Fall 2005

FREEDOM & EQUALITY FOR WOMEN
DECEMBER 6TH-MARCH 8TH

On December 6 each year, Canadians remember the 14 women who were violently murdered at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989. Each year, the CAW pledges to continue its work of eliminating violence against women whenever it occurs. Every year, CAW members demand government action to stop the violence at work, in homes and in society.

Building on the momentum of the successful 15 Days-15 Ways Campaign last year, the CAW in conjunction with the Canadian Labour Congress is organizing a national campaign beginning on December 6th this year. The campaign will carry through to March 8, 2006, International Women's Day.

Women's committees and women's networks are organizing community events and workplace actions by distributing thousands of postcards across the country at union events, meetings, conferences, schools and workplaces.

Julie White, CAW Director, Women's Programs, said "It's an important campaign and the CAW has a goal of signing 60,000 postcards over the four months. The postcards will identify core funding for women's services and organizations, as well as pay equity and child care issues that all play a major role in increasing women's vulnerability." The cards will be presented to federal politicians at an event organized on March 8th International Women's Day.

The postcards should be collected and sent back in bulk to CAW-Canada, 205 Placer Court, Toronto, Ontario, M2H 3H9, Attention: Julie White, Women's Department, no later than February 28, 2006.

For more information on the December 6th campaign or to order the postcards, bookmarks and December 6th commemorative pins visit the CAW website at www.caw.ca\women or e-mail women@caw.ca

"OH ETERNAL FLAME"
Kelly Wolff, Local 1285

Dedicated to the women who have lost their lives to violence. Inspired by the flame that forever glows so brightly.

In the gentleness of the night
The cold crisp air a reminder
Will there ever be peace and tranquility?
A life violent free

Your spirit dances in darkness
Silently reaches out,
To the memory of all who've been claimed
For the families left crying,
From this needless act of shame.
Oh Eternal Flame.

Beat by silent beat,
I can see their faces,
Images pounded in my mind,
14 women shot down, December 1989.

They were sisters of life
Someone who cared
A daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife
A life like yours, a life like mine
Celebrations ended before their time.
Oh Eternal Flame.

Their gentle souls whispering
Sooth my troubled soul
Release ached by stifled ache; this clenched fist,
Bound within my chest.
Sisters, are you at rest?

The start of it was slight
The end of it was strong
He said that it was right,
I knew that it was wrong.
Oh Eternal Flame.
Drop by silent drop
Tears lost in the rain
God forgive me, he is undeserving of a name.

Eyes as cold as icicles
His motives sharp as spears.
He positioned his gun; strategic targets
He took them one by one.
Oh Eternal Flame.

Tomorrow is the hope for more
Tomorrow, another day.
Sister's spread your wings, take flight
I'll join you, fight for fight.

We must be strong and carry on
With our lives the best we can

The ones who are lost forever
Insist we take a stand.

Don't let another woman die today.
Oh Eternal Flame.

SANDRA SCHOTT-CAW LOCAL 636

On October 27th in Ingersoll Ontario in a wooded area on a road that intersects with her home. Sandra Schott 32, mother of Nicolas 2, Alyssa 4 and Derek 11 was found dead in a burned out car by police. The case of the death was characterized by the OPP as a murder-suicide.

Sandra was a member of CAW Local 636 and worked at Woodingford Lodge in Ingersoll Ontario.

As recently as three weeks before her murder, police had been called to Sandra's home and escorted her husband off the property. Then on October 27th at 6 am the OPP received a call that began a massive search looking for Sandra and her husband using helicopters, cruisers and officers on foot in what they called a "serious domestic situation".

Members of CAW Local 636 are in shock and disbelief and are struggling to deal with the preventable death of their co worker and friend Sandra Schott.

Unfortunately again, action came too late for Sister Schott, her three children, her friends and family. It is yet another stark reminder that women in Canada are not only dying at the hands of men but also at the hands of governments who continue to provide inadequate protection and resources for women facing violence in their lives.

