With just over two weeks until all of Canada’s Finance Ministers meet to discuss the options they have to help people save more for retirement, our campaign has shifted into high gear.

Our national workplace canvass put over 1,000,000 leaflets into the hands of union members. Over 3,000 union locals were contacted and are now asking their members to get in touch with their local politicians – most importantly their provincial or territorial Finance Ministers.

Over the next two weeks, geographically-targeted advertising on the radio and on-line will spread the word out about the best way to guarantee that everyone has enough when they retire and that it’s time to expand the CPP.

If you haven’t sent a message to your local MP or you provincial/territorial Finance Minister, this is the week to do it. Remind all of your facebook friends about our campaign one more time. Tell them about the ad campaign and why taking action this week matters.

Don’t let our politicians rely on what the banks and their lobbyists say. Working people deserve future. Keep up the great work.

Being a QPR Gatekeeper has made a real difference in how I do my job. I am certainly more aware of anxiety and mental illness issues and their connection to suicide. Now I can address these issues with the students I see. (I would have been afraid to do this before I’d had the Gatekeeper training.) And you know, I believe this makes our campus safer- for everybody. Another Gatekeeper just spreads that safety net a little wider.     -Tim Conklin, UBC Academic Adviser

What is QPR?

QPR stands for Questions, Persuade, Refer. QPR is a program that helps us recongnize the early warning signs of suicidal intent and provides us with the knowledge to persuade and refer individuals at risk to appropriate help.

What is QPR Gatekeeper Training?

QPR Gatekeeper Training is a 1.5 – 2 hour on-campus instruction session which enhances general awareness about suicide and teaches basic intervention skills (QPR) that can help avert suicide. Participants learn about the nature of suicide communication and how it may be used to identify someone who may be at risk. Participants also gain the confidence and competence requried to make interventions and and referrals.

Who are the QPR Gatekeeper Instructors?

QPR Gatekeeper Instructors are UBC faculty and staff volunteer members who have been trained by a master trainer to provide QPR Gatekeeper-training. Since its launch in February 2006, ninety-one QPR Instructors across the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses have provided Gatekeeper training for 1200 students, faculty and staff.

How do I get involved?

QPR Instructors and Gatekeepers represent a wide variety of services and academic departments, faculties and libraries at UBC. You can become trained in QPR and play a part in offering hope and potentially saving a life. For more information on becoming a QPR Gatekeeper, please visit www.students.ubc.ca/counselling/qpr

May 25,2 010

STOP THE HST

You have until July 5 to sign the petition, but please do it as soon as possible.  Visit www.fightHST.com for the time and place of signing locations in your constituency.

The Union bargaining committee tasked with negotiating a new collective agreement for Component 3 members of the government’s CSSEA ( Community Social Services Employers’ Association) employers met with the employer’s group this week in Richmond.

Your bargaining committee tabled a comprehensive 93-page package of proposals aimed at making gains and restoring your rights after years of cuts and concessions. Your committee is seeking – among other things – better sick leave provisions and wage parity with the community health sector. The proposal package covers CSS workers in the Community Living Services and General Services sub-sector will be tabled later.

CSSEA tabled its own concessionary package, 21 – pages in length, that offered no monetary gains.

Community social services workers are the lowest paid workers in B.C.’s broader public sector. Your bargaining committee is working exceedingly hard on your behalf to change that.

We expect this will be a tough round of bargaining and we need your support. Stay informed and get involved. Keep checking the union website for updates.

More bargaining dates are set for June 2010. The current agreement, which expired on March 31, 2010 remains in effect while a new collective agreement is being negotiated.

Stickin’ with a paycheque for life!

By now, you should have recieved a ‘Welcome’ package confirming your enrolment in the Municipal Pension Plan. Check to ensure you have named a beneficiary, either your spouse, estate or another  person.

Members who decline to enrol in the pension plan can change their mind at any time. Simply inform you employer. Casual and part-time employees are eligible to enrol in the pension plan in most cases.

The union is stronly encouraging members to stick with the pension plan – a paycheque for life!

LABOUR’S PLAN FOR PENSION SAVINGS REFORM

Canada is at a crossroads, just like it was forty years ago when it was time to do something about our health care system. Today, we need to do something about retirement income, and we need to do it soon.

IT’S TIME TO CHANGE SOME THINGS

The problem with Canada’s retirement income system has become so obvious that even bank economists have started to admit the RRSP approach has failed. There’s too much risk and not enough security to ensure that, after a lifetime of work, people can retire and live out their last years in dignity.

We need to increase CPP benefits, boost low-income (GIS) public pensions so no senior lives in poverty, and introduce federal pension insurance to protect our hard-earned retirement savings.

Raising the minimum retirement income floor with more robust public pensions combined with the guaranteed protection of additional savings offers clear benefits to everyone.

Whether retirement is just around the corner or something that’s decades into the future, Labour’s plan for Retirement Security has clear benefits for everyone – no matter where you work.

