CUPE invites UNA members to Misericordia Hospital pension rally April 22

Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 2111 at Edmonton’s Misericordia Hospital is planning a rally from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, to protest the Alberta Government’s planned changes to public employees’ pension plans.

CUPE members encourage members of other affected unions, including UNA, to participate. Food will be provided.

Earlier today, Finance Minister Doug Horner gave notice he will introduce Bill 9, the Public Sector Pension Plans Amendment Act, and Bill 10, the Employment Pension (Private Sector) Plans Amendment Act. The bills are expected to significantly reduce the pensions paid to UNA members and other public employees over time.

In a news release yesterday, the Alberta NDP said the party’s legislative caucus will focus on the government’s attack on public service pensions for the rest of the legislative session.

“The changes this PC government is expected to make to pensions will affect hundreds of thousands of Albertans every day,” NDP Leader Brian Mason said. “Endangering the retirement security of this many families is something that this government needs to be accountable for – and so the New Democrats will make this the fight of the session.”

The NDP news release said the party will call on the government to stop its attack against middle class families and to halt legislation until further consultation has been held with those members affected.