Latest News

President's Commentary: Economic insecurity hangs like a cloud over Labour Day 2011

There’s a dark cloud hanging over Labour Day celebrations this year. Workers and their families are scared and angry as they struggle to cope with the ongoing economic crisis. By James ClancyNational PresidentNational Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) Ottawa (2 Sept. 2011) - Every year on Labour Day we celebrate workers and everything the labour movement has done to enrich our lives and communities. But there’s a dark cloud hanging over these celebrations this year. Workers and their families are scared and angry as they struggle to cope with the ongoing economic crisis. Many have lost their jobs, retirement savings and homes. Many are working two or three jobs and are still struggling to pay the mortgage and put food on the table. The public services that families rely on every day – like health care, education and social services – are being cut back. Ordinary families are bearing the brunt of a crisis they did not cause. It was caused by arrogant, greedy and reckless corporate executives in the financial sector who took extremely risky bets and paid themselves obscene amounts of money in the process. It was caused by ideological politicians who pursued an agenda of slashing taxes for corporations and the super-rich, cutting social programs, rolling back regulations and attacking unions. At the end of 2009, just 3.8% of Canadian households controlled $1.78 trillion of wealth – that’s 67% of the total wealth in this country. Middle-class families have seen their income stagnate over the last 30 years and the poorest Canadians have actually lost ground; but the richest Canadians saw their income rise astronomically. Since 1980 the richest 1% in Canada has seen its share of total income double; the richest 0.1% has seen its share almost triple; and the richest 0.01% has seen its share more than quintuple. It was the same insatiable greed, ideological agendas and extreme levels of income inequality that caused the Great Depression. From that experience we learned that when the economy is in trouble our governments must intervene with stimulus spending to support and expand social programs, create more jobs and put more money in the pockets of ordinary families. This week we were told by leading economists that the Canadian economy is totally stalled and things are likely to get worse before they get better. But what is the Harper government doing? Nothing. They just shrug their shoulders and walk away. Their economic philosophy is clear: ignore any constructive or compassionate role for the government and instead sing hymns of gratitude to the invisible hand of the free market. In tough times it’s essential that our government show leadership and make smart policy choices that are in the public interest. The Harper government refuses to do this. This Labour Day we should celebrate all that workers and unions have achieved over the years – our rich and wonderful history. But we must also reflect on the victims of this powerful economic crisis and build on our proud tradition of being  champions for change. Please get involved in our All Together Now! campaign http://alltogethernow.nupge.ca and speak out for the changes the Harper government must make in order to tackle income inequality, fix our economy and support struggling families. James ClancyNational President NUPGE The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 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. NUPGE More information: All Together Now! campaign