Union Bug Blog
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May 23, 2012 -
CPP Biggest Pension Fund in Canada
Despite federal government scare tactics that the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) may not be sustainable in the future, it is now reported that the CPP Fund hit a record high value of $161.6 billion last year, adding more than $13 billion to its assets as its investment manager diverted money from battered stock markets to ramp up its stake in private equity.
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May 16, 2012 -
The New Face of Privatization?
A new NUPGE study looks at one of the most recent threats to public services. Social Impact Bonds are the newest idea to catch the eye of governments attempting to “reform” the public service to save money.
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May 09, 2012 -
Time to Expand the Manitoba Advantage
There has been much discussion about the direction Manitoba Hydro (MH) is heading in and the role it should play in our province. It’s an important discussion to have because MH is one of the most significant drivers of our economy.
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Apr 27, 2012 -
Bill C-377: a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Bill C-377 – An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (requirements for labour organizations) has recently passed second reading in the House of Commons. If it becomes law, it will force unions to provide an onerous level of detailed financial disclosure about their work on behalf of their members.
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Apr 19, 2012 -
Send the Government a Message: All Employees Deserve their Long-Service Increase
During the last round of contract negotiations with the Province of Manitoba, Manitoba’s Civil Service bargaining committee negotiated a two-percent long-service step (which would become effective in October 2012) for members that had reached 20 years of employment.
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Apr 10, 2012 -
NUPGE Endorses April's 'Not Myself Today' Campaign to Support Mental Health
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is joining a broad range of organizations to support the Not Myself Today campaign initiated by the newly-formed Partners for Mental Health. On hand for the campaign launch was NUPGE National President James Clancy and Vice-President (Ontario) Nancy Pridham.
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Mar 27, 2012 -
Air Canada Workers Express Frustration Over Denial of Basic Human Rights
The walkout of several Air Canada mechanics and ground crew at major airports across the country last Thursday and Friday was a clear expression of the frustration they feel at being denied their basic human right to bargain collectively and take job action, according to the Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights (CFLR).
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Mar 22, 2012 -
New York Follows Disturbing Trend, Cuts Public Pensions
In the continuation of a troubling trend in the United States, New York became the latest state to dramatically overhaul its pension plan against the wishes of its public employees. Last week the state legislature passed a series of measures expected to save the state $80 billion over 30 years while cutting retirement payments guaranteed to state workers.
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Mar 14, 2012 -
When March Break Trumps Democracy; The Harper Government and the Right to Collective Bargaining
Evidence is mounting every day that the Harper government is contemptuous of democracy; they are not just undemocratic, they are actively anti-democratic.
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Mar 06, 2012 -
Bill C-10 Isn't The Answer
Not long after winning a majority in the last federal election, the Conservative government tabled Bill C-10, the Safe Streets and Communities Act. It was passed in the House of Commons in early December and has now proceeded to the Senate.