Tom Graham, President, CUPE Saskatchewan

Readers of Saskatoon’s Planet S Magazine have awarded Tom Graham, President of CUPE Saskatchewan, with the title of Best Trade Unionist – 2014.

The annual reader poll conducted by the independent, Saskatoon-based publication, Planet S Magazine, includes over 100 ‘Best of’ titles in categories ranging from local arts, city life and prominent citizens, to shopping, restaurants and professional services. This year’s poll was the first to feature the title of ‘Best Trade Unionist’, and was the largest in the magazine’s history garnering over 200,000 votes. Runners-up for the title of Saskatoon’s Best Trade Unionist were Barb Cape, President of SEIU West, and Darren Kurmey, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW 1400.

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Are you worried about your retirement? WE ARE TOO!

Attend the upcoming Town Hall hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress to learn how, together, we can achieve retirement security for everyone.

When: December 14, 2014 (7 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
Where: Artesian on 13th, Regina, SK

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CUPE Local Presidents and Local Executive Members are gathering on November 21, 2014 in Davidson to discuss the Municipal Employees’ Pension Plan (MEPP).

Recently, the MEPP has been conducting consultations on “future sustainability” with a survey containing proposed changes which may lead to undermining the defined benefit nature of the pensions provided by the MEPP.

WHEN: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2014 (10:30 a.m.)
WHERE: TOWN HALL (206 Washington Avenue), DAVIDSON, SK

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Sessional instructors at the University of Saskatchewan, members of CUPE Local 3287, have launched a media campaign to raise awareness of the important role sessional lecturers play on campus.

“Sessional lecturers are highly trained and experienced individuals,” said Brian Zamulinski, President of Local 3287. “We pride ourselves on the knowledge we bring to our subject matter and our capacity to develop class materials that motivates and inspires students.”

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During Health Care Providers’ Week (October 26 – November 2, 2014), we recognize all that CUPE health care providers do behind the scenes and on the front line caring for the people in your life and contributing to high quality, public health care in Saskatchewan.

We are continuing care aides, home health aides and licensed practical nurses, dietary staff, medical technologists and technicians, housekeeping and laundry aides, clerical and maintenance staff, therapeutic and recreation workers.

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Tom Graham, President, CUPE Saskatchewan Division

REGINA: In the throne speech setting the agenda for the year ahead, the Government of Saskatchewan announced an expansion of its misguided privatization agenda with promises of more public-private partnerships (P3s), private liquor stores and even possible private sector ownership and control of rural roads. It is an approach that will increase costs for residents and put vital infrastructure and services in the hands of for-profit corporations, warns CUPE Saskatchewan.

“Selling off public infrastructure and services does not make a stronger province,” said Tom Graham, President of CUPE Saskatchewan. “The throne speech made one thing clear – Saskatchewan residents will be left to pay a high price for an expanded privatization agenda.”

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MOOSE JAW: Close to 50 civic workers from across the province are meeting in Moose Jaw today to discuss pressing issues facing municipal workers.

Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees are gathering for a two day meeting to learn about some key issues facing municipalities and workers, including pensions, privatization and infrastructure.

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Tom Graham, President, CUPE Saskatchewan Division

In a letter to the editor, Tom Graham, President of CUPE Saskatchewan, challenges recent claims surrounding the Regina wastewater treatment plant public-private partnership (P3) currently under construction.

“P3 privatization schemes do need more scrutiny,” writes Graham. “It should be crystal clear from the evidence of costly P3 mistakes across Canada that they are a great way for investors to make money and the worst way to provide public infrastructure and services.”

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Tom Graham, President CUPE Saskatchewan, Gordon Campbell, President CUPE Health Care Council and Sandra Seitz, President CUPE Local 5999 present a cheque for $8,000 to help with flood relief to Elaine Revet, Gainsborough resident and CUPE member and Marj Nystee from South Saskatchewan Flood Relief.

ESTEVAN: On October 16, 2014, CUPE representatives stepped up to help with flood relief efforts in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan.

Roughly 280 people live in the village of Gainsborough. The entire village was affected by flooding, including the hospital. The hospital was evacuated, with patients being dispersed to other medical centres in the region.

Many CUPE members in the region were also impacted, and the union is involved with the campaign to help families.

CUPE Saskatchewan, CUPE Health Care Council and CUPE National teamed up to donate $8,000 to the South Saskatchewan Flood Relief. Representatives of the organization were on hand to accept the cheque.

“Over 29,000 CUPE members across this province stand with the families of Gainsborough that have had to deal with the destruction of flooding,” said Tom Graham, President of CUPE Saskatchewan.

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REGINA: CUPE is concerned that Brad Wall is floating the idea of private MRIs.

The cost of private MRI scans fluctuates between $600 and $1,000 across the country. There have been concerns that private options for MRIs mean that only people who can pay can receive medically necessary procedures in a timely manner.

“What we are talking about is a two tier system, where the people who are able to pay get access to the services quicker – regardless of need,” said Tom Graham, President of CUPE Saskatchewan. “While the rich get MRIs, the rest of us still have to wait.”

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