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News conference, demonstration to coincide with auction at former B.F. Goodrich tire plant
TORONTO - The planned news conference on Wednesday (May 23) to kick off a province-wide campaign to stop massive job losses in manufacturing will coincide with the auctioning off of millions of dollars worth of machinery and equipment at the former BF Goodrich tire plant.
"This is a bitter irony for the 1,100 men and women who were thrown out
of work when owner Michelin shut this plant down in 2005," said United
Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser. "For a century,
generations of families in Kitchener-Waterloo earned a decent living working
for a company that, in the end, was shut down, not because it wasn't making
money, but because it wasn't making enough money for a foreign owner, whose
practice is to seek the cheapest production possible."
Starting at 11:30 a.m. in Kitchener on Wednesday workers, both employed
and unemployed, are taking action against the lack of interest shown by the
provincial government over expanding job losses in the manufacturing sector.
As equipment is inspected and auctioned off at 131 Goodrich Drive, a news
conference at 11:30 a.m. will include a demonstration. Further actions across
the province will take place throughout the day.
"Ontario has lost hundreds of thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs
in just a few short years," said Fraser. "The Liberal government under Dalton
McGuinty has sat on its hands and refused to become involved in any effort to
save the very basis of our economy."
Fraser said there will be events in places that have been hardest hit,
from Thunder Bay to Ottawa and dozens of towns in between.
"Ontarians are not going to let their communities be devastated any more.
We're tired of the unnecessary hardship being caused by robber barons and
carpetbaggers who have no allegiance to workers or their families and
communities. They come in to make a quick buck and leave when they find out
they can get the job done cheaper by exploiting workers offshore.
"No region of this province has been untouched by this growing economic
tragedy. It has to stop."
The USW is working closely with the Ontario Federation of Labour and its
other affiliated unions on the "Jobs Worth Fighting For" campaign.
More information on the events coinciding and following the news
conference will be available after 11:30 a.m. on the 23rd.
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Politicians, workers & community groups speak out in London about job loss
London & Kitchener - Across the country, thousands of people have come together to discuss the severe impact the loss of manufacturing jobs has had on themselves and their communities. The loss of more than 250,000 jobs may have gone unnoticed by federal politicians, but workers, their families and communities suffer the cost of Canada's disappearing manufacturing sector.
At a community forum organized by the Waterloo Regional Labour Council and London & District Labour Council, hear from workers, local politicians, community groups how the manufacturing drain is affecting the region and its citizens.
These event is part of a series of community forums and rallies organized by local labour councils to bring public awareness to the issue of manufacturing job loss, as seen through the eyes of workers who have lost their jobs, community groups that must deal with the result and local politicians.
Kitchener-Waterloo region Public Forum, featuring a panel discussion and testimonials by those who have lost their jobs or have seen first hand the consequences of the region's diminishing manufacturing sector.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Conestoga College E-Building, room 1EO6 Door 6, behind the
Recreation Centre Parking Lot
Rick Cowsill, Cambridge City Councillor
Sharon Lupton, LPWR Adjustment Trainer
Katherine Schmidt, Executive Director, Waterloo Regional Food
Bank
Brice Balmer, Chaplaincy Director, House of Friendship
Mike Promoli, President, Crowe Foundry
Dr. Herbert Pimlott, Professor, Wilfrid Laurier University
The panel will be moderated by Nicole Lampa, CTV News
London-area Community Forum, featuring a panel discussion and testimonials by those who have lost their jobs or have experienced the consequences
Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road South, London, Ontario
Anne Marie DeCicco Best, Mayor, City of London
Cliff Barwick, Mayor, City of St. Thomas
Michael Harding, Mayor, City of Woodstock
Dorothy Nauss, Beta Brands (McCormicks) Re-employment Centre
Terry Moore, Human Resources Manager, Vytec Industries
Helen Connell, United Way of London & Middlesex
Honorable Steve Peters, Minister of Labour
Joe Preston, MP for Elgin, Middlesex, London
Irene Mathyssen, MP for London Fanshawe
Glen Pearson, MP for London North Centre
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May 23: Events across Ontario to launch campaign to save manufacturing jobs
TORONTO - Across Ontario, starting at 11:30 a.m. in Kitchener on May 23, workers, both employed and unemployed, are taking action against the lack of interest shown by the provincial government over the growing loss of manufacturing jobs.
A news conference at 11:30 a.m. outside the mothballed BF Goodrich plant,
131 Goodrich Drive in Kitchener, will include a demonstration along with a
statement by United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne
Fraser. The USW represented workers at the BF Goodrich plant when owner
Michelin shut the plant down, putting 1,100 workers on the street in 2005.
"Ontario has lost hundreds of thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs
in just a few short years," said Fraser. "The Liberal government under Dalton
McGuinty has sat on its hands and refused to become involved in any effort to
save the very basis of our economy."
Fraser said there will be events in places that have been hardest hit,
from Thunder Bay to Ottawa and dozens of towns in between.
"Ontarians are not going to let their communities be devastated any more.
We're tired of the unnecessary hardship being caused by robber barons and
carpetbaggers who have no allegiance to workers or their families and
communities. They come in to make a quick buck and leave when they find out
they can get the job done cheaper by exploiting workers offshore."
Fraser added that some of the plants that have closed had been in
operation for a century, including BF Goodrich.
"No region of this province has been untouched by this growing economic
tragedy. It has to stop."
The USW is working closely with the Ontario Federation of Labour and
other unions on the "Jobs Worth Fighting For" campaign.
More information on the events coinciding and following the news
conference will be available after 11:30 a.m. on the 23rd.
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CRTC "ducks the problem" with new TV rules: union
OTTAWA - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has avoided critical questions to ensure the health of Canada's broadcasting system in the framework it announced today, says Canada's largest media union.
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada expressed its
disappointment today with the CRTC's new regulatory framework for over-the-air
television.
"Instead of giving Canadians and broadcasters a clear framework in which
to strengthen Canadian news and information programs, and Canadian drama, the
CRTC ducked the entire problem, postponing any real decisions until it renews
private broadcasters' licences next spring," said Peter Murdoch,
Vice-President, Media.
"Rather than clear rules that will benefit our broadcasting system, the
CRTC is giving Canada's private TV broadcasters more advertising time and
revenues. Is this so they can keep spending more money on foreign programs,
than on the Canadian programming which Canadians want and which employs
thousands of Canadians in this country?"
"It's difficult to understand the CRTC's decision to go with a
case-by-case approach to regulation of this important sector of our economy,"
said Mr. Murdoch. "Wasn't the whole point of the CRTC's review to come up with
a transparent, consistently-applied framework that would benefit Canadians in
a predictable way?"
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Teamstears Canada: Announcement - forced to serve 72 hour strike notice on CPRail.
OTTAWA - The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Maintenance of Way Employees Division (TCRC MWED) announced May 12, 2007, they have been forced to serve 72 hour strike notice on CPRail.
The TCRC MWED represents approximately 3200 employees who inspect, maintain and build the track, bridges and structures on CPRail. Their current collective agreement expired on December 31, 2006. The parties have been bargaining since July, 2006.
The national strike is scheduled to begin at 11:59 pm (23:59) MST on Tuesday May 15, 2007.
William Brehl, President of the TCRC MWED said,
"This is a sad day for the company and for the country. The Union has done everything that it reasonably could to avoid a strike, but it takes both parties to want a negotiated settlement. Now the company has forced us to go on strike, which will be devastating to the Canadian economy."
