The National Union of Public and General Employees is looking to MGEU members for creative and heartfelt expressions about why unions are so important.

Since the launch of the Why Unions Matter campaign in 2013, NUPGE has received hundreds of submissions from across the country from people sharing personal stories and experiences about how unions matter to them. Submissions have ranged from poems and songs, to stories and videos celebrating the countless ways in which unions have an impact on our lives and on society, in general. The National Union considers the entries every month and awards a $1,000 prize to their favourites. So be bold. Be creative. Be heartfelt.

2017 Themes

January/February: Why unions matter
March: Why unions matter to equality
April: Why unions matter for peace
May: Why unions matter for democracy

More themes will be added along the way, so keep checking NUPGE’s contest page for more information, or to find out who the winners are! You can also find the rules and regulations there.

"We want to thank all the people who have taken the time and put in the effort to submit their pieces," said Larry Brown, NUPGE President. "People recognize the value unions have to their lives and their communities. And they're doing a great job at sharing their perspective with Canadians."

The MGEU is one of 11 component unions within the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). NUPGE is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 370,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good.