Transportation

“We are ready to get to the bargaining table to negotiate collective agreements that reflect the value of the vital services our members provide to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

"We’re prepared for any action we have to take to get our members the improved contracts they’ve earned,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

“This is a positive first public sector agreement reached with the newly elected Dunderdale administration,” said Bert Blundon, NAPE Secretary Treasurer and chief negotiator.

“We look forward to meeting with Premier Wall to discuss issues that affect our members, many of whom are employed by the government of Saskatchewan,” said Bymoen.

Key items identified for 2012 bargaining by BCGEU/NUPGE members.

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.

"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."

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

Help push back B.C.'s antidemocratic legislation. Fight Bill 18!

NAPE/NUPGE members representing air services, marine services and highway workers meet in St. John's to plan for negotiations.

At least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime - with the abuser usually someone known to her.

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

"This 30 year struggle shows that Canada needs to improve its pay equity laws to ensure this injustice never happens again. Women must be treated and compensated fairly in every workplace." - James Clancy, NUPGE President

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

"This is good for all workers in Nova Scotia," says NSGEU President Joan Jessome. "Eighty per cent of Canadians already have labour legislation like this. Our workers deserve the same kind of supports."

Politics, more than the economy and technology, has a greater impact on rates of unionization.

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.

"It’s a great first step towards wage parity,” says NSGEU President Joan Jessome.

“Mr. O’Leary’s wilful promotion of contempt and hatred towards unions reflects a viewpoint that has often ended in violence perpetrated against union members and leaders around the world.”

It is the role of a democratic government in a civil society to defend all human rights. Human rights cannot flourish where labour rights are not enforced.

“This strike vote is a clear signal to First Student and the Valley School Board that they’re no longer willing to be treated with such disrespect.” - Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

"We are prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve a fair deal for these dedicated women and men who are responsible for the safe transport of our children to and from school.” - Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

Help the Rocky Mountaineer workers reach a fair collective agreement.

“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.

“The government must take action to ensure that the basic rights of its employees are safeguarded, and that no one is penalized for trying to stop workplace harassment,” Sid Wonitowy, a member of SGEU’s Public Service Negotiating Committee, concludes.

Planning gets underway for public service fightback campaign in Ontario.

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.

“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.

"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).

"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

"Trust in public institutions and in the police are essential to a well - adjusted society. Police brutality affects us all: it is a betrayal of the rule of law as people bound to maintain the law abuse it. "- Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)

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

On March 8th, as we take time to celebrate the achievements that women have made and their contributions to a better world, we must also renew our resolve to fight for a true and equitable society,” stresses James Clancy, president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

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 Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) will now be arranging times and locations for ratification meetings.

MGEU requesting a return to the bargaining table as soon as possible.

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.

Warren (Smokey) Thomas will present a brief on behalf of 125,000 OPSEU members across Ontario.

'The four-year deal includes a general wage increase of 2.75% in each of the last two years and a no lay-off clause.'

Dozens of events will be held across the province on Friday (Dec. 3) to fight back against the McGuinty government's plan to scapegoat public sector workers.

Incident involving impaired driver who fled accident scene illustrates dangers faced daily by public employees on Canada's highways.

Unanimous vote by Metro Vancouver Environment and Energy Committee welcomed by BCGEU and COPE.

'Polling has told us the public values the public services they receive.' - Joan Jessome.

Two-year deal ratified after 'a lot of hard work' by NSGEU negotiators who were constrained by a climate of 'ongoing program review' within the government.

Vital inspection work highlighted during truck safety blitz in southern Ontario.

Brings back memories of Mike Harris cuts causing 'flying wheels' and 'dangerous rigs'.

'These highway depots need to be reopened. This shouldn't be just about winning.' - Carol Furlong.

'NAPE is calling on government to immediately re-open the depots they closed this spring.' - Carol Furlong.

Premature closing of highway depots meant that in some areas snow clearing operators were unavailable as they had been laid off.

Workers face wide-range of health and safety concerns as well as attacks on job security, wages and benefits.

Private British Columbia highway contractors rewarded by Liberal government of Premier Gordon Campbell despite repeatedly failing safety inspections.

NDP MLA introduces private member's bill following tragic death of highways department employee Jim Gallenger.

'Ministry of Transportation needs to take back control of costs and operational outcomes to determine value for money.'

'The Campbell government is to blame for this troubling situation because it's failed to properly enforce standards.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker

Province-wide SGEU campaign features firefighters, highways workers, social workers and corrections workers.

BCGEU calls for immediate system-wide safety audit of all maintenance vehicles

Tragic crashes in New Brunswick and British Columbia

Vessels are accidents waiting to happen, consultant says

Information kit helps British Columbia drivers evaluate road maintenance

Deal with Argo Road Maintenance could set pattern for settlements with other private contractors

Provincial labour board decision brought down against Emcon Services Inc.

Transport minister will travel overseas this fall to talk with British officials

Private contractors trying to enforce seven-year contracts and tiny pay increases on workers

Two groups of BCGEU members employed by private road contractors are now off the job

Brave professionalism in safely evacuating 99 of 101 passengers has never been adequately acknowledged

Future negotiations will be settled by mediation and binding arbitration

Leaders united on strategy to achieve fair contract settlements

Fresh controversy for privately-managed ferry system already accused of lax safety standards

'For the sake of public safety, those positions must be filled.' - OPSEU

Transportation Safety Board begins formal writing process this week

Two passengers unaccounted for after B.C. Ferries' vessel sinks on West Coast

All 101 passengers aboard Queen of the North rescued from seas in Queen Charlotte Islands

B.C. ferries pushing ahead with 60-year Liberal privatization plan

Rusted fire equipment poses danger on 22 ferries, says BCFMWU report