Wages, benefits, seniority, work rules, safety, quality of life and other issues have polarized the parties.
In light of the rash of train accidents and recent derailments, some involving dangerous commodities and loss of life, Brehl is worried for the public safety if CPRail thoughtlessly continues to try to run trains over track that has not been properly inspected or maintained.
"Everyday a trained and qualified TCRC MWED member finds a defect that has the potential for disaster. We fix or protect these defects to insure that the right-of- way is safe. All of us are extremely worried about unskilled, unqualified and inexperienced personnel out trying to perform these dangerous and necessary tasks."
Part of the requirement necessary for a Track Inspection Qualification is one year minimum, working on the track itself. The TCRC MWED has over 1200 licensed and qualified track inspectors in their 3200 members at CPRail. The replacement workers will have around 150, who will come from the front line supervisor ranks. The rest of the replacement workers will be taken from management desk or sedentary jobs, who have never worked on the track previously.
"We have always wanted a negotiated settlement. We have bargained in good faith and expected the company to do the same. We have been reasonable and have hit a brick wall. For example, we are asking for a 4% wage increase for 2007. The company is standing firm at 3%. The national average presently for wage increases on contracts settled in 2007, is at 3.4% and rising. CPRail is making huge, above average profits, yet they offer below average wage increases. And they want us to make massive concessions in seniority, work rules and our health and welfare benefits just to receive the sub standard wage increases that they put on the table." states Brehl.
No further talks are scheduled, though the Union has been very clear that they would be more than willing to resume productive discussions.
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TD-Canada Trust employees keep their union
SUDBURY - United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser announced Thursday that members of USW Local 2020 at several TD-Canada Trust branches in Sudbury have voted overwhelmingly to remain in the union.
The vote followed an attempt by a small minority to have the union
decertified.
"This means the union can get back to its real job of negotiating a
collective agreement on behalf of these workers, who have been very patient as
this process has played itself out," said Fraser, who praised the majority of
members for sticking together "for the benefit of everyone in the bargaining
unit.
"The decision by the 103 members of Local 2020 to defend their union is
another victory in a string of decisions, including last fall's dismissal by
the Canada Industrial Relations Board of the bank's appeal to have the 2005
certification overturned."
USW International President Leo W. Gerard said the vote is good news for
the union as a whole.
"Sudbury is a union town," said Gerard. "This decision proves that,
unlike communities where there is less union density, in Sudbury people
understand the value of representation. Bogus arguments against that value
will always be exposed here for what it is - lies and deliberate
misconceptions.
"I am proud of my sisters and brothers in Local 2020. They have set a
great example for other workers seeking to have their rights respected."
USW Sudbury Staff Representative Jim Kmit added, "I look forward to
returning to the bargaining table as soon as possible. The important thing is
for members to stand as one and to take that message to the bank.
"We will soon contact the bank's bargaining committee to set up dates to
continue negotiations for a second contract."
The TD-Canada Trust employees in Sudbury are among more than 1,000 USW
members in banks, VISA centres and credit unions across Canada.
The USW represents more than 280,000 men and women working in every
sector of Canada's economy.
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Steelworkers condemn shooting death of Chilean forest workers
TORONTO - United Steelworkers' (USW) Canadian National Director Ken Neumann said Thursday a settlement reached between 8,000 striking Chilean forest industry workers and the country's largest industry employer, Arauco y Constitucisn SA, is a "bittersweet victory" for Chile's struggling workers.
On May 3, Chilean police shot and killed 26-year-old Rodrigo Cisternas
outside the Celulosa Arauco pulp mill in Los Horcones, Arauco province.
Several other workers were hospitalized from gunshot wounds. One striker lost
an eye.
"We congratulate our brothers and sisters in Chile for sticking together
to force Arauco to reach a settlement," said Neumann. "At the same time we in
Canada mourn the death of Rodrigo Cisternas and have joined them in requesting
that the Chilean government bring those responsible to justice."
The National Confederation of Forest Workers of Chile (CTF), which has
long-standing fraternal relations with the USW's Wood Council, was a major
protagonist in uniting sawmill workers, loggers, truckers and silviculture
workers in the fight for better wages and working conditions. The workers
initially struck the company for three days in March. Following failed
negotiations, workers struck for a second time, beginning on April 30.
The company, its 87 contractors and union officials, reached an agreement
that will see workers paid increases of 65 thousand pesos per month (about
$125 US), based on a 45-hour regular work week. Low wages force many to work
more than 60-70 hours per week. The lowest paid workers will see increases of
over 40 per cent while the average wage increase is about 20 per cent.
Last week, Neumann sent letters of protest to Chilean President Michelle
Bachelet, condemning the actions of Chilean police and calling for an
independent investigation. He also urged president Bachelet to "examine and
reform Chile's regressive and archaic labour code to provide protections for
workers during labour disputes."
Neumann also wrote company president Alberto Etchegary, urging him to
bring "an orderly and peaceful settlement to this dispute..."
USW International President Leo W. Gerard sent protest letters to the
Chilean president, terming the attacks causing death and injury as "completely
unwarranted" and symptomatic of a labour law system where employers have
little incentive to bargain a fair resolution to a dispute. Gerard also sent a
protest letter to the company president.
The USW represents more than 280,000 Canadian men and women working in
every sector of the economy, including more than 45,000 forest industry
workers.
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Workers march to protest massive job loss in Ingersoll-Woodstock, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Oakville.
TORONTO - Each day, 150 manufacturing jobs are lost across the country. This massive economic drain has translated to more than 250,000 lost jobs in less than five years. News of service industry job creation and a high dollar hide the reality that Canada's manufacturing base is deteriorating, taking with it valued employment for thousands of Canadians. Manufacturing must be recognized as an important part of local economies and for future development - it's time for a change of political direction to reclaim jobs and the future of our economy.
The event is part of an on-going campaign by labour councils, unions and
coalition groups across the country to draw public attention to the
large-scale job loss and the impact it's having on our lives and our
communities.
Workers, community members, retired workers, families
across southern Ontario are marching in protest of manufacturing job loss and governmental indifference:
INGERSOLL:
Thursday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m.
CAW Local 88, 364 Victoria St., marching to Woodstock
(Refreshments and BBQ provided by CAW Local 636)
KITCHENER:
Thursday, May 10 at 3:00 p.m.
Gate No.1 Kitchener Frame (Formerly Budd Automotive) at
1011 Homer Watson Blvd. marching to the closed BF Goodrich Tire
Plant
OAKVILLE:
Friday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m. Dundas Street & Vega Blvd. (Just east of HWY 403 on Dundas Street, Oakville) Marching East on Dundas Street to Erindale Park then bused to Scarborough Town Centre (La-Z-Boy parking lot) and march towards the Collins & Aikman plant scheduled to close in July.
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Steelworkers 'wait and see' on proposed buyout of IPSCO by Swedish Steelmaker SSAB
BURNABY, BC - May 3, 2007 announced US $7.7-billion purchase of IPSCO Inc. by Swedish Steelmaker SSAB Svenskt Stal marks another point in the United Steelworkers' growing concern about the rapid globalization of the steel industry.
USW Western Canada Director Steve Hunt said, "As in any take-over
situation we are concerned about maintaining employment levels by enhancing
value-added operations in Canada. Our union is currently assessing SSAB to
learn more about how it operates, about its labour relations record, and its
record on the environment."
