood Services equity payout

OPSEU says success achieved after 'long and tedious process' dating back to 2003.

Ottawa hospital workers face 'unsustainable' stress

Study at four city hospitals represents the first in-depth investigation of 'role overload' in Canada's health care system.

Staff and residents devastated over closure of mental health facility in Mission, B.C.

Another devastating cut to services for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.  Waddell's Haven Guest Home in Mission, B.C. at full capacity to be closed.

Canadian shelters unite to end violence against women

Action-based initiative, called Uniting to End Violence Against Women, will connect shelters that help abused women across the country.

Dec. 6 - the 20th Anniversary: National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women

' I am encouraging all Canadians to contact their MPs and let them know that the long-gun registry should not be dismantled.' - James Clancy.

Dec. 6 campaign focuses on violence against women

CLC marking 20th anniversary of Montreal Massacre with 20-day mailing campaign to highlight the ongoing need for change.

Pension gap between females and males in Canada narrows

"Presently, the gap in CPP pensions between males and females is narrowing even if it is not expected to disappear completely."

Canadian women worry about their retirement security

Only 30 percent of women have a formal financial plan to meet their retirement goals

Child care programs produce big economic bang

'Over the long term, every $1 invested in quality child care programs returns $2.54 in benefits to society.' - CCAAC.

Fourth annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil to be held Oct. 4

Focusing attention on the crisis of murdered and missing Aboriginal women.

P.E.I. must continue to fund early learning

'Government needs to step forward with a comprehensive plan to ensure that quality care and education for our young children is here now and in the future.' - Shelley Ward.

Canada's tragic failing grade on child poverty

Dismal 15th ranking out of 17 developed countries. Only Japan and the United States were worse. The top-ranked countries are Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands.

NUPGE marks 'Women's History Month' in October

'Like the Famous Five, we must continue to lobby, campaign and educate others to ensure that Canadian women obtain equity in this country.'

Grim report on early childhood education and care

'The decrease in provincial budget funding for child care is most likely a result of the Harper Conservative government’s 2006 cancellation of the bilateral agreements.'

The woman who inspired "Norma Rae" has died

Crystal Lee Jordan Sutton, an activist to the end, has passed away from a brain tumor at age 68.

Poverty rates still shocking among Canadian women

Child poverty seems to win political points but Canadian governments are ignoring the very real and private struggle of women on their own.

Passionate pacifist Muriel Duckworth dies at 100

'Muriel will be forever remembered as an ambassador of peace, defender of women's rights and champion of educational development.' - Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter.

Labour activist, MP, writer Joy Langan dead at 66

First woman to sit on executive council of B.C. Federation of Labour and become president of the B.C. NDP.

Charlottetown women's shelter impacted by poor economy

There has been an increase of more than 50 per cent in demand for Charlottetown's women's shelter.

Canada criticized in Amnesty International report

Poor record cited on issues such as missing Aboriginal women, slow progress on land claims, funding cuts to women's groups and treatment of prisoners in Afghanistan.

Manitoba boosts child care spending by $11 million

'Child care is a critical piece of the puzzle for many Manitobans these days.' - Gord Mackintosh, family services and housing minister.

Women, Stephen Harper and the Economic Crisis

NUPGE leaflet puts focus on Canadian women struggling to cope with severe economic problems.

Stressed workers fail to use 34 million vacation days

Employers reap gains worth $6.03 billion but the cost in employee burnout is significant.

Why are Aboriginal women's murders ignored?

NUPGE has supported this initiative with funding through its "Building International Sisterhood campaign" projects.

More than 101,000 women used shelters in 2008

New survey by Statistics Canada says more than 80% were fleeing an abusive situation.

May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia

'The effort to end homophobia cannot be separated from the struggle to extend respect and dignity to all human beings everywhere.' - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

Early Learning and Child Care Act reintroduced

NDP again asks Parliament to pass legislation that would lay a foundation for a national child care system. 

Program will help Manitoba women awaiting trial

Similar programs are already operating in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

An International Network of Women's Shelters

Community-based women's shelters look to the international scene to find solutions that help women escape domestic violence.

