Jason MacLean, NUPGE’s Secretary Treasurer, addressed Convention this morning in Charlottetown. Jason was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the 425,000 members National Union of Public and General Employees after serving 2 terms as President of the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union (NSGEU), Nova Scotia’s largest public sector union.
Jason spoke on a number of issues facing the national union and the affiliates. Advocating for a stronger public health care system is a key issue that has strong support. NUPGE will be initiating a national pole on health care to help inform and kick off a national campaign which received unanimous support from the national executive board.
Jason spoke about the importance of unions joining in the fight to combat climate change. Hurricane Fiona was the latest example of the devastation that climate change is bringing to the world and now to our own shores. The national union donated $50,000 via the Red Cross to the maritime provinces to help the people in their clean-up and restoration efforts. This is how union’s role … we are here for each other and our communities at large.
Jason also spoke passionately about anti-racism and indigenous solidarity. NUPGE is looking at organizing a national conference on anti-racism in 2023. Unions need to engage our members through education and diversity training for stewards and activists.
“We need to be open to listen, learn, and be prepared to act to end racism.” Jason MacLean (NUPGE Secretary Treasurer)