DOUBLE CPP BENEFITS: A BETTER WAY TO SAVE (HELPING PEOPLE SAVE MORE)

 Offering every Canadian the chance to safely save enough money to provide for what they need in retirement is what’s behind Labour’s plan to change our country’s pension system. The current system is leaving too many people without the savings they need. There’s too much risk and not enough security.

Let’s face it: for more than a generation, wages have failed to keep pace with the cost of living and most Canadians haven’t saved what they need. Those who have are finding the RRSPs and investment funds they bought have come up short.

The best way to help today’s workers save enough money for tomorrow is by increasing what everybody gets from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) as a share of their total retirement income. Which is why we’re proposing that over the next several years we lay the foundation to double CPP benefits for the future.

The CPP has been proven time and again to be a safe, secure and efficient retirement savings plan. Plus, the CPP is portable from job to job, across provinces, keeps up with inflation and is backed-up by the government.

Because the CPP operates independently from government, there is no cost to taxpayers – in fact there is the potential for governments to save over time.

Higher and secure pension savings mean seniors will be less likely to rely on income supports like the Guaranteed Income Supplement or provincial and local social supports for medicine, housing and food.

The cost to workers and employers is small. Over seven years, CPP premiums would slowly rise by 0.4% each year of pensionable earnings (which are capped at $47,200 today).

We all need to save more for retirement. And putting that little bit extra into the CPP makes more sense than investing it into risky RRSPs. It’s safer, easier (in fact, it’s effortless) and it earns more.

The table below shows how today’s workers would benefit from our plan to save more through the CPP.

While not everyone would see their overall CPP income double by the time they reach 65, the benefits are clear after only several years of extra contributions. That’s the simple, straightforward advantage of the Canada Pension Plan.

This is promising news for the 70% of Canadians without RRSPs. It’s even better news for the 33% of Canadians with no retirement savings at all (beyond what they contribute to the CPP).

What’s in it for me? Your CPP Benefits (with and without Labour’s plan)

This table assumes a worker will not draw their CPP pension before age 65 and will be making at least $43,000 per year to accumulate this level of CPP pension. Those earning less should consult our online pension calculator to estimate how labour’s plan will boost their CPP pension at age 65.

WHAT ABOUT TODAY’S SENIORS? (BOOST GIS BY 15%)

More than a third of all seniors with public pensions (OAS and CPP) have incomes under $15,000/year.

Workers close to retirement age who’ve been let down by the current system and don’t have enough saved need help now so they don’t fall into poverty.

We can provide that help today, with a one time 15% increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – the top-up to Old Age Security (OAS) for our poorest seniors.

The cost is minimal ($1.1 billion) and would shrink over time, thanks to higher retirement incomes through our plan to boost the CPP.  It also means savings for provincial and local governments, as fewer seniors would need to rely on social supports for the basics.

We think this is a reasonable investment to ensure all seniors have dignity in retirement.

NEW PROTECTION FOR PRIVATE PENSION PLANS (PENSION INSURANCE)

Insurance for essential things is common in Canada.  We need it for our houses, our bank accounts, our vehicles and our jobs.  We think it’s time we had insurance for pension savings – one of the most important assets a worker owns. 

Recent events prove the need for pension insurance.  Our plan would see the federal government create a new insurance system that would protect pension benefits up to a maximum of $2,500 each month, with premiums as low as $2.50/year for each plan member.  It’s completely affordable.

Our plan would also see the federal government create an agency to “adopt” private pension plans abandoned in corporate bankruptcy, so workers are guaranteed that the money they’ve already paid into those plans doesn’t get lost.

Private pension plans are an important part of Canada’s retirement income system.  Requiring pension plans to carry insurance is a fair trade-off to ensure that workers’ pension assets are protected against future market disasters.

WHEN IT’S EASIER TO SAVE MORE EVERYONE BENEFITS!

Small Business have nothing to lose but the extra costs of offering supplemental pension plans to their workers.

Higher CPP benefits means that private supplemental plans would cost less (and be more secure with pension insurance). For some, a richer CPP could eliminate the need for a private pension plan entirely.  The overhead and the administrative headaches would be gone.  You just pay into the CPP, then write it off when you pay your taxes.  How easy is that?

And don’t forget the extra money that local retirees will have in their pockets. 

Younger workers stand to gain the most from our plan to improve Canada’s retirement income system.  They can count on the CPP still being there to provide what they need when they retire.

Finally, our plan would offer workers held backby social and job market discrimination a boost.  Despite the lower income earned by many women, workers of colour and workers with disabilities, higher savings through the CPP (plus a richer GIS) reduce the risk of retiring into poverty.

TAKE ACTION – TAKE ACTION – TAKE ACTION

“The Canadian Labour Congress has a better way to save for retirement – to double the benefits of the Canada Pension Plan – to a maximum of $1,635 a month.  No one who works their entire life should face the spectre of poverty in retirement because they didn’t have a private pension plan at work.

Improving the CPP is the simplest and most effective way to dramatically improve the retirement security of all Canadians.”

Will the CLC plan work? You bet!

“But convincing the government to begin doubling the Canada Pension Plan won’t be easy. The banks and financial institutions that make big profits from RRSP sales already oppose the idea.”

