The trade union confirms $200,000 expenditure on the campaign
The United Nurses of Alberta (UNA), a trade union that represents nurses and allied health workers in Alberta, has released a statement that confirms its support for a campaign opposing the Alberta government’s plan to depart from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
“UNA stands proudly behind its participation in the fight organized by the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) to protect its members’ retirement security as one of the core functions of our union,” the union said in the statement.
The statement follows the circulation of the minutes of its local annual general meeting which had been going around social media. The minutes detailed the union’s $200,000 expenditure on the AFL’s campaign against the Alberta government’s proposed pension plan exit.
According to the union, the Alberta government’s proposal will threaten the retirement security of its members. Its support for the AFL campaign served as a response to this.
“UNA believes strongly that it owes it to all current members, and all retired members including those who now live in other provinces, to fight hard to protect their retirement security, which is best ensured by participation in the Canada Pension Plan,” UNA’s statement read.
The union further expressed its understanding about the flaws and uncertainties that came with the proposal and that it would not be fulfilling its duty to represent its members if it did not do anything to advocate for the security of their retirement.
“We are concerned about our members’ and former members’ pensions and retirement security for the same reason we are concerned about their pay, benefits, safety, and fair treatment in the workplace,” the union said. “We will always oppose such measures and we will continue to do so with confidence and determination.”
The Alberta government has been planning to withdraw from the CPP in favor of the Alberta Pension Plan (APP), with Alberta premier Danielle Smith stating that it will offer greater stability and benefits to Albertans. However, this has been met with concerns and criticisms from Albertans, as well as experts.
UNA represents more than 30,000 registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses, as well as allied health workers, in Alberta.