PSAC to challenge Harper government's attack on workers' and women's rights

The Expenditure Restraint Act violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by denying workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

NUPGE poster marks Asian Heritage Month

Canada’s cultural diversity strengthens the country socially, politically and economically.

HSABC wants legal aid services restored in B.C.

'A devastating impact on women, particularly those living in poverty, women of colour, Aboriginal women, and other marginalized women.' - HSABC

New NUPGE leaflet: Our kids gotta come first

Canada has one of the lowest child care access rates in the industrialized world and fees are among the highest.

April 22 is Administrative Services Recognition Day

'Administrative services workers are critical to strong workplaces and to delivering effective and efficient services to families and communities.' - James Clancy

Equality Day and the Charter of Rights & Freedoms

Sections 15 and 28 are part of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms because of the historic activism of Canadian women.

Just say no to the expansion of for-profit child care

Beware of child care property development/leaseback schemes, proposals to expand for-profit child care and pressure to reduce quality standards.

'Women's place: In her Union, Work and Home'

NSGEU women's conference April 24-26 at Debert Hospitality Centre. Helping women play a more assertive and active role in their union, workplaces and lives.

The stress of balancing personal life with work life

Balancing responsibilties at work and at home is a greater stressor for women.

March 8, 2009 - International Women's Day

The Canadian theme for International Women’s Day 2009 is “Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality.”
 

B.C. Federation of Labour women’s campaign school

Preparing candidates for B.C.'s May 12 provincial election - 'The school will provide a combination of education, campaign team experiences and hands-on exercises.'

International Women's Day Poster

In preparation for the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th, the National Union has created a poster entitled "Whatever became of me?"

Women tired of lip service on Equality

Conservative government is paying lip service to improving the lives of women even as it refuses to support pay equity, child care and economic measures that support women's equality.  So the Canadian Labour Congress is sending each Member of Parliament a gift of chocolate lips with an accompanying note - 'women are tired of lip service'.

Black History Month reminds us of gains made and warns of threats to equity in poor economic times

As the economic crisis deepens and job losses mount, the National Union hopes that celebrations for Black History Month will encourage governments and employers to promote, defend and expand a commitment to equality in the workforce.

Effects of Harper's misguided plan for child care becoming glaringly clear

Conservatives' plans in child care leading to shrinking number of child care spaces and they have chosen to ignore the crisis in the recent federal budget.

Masai for Africa campaign thanks National Union for ongoing support

'We continue to use your encouragement and spend these donated funds wisely to better the lives of the people of Lesotho fighting for their lives against the AIDS pandemic.' Executive Director Andy McDougall

Stimulus too timid; tax cuts ineffective

(Jan 27, 2009) -- 'Everyone except the prime minister seems to understand that big problems require bold solutions. Canada needs a large-scale fiscal stimulus.'

Obama chooses pay equity as first bill to sign

With the Harper Conservatives moving in the opposite direction, the contrast between Canada and the new administration in Washington is startling.

Quality of Women's Lives

Thank you for your participation in the "Survey on work-life integration". 

The survey is now closed (effective Sept. 15, 2009)

Canada ranks last with Ireland in UNICEF child care report

Survey of child care standards in 25 developed countries

Conservative plan to derail pay equity complaints still stands

Attack outlined in economic statement remains despite political crisis in Ottawa

UN report highlights importance of actions taken on Dec. 6

It is a sobering fact that in the nearly 20 years since those tragic events in Montreal, the incidence of violence against women remains extremely high.

N.B. Union elects Susie Proulx-Daigle as president

Ms. Proulx-Daigle takes over the leadership of the union immediately, with a transition strategy to be implemented over the next two weeks.

Harper is out of touch and has no plan for Canada

(Oct 9, 2008) -- 'The Harper platform is a vapid document, full of slogans but lacking a substantive plan to tackle the current economic and social challenges.'