The USW has expected an announcement about IPSCO ever since company
President and CEO David Sutherland said that the company was open for offers
Hunt said.
Mike Park USW staff representative for more than 800 members of local
5890 who work at IPSCO Regina's operations, said "members are waiting to see
how a buyout will shake out. We just don't know if this deal will go through
or if there will be further bids on IPSCO from companies elsewhere," he says.
"Our members know that they work in very efficient and profitable operations
and feel confident their plants will compete and remain open, no matter what
happens."
USW Local 6673 has 240 members at the IPSCO pipe mill in Calgary which
manufactures tubing for Alberta's booming oil and gas sector.
"Our members put out the best products on the market," said USW area
supervisor Keith Turcotte. "They have worked to make the plant one of the most
efficient found anywhere, so there should be no surprises for them if any new
buyer operates in a straight-up fashion."
Until recently IPSCO was a Regina-based company. Now headquartered in
Lisle, Illinois, it has 14 operations in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
and Ontario and 14 operations in the United States. Workers at three US
operations are also members of the USW.
The Steelworkers have 280,000 members working in all sectors of the
Canadian economy. The USW is North America's largest industrial union with
over 850,000 active members.
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Steelworkers end occupation of Hamilton Specialty Bar 0930 May 3
HAMILTON - A plant occupation at Hamilton Specialty Bar (HSB) has begun by members of the United Steelworkers' (USW) Local 4752 and their supporters, following the company's move to end about 500 retirees' medical and dental coverage as of Friday (May 4).
Local 4752 President Bill Baker said attempts to meet with the company to
discuss the move were rejected. The plant is scheduled to close on May 29.
"Our members, retirees and families have had enough," said Baker. "We
have fought so hard to keep jobs and benefits and a way of life in this
community and now the company is targeting the most vulnerable among us, the
retirees. This occupation is an expression of our frustration and our anger at
the way this company has treated all of us."
As the occupation was taking place, USW Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne
Fraser was on the steps of Queen's Park in support of the NDP's proposed Jobs
Protection Act.
"The occupation by HSB employees is another expression of the effect of
government inaction and the loss of 250,000 manufacturing jobs in this
province," said Fraser. "Workers across Ontario are angrier by the day as each
week tallies up another list of plant closures. Who is going to purchase all
the offshore goods in this country if nobody had a job? It has simply got to
stop."
Baker said workers want the company to reinstate benefits to retirees
and, in advance of the plant closure, to immediately provide workers with
outstanding vacation pay and other monies owing.
"We do not trust this company," Baker said. "We would not put it past
them to padlock the gates and disappear before the closing date."
As of 9:30 a.m.,there are about 200 people outside the plant at 319
Sherman Ave. North, and about 30 local union members inside.
Second release on the same subject
HAMILTON, ON, May 3 /CNW/ - A plant occupation at Hamilton Specialty Bar
(HSB) by members of the United Steelworkers' (USW) Local 4752 has ended after
the company agreed to the union's terms for ending the sit-in, including
reinstating retirees' benefits and providing active employees with vacation
pay and unpaid wages in advance of the plant's scheduled shutdown on May 29.
Workers will also be paid lost time for Thursday.
"The settlement to end the occupation is the least HSB could do as they
prepare to abandon the plant and the community of 320 workers that have
depended on good-paying jobs at the plant once known as Slater Steel," said
USW Ontario Director Wayne Fraser. "Retirees who joined us outside the
occupied plant on Thursday remain uncertain about their futures beyond
May 29th and many were on the verge of tears.
"The people who inhabit the towers of Bay Street have no idea of the
suffering their faceless corporate decisions have on working people and their
families. 250,000 jobs have been lost in Ontario over the last four years. And
the McGuinty government has sat back and twiddled its thumbs."
McGuinty, in Hamilton for a public relations event at Henderson General
Hospital, was hand-delivered an invitation to visit the HSB site and talk to
workers.
"He refused," said Fraser. "For our members and retirees, it is a painful
reminder that this provincial government does not care about working people in
Ontario."
Fraser, along with Ontario Federation of Labour President Wayne Samuelson
and others, addressed a crowd outside the occupied plant under a corporate
banner that read, "Hamilton Specialty Bar, A New Beginning".
"It may have been a new beginning when HSB took over from Slater in
2004," said Fraser. "But it's the same old ending when the company decides to
cut and run."
Fraser thanked the hundreds of union members and others who came to the
Sherman Avenue North plant to lend their support.
"That means a lot and was influential in getting the company to come to
an agreement," he said.
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Toronto Star Union questions decisions and executive compensation - suggests shareholders do the same at TORSTAR Annual General Meeting
TORONTO - Tomorrow morning, representatives of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP, Canada's Largest Media Union) will be distributing information to shareholders which suggest that TORSTAR is making unwise business decisions and paying excessive executive compensation. The Union is angry that TORSTAR executives, in particular CEO Robert Pritchard, continue to see their compensation rise to stratospheric heights, while the share price and profits continue to decline, in turn causing layoffs. The Union also questions the decisions to go heavily into debt to invest in the competition, with no current prospect for any return on that investment.
"We will not accept Torstar forcing its employees and shareholders to
bear the brunt of these bad decisions," said CEP Local 87-M (SONG) President
Brad Honywill. "The employees do not reap windfall improvements in wages and
benefits because of big profit gains and, conversely, these debts should not
be repaid on our backs."
CEP local 87-M represents over 1500 Torstar employees at various
publications throughout Southern Ontario, including the Toronto Star, Hamilton
Spectator, and the Record of Waterloo Region. CEP represents over 15000 media
workers nationwide.
A copy of the information follows.
<<
EXECUTIVE PAY GOES UP AS SHARES GO DOWN
>>
Torstar Corp. the parent company of the Toronto Star, holds its annual
meeting today. As employees we'd like some commitments from the managers who
run the company.
As unionized employees, our future rests with the good health of the
newspaper. Many of us are shareholders as well - so we hold a double stake.
But our interest as employees is greater, because unlike our shareholdings,
with our jobs we can't easily sell up and move on.
We understand that the newspaper faces some difficult conditions. We're
more than happy to work toward resolving them. But we have some questions
about management's commitment to the paper.
Torstar has more than doubled its long term debt in the past year, to
$724 million. A major reason for the increase was Torstar's decision to buy 20
per cent of CTVglobemedia Inc. Higher debt means higher interest payments. How
does Torstar expect to make those payments? Not from its newly acquired stake
in CTVglobemedia.
On the contrary, the company states in its annual report that "this
interest expense will be funded by Torstar's other operations, as there
currently is no expectation of cash distribution from CTVgm."
In other words, Torstar loads up on debt for an investment that's not
expected to yield a cash return - and the Toronto Star helps carry the load.
As employees and shareholders, we question why Torstar bleeds money from
the Toronto Star, its flagship publication, for a passive investment in other
media outlets that aren't yielding a return. Even more troubling: Why is
Toronto Star cash subsidizing an investment in a newspaper and television
network that competes directly with the Star for Toronto readers and
advertisers?
The Star has insisted over the years that it needs healthy profits to
support its editorial principles. We agree. That's why we question why, in a
fiercely competitive market, we're being asked to subsidize an investment in
our own competition. We don't see the logic.
