There has been a great deal of confusion and conjecture surrounding the NUPGE Executive’s decision in November to suspend its activities in the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

The fact is, while NUPGE and its affiliates (including the MGEU), have suspended CLC activities, they have not left the CLC. As a result, each union remains involved in local labour bodies.

In a letter sent today by NUPGE President, James Clancy, to CLC President, Ken Georgetti, he explains that NUPGE has paid its per capita dues to the CLC up to November 2010 and remains a “paid-up affiliate of the Canadian Labour Congress and all of its subordinate bodies,” meaning that MGEU members will continue in their place in all local Labour Councils and the Manitoba Federation of Labour.

The issue at the heart of this matter remains raiding. That is why a working committee – comprised of five members of the CLC executive, including James Clancy – is in ongoing discussions to hopefully reach a resolution.

Statement from the NUPGE National Executive Board

The National Union has a long history in the Canadian labour movement. Our work with our colleagues within the House of Labour has helped shape the face of the labour movement. We are proud of our contribution.

The work of our leadership and activists with the Canadian Labour Congress, the provincial Federations of Labour and the district Labour Councils has improved the lives of thousands of working families.

The ability to play an important role in labour centrals is based on mutual respect for, and adherence to, the bargaining relationships that affiliated unions have established on behalf of their members. The work of labour centrals, unions united around shared principles, goals and collective action, cannot happen in the shadow of raiding.

Raiding is much more than a local disagreement between affiliates. It has a negative impact on the CLC, Federations of Labour, Labour Councils, other unions and the members in parts of the country that are not involved in the dispute in any way.

We are encouraged that the CLC convened a meeting in December of labour leaders to discuss the issue. It was a productive meeting and we believe there is an opportunity for real progress on the issue. We are hopeful.

We commend the leadership of CLC affiliates for the commitment they have made to find a resolution to a practice that destroys labour unity.

We will work hard with our CLC colleagues to find a solution. We are committed to the issue. We are committed to the process. We are committed to the House of Labour.