The outrage by both women and men in our union was instant and swift after learning about Sister Schott's senseless and preventable death. The emails I received from members included feelings of anger, helplessness, frustration and sadness but at the same time they expressed a sense of obligation to redouble our efforts through political action.

Ross Gerrie- President of Local 636 and Brenda McLelland wrote an article on the murder of Sandra Schott -both Ross and Brenda have received numerous calls from members of the Woodstock community wanting to be part of the CAW December 6th campaign to end violence against women.

CAW Local 636 would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who send condolences to our Local during this very difficult time. It reinforces our belief that "An Injustice to One is an Injustice to All."

The following are a snapshot of emails received from our members after hearing about the murder of Sister Schott.

  • Words cannot express the anger and sadness that I feel. It seems that no matter how much we strive to make a difference, it doesn't seem to be enough. Sandra's death is senseless, but if we work harder in her memory, then at least she'll have women working on her behalf, and what a fitting memorial that would be.
  • It makes me very sad to hear about one of our sisters losing her life in violence. May our hopes and wishes of violence against women one day be eradicated. If you have any contact with the family, please send along my condolences.
  • Thank you for sending this email.....,I am sad but also more committed than ever to continue to fight!!!!
  • In our training as advocates we are told that the first six months of relationship dissolution are the most dangerous and we are trained to treat women in violent relationships as potential homicides. Sandra's death infuriates and saddens me. I wish I had been able to able to have the opportunity to speak with her prior to her death. Maybe I could have helped?
  • This workplace doesn't yet have a women's advocate. Maybe it will end when every single workplace with employees over 20 has a "Certified women's advocate" similar to the Health and Safety Rep...another one of my dreams.

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT MARCH

Many CAW women marched in Sisterhood with community partners in the 2005 annual Take Back the Night events held during the third week of September. Women marched to "Reclaim the Night" a symbolic gesture to demand violence-free streets, homes and workplaces with a goal of zero tolerance for violence against women.

CAW WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
AUGUST 21-24, 2005

This year's conference entitled 'Commit an Act of Democracy - Fighting for our Future' brought together 240 delegates, 22 teens, 46 children from across the country to the CAW Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario August 21-24. The Women's Conference continues to attract growing numbers of women and children each year.

The conference opened with a visual display of women from across the country over the last year at picket lines, community events, workplace actions, conferences, forums and women's programs. A visual herstory of how CAW women have changed our workplaces, our union and our communities. We encouraged delegates to examine pictures of women posted around the main assembly hall in "Acts of Democracy" and asked them to reflect on how those small acts add up to big change for women every day.

Sister Nash was the key note speaker and reflected on the tough challenges our members and the union have faced since the last women's conference. She outlined the collective bargaining strategies adopted by our leadership at the 2005 Collective Bargaining Conference and provided delegates with an insight into Big 3 negotiations.

Our teen program covered topics on substance and drug abuse, health and safety and self esteem. The teens organized a Sober Suds car wash, and raised $320 that was presented to SADD on behalf of the 2005 Women's Conference Teen Program.

Cynthia Dixon
Local 414 Mississauga ON

"What this conference did for me and the other women in my class was empowering. We were more educated on issues as women in society and it also taught us a lot of things that will benefit us in the future."

CAW "Fighting Back Makes a Difference."

On Day One-Fighting for Our Future

Delegates gained new information about pensions and

  • Reviewed the evolution on pensions and what it means to women
  • Examined why women have specific pension needs
  • Explored women's retirement needs and develop strategies to secure these needs
  • Joined the CAW fight back campaign for good public and employer funded- pensions

At the end of workshop on day one, delegates heard from Andrea Horwath Ontario NDP pension critic. Andrea expressed to delegates that it is critical women join the fight for better pensions at the provincial and federal level. She provided delegates with a pension petition calling on everyone to get involved in the fight to protect and enhance our public pensions.

