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Is $133 per year worth new risks to your retirement security?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:51:20 -0400

The federal government’s Spring Economic Update announced that Canada Pension Plan base contribution rates will drop from 9.9% (split between workers and employers) to 9.5% starting in 2027. They estimate this will mean a savings of about $133 per year for a worker making $70,000.

CPP contribution rates are set by legislation and can only be changed with the support of the federal government and two-thirds of the Canadian provinces representing two-thirds of the population. These base rates have not changed since 2003 following a major reform of CPP funding.

What does this mean for CPP?

Canada’s public pension plan is in good shape financially. Federal actuaries’ 2024 report showed the expected cost of CPP is 9.19%—below the proposed new 9.5% rate. The government therefore believes the new 9.5% rate would “maintain a prudent financial buffer.”

However, CUPE’s concern is that for at least two decades prior to the 2024 report, the actuaries reported the minimum base rate needed to sustain the CPP was higher than 9.5%. CPP costs are affected by many economic factors and assumptions, including investment returns.

The 2020s have reminded us that the world is difficult to predict. Significant economic uncertainties remain with respect to climate change, war and political unrest. Federal actuaries have identified risks that could lead CPP costs to exceed the newly agreed upon rate of 9.5%. These risks were not discussed in the Spring Economic Update.

What does this mean for workers and retirees?

If the costs of the Canada Pension Plan increase higher than the agreed-upon contribution rates, it could mean that retirees won’t get inflation adjustments to their pension benefit, based on CPP rules.

CUPE believes this rate reduction could be premature. Employers, including governments, will no doubt appreciate the small cost reduction. Workers will save a small amount now, but retirees will face an increased risk of frozen CPP benefits going forward. Reaching a federal-provincial agreement to lower rates is one thing. But an agreement to increase rates in the future will likely be much more difficult.

The Canada Pension Plan is an incredibly important part of our retirement income system. Any changes to the plan should be made extremely carefully. While it is true the new rate remains above the current cost of CPP base benefits, CUPE cautions that this change poses new risks that have not been adequately explained by the government.

Healthy financial picture means feds can – and should – be investing in public services and workers who deliver them

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:40:02 -0400

CUPE says the rosier-than-expected financial picture painted in Tuesday’s Spring Economic Update means the federal government can – and should – be investing in public services and the workers who deliver them.

In particular, CUPE says while the $6 billion recruitment initiative for the trades is welcome news, it is disappointing to see the initiative leaves out care economy workers.

“Anyone waiting for surgery, a child care spot, or a long-term care bed can tell you there’s a staffing crisis in our care economy right now,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. “We need to see the same level of commitment from the government in the care economy that we are seeing for the trades.”

CUPE is also raising serious concerns about the government’s plans to lower CPP contribution rates, noting it could increase long-term risk and jeopardize retirement security for Canadians relying on CPP and pension benefits. That is not the way to make life more affordable for working Canadians.

The Update also indicates no increases for the Canada Health Transfer, no allocations for pharmacare, and no new allocations for dental care beyond 2028.

“The best way to make Canada stronger in the face of our current economic threats is by investing in the services that our communities rely on to thrive,” said CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick. “The government repeatedly acknowledges that programs like national child care have made life more affordable for Canadians, but they aren’t making the necessary investments for these programs to be truly accessible to the millions of families who need them.”

CUPE is also voicing concerns about the government’s proposed new “sovereign wealth fund”, which would stand up $25 billion in public funding – and potentially sell off existing public assets – to back private ventures in infrastructure, as well as natural resource extraction and agriculture.

“CUPE supports the idea of a wealth fund that works for Canadians, but this looks like another way for investors to privatize our vital public infrastructure, while funnelling more public dollars into private coffers,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Each year, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is recognized on May 17 worldwide to fight discrimination and violence towards 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Hate directed towards Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex people is on the rise in Canada. Some right-wing provincial governments have introduced regressive, transphobic policies and legislation that put 2SLGBTQI+ youth and the workers who support them at risk.

We must step up our efforts to make our workplaces more inclusive. CUPE’s own research shows that many Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary workers face frequent misgendering from co-workers and managers. Employer benefits often don’t meet the health care needs of 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Workplace forms, bathrooms, changerooms, and dress codes are often exclusionary.

Today and every day, CUPE supports the fight against transphobia, homophobia, and oppression to make our communities and workplaces safer and more inclusive.

Take action

Learn how to fight homophobia and transphobia at the bargaining table with CUPE’s Bargaining 2SLGBTQI+ rights checklist, and our Bargaining Beyond the Binary negotiating guide.
Spread the word about how CUPE supports trans people.
Raise awareness: download and share CUPE’s fact sheets on Allies on gender diversity and Pronouns.
Order printed copies of our poster and pamphlet and download our Zoom background and colouring page.