On the revenue side, at a time when the Star should be working to
increase revenue, management continues to insist on using a computer billing
system that has taken over 10 years and untold millions of dollars to
implement. The system continues to be plagued with bugs and the cost to
productivity and revenue is mounting. LiveDeal.ca, the online classified
system that was introduced over a year ago, is just one more example of a good
idea gone bad - revenues on this system last year were approximately one third
of the revenues generated from the old online model.
With a significant overhaul of the newspaper only weeks away, we think
Torstar owes its employees - and its readers - a clear commitment that it will
nurture the Star's strength. And it owes its employees and readers an explicit
promise that the newspaper will not be bled dry to fund investments in media
that do not share the Star's editorial principles.
We also question how Torstar's senior managers are being rewarded for
their performance.
It takes 18 pages of Torstar's annual information circular to explain how
Torstar's top dogs get paid. They receive an alphabet soup of incentives: they
get S-TIPS, M--TIPS and L-TIPS. They get PSUs, DSUs and RSUs. They have their
own pension plan, bolstered by a supplementary pension plan. And while we mere
mortals are credited for one year of service for each year of employment,
Robert Prichard gets a year and a half of pension credits for each year he
spends on the job. And many of TORSTAR's newest employees get no pension at
all.
While we're on the subject of Prichard's pay, we note that it increased
last year by $61,775 - bringing his base pay to $830,525. That's before his
bonus of $648,768, as Torstar's share price continued to sag. And there's
$786,047 worth of shares given to him this year. How much did your pay rise
last year?
We think it's time for investors and employees to get more clarity in how
and why Torstar's managers are paid for their performance.
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CAW and Alcan Reach Tentative Agreement in Kitimat
KITIMAT, BC - CAW Local 2301 and Alcan in Kitimat B.C. have reached a tentative agreement on behalf of 1300 production and maintenance workers on a transition collective agreement.
The new agreement is structured for the modernization of the aging 55
year old Kitimat aluminum smelter. The agreement will ensure labour stability
during the lengthy construction period expected to be concluded by 2011. The
modernization project will ensure the long-term future and stability for the
community and CAW Local 2301 members.
Along with setting the stage for investment, the agreement establishes
gains on key issues such as wages, benefits, quality of work life issues, job
security, health benefits for current and future retirees, and transition
issues in the momentous potential change from old to new technology.
Ratification vote meetings are scheduled for Wednesday May 2 at the
Riverlodge Recreation Centre at 7:00am, 3:00pm, and 7:00pm. Results will be
released at approximately 10:00pm. Wednesday May 2.
Detailed information on the tentative agreement will be made available on
the Local 2301 web site at www.caw2301.ca as it becomes available.
CAW Local 2301 represents production workers at the Kitimat Smelter and
Kemano Power Generating Facility. The aluminum smelter is located in Kitimat,
660 kilometres from Vancouver on the northwest coast of British Columbia and
the Kemano power plant is 75 kilometers from Kitimat.
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Steelworkers and IOC - Recognition of Seniority, a Five-year Contract and a $3.00-an-hour Raise
SEPT-ILES, QC - Of the 286 Steelworkers (members of Local 9344) who work at IOC's Sept-Iles facility, 67% voted at midday today to accept management's most recent offer. The five-year collective agreement includes wage increases totaling $3.00 per hour with the indexing formula factored in. "We owe this success to our members, who have shown tenacity and solidarity during this process. They had no qualms about going on strike for a second time in three years. Nonetheless, the employer must quickly improve the job atmosphere and labour relations," declared Réal Valiquette, coordinator of the United Steelworkers (USW)/Syndicat des Métallos (FTQ) union for the North Shore, and Gilles Ayotte, labour representative.
A Pension Benefit of $3,000 Monthly
The offer also includes a $5,000 signing bonus as well as enhancements to
the group insurance and pension plans. Any employee with 30 years of service
will, in 2012, be entitled to a guaranteed minimum pension payout of $3,000
monthly.
Recognition of Seniority
Other agreements, favouring seniority on transfers within the same
occupation for job postings, were also reached. "As stated by our union
representatives, the company will now have to focus seriously on labour
relations. We negotiated and accepted a new collective agreement in good
faith. We are entitled to expect a better job atmosphere. It's not right that
we had to walk out twice in three years," added Robert Bellevance, President
of Local 9344.
At the end of this employment contract's term, the average hourly rate
will be $32.30.
It should be kept in mind that, on March 5 and 6, an overwhelming
majority - 96% - of the Steelworkers belonging to Local 9344 had rejected
management's then-most-recent offers. As a federally-governed union, they
called a strike on March 19. Meanwhile, their fellow union members at Local
5795 in Labrador City had voted 98.5% for a strike mandate at a meeting held
on March 1st. The strike was launched on March 9, with a 93% vote in favour of
it. Of these workers, 60% accepted management's most recent offer.
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Message From the President of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Concerning the Accidental Death of CPRail Locomotive Engineer Lonnie Plasko
OTTAWA - "We are all shocked and saddened by the accidental death of our Union Brother Lonnie Plasko, who did not survive a tragic train derailment in Trail, B.C. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Plasko family during this time, as well as our Brothers who were injured in this tragic accident, said Daniel J. Shewchuk, President of Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC)."
At this time the Union will not be making any further detailed statements on the accident or any of the circumstances surrounding it, as there is a full investigation presently being conducted. Our concern right now is ensuring that the Plasko family and the remainder of the local Union members are cared for and supported in every way possible. Our hearts go out to them all, and we are once again reminded that the lives of the workers in the rail industry and their families can very quickly be changed forever.
"We thank the media in advance for respecting the need of the affected family members for privacy in this time of sorrow and the great anxiety felt by all workers."
The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference represents more than 10 000 members in the rail industry. TCRC is affiliated with Teamsters Canada and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
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Day of Mourning: Steelworker leaders at rallies, memorials across Canada
TORONTO - At the end of a week in which two high-profile workplace deaths included a Toronto Transit Commission worker and an engineer on a runaway train in BC, national and international leaders of the United Steelworkers (USW) are taking part in events across Canada commemorating workers killed because of their work.
"This internationally-recognized Day of Mourning is a solemn time for
members of our union," said USW National Director Ken Neumann, who will speak
to a noon rally on Friday (April 27) at downtown Toronto's Larry Sefton Park,
just behind city hall.
"The park has a lot of meaning for Steelworkers because Larry Sefton was
a Steelworker leader during the union's formative years until shortly before
his death in 1973," said Neumann. "He was a champion of safe and healthy
workplaces and it is always fitting to hold Day of Mourning events at the park
named after him."
USW Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser, who will be at the
Steelworkers Hall in Kingston, ON, on Saturday morning (April 28 8:30 a.m.),
said the struggle to save lives at work is ongoing.
"You don't always hear every gruesome story," he said. "But, as long as
employers continue to cut corners, and as long as corporate interests override
the interests of working people, the slaughter will continue."
USW Western Canada Director Steve Hunt will take part in a Friday morning
ceremony (10 a.m.) at the Sanctuary in Hastings Park, Vancouver. Saturday will
find Hunt in Kimberley, BC, where four workers, two contractors and two
paramedics, were killed nearly a year ago in a dark, airless shed at the
decommissioned Sullivan Mine.
"That incident, and the fact that in 2005 43 forestry workers were killed
on the job over less than a one-year period, is proof that deregulation and
contracting out are dangerous, even deadly, practices," said Hunt. "Our union
will not stop putting pressure on governments and employers until workers'
lives are no longer deemed expendable."
