5 ways we are working to improve retirement security

The labour movement has been securing workplace pension plans for Canadians for over 100 years. We’ve also led the efforts to improve public pensions for all Canadians, from winning Old Age Security in 1952 to calling for changes to the current Canada Pension Plan. Here is just some of the work we’re doing to improve retirement security for everyone:

1. We’re working for better public pensions.
   Public pensions are vital to all Canadians. Most people don’t have a pension plan at work, and many people don’t earn enough to meet their day-to-day needs and save for retirement. The labour movement has always worked for better public pensions – and in 2011, we helped win a $300 million Guaranteed Income Supplement top-up for seniors living in poverty.
2. We’re committed to improving the Canada Pension Plan.
   Over the last five years, the labour movement has been collaborating with provincial premiers and finance ministers on a concrete plan to expand the Canada Pension Plan. We are very close to achieving this key reform, which would double future benefits in a way that’s affordable for everyone.

3. We’re working in partnership with the largest seniors organizations.
   The labour movement includes many of the country’s largest seniors and retiree organizations, such as the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC). This organization helps people plan for retirement and is a strong advocate for seniors, particularly regarding health care. See the impressive list of CURC’s accomplishments here.

4. We’re continuing to push for workplace pension plans.
   Workplaces with unions are far more likely to have employee pension plans: nearly 80% of unionized employees have a pension plan at work, compared to less than 30% of non-unionized employees. Retirees with pension plans have almost double the income of those without.

5. We’re helping employers set up pension plans.
   Many small business employers want to set up pension plans for their workers but don’t have the resources to manage them. The labour movement actually helps set up and manage pension plans in small workplaces – from nursing homes to light manufacturing companies – so that more employers can provide their workers with retirement security.