WestJet flight attendants issue notice of dispute

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:00:01 -0400

Flight attendants at WestJet, represented by CUPE 8125, have issued a formal notice of dispute following more than seven months of ongoing negotiations that have not produced sufficient progress on key issues.

CUPE 8125 represents approximately 4,400 cabin personnel at WestJet mainline. Since serving notice to bargain last September, the union and WestJet have met multiple times each month in an effort to reach a new collective agreement.

At the centre of the dispute is a growing gap between the work flight attendants are required to perform and the outdated system that determines how that work is compensated. Flight attendants are responsible for passenger safety from the moment they report for duty, yet significant portions of that time are not fully compensated under the current system. On average, flight attendants work 35 hours every month unpaid.

“Flight attendants are performing increasingly demanding work in a safety-sensitive environment, and we are some of the lowest paid in Canada”, said Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125. “The system that governs our compensation was built for a different time, and it no longer reflects the value of work being done today.”

The union is also seeking improvements to scheduling and basic working conditions that support a safe and sustainable operation.

“Flight attendants have remained patient and professional throughout this process, but delays cannot continue,” Hussain added. “We are looking for meaningful progress at the table on issues that affect our members and their ability to provide reliable service for our guests.”

CUPE 8125 emphasized that its goal is to achieve a negotiated agreement and minimize any impact on travellers.

“We understand how important travel is, particularly as we approach the busy summer season,” said Hussain. “Our focus is on securing a fair and sustainable agreement that reflects the realities of the job and the value of the work being done every day.”

The union is calling on WestJet to engage meaningfully at the bargaining table to address these concerns.

CUPE health care workers call out last-in-Canada CCA wages

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:12:35 -0400

Front-line health care workers gathered at the Saskatchewan Legislature today to highlight new research showing that Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) in Saskatchewan are among the lowest paid in the country, intensifying concerns about staffing shortages and the stability of the province’s health system.

Members of CUPE 5430’s Continuing Care Assistant Committee travelled from communities across Saskatchewan to present findings that show CCAs in the province earn approximately $3 per hour less than the national average.

CUPE health care workers have not received a wage increase in more than four years, which deepens the already critical retention crisis, as health care workers leave the health system for better-paying opportunities elsewhere.

The group attended question period at the Legislature, where the issue of CCA wages and workforce retention was raised. Following proceedings, front-line workers spoke with media about their experiences on the frontlines.

“Investing in workers is investing in patient care,” said Helen Head, CUPE 5430 Region 3 General Vice-President. “If we want a strong, reliable health care system, we need to start by valuing and adequately compensating the people who deliver that care every day.”

CUPE NL members gather for convention focused on health, fairness, stronger public services

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:46:50 -0400

Delegates from across Newfoundland and Labrador will gather this week for the CUPE NL Convention, bringing together workers from across sectors to set priorities for the year ahead and strengthen the collective voice of public service workers in the province.

This year’s convention is being held during the “Year of Health and Safety,” with a strong focus on protecting workers on the job and ensuring that safe workplaces are treated as a fundamental right—not an afterthought.

Delegates will also take up key issues facing workers and communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, including:

Strengthening public healthcare, with an urgent focus on recruitment and retention challenges that continue to strain the system and the workers who sustain it
Advancing workers’ rights and fair wages, as the cost of living rises and workers demand respect at the bargaining table
Promoting equity, inclusion, and anti-racism, to ensure that workplaces reflect the dignity and diversity of the communities they serve
Building stronger communities through public services, recognizing that well-funded, accessible public services are essential to the province’s social and economic well-being

“Workers across this province are showing up every day in increasingly difficult conditions—and they’re doing it because they care about the people and communities they serve,” said Sherry Hillier, president of CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador. “This convention is about turning that commitment into action—setting clear priorities and building the strength we need to win safer workplaces, fair wages, and the public services our communities depend on.”

The convention will feature policy debates, workshops, and guest speakers, as well as opportunities for members to share their experiences from the front lines of public service work.

“At a time when public services are under pressure, this convention is about more than internal business—it’s about sending a clear message,” said Hillier. “Investing in workers is investing in communities. You can’t have strong public services without the people who deliver them.”

Toronto Zoo Workers Reach Tentative Agreement

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:25:47 -0400

After nearly three months of collective bargaining, members of CUPE 1600 at the Toronto Zoo have reached a tentative agreement.

“We’re pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects the needs of our entire membership, including both permanent and seasonal workers,” said Lynda Bongelli, president of CUPE 1600. “Our bargaining committee worked hard throughout negotiations, and I’m proud of what they’ve done with the support of our members to reach this agreement.”

The union will not disclose specific details of the tentative agreement until CUPE 1600 members have had the opportunity to review its contents and vote on the agreement.

CUPE 1600 represents more than 400 workers across over 140 roles at the Toronto Zoo, including zookeepers, horticulturalists, trades workers, educators, conservation staff, and guest services workers.