USW International President Leo W. Gerard will be at two Day of Mourning
events on Saturday. First, Gerard will join Steelworkers and other union
members in Sudbury at 9 a.m., followed at 3 p.m. in Elliot Lake, where a
workers' memorial will be unveiled. The memorial contains the names of
hundreds of miners killed over the history of mines in the area.
Lynn Williams, Order of Canada recipient and retired USW International
President, will also be at the Elliot Lake ceremony, along with
singer/songwriter Rita McNeil.
"These are important events for every worker," said Gerard. "As leaders
in a union like the Steelworkers, we must never let our guard down when it
comes to health and safety. While we mourn for those who have been killed as a
result of injury or illness, we must always fight for the living."
Around the world, annual job-related deaths are said to be in the range
of 1.9 - 2.3 million.
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Artists call on Liberals to keep promise
Status of the Artist Act needs fundamental changes, says ACTRA
TORONTO - ACTRA Toronto President, Karl Pruner, called on the Ontario Liberal government to keep its promise to artists by adopting meaningful amendments to the badly flawed Status Of Ontario Artists Act.
Pruner presenting at the Ontario Budget hearings was speaking to The
Status of the Ontario Artist Act which was introduced on March 22, 2007, as
Schedule 39 of the Budget.
"This Act, as presented, gets a failing grade," said Pruner. "After years
of hard work by the Culture Minister's own sub-committee on Status of the
Artist, all this empty Act contains is a weekend to celebrate artists."
Artists are among the most underpaid workers in our economy and they are
without many of the protections and benefits that other workers rely on. In
the 2003 election the Liberals promised to bring in Status of the Artist
legislation to address these concerns. The Act, as presented, acknowledges the
substantial contribution of artists to the economic and social well being of
the province but fails to provide any solutions to the challenges they face.
It fails to include any of the Culture Minister's own sub-committee's
recommendations on Status.
"This is a sorry attempt by the government to check something off their
to-do list before the next election. This is not a promise kept. This Act
needs fundamental changes," stated Pruner.
ACTRA along with many other arts organizations is calling for legislative
amendments that include protections for children, income averaging, access to
training funds, housing support and a process to improve the collective
bargaining process for artists.
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CAW Takes Earth Day Message to Schools from Coast to Coast
TORONTO - Canadian Auto Workers' union environmental
activists will talk to elementary and secondary school students from coast to
coast about the causes, effects and solutions to climate change as part of its
annual Earth Day program.
Throughout a five week period centred around Earth Day on April 22, CAW
representatives will visit thousands of students and their teachers to help
identify the steps students can take to build healthy communities for
themselves and future generations.
While further educating youth about the crucial goal of maintaining a
clean environment, CAW activists will discuss the need for cleaner, greener,
sustainable jobs with an emphasis on the threat of increased global warming.
In Ontario the CAW sponsors the program in partnership with the Workers'
Health & Safety Centre. This is the eighth year the CAW has offered the
program to students across Canada. Last year the program reached more than
82,000 students from coast to coast in 730 schools.
Media are invited to contact the CAW to arrange to hear this important
presentation at a local school.
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Steelworkers and Amicus take first steps towards global super-union
Merger exploration group to create 3.4 million member Trans-Atlantic
union
OTTAWA - The United Steelworkers (USW), together with Amicus and the Transportation & General Workers Union (T&GWU) of the United Kingdom, announced April 18, 2007 a formal process to prepare the ground for the creation of the first Trans-Atlantic trade union.
At a ceremony held in Ottawa at the USW's Canadian National Policy
Congress, representatives of the three unions signed an accord to set up a
merger exploration committee which will be tasked with laying down a
foundation for a legal merger within one year.
The new union would represent more than 3.4 million members in the US,
Canada, UK and Ireland. It would be the world's biggest union and would be
expected to attract other union organizations throughout the world into
membership.
During the exploration process, the unions will engage in coordinated
campaigning and common approaches to collective bargaining with multinational
companies.
This agreement follows a strategic alliance signed between Amicus and the
USW two years ago. Amicus and the T&GWU will join together as one union with
two million members after May 1, 2007. The new union, based in London, will be
called "Unite".
Statements were issued after a press call and signing of the 'Ottawa
Accord' by USW President Leo W. Gerard and Derek Simpson, General Secretary
for Amicus, as follows:
Amicus, General Secretary, Derek Simpson said,
"One of the main reasons for the merger between Amicus and the T&GWU was
our desire to create an international trade union that would be able to deal
with multinational companies on an equal footing. Coming as it does hot on the
heels of our mergers, today's announcement demonstrates the resonance that the
idea of a global super union has. "Multinational companies are pushing down
wages and conditions for workers the world over by playing one national
workforce off against another. The only beneficiaries of globalization are the
exploiters of working people and the only way working people can resist this
is to band together.
"I hope today's announcements marks the beginning of the creation of a
formidable international trade union organization."
USW International President Leo W. Gerard said,
"Workers in this new century need a trans-Atlantic union to tame the
exploitation of global corporations, international banks and world trade
organizations.
"The time for global unionism has arrived. We need cross-border
organizing strategies to protect workers against the mobility of capital that
knows no borders. Workers want their unions to develop labor contracts that
encompass global employers. We must meet the challenge and defend human rights
standards for all.
"USW members in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean Basin know the
benefits of international unionism and are ready to commit support to today's
announcement for exploring the first trans-Atlantic union for workers in two
continents."
T&GWU General Secretary, Tony Woodley, said:
"This is an historic step for global trade unionism, and will help
working people to look even the biggest employer in the eye. Closer working
and agreement with North American trade unionists forms a crucial part of our
global organizing agenda, designed to stop bosses playing off workers in one
country against those in another."
Ken Neumann, USW National Director for Canada, said the document signed
at the National Policy Conference was a historic moment for the 600 delegates
representing USW members across Canada.
"It is important for our members to be able to participate in the signing
of a document that will affect their future as workers in a global economy.
"Our union has never been satisfied with limiting our reach exclusively
to Canada. And we are more than an international union. We are a global
network of workers and their organizations."
The 'Ottawa Accord' signed by the three unions was titled: "Exploring a
Global Union for the 21st Century."
The Accord stated: "Amicus-T&G and the USW firmly believe that over the
coming years only through greater international solidarity and cooperation can
we as a trade union movement, effectively represent the interests of our
members against the threats posed by global capital."
It committed the North American and UK unions to:
<><
Creation of a Merger Exploration Committee of five principals from each union to study the legal framework constitutions rules and structures of the current unions during the next months to suggest a framework for a formal merger A regular exchange between senior officers to take place every quarter to monitor and develop areas of joint work and to find ways of integrating common programs to enhance the understanding and culture of the unions Provide materials and financial resources for joint international solidarity projects that might include support of Columbia s trade union movement in the face of continued attacks and human rights capacity building projects with partner unions in Africa solidarity work with the ship breakers of India and joint exploration of transnational corporations in China Development of common approaches to collective bargaining in sectors and multinational companies where our joint membership work Engage in regular participation in each union s educational and political conferences and activities>>
The full 'Ottawa Accord' signed by the USW, Amicus and the T&GWU, plus
details of the announcement creating a formal Merger Exploration Committee are
available by accessing www.usw.org or www.amicustheunion.org.
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United Steelworkers National Policy Conference
OTTAWA - Developing a Workers First Agenda locally, nationally and internationally is the goal of the United Steelworkers (USW) 50th National Policy Conference in Ottawa starting Tuesday at the Westin Hotel, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa. The conference runs from April 17 - 19.