On Day Two-Campaign Skills for Political Change

Delegates learned to

  • Develop and plan successful campaigns and negotiating strategies
  • Build support in the workplace and network with community coalitions
  • Develop creative ways to organize to make real change for women
  • Develop skills to deal with the media and learned the technique of an effective lobby

Following the workshops delegates heard from Sister Carol Phillips and Brazilian labour leader Emilia Valenta of CNM/CUT. Sister Valenta shared initiatives used in Brazil by her union. She credited education as the key weapon they are using in the fight for women's rights in Brazil. Emilia shared how all members are trained on gender issues at the floor level, and then develop tactics to take on tough issues such as violence against women.

Recording Our Herstory!

On Tuesday evening CAW delegates at the women's conference took time to honor Roxie Baker on our 20th Anniversary. Roxie was recognized by many that evening as one of the pioneers for women's rights in the CAW. Delegates were inspired by the role that Roxie played as President of CAW Local 1325, an activist and as the first women to be appointed to the National Executive Board.

In one sister's words,

CAW FAMILY AUXILIARY CONFERENCE

Twenty-four (24) delegates from Auxiliary 27 (Oshawa) and Auxiliary 321 (Brantford) joined together at the Family Education Centre in Port Elgin for their annual conference September 25-28.

The workshops covered many of the same issues we examined at the women's conference with some variation in the curriculum due to the fact that most of the delegates are currently retired. The striking difference between the two conferences is the number of auxiliary delegates who do not have a workplace pension. One woman shared with conference delegates that after 48 years of employment with three different employers, she retired without a workplace pension.

The three-day conference concluded with women more committed than ever to return to their communities and continue the important work of the Auxiliaries.

BUILDING WOMEN ACTIVISTS/WOMEN LEADERSHIP IN OUR UNION

The Women's Department delivered six Women's Programs since the last NEB meeting: 118 women participated in the Women's Activists/Leadership programs from many different workplaces and sectors.

Email sent by a participant after attending the Women's Activist the program...

"Hello, don't know if you remember me, but I was in the Women Activist class the week of September 25th. I wanted to thank you. Your class gave me the inspiration and courage to believe in myself...I actually ran for a position in the union (alternate benefits rep) and won the election by almost 300 votes. Your class was very inspiring and I don't think I would have run for this position if I hadn't taken your course.
Thanks again"

2006 WOMEN PROGRAM DATES

Women's Conference
August 27-30

Family Auxiliary Conference
September 24-27

Women Activist - Women Leadership
Spring March 12- 17
Summer August 20-25
Fall September 24-29
A Victory for Working Women but UI Reforms Still Needed

The Supreme Court has unanimously confirmed the constitutionality of the federal government's responsibility for parental benefits under unemployment insurance (EI). They did not accept a Quebec court ruling that would limit the federal government's role to providing benefits for "economic" layoffs. In the USA, UI can only be used for layoffs.

The new Québec Parental Insurance Plan is not affected. For women in the rest of Canada, it's critical that income replacement for parental leave remain under a national EI program with the same rules across the country.

Maternity benefits of 15 weeks were introduced in 1972. Parental benefits were added later and expanded in 2001 to one year. EI premiums cover the yearly $2.5 Billion cost of maternity and parental benefits.

The ruling states "the social nature of unemployment insurance requires that Parliament be able to adapt the Plan to the new realities of the workplace", adding more weight to our demands for improvements that reflect modern realities for working women. In February a Parliamentary Committee recommended changes including a benefit increase from the current 55% of earnings, and 360 hours of work to qualify for any type of benefit, anywhere in Canada.

REMEMBERING ROSA PARKS - 1913-2005
The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement

Rosa Parks was a 42 yr. old tailor's assistant at Montgomery Alabama department store when she was arrested and fined $10.00 plus $4.00 in court cost for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery city bus on Dec. 1/55. That triggered a 381 day boycott of the bus system led by Rev. Martin Luther King. One civil rights activist stated, "she sat down so we could all stand up".

