Union membership does not end once you retire. For many workers, the strength and solidarity of the labour movement continues to be an important part of their lives. That's because unions do more than just negotiate fair wages and benefits. Unions work to eliminate inequality and injustice in and outside the workplace. Unions are important to the health of our democracy, and contribute to improving the lives of everyone. Those values are not the kind that can be left behind.
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is committed to organizing retired workers together at a national level to ensure their voices continue to speak on so many important issues. Retirees must have a coordinated message on issues such as retirement security, pharmacare, access to appropriate care and support if they are to influence the political decisions being made.
In Manitoba, members are represented through the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE), and the MGEU is pleased to announce that Peter Olfert has been reappointed as our voice on the NUARC committee.
Through the National Union Action on Retiree Concerns (NUARC) committee, members from coast to coast are able to use their vast experience and expertise to contribute to the discourse and activism that shape public policy.?
Right now, NUARC is gearing up for the next federal election and would like to ensure that their issues are on the minds of every voter across the country. Each political party must realize the political force - informed and engaged – that retired workers are! NUARC/NUPGE will be mobilizing members, not only to vote but to ask the hard questions to those running for office.
Working together, NUPGE and NUARC will try to bring about the change that Canadians deserve, and remind the powers that be that we do not want any more cuts to services or benefits.