Among the featured guest speakers at the conference will be Derek
Simpson, general secretary of Amicus, the largest manufacturing union in
Britain. Simpson's attendance will include a phone-in news conference on
Wednesday, April 18, with USW International President Leo W. Gerard. Gerard is
scheduled to speak to Policy Conference delegates just prior to the news
event, which starts at noon in the Westin Hotel, Quebec Room.
Another international guest at the conference is Mexican labour leader
Napoleon Gomez, exiled in Canada since the Mexican government had him
unlawfully removed from his position as president of the mining and
metalworkers union. On Wednesday, April 11, a federal court in Mexico City
ordered the government to officially recognize Gomez and remove the man the
Labour Secretariat installed in his place last year.
About 700 delegates and guests from across Canada, the US, Britain and
South America are expected at the three-day event at the Westin Hotel, Ottawa.
On Thursday, April 19, the union will hold a demonstration on Parliament
Hill, calling on the government to act to save manufacturing jobs, 250,000 of
which have been lost in the last five years. The demonstration follows an
exchange between delegates and labour critics from the three opposition
parties. The Conservative government was invited but turned down the request
to attend.
Jobs are also on the agenda earlier in the week with a Tuesday morning
panel that includes economist Arthur Donner and Cec Makowski, Ontario regional
vice-president of the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers (CEP) union. The
USW and CEP have collaborated on a campaign to save forest-sector jobs in one
of the hardest hit regions, Northern Ontario.
The Environment is on the agenda with Dave Foster, executive director of
the US-based Blue-Green Alliance, on a panel Tuesday afternoon (April 17).
Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton is scheduled to speak to delegates at
9 a.m. Wednesday (April 18) and Canadian Labour Congress President Ken
Georgetti will speak at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
USW National Director Ken Neumann will give his keynote address on Tuesday morning.
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USW and AMICUS Set to Make Historic Announcement regarding the development of a "truly global union".
Top Industrial Unions in North America and U.K. to Pursue Global
Solidarity
OTTAWA - United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W Gerard and Amicus General Secretary Derek Simpson, will hold a news Conference, Wednesday April 18 at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa Canada.
Because of the reported success of the strategic alliances between the USW and Amicus the group has reaffirmed both unions commitment to greater international solidarity and cooperation to better represent workers against the threats posed by global capital.
The new agreement is to be signed at the Wednesday event and will be the first step in establishing a truly global union, said the poorly submitted correspondence from Amicus.
Amicus is finalizing a merger with the Transport and General Workers in the U K to be called Unite and will represent million members. The USW represents members in the U S and Canada.
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United Steelworkers National Policy Conference - April 17 - 19
WORKERS FIRST April to Westin Ottawa Colonel By Drive Ottawa Ballroom Conference Office Conference Phone
OTTAWA - Developing a Workers First Agenda locally, nationally and internationally is the goal of the United Steelworkers (USW) 50th National Policy Conference in Ottawa, April 17 - 19 at the Westin Hotel, 11 Colonel By Drive.
Among the featured guest speakers at the conference will be Derek
Simpson, general secretary of Amicus, the largest manufacturing union in
Britain. Simpson's attendance will include a phone-in news conference on
Wednesday, April 18, with USW International President Leo W. Gerard. Gerard is
scheduled to speak to Policy Conference delegates just prior to the news
event, which starts at noon in the Westin Hotel, Quebec Room.
Another international guest at the conference is Mexican labour leader
Napoleon Gomez, exiled in Canada since the Mexican government had him
unlawfully removed from his position as president of the mining and
metalworkers union. On Wednesday, April 11, a federal court in Mexico City
ordered the government to officially recognize Gomez and remove the man the
Labour Secretariat installed in his place last year.
About 700 delegates and guests from across Canada, the US, Britain and
South America are expected at the three-day event at the Westin Hotel, Ottawa.
On Thursday, April 19, the union will hold a demonstration on Parliament
Hill, calling on the government to act to save manufacturing jobs, 250,000 of
which have been lost in the last five years. The demonstration follows an
exchange between delegates and labour critics from the three opposition
parties. The Conservative government was invited but turned down the request
to attend.
Jobs are also on the agenda earlier in the week with a Tuesday morning
panel that includes economist Arthur Donner and Cec Makowski, Ontario regional
vice-president of the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers (CEP) union. The
USW and CEP have collaborated on a campaign to save forest-sector jobs in one
of the hardest hit regions, Northern Ontario.
The Environment is on the agenda with Dave Foster, executive director of
the US-based Blue-Green Alliance, on a panel Tuesday afternoon (April 17).
Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton is scheduled to speak to delegates at
9 a.m. Wednesday (April 18) and Canadian Labour Congress President Ken
Georgetti will speak at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
USW National Director Ken Neumann will give his keynote address on
Tuesday morning.
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CAW Council Opens Friday April 13 in Port Elgin, Ontario
TORONTO - More than 800 delegates from coast to coast will gather for CAW Council, the union's Parliament, at the CAW Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario Friday, April 13 to 15. Delegates will hear from guest speakers and discuss and debate a host of issues facing the union's 265,000 members, including the crisis hitting hard at Canada's manufacturing sector.
CAW President Buzz Hargrove will give the opening address at
approximately 9:15 a.m. Friday, April 13th. Also, on Friday at approximately
11:30 a.m. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is scheduled to be a guest speaker.
At approximately 2:00 p.m. the same day, Steve Mahoney chair of the Ontario
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board will speak to the delegates.
On Saturday, April 14th at approximately 3:30 p.m. Phil Fontaine, the
National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, will speak on the Assembly of
First Nations campaign to Make Poverty History for First Nations.
Media are welcome to attend.
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Labourers' union strikes back at CAW leaders in ad campaign and website aimed at Autoworkers members
TORONTO - The 30,000-member Toronto based Local 183 of the Labourers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) has publicly appealed to the membership of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) to tell the auto union's leaders to "back off" from their attempted raid on the construction union.
"We respect your union. Tell your leaders to respect ours," is the main
message in full-page ads placed today in three daily newspapers in Southern
Ontario, all in regions where significant numbers of CAW members live. The ads
outline the sordid background to the CAW's support of former Local 183
officers who were removed from office last year. Readers are directed to a
special website - BuzzOffTony.com - to learn the whole story. The ad can be
seen online at www.buzzofftony.com/Files/Image/pdf/LIUNA-CAW_AD.pdf
In February, the CAW advanced one million dollars to the newly-created
Canadian Construction Workers Union (CCWU) led by deposed Local 183 Business
Manager Antonio ("Tony") Dionisio. The CCWU used the money to hire other
former Local 183 officers and staff who began attempts to raid their former
union. After two months of effort, they have persuaded only one group of eight
(8) Local 183 members to move to their CAW-funded union. Even that
certification is on hold as the Ontario Labour Relations Board has only given
the CCWU conditional status as a legitimate trade union.
"The Autoworkers' leadership, especially Buzz Hargrove, have somehow lost
their minds," says Joseph Mancinelli, LIUNA's Director for Central and Eastern
Canada.
"They attacked our union without the slightest provocation or rationale.
They allied themselves with people who for years betrayed the trust of their
own members in an astonishing number of ways. With all the challenges now
facing the CAW in the auto industry, it is incredible that they would spend so
much of their members' money trying to destroy another union in an entirely
different industry, one in which they have zero experience."