Kudos to Jean Crowder for speaking up for Women's economic equality...................

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo-Cowichan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, since 1996, the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union has attempted to get Bell Canada to live up to its obligations to equal pay for work of equal value.

This case has been at the Human Rights Tribunal for almost 10 years and the hearing dates scheduled until 2009. Bell Canada has spent more than $35 million on a small army of lawyers to deny thousands of women working as telephone operator's money they are entitled to by law.

Bell's consistent attack on women's human rights proves yet again the need for proactive federal pay equity legislation. The labour, justice and status of women ministers are all on record referring to pay equity as a fundamental human right, yet there is still no legislation to protect workers.

BIG 3 BARGAINING GAINS 2005

  • New leadership training program
  • Investigator training for employment equity alternates
  • Dependent Scholarship Program

The amount of financial support provided to dependent children attending college or university has been increased to $1,500.00

Child care benefits

  • fees reduced by up to $12 per day subsidy
  • up to $2,400 per year per child
  • available for children 10 and under
  • all licensed non-profit care eligible:
    • full-time
    • part-time
    • group care
    • in-home care
    • before school care
    • after school care
    • existing CAW centres to continue

WOMEN'S COMMITTEE AND NETWORKS ON THE MOVE


CAW Local 2002 Women's Committee meet to develop a working plan for 2006

CAW Local 302 Women's Committee
At Local 302 we continue to work to advance Women's Issues in our Local. We represent over 7,000 Health Care workers of which 90% are women.

Please join with Local 302 and other London area locals at a vigil on December 6th, The National Day of Remembrance and Action to end violence against women. The memorial evening will begin at 6:30 P.M. Local 302 is located at 520 First St, Unit #13, London, ON

Guest speakers are: Julie White, CAW Director of Women's Programs, Rev. Susan Eagle and Sandy White representatives from London City Council.

Celebrate the Lives of Women, come and tell us how women may have changed your life, share the joy!!!

CAW Local 200 Women's Committee
Local 200 Women's Committee had their annual yard sale in August which they raised $11,000 and the proceeds went to "Run for the Cure". Team Captain Deb Logan said they won the "New Balance Women's Team Award".

CAW Local 195 Women's Committee
Local 195 Women's Committee are selling Rosie the Riveter t-shirts and the proceeds are going to the "House of Sophrosyn", a women's treatment facility.

CAW Local 229 Women's Committee
The Women's Committee of Local 229 (Thunder Bay) continues to advocate and support women's issue on all levels. On December 6th the National Day of Remembrance and Action to end violence against women we have many activities planned that will raise the awareness of violence against women in our workplaces, locals and communities.

We are presently in the initial stages of developing a support system for women and their families at our local office. We are setting up a small library with resources that will provide information on a broad range of topics, including information for women leaving abusive relationships.

The Women's Committee is also very active in the a provincial project relating to "Understaffing and Under Pressure" which reflects the crisis of our seniors, hospital patients and caregivers in our health system due to under funding and understaffing among other important initiatives in the Thunder Bay Community.

London Area Women's Network

On Saturday, Oct. 15, 2005 the CAW London and Area Women's Network held its annual Sisterhood Award Luncheon. This award is given to Sisters who by their activism have made a contribution to their workplace and their community by encouraging women and women's issues. While the contributions of CAW women are undeniable, they are rarely recognized for their deeds. The CAW London and Area Women's Network felt that it was time to push these special Sisters into the well-deserved spotlight! In the past we have honoured Sisters from Locals 27, 636, 4451 and 1520.

This year we honoured Sister Kim Yardy of Local 88. Kim has worked relentlessly to advance women, labour education and environmental issues.

