Winnipeg – Labour Day is about more than a well-deserved day off. It is a time to celebrate the important contributions working people make to our economy. On this important day, CUPE National President Paul Moist is calling for the federal government to solve one of the most pressing policy issues of our time: retirement security.
“Workers need a retirement security system in Canada to support our economy and provide economic security after a lifetime of work,” said Moist. “It is a central economic problem today. Without adequate retirement incomes, we will pay with reduced living standards and an increase in seniors’ poverty.”
Retirement security is a growing, Canada-wide problem. Over 11 million Canadian workers are without workplace pension plans. Study after study shows that Canadian workers can’t afford to save enough for retirement. Unless things change, baby boomers and future generations will face serious declines in living standards upon retirement.
“All Canadians deserve to retire with dignity. A gradual and modest expansion of the Canada Pension Plan is the best way to ensure retirement security for Canadians.”
Polling shows that 75 per cent of Canadians are in favour of expanding the CPP. Furthermore, the majority of provincial leaders are also in favour of expansion.
Canadian unions are working together for CPP reform to make life fairer for all Canadians. “Clearly there is a willingness among business, labour and political leaders to address this issue. What we need now is real leadership from our federal government,” said Moist.
For more information:
Tria Donaldson
CUPE Communications
Canadian union of Public Employees
604-379-6244, tdonaldson@cupe.ca