"A million CAW dollars and what have they gained? Eight new members,
maybe."
Mancinelli says that three years of independent investigations and
hearings, including numerous decisions of Ontario courts and the Labour
Relations Board "prove beyond any doubt, except to the willfully blind," that
Dionisio and his ruling circle in Local 183 were guilty of numerous unethical
practices that severely violated Canadian trade union values.
"They exploited undocumented workers. Benefits and pension credits were
stolen. Union members and staff were covertly spied on. Collective agreements
were forged. Millions of dollars were misallocated. All of this and more has
been proven. We don't believe rank and file CAW members would agree with
Hargrove that their money should go to support such people."
The ads appeared in the Toronto Sun, St. Catharines Standard and
Kitchener-Waterloo's Record. The Windsor Star originally accepted the ad but
on late Wednesday refused to run it due to its "controversial" nature.
Mancinelli says that the union will gauge reaction to the ads from CAW
and other union members before deciding on further forays into the public
arena.
"We hope Hargrove comes to his senses," said Mancinelli. "But if he
doesn't, he will see that this is not a one-shot organization. LIUNA has been
around for more than a hundred years. We know how to defend ourselves."
To view the advertisement, go to www.buzzofftony.com/files/Image/pdf/LIUNA-CAW_AD.pdf.
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Sudden closure of Genfast Manufacturing outrageous say Steelworkers
HAMILTON - Thursday's closure of Genfast Manufacturing Company in Brantford is a terrible and unnecessary blow to the 210 people who are losing their jobs when the doors got locked April 5.
"No severance, no termination pay, no job - it all adds up to robbing
workers' futures," said United Steelworkers' (USW) Area Coordinator Tony
DePaulo. "This company was once the pride of Brantford. It was company of the
year in 2000. Then it was bought by a carpetbagging Michigan company,
MNP Corporation, who sucked the life out of Genfast and let it slide into
receivership in order to shut it down and concentrate production of automotive
fasteners to the US."
USW Ontario Director Wayne Fraser said the Genfast closure is
"inexcusable".
"Manufacturing in this province is having the life kicked out of it,"
said Fraser. "And the worst part is that it doesn't have to happen. Where is
the Liberal government? It gives itself huge pay increases and does nothing to
protect the livelihood of ordinary citizens who work for companies that have
no allegiance to communities or the future."
DePaulo added, "If the effort had been made, a buyer might have been
found and workers and pensioners would not have been hurt."
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Steelworkers call on Goodyear to live up to agreement and preserve jobs
TORONTO - United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser says Goodyear Canada Inc. and any successor owner of the company's Engineered Products Division (EPD) must live up to the spirit of the agreement reached in January to maintain plant security.
"We expect the company to maintain production at all its Ontario plants
and warehouses," said Fraser. "We will fight back against any attempt to
destroy Canadian jobs.
"Our members spent three months on the picket to protect jobs in an
industry critical to their communities. The USW is committed to the principle
negotiated with Goodyear. We want any new company to sit down with the union
and ensure a strong future for our members and their communities."
In 2006, North-America-wide negotiations included a three-month strike
that began on Oct. 5. About 15,000 USW members in 16 plants throughout North
America returned to work at the beginning of January. In Canada, plants
affected were in Owen Sound, Collingwood and Toronto.
The USW represents more than 850,000 members in the US and Canada. Some
70,000 are employed in the tire, rubber and plastics industry.
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Steelworkers demand governments live up to commitment to keep railcar production in Nova Scotia
TRENTON, NS - United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser said Wednesday that the announced closure by Greenbrier Companies of its Trenton Works railcar facility in Trenton, NS, must be met with action by all levels of government to maintain production and prevent the plant from closing.
"It has been just over two weeks since a contract settlement was reached
with the company and we received a commitment from municipal, provincial and
federal governments to keep Trenton Works a going concern," said Fraser. "The
owners based in Oregon barely know where Trenton is. It's up to politicians
who are truly connected to this community to step up to the plate and save
jobs."
Fraser said workers are used to the cyclical nature of the railcar
business, "but this community has nevertheless depended on Trenton Works as
one of its most important employers for decades. With the recent losses in
mining and steel-making, Nova Scotia cannot afford a further loss of economic
activity. It amounts to a Depression for a province that in the past has been
more resource and industrial-based.
"It is up to government to act on behalf of citizens who elected them to
prevent a further decline."
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Striking Steelworkers accuse Iron Ore Company of Canada of abandoning negotiations
LABRADOR CITY, NL - United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser has accused Rio Tinto-owned Iron Ore Company of Canada of wasting the union's time and putting further hardship on workers by walking away from negotiations on Tuesday and making misleading statements to the media.
"This company is playing fast and loose with the truth and putting our
members' future livelihood at risk," said Fraser. "There has been no change
from the union's side in terms of the issues that still need to be addressed
through negotiations. For the company to simply walk away shows remarkable
disrespect to both the process and, more importantly, to the employees, who do
not take the decision to be on strike lightly."
Fraser said the two sides are not far apart, as long as the company
commits to staying at the bargaining table and working on the issues, which
include recognition of seniority, ensuring that employees' benefits are not
capped and providing parity with other iron ore producers like Quebec Cartier
Mining.
"It isn't too much to ask to have IOC commit to contract language things
its negotiators have verbally committed to doing," said USW Local 5795
President George Kean. "If someone else is pulling the strings, then they
should be at the table. It's impossible to negotiate with a phantom,
especially one that keeps on vanishing when things get serious.
"This fight is about recognizing the intrinsic value our members bring to
this operation. 2005 and 2006 broke all production records and our members
gave the company the biggest profit in its history."
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Extendicare Talks Break Off, CAW Information Picket in Toronto Wednesday, April 4
TORONTO - After six days of intense bargaining, contract talks between the CAW bargaining committee and Extendicare Nursing homes broke off Monday night.
Five CAW locals - 302, 2458, 1120, 504 and 830 - represent 1,200 members
at 10 Extendicare Nursing homes in the Sault Ste. Marie, Oakville, London,
Windsor, Ottawa and Kingston areas.
The two sides remain far apart on key items including staffing and
workplace issues such as health and safety and equity provisions for workers.
In response, CAW negotiators are planning an information picket outside
Extendicare headquarters in Toronto starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4
at 3000 Steeles Ave. E. located at the north east corner of Woodbine Avenue
and Steeles.
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Solidarity won the day: Steelworkers ratify agreement with CVRD-Inco
SUDBURY - United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser said Tuesday the quick end to a strike by 330 members of USW Local 2020 was the result of strong solidarity among members of Local 2020 itself and USW Local 6500, production and maintenance workers at CVRD-Inco.
Late Monday Local 2020 members, CVRD-Inco's office and technical staff
ratified a new, three-year collective agreement with the company, ending a
strike that began midnight Saturday.
"The support offered by Local 6500 and their refusal to cross picket
lines was key to ending this dispute quickly," said Fraser. "It is proof that
preparation and solidarity work in a cynical age when employers think they can
continue operating while trying to force workers to accept inferior
conditions."
"It took a strike, but we look forward to a good working relationship
with CVRD-Inco," said USW Area Coordinator Dan O'Reilly. "At the same time,
the company should never underestimate the power of solidarity."
