CUPE members from locals across the province are meeting in Prince Albert on November 20 and 21, 2014 for the annual CUPE Saskatchewan Aboriginal Council Conference. The two-day conference with the theme – Champion for Change – seeks to build union activism focusing on equality and rights for Aboriginal people in our workplaces and communities.
Laundry workers stage information picket at North Sask Laundry
PRINCE ALBERT: Since the announcement of the closure of North Sask Laundry services in May 2013, laundry workers have been waiting for news on what support they will be provided with as the jobs and services they have maintained move out of the Prince Albert area.
The move comes from the announcement to privatize laundry services across Saskatchewan and to contract these services to K-Bro Linen, an Alberta-based private company.
North Sask Laundry workers and members of CUPE Local 3736 are conducting an information picket at their job site during their lunch break to call for respect and fair treatment, fairness in the transition period, fair severance packages and re-training support.
Graham named Saskatoon’s Best Trade Unionist
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.
Retirement Security Town Hall: December 14, 2014
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
CUPE Presidents’ Meeting: Nov 21, 2014
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
U of S sessional instructors launch awareness campaign
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.”
Health Care Providers’ Week: October 26 – November 2, 2014
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.
Expanded privatization in throne speech the wrong approach
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.”
CUPE Municipal workers gather in Moose Jaw
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.
Graham: Regina wastewater treatment plant P3 claims need scrutiny
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.”