Posts published in October 2025

It is a dark day for Quebecers. The CAQ government’s Bill 3 is attacking the unions head-on; yet, unions are the primary institution defending the middle class and Quebec’s social model. This is an authoritarian tactic by which a collapsing government interferes with how trade unions are run, with the goal of disrupting their functioning.

“We’re the most egalitarian society in North America,” said Patrick Gloutney, president of CUPE Quebec. “Maybe even that with the best quality of life. This social model is the result of 100 years of labour struggles. Weakening the unions will destroy our social model!”

This new anti-union bill is meant to distract Quebecers from the CAQ’s many problems. They want to use unions as a scapegoat. This government is desperately out of options. If elections were held tomorrow, the CAQ wouldn’t win any seats.

“They have no credibility!” Gloutney continued. “Legault’s war on unions is a diversionary tactic. He’s looking to gain what political mileage he can after failing in every other file: the cost-of-living and housing crisis, the dismal state of our health and education systems, the waste of public funds on the battery industry and other lost investments, not to mention his disastrous negotiations with doctors. 

Financial transparency

Unions have transparent finances and strive to constantly improve upon best practices. Members approve the budget of their locals and 100% of their union dues go to defending their interests on every front.

“Expenses are already presented to members and audits are provided for in the bylaws and regulations,” concluded Gloutney. “So what exactly does the CAQ want? The only possible answer is that this is yet more proof of their inadequate governance of the province.”

Saskatchewan’s health provider unions came to the legislature yesterday to call for a new contract. Members of CUPE, SEIU-WEST, and SGEU gathered on the steps of the legislature to call for a new collective agreement three years after the previous agreement expired.

“We’re standing here today at the legislature to send the provincial government a message: Saskatchewan health-care workers deserve a fair deal,” said Bashir Jalloh, president of CUPE 5430. “Health care providers have gone three and half years without a wage increase, consistently work short-staffed, and are leaving the profession. It’s time for this to end.”

Leaders from the three unions cited issues with stagnant wages, barriers to recruiting and retaining health care workers, problems with the new Administrative Information Management System, AIMS, pay system, and worker burnout. Negotiations with the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations, SAHO, and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, SHA, to address these issues are ongoing.

“We’re seeing the problems with AIMS cause even more stress for our members,” says SEIU-West President, Lisa Zunti. “Add on the slow pace of bargaining and lack of increases, they are having serious problems making ends meet right now.”

The visit of health care providers came at the same time as Health Care Provider Week is underway in Saskatchewan. SGEU President Tracey Sauer called for more than words to recognize these workers’ contribution.

“This recognition needs to go beyond statements or social media posts,” said Sauer, who is a health care worker herself. “True recognition means seeing the struggle of health care workers, our members, and government committing to solutions to strengthen our health care system. Both at and beyond the bargaining table.”

CUPE 2269 members have ratified the tentative agreement reached earlier this week with the District of Squamish, officially bringing an end to the almost two-week long lockout.

“At its core, this dispute was about respect, and about creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported,” said Celeste Bickford, president of CUPE 2269. “This new agreement is a starting point for addressing the concerns workers have been raising, that could be seen every day during the lockout. There’s still a lot of work to do to address the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges the District faces, and to ensure the long-term sustainability of service levels.”

The new agreement includes wage increases of 3.75% for 2025, 3.25% for 2026 and 3% for 2027. Other key improvements include living wage increases for the lowest paid workers and market adjustments for six separate classifications to support recruitment and retention. A joint committee will also be formed to make recommendations on alternative scheduling options that promote work-life balance.

“This round of negotiations has highlighted the need for a more constructive and collaborative approach moving forward. That said, the employer’s actions throughout this dispute have left a lasting impact, and it will take time and genuine commitment to rebuild trust and restore a healthy working relationship,” says Bickford.

With the agreement now ratified by both parties, picket lines are being taken down and CUPE 2269 members will be back at work on October 30.

Bickford also thanked the community for their patience and support during the lockout.

“We know the lockout had a significant impact on our community, yet so many people showed us so much support,” said Bickford. “There’s no doubt that Squamish is an incredible community, and we’re proud to be the people who provide the vital services our community counts on. We’re looking forward to being back at work and continuing to provide public services for Squamish residents, businesses and visitors.”

On this second strike day, CUPE 5490, the union representing flight attendants, has learned that Pascan Aviation was readying for a labour dispute before even sitting at the bargaining table. Witnesses confirmed to the union that Pascan began approaching them in April 2025, asking if they wanted to replace the flight attendants. This type of action was made illegal with the passing of anti-scab legislation earlier this year.

“We find it deplorable that the company has no interest in giving the talks a chance,” said Jessé Vigneault, president of CUPE 5490. “As we were working on our bargaining points, even before we submitted our list of demands, the company was already looking for people to replace us.”

The main issues are wages, off-base residency, assignments and crew planning.

“Our employer charges extremely high rates for tickets on our flights,” explained the president. “We just want them to put a portion of this money toward decent working conditions.”

The previous collective agreement expired July 18, 2025. Talks began in May but have made little progress, despite support from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).

Did you know that part-time faculty have to apply for a separate contract for every class they teach? Every term? Every year? No matter how many times they teach that class?

Did you know that part-time faculty at SMU and MSVU are among the lowest paid across Canada?

Right now, part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s University (SMU) and Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) are currently on strike. We are members of CUPE 3912.

We work for years without job security or a guaranteed income beyond a few months. Imagine dedicating yourself to your field and your career, only to never know if you’ll have a job the next year, or even the next term.

We know many people in Halifax are struggling to make ends meet. We are in the same boat. Whether it’s the housing crisis or the cost of groceries, we are all fighting to get by. Many CUPE 3912 members are one unexpected expense away from financial ruin.

Not only are we underpaid, but we also have no health benefits of any kind, and we have no pension.

We’re on strike for fair pay, better working conditions, and respect.

We believe our province deserves high-quality postsecondary education. We believe students deserve a world-class university education for the thousands they pay in tuition every year.

We’re not just fighting for our working conditions; we’re fighting for students’ learning conditions. Join us in standing up for Nova Scotia’s future!