By Wendy Lee, Local 575, inSolidarity Committee
As a member of OPSEU/SEFPO, you’re also a member of NUPGE? What even is a NUPGE?
NUPGE is the acronym for the National Union of Public and General Employees in Canada and its slogan is “Unions for Public Good.”
Think about NUPGE as a “union for unions.” In the same way that OPSEU/SEFPO locals band together in sectors and area councils to build a stronger voice, provincial unions across the country have banded together to amplify the voice of all members.
Most of NUPGE’s 425,000 members work within the provincial public service sector. Its primary mission is to monitor provincial and federal labour laws and developments as well as analyze restructuring of social programs and public services. The national union reports on and contributes to legislation affecting the Canadian workplace.
There are 13 component unions:
- Interior Brewery Workers’ Union (an affiliate of the BCGEU)
NUPGE holds conventions every three years — its most recent convention was held in Fredericton, New Brunswick from June 12 to 16. There were 550 delegates/alternates in attendance. OPSEU/SEFPO members, led by President JP Hornick and First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell – were the largest group from all the unions in NUPGE.
Welcome to NUPGE’s Convention
Just OPSEU/SEFPO has a session for new Convention delegates, NUPGE also had a new delegates orientation.
Introductions began with the President Burt Blundon and Secretary-Treasurer Jason MacLean.
They welcomed new delegates and encouraged them go to the microphone to speak and ask questions. They explained that this convention is the opportunity to discuss issues that workers face and don’t necessarily have the time to discuss in their day-to-day lives.
“Convention is what you make of it, as it is your convention,” said Blundon.
“It’s a safe place to consider and debate policies. We stand against privatization and stand for robust public services.”
Unions bring issues that need to be addressed on a national platform. Although NUPGE doesn’t provide direction to the union components, it is able to provide information from one jurisdiction to another to achieve a broader consensus. One of NUPGE’s purposes is to influence national politicians for change for all workers, families and communities. NUPGE is also there to build allies on the international stage, largely through Public Services International.
Like OPSEU/SEFPO, NUPGE has its own code of conduct and Constitution.
Unlike OPSEU/SEFPO, where we run our meetings and Convention with Robert’s Rules of Order, NUPGE has joined the Canadian Labour Congress to use Bourinot’s Rules of Order (here’s a short summary of Bourinot’s from fellow NUPGE “component”, Manitoba’s MGEU). OPSEU/SEFPO uses Robert’s Rules of Order.
Thursday night started with OPSEU’s registration and caucus. JP and Lori welcomed all delegates and alternates
NUPGE Opens with Prayers with Chief Alan Polchies
Chief Pochies of the Sistansisk First Nation reminded attendees that we all have the same values and therefore must strive to that same purpose. As a twin spirit, he advocated that since “each has a gift, you can choose to make the world a better place” with that gift. He reminded attendees that “collectively we have things in common, growth in communities, raising children, expression of culture, common shared values and goals.” He encouraged all by saying “if you’re going to talk the talk, then you need to walk the walk.”
Chief Pochies then reviewed the 4 traditional elements of medicinal elements used for healing – tobacco, cedar, sage and sweet grass. He taught us that cleansing our eyes helps us see more clearly. Cleansing our ears, to help us hear and listen more consciously. Cleansing our mouths, to help us speak in honesty and in loving ways. Cleansing our hearts, to be open to others. Cleansing our belly button, to always remember the history from which we come. Cleansing our backs, to realize that we must let go of some things in our past as our past may detrimental when we hang on to it.