Can we do it?  With your help, we can win. And here’s how…

• Call your Member of Parliament
  Tell them you support the CLC’s position on phasing in the doubling of the CPP. Ask them to support it.
• Call your Provincial Representative and ask them to support the CLC’s proposed change to the CPP.
• Visit Canadianlabour.ca to get further information and assist with future actions. 
• Join the Facebook page “Retirement Security for Everyone”.
• TALK TO CO-WORKERS in your workplace and ask them to call their MPs and provincial government representatives. Ensure this campaign is discussed at your union meeting.
• Write a letter to your local newspaper. 

May 17, 2010

Negotiations for a new collective agreement in the community social services sector are set to begin, following a preparatory meeting with the Community Social Services Employers’ Association (CSSEA) on May 13.

A protocol agreement reached between the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) and CSSEA establishes a common understanding of how the bargaining process will unfold.

As part of the agreement the two parties will exchange full bargaining proposals at the outset of negotiations.

CSSBA anticipates a schedule of tentative bargaining dates will be set next week, once CSSEA has providedd the unions’ bargaining team with a list of available dates.

Members are encouraged to keep informed as bargaining progresses by contacting the local union office.

In 2005, the G8 committed to providing access to HIV treatment, prevention, care and support for all those who need it by 2010. Despite that promise, in 2008 two million people died of AIDS-related illness, and the number of new HIV infections continues to outstrip the number of people being treated. For every two people starting treatment, a further five become infected with the virus.

The stark reality is that for every moment this promise is not kept someone is dying a preventable death or becoming infected with HIV because of  lack of access to treatment and prevention services.

As G8 and G20 leaders come together in Canada, it’s critical to put pressure on them to put forward a costed and time-bound plan to deliver on their commitment to achieve universal access to HIVand AIDS prevention, treatment, and care services for all those in need.

You can help by endorsing CUPE’s national petition to G8/G20 leaders, and by sending a message to Prime Minister Stephen  Harper, asking him to take a leadership role in ensuring universal access to treatment.

You can sign the petition at: http://cupe.ca/action.hiv-aids

May 7, 2010

FBA SECURES $1.25 MILLION FOR FACILITIES HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN 2010 CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

During 2010 contract talks, the Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA) – the multi-union bargaining agent representing about 38,000 health care workers in BC – negotiated another $1.25 million education fund for members covered by the 2010-2012 Health Services & Support Facilities Subsector collective agreement.

This stemmed from the success of the $5 million FBA Education Fund secured in the 2006-2010 facilities contract to support health care workers in skills upgrading and career mobility opportunities.

Members can apply for short-term or long-term training funds.  The first deadline for long-term training applications is June 18, 2010.

Please note that funds will not be available for distribution until the monies are transferred to the FBA.

You can download the APPLICATION FORMS and a note on FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS by clicking the 882H tab at the top of the IUOE, 882 Web page. Or contact the Union office should you wish us to send you the information or you have any questions.

DATE: Thursday June 3, 2010

TIME: 4:30pm to 7:00pm

WHERE: #500 – 100 West Pender Street Vancouver, British Columbia

We invite you to our open house in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the On to Ottawa Trek leaving Vancouver on June 3, 1935.

During the 1935 General Strike, Victory Square was a frequent rallying point for relief camp workers protesting poor wages and working condition in BC. On June 3, 1935, these workers took their concerns to the federal government by rail car, inaugurating the On to Ottawa Trek

In 2009, Victory Square Law Office moved from its historic location at Cambie and Hastings to an equally historic building, the Sun Tower at Pender and Beatty.

Please join us for food and refreshments visit our new office, and reflect upon Vancouver’s labour history.

Please RSVP:

Phone: 604-684-8421

Email: vslo@vslo.ca

May 5, 2010

Ladysmith Town Council will be letting B.C.’s premier, health minister and the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) know it stands unanimously opposed to the contracting out of care and support services at Lodge on 4th.

Following passionate appeals from a delegation representing Lodge residents, family members, health care workers, and concerned citizens the Council passed two resolutions at its regular meeting on May 3.

The first will call on the provincial government to work with all concerned parties to address the deterioration of seniors’ care in the Cowichan Valley.

The second resolution will seek a meeting with VIHA to remind them of the commitments it had made eight years ago when Ladysmith Hospital was closed. Among those commitments, recalled Ladysmith Mayor Rob Hutchins, was a promise to hire laid-off hospital staff at Lodge on 4th and to maintain the terms and conditions of their collective agreement.

Delegation members included Lodge on 4th family member Joan Cochrane, resident Bob Lyon, HEU members Janet Meding, Sheila Niehaus and Linda McAdam, and long-time Ladysmith resident Dan Cross, who is also a member of the BCGEU.

This is the second municipal council in the Valley to unanimously oppose contracting out in seniors’ care facilities. Two weeks ago, a similar resolution received the full support of Duncan City Council.

Seniors’ care issues have been an ongoing concern in the Cowichan Valley and across the Island in recent years.  Those concerns have been heightened by the pending mass lay off of 140 HEU members at Lodge on 4th and 40 BCGEU members at Cerwydden Care in Duncan.