Earth Day

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:30:00 -0400

CUPE’s National Environment policy calls on us to cut emissions that cause climate change, fight for environmental justice, eliminate plastic waste and other steps.

We know what our environmental problems and challenges are. Enough talk has happened on issues like climate change and water quality. Clear steps will move us forward. As citizens, as workers and as union members pressuring employers, we can and must be part of the solution.

This Earth Day let’s act to improve our world. Here are some actions to take:

Form an environment committee, climate committee or create a union position for a sustainability rep to work with employers to take green action at work.
If you have greenspace at work, plant trees and put in a vegetable garden to grow food for your workplace.
Carpool, get to work with active transportation (bicycle, walk), and take public transit. This greatly reduces carbon emissions that cause climate change.
Put zero-waste programs in place where you work by recycling, composting, and banning plastics.
Use technology (online meetings, document sharing, electronic documents only) to cut down on travel and paper waste.
Partner with climate and environmental justice groups.
Read CUPE’s environmental policy for background on actions you can take at your workplace.

Paramedic Services Week

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:15:00 -0400

During National Paramedic Services Week, CUPE celebrates the courage and dedication of emergency medical services workers across Canada, including over 10,000 paramedics represented by our union.

This week, we acknowledge to the strength, skill, courage and compassion of the paramedics who work on the front line every day to keep our communities safe.

The lives of thousands of people are touched by paramedics in Canada every day. Their work is literally life or death for many. Yet, across the country, there is a staffing crisis that is leading to a shortage of ambulances and dangerously long wait times. The mental health injuries paramedics sustain in the regular course of their jobs is deepening this staffing crisis.
The issue of offload delays has persisted for far too long. Paramedics lose hours waiting to offload patients at emergency departments. These delays keep them from returning to active duty and contribute to staffing shortages. Our population is growing and aging—ambulance services and our hospital system needs to keep up with increasing demand and treat patients as soon as possible.

Improvements are needed. But governments must also stop the drive to privatize our public ambulance services. Instead, improvements can and must be made within our public and universal health care system.

For more information about public solutions in health care, visit our campaign page

Public solutions deliver better results and higher quality of care for less money. With public solutions, our health care system can grow to meet the needs of CUPE members, our families and our communities.

As CUPE members, we will continue to fight for better and expanded public services that meet the health care needs of the public and provide good jobs for paramedics and all health care workers.

Happy Paramedic Services Week! We thank you for your hard work, dedication and service to our communities. Together we will continue to campaign for quality public health care for all.

CUPE urges senators to protect workers from AI

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:20:53 -0400

Artificial intelligence is spreading fast without any rules governing this powerful new technology. Workers need strong laws that protect their jobs and human rights. CUPE has shared that call with members of a Senate committee studying the impacts of AI.

When employers and governments bring in new technology, they often don’t consult or consider us as workers. Without guardrails, AI will give employers sweeping new powers.

In her presentation to the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, CUPE’s Acting Director of Research Sarah Ryan outlined four main risks of AI for workers.

Watch her full presentation:

Jobs and training

Jobs dominated by women are twice as likely to be affected by AI, because women are concentrated in clerical, administrative and business support roles that can be automated.

Full-time workers in permanent jobs are more likely to get training than part-time and precarious workers. Training will be essential for workers who lose their job or need new skills because of AI.

Electronic monitoring

New “bossware” tools use unprecedented electronic surveillance. Employers can monitor keystrokes, listen to conversations, and track employee movements, emotions or attention.

Ryan warned senators that workers who are low income, younger, have disabilities, or are Black or racialized are more likely to be monitored.

Algorithmic management

AI is reshaping the relationship between employers and workers, said Ryan. Employers are using unaccountable algorithmic management systems to automate hiring and discipline decisions, set workers’ schedules, evaluate their work, and more.

Bias and discrimination

Bias and discrimination may be baked into the data that feeds AI systems and the algorithm that processes data. Some U.S. workers are suing because AI tools discriminated against them based on race, age and disability. Many algorithms are business secrets and are not transparent to workers, unions or even the employer.

Invasive workplace monitoring and algorithmic management can intensify work, increase stress and harm workers’ psychological well-being, Ryan warned.

Protecting workers’ rights

CUPE is calling on the federal government to:

pass laws that prohibit employers from using algorithmic management systems to make significant decisions about workers.
require employers to disclose information about AI systems.
require employers to audit algorithmic management systems for bias and discrimination audits before using them.
require AI corporations to disclose any incidents or risks related to bias and discrimination.
strengthen our social safety net, including Employment Insurance.

Ryan emphasized that individual workers can’t take on AI systems alone. While CUPE fights for laws that protect us all, members can also negotiate protections in their collective agreement using our AI bargaining guide.

Find all CUPE’s tools and resources on AI at cupe.ca/ai.