Overcoming the language barrier

Graphic Communications International Union

It's really hard to understand the language of pension funds and benefit plans. The Graphic Communications International Union tries to overcome this language barrier. The GCIU Supplemental Retirement and Disability Fund of Canada has published a 50-page booklet. It includes highlights and summaries in clearer language, followed by the plan's legal document.

“It's an important step forward,” says Duncan Brown, GCIU
Representative.“We still have a long way to go, but members
find this booklet a big help in understanding their benefits.”

Hospital Employees Union

The Hospital Employees Union represents 45,000 workers
in British Columbia. The union's servicing and bargaining
staff produce an annotated version of their collective
agreement for servicing reps, local activists and stewards.
The document:

“Members and staff find the document to be extremely useful,” says Mike Old from HEU. “It's very popular. Staff are just finishing a new version for our latest collective agreement.”