Canada's third Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil to be held Oct. 4

Focusing attention on the crisis of murdered and missing Aboriginal women

October is Women's History Month

This year’s theme is 'Women in the Lead'

Marion Dewar (1928-2008): a sad farewell to a great Canadian

'She never wavered when she believed the cause was right. We will miss her more than words can ever say.' - NUPGE president James Clancy

Election 2008: You have the power to change Canada

Check NUPGE's election leaflet and visit our election resource web page

Alberta hosting first global conference on shelter workers

'Over 25,000 women and children in Alberta were turned away from overcrowded shelters last year.' - James Clancy, National President of NUPGE

Women affected most by growing number of casual jobs in B.C.

Study by two University of Northern B.C. professors

A sister's story: death threats and privatization in Colombia

Maria Fernanda Bolaños visits Daryl Walker and BCGEU trade unionists

Sign of the times: Atlanta road signs to be gender neutral

Complaint results in Men at Work and Men Working Ahead signs being changed to read Workers Ahead

This Saturday is International Day Against Homophobia

May 17 marks key anniversary of important step taken by the World Health Organization in 1991

This Mother's Day help mothers in Africa struggling under the ravages of AIDS

While pausing to recognize and say thank you to our own mothers, we can also help African mothers struggling with the ravages of AIDS

May Day celebrates the achievements of unions worldwide

Unfortunately, inequality continues to grow for millions of workers worldwide

Union will make omnipresent BlackBerry a bargaining issue

Government employees crying for relief from high-tech intrusion into private lives away from the job

Heather Menzies addresses NUPGE Women's Committee

Award-winning author and social activist speaks about the high cost of stress to women

NUPGE urges Ottawa to recognize UN service of Louise Arbour

'No government could possibly be so small minded as to ignore the tremendous accomplishments of an exemplary Canadian.'

It's time to reinvest in communities for the common good

NUPGE releases new leaflet on renewing community-based social services

International Women

100 years since 15,000 women garment workers marched in New York

Alternative federal budget: stop tax cuts, deal with problems

Conservatives tax cut promises total $190 billion in two years

Valentine's Day give hope along with flowers and chocolate

Give more than flowers and chocolates this year - help African communities in need.

20th Anniversary of Ontario

Equal Pay Coalition uses anniversary to call for action to end widespread gender pay discrimination in Ontario

Supreme Court denies adoptive mother maternity leave

Birth parents continue to receive 15 weeks more leave from work than adoptive parents

Philippines trade union wins case against corrupt officials

Over the last two years, Public Services International (PSI) has supported Annie Geron, General Secretary of Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK) and other unionists, in a long-standing case involving embezzlement of public funds at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Dec. 6 - Remembrance and action on violence against women

'Violence is far less likely between equals. . .therefore, equality and respect of all people is a crucial concept. . .women have not yet achieved equality, and this must be redressed.' - Witness at the Canadian Panel on Violence Against Women, 1993

One in four working Canadians suffers from depression

Ipsos Reid poll commissioned by Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace

Pay equity still voluntary in N.B. and most other jurisdictions

By Ginette Petitpas-Taylor

When New Brunswick university students held a bake sale where sweets were offered at $1 apiece to men and 80 cents to women, the organizers were trying to upset people.

HSAA partnership tackles family violence in the workplace

$250,000 over five years to help train managers and staff

Disability claims are soaring in the federal public service

PSAC finds high stress and work-life balance key causes

Celebrating Immigrant Women in Canada

'This year's theme is Celebrating Immigrant Women in Canada.'

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in North America

'The continued dedication of HSABC's leadership and members to support the fight to end breast cancer is inspirational.' - James Clancy, NUPGE president

Changes to funding forces closure of NAWL

Federal Government removed the words ‘women’s equality’ from the mandate of the Status of Women Canada, reduced the agency’s budget by 38.5% and made changes to the mandate and funding rules.

 

Women now hold 54.1% of all core federal government jobs

Dramatic change over past decade, StatsCan reports

U.S. shame: the only OECD country with no paid vacation

Canada lags badly in survey of paid vacation and paid holidays among 21 OECD countries

NUPGE convention endorses Bracelet of Hope Campaign

Delegates support series of women's projects

June is Pride Month in Canada and around the world

NUPGE urges members to recognize and celebrate the value of diversity

MGEU supporting run for victims of HIV/AIDS in Africa

June 9 event aims to attract as many participants as possible

Despite progress, discrimination remains a global challenge

Major new report by the International Labour Organization

A great Canadian dies - farewell to Doris Anderson

(Mar 15, 2007) -- 'Doris Anderson was an important journalist, women’s rights champion and activist.  Canada mourns her loss, but celebrates a remarkable life.'