The agreement provides wage increases of 2.75 per cent in year one,
followed by annual increases of 2.5 and 2.25 per cent, along with enhanced
profit-sharing and improved benefits and a $4,000 signing bonus. A new
maternity leave provision allows workers to earn 90 per cent of their regular
pay and continued profit-sharing for the first 17 weeks of leave.
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Former Neelon Castings heading for China: Where is the Government? Steelworkers ask
SUDBURY - Once considered one of Sudbury's major employers, the former Neelon Castings, now Affinia Canada Corp., says it is pulling up stakes in June and moving production to China, putting 220 members of the United Steelworkers (USW) out of work.
USW Ontario Director Wayne Fraser said the impact of the closure on the
community will be severe.
"Where is the Minister of Northern Development on this?" asked Fraser.
"Rick Bartolucci is the Liberal MPP for Sudbury and has not stepped forward to
try and stop this job-killing move."
Fraser said the company has no commitment to the community or to the
workers, many of whom have worked at the plant for decades.
"It's time governments at all levels stepped in to stop these
carpetbaggers from taking over viable enterprises that pay decent wages, only
to disappear at the drop of a hat. It's a disgrace. And it has to stop."
Affinia Canada Corp. is part of auto parts giant Affinia Group Inc., the
162nd largest private company in the US, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The USW represents more than 280,000 men and women working in every
sector of Canada's economy.
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CAW 'Manufacturing Matters' Campaign Arrives in Toronto, Tuesday
TORONTO - Canada's manufacturing sector is in crisis. Across Canada, almost every other week another plant shuts its doors, files for bankruptcy or announces its intention to move operations out of the country. Good manufacturing jobs are disappearing at an alarming rate and with them go opportunities for future generations and vibrant communities. To Canadians, good jobs matter - manufacturing matters. <<
What: CAW leadership meeting about the loss of manufacturing jobs in
the Toronto area
When: 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Where: CAW Local 112 Hall, 30 Tangiers Road, Toronto
Who: CAW Local and National Leadership - Media Welcome
In response, the Canadian Auto Workers union is launching the campaign
'Manufacturing Matters,' highlighting the sweeping job losses, exploring the
impact they have had on our communities and what we can do as citizens.
Media are welcome to attend. In attendance will be local and national CAW
leadership as well as workers affected by lay-offs and job loss in the region.
Some facts to consider:
- In the last four and half years, the Greater Toronto Area has lost
21 per cent of its manufacturing jobs -a total of 104,600 jobs have
disappeared from the region.
- This is the most incurred by any Canadian city, translating to
$5,300,000,000 in lost wages from the local economy each year.
- Major plant closures and permanent lay-offs have become regular
occurrences affecting large employers like Labatt Breweries,
Tenatronics Ltd., Schneider Electric, Humpty Dumpty and many others.
- Manufacturing in the Toronto region is very diverse and accounts for
more than 20 per cent of the local economy, with a total of 400,000
workers.
>>
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Teamsters Canada: Rail Service in Jeopardy
OTTAWA - Talks ended Friday, March 30, in the dispute between the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference- Maintenance of Way Employees Division (TCRC MWED) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) without an agreement being reached. No further dates have been set for bargaining.
The parties had been negotiating since July, 2006 and were also involved in Federal Mediation and Conciliation which ended April 1, 2007. Their last collective agreement expired on December 31, 2006.
The Union could be in strike position as early as April 25th, 2007.
The TCRC MWED represents over 3,000 hard working men and women employed in the CPR's maintenance of way department. These are the people who build, inspect and maintain the tracks, bridges and structures for the safe operation of trains and rail traffic.
The main areas of contention are compensation, seniority, safety, equity and quality of life issues.
CPR has advertised record profits over the past years, with 2006 as the highest in their history. The maintenance of way employees are among the lowest paid in the company.
"We are committed to bargaining a fair and equitable contract and have been trying to do just that. But it takes the desire of both parties to achieve a negotiated settlement." said William Brehl, President of the TCRC MWED. "We do not want a strike, we want an agreement. A fair agreement."
"However we are also concerned that the company will attempt to keep up its high speed and high volume rail traffic in the event of a legal work stoppage, endangering the lives and properties of thousands of Canadians. In light of all the derailments reported in the media and the damage and danger they represent, we are praying that the CPR does not try to run its regular complement of trains without a full and properly trained workforce to protect them.
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CAW 'Manufacturing Matters' Campaign Arrives in London, Sunday
LONDON - Canada's manufacturing sector is in crisis. Across Canada, almost every other week another plant shuts its doors, files for bankruptcy or announces its intention to move operations out of the country. Good manufacturing jobs are disappearing at an alarming rate and with them go opportunities for future generations and vibrant communities. To Canadians, good jobs matter - manufacturing matters.
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What: CAW local leadership meeting about the loss of manufacturing jobs
in the London, St. Thomas, Woodstock area
When: 10:00 a.m. - Sunday, April 1, 2007
Where: CAW Local 27 hall, 606 First Street, London
Who: CAW Local and National Leadership - Media Welcome
In response, the Canadian Auto Workers union is launching the
'Manufacturing Matters' campaign, highlighting the sweeping job losses,
exploring the impact they have had on our communities and what we can do as
citizens.
Media are welcome to attend. In attendance will be local and national CAW
leadership as well as workers affected by lay-offs and job loss in the region.
Some facts to consider:
- Since 2002, more than 1,300 manufacturing jobs have disappeared
from the London region, which means a loss of $67,000,000 from the
local economy each year.
- Manufacturing in London accounts for 39,800 workers or 16 per cent
of the entire workforce, creating $14 billion in economic
activity.
- For every bit of good news, there is more bad news like major
plant closures and permanent layoffs across the London, Woodstock,
St. Thomas, Tillsonburg region affecting large employers like
International Truck, Imperial Tobacco, Deere & Company and many
others.
- From 2002 to 2006, Ontario alone lost a startling 171,600 jobs.
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Organizations make election plans to oppose Security and Prosperity Partnership
OTTAWA - Canadian civil society groups concerned about the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico are holding a press conference March 30, 2007 outlining key problems with the current corporate push for so-called "deeper integration."
The Council of Canadians, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), the
Parkland Institute and the Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations
(CAIR-CAN) are concerned that the SPP will have harmful effects on democracy,
job security, natural resources and the environment, and minority rights in
Canada and throughout North America.
In opposition to the SPP, the groups are demanding that the Canadian
government:
- Abolish the North American Competitiveness Council, the corporate advisory body driving the SPP process
- Develop a concrete plan to protect the environment, energy and water in
Canada
- Ensure that civil liberties and rights are not compromised under the
pretext of the U.S.-led war on terror
- Make job security and higher standards of living for workers in Canada
a priority
- Submit the SPP to legislative review and meaningful consultation with the public
The organizations say they will make the SPP an election issue. They will
be joining many others this weekend in Ottawa at the first civil society
gathering on the SPP- a weekend teach-in organized by the Council of
Canadians, the Canadian Labour Congress and the Canadian Centre for Policy
Alternatives.
"The SPP has allowed large corporations to impose their agenda on the
rest of us," says Maude Barlow, national chairperson of the Council of
Canadians. "Over the next few days, civil society groups, academics and
activists will gather in Ottawa to share our concerns and discuss strategies
to ensure that our voices are heard during the next election and at the next
SPP leaders' summit that will bring U.S. President George Bush and Mexican
President Felipe Calderon to Canada in August."
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Exchange Business CommunicationsCopyright 2007- 08
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