Five-year N.B. plan narrowing wage gap at painfully slow rate

Government and opposition still believe five-year plan will work but Coalition for Pay Equity is less optimistic

Canada gets poor grade on international labour standards

Only five of eight international labour standards signed by Canadian governments have been ratified

NDP picks Marlene Rivier as candidate in Ottawa West-Nepean

Well-know community and labour activist taking on Treasury Board President John Baird

International Trade Union Confederation condemns Australia

New report says laws enacted by John Howard violate international labour treaties and conventions

World marking 30th anniversary of International Women's Day

'Equality - not 'til every piece is in place.'

Colombian woman trade union leader murdered

'Yet another three children have been orphaned, thereby joining the long list of sons and daughters of workers.'

Green light for massive class-action lawsuit against Wal-Mart

Sex-discrimination case is largest in American history

Donation to women's micro lending program strikes chord

NUPGE receives heartfelt letter of thanks from TESDA Women's Centre Alumnae Association

Stephen Harper's breach of promise to Canadian women

Actions since taking office directly contradict prime minister's election campaign commitments

Dec. 6 - Remembrance and action on violence against women

Women continue to be the target of violence in their homes, workplaces and education facilities.' - Marie Bean

UN agency for women moves one step closer to reality

Recommendation by high-level panel hailed by AIDS envoy Stephen Lewis

NUPGE condemns Tory attack on Status of Women Canada

James Clancy writes to Stephen Harper, urging Tory government to reconsider.

Oda and Harper to get a REAL-ity check

Website to combat inaccuracies and indifference towards Status Of Women Canada

Sisterhood conference: tears, songs and determination

"There was so many highlights I don't know just where to begin," Carol Meyer.

Building international sisterhood - National Union conference

"I know that what you discuss over the next two days - during the presentations, during the workshops and in the hallways - will change the world." James Clancy

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in North America

One in nine women will develop breast cancer

Herstory Month in Canada - celebrating women's achievements

"This year's theme is Aboriginal Women, The Journey Forward."

NUPGE mourns loss of disability rights activist Carol McGregor

She accomplished a lot for injured workers and the disability rights community.' - James Clancy

Courageous young Afghan politician speaks out in Canada

NUPGE among sponsors of Canadian tour by Malalai Joya to raise awareness of women's rights and the truth about Afghan warlords

4.7 million Canadian women are now main family breadwinners

Figure has increased from 1.4 million in 1967 - Statistics Canada

Rose Lees, OPSEU's first woman staff rep, passes away at 71

Born in Scotland, she will be remembered for her contribution to the labour movement

Lewis calls for new UN agency devoted to women's issues

'After 50 years of passivity and paralysis, it’s time to have an agency through which women can assert their rights.'

Two big pay equity settlements end longstanding disputes

Agreements affect 326,000 Quebec public employees and 5,000 current and former Bell Canada telephone operators

NUPGE family mourns the death of activist Patsy Gallagher

'We were all privileged to witness the passion, resolve, grace and courage of this remarkable woman." - James Clancy

Pressure grows for pay equity legislation in New Brunswick

Public sector workers rally at the provincial legislature

Saskatchewan Elizabeth Fry employees demand pay equity

Society offer of 0%, 0% and 2% amounts to a significant pay cut when discounted for inflation

Bev Johnson: life time achievement award for social justice

An outstanding contribution to the struggle for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world.

EI rules may claw back bonuses from pregnant B.C. women

'We’re concerned that these regulations contain a systemic bias against women.' - George Heyman

International Women's Day - the struggle for equality continues

Can you see me? Can you hear me? I am here. I am Woman!

More than 800,000 Canadians now depend on food banks

Survey of food banks and emergency food programs

Child care advocates alarmed at Conservative proposals

Children and families deserve more than empty Tory promises

National Union joins in mourning the loss of Muriel Ethier

'She was a member's member, always speaking truth to power.' - James Clancy