In the community she serves on the Board of Directors of the Women's Employment Resource Centre, the Oxford Coalition for Social Justice and the Ontario Environment Council.

CAW WOMEN'S ADVOCATE

Sometimes only another woman can understand...

In 1993 negotiations, the CAW bargained with Chrysler, General Motors and Ford the recognition that women workers sometimes need to discuss with another woman matters such as violence, abuse at home or workplace harassment. Though negotiations, we have expanded the Women's Advocate program into every sector of our union.

The Women's Advocate is trained to listen and refer women to those specialized services in the community that will meet their needs.

For more information on the Women's Advocate program, visit www.caw.ca/women and click on Women's Advocate Program.

MUSA CAMPAIGN

McMaster University Staff Association (MUSA) members will hold a vote November 24th and 25th, to vote for a new union. This vote is in compliance with the transfer rules of the CLC. Four unions are on the ballot, hoping to receive the support of MUSA. CAW was endorsed by 2 levels of leadership and by the AGM as the best union for MUSA.


Irene Friend, CAW National Employment Equity Rep., Julie White, CAW Director, Women's Programs,
Mina Sarajcic, President MUSA,
Colette Hooson, CAW Organizer

MUSA invited all unions to meet their membership on October 17th. CAW received a splendid response from MUSA members that evening. MUSA has a membership of 2,200, 80 % of which are women. CAW sisters look forward to welcoming MUSA members into the CAW family.

MUSA & CAW, Stronger Together

A Message from Peggy Nash . . .

After many months of discussion and planning, our Big Three auto talks were completed this year in record time. I was thrilled to be part of the target company negotiations and believe that under the leadership of CAW President Buzz Hargrove and our big three chairs we were able to achieve solid agreements that met the objectives of our membership. We have ongoing turbulence in the auto sector for the foreseeable future.

I was part of a terrific CAW delegation to Mar del Plata Argentina for the Peoples Summit of the Americas, which is the alternative to the official Summit of the Americas, a meeting designed to extend free trade agreements throughout the hemisphere. Fortunately because of popular opposition, it looks like the agreement that George Bush wanted to impose on the Americas will not happen.

CAW - TCA CANADA : News

Events change daily but it looks as though we will be into an election sooner rather than later. This minority government has been one of the more successful in our history and we can only hope that after the next election there will still be a minority liberal government with a strong role for the NDP.

We are again heading into a very difficult time of year as we plan actions around December 6 to end violence against women. It's even tougher this year because of the recent murders of two women, one a CAW member, the other the daughter of a CAW member, both killed by their intimate partners who then committed suicide.

While the CAW has made huge advances over the last two decades to not only raise awareness on issues of violence against women, we have also made concrete changes in our collective agreements and community activities to make a difference in women's lives. But frankly our governments have not kept up, and it is as dangerous today for a woman to try to leave an abusive relationship as it was 20 years ago. This must change.

We need strong action from our governments to ensure that when women in abusive relationships finally try to get help from the justice system, they aren't kept waiting for months to get a peace bond or a restraining order. When men are likely to pose a serious threat they should not be treated lightly and released until they actually follow through on their threats. The blueprint for a safer community is all laid out in the Gillian Hadley inquest recommendations. Government action is long overdue.

THE PRICE OF SILENCE--Bishop Martin Niemoller

When they came for the poor and destitute
    I was silent because I was well-off
When they came for the homeless,
    I was silent because I had a home.
When they came for the unemployed,
    I was silent because I had a job.
When they came for the pensioners,
    I was silent because I had a good RRSP.
When they came for the sick and disabled,
    I was silent because I was healthy.
When they came for the immigrants,
    I was silent because I was born here.
When they came for the Aboriginal peoples,
    I was silent because I was Caucasians.
When they came for the students,
    I was silent because I had my degree.
When they came for the youth,
    I was silent because I was older.
When at last they came for me,
    No one was left to hear my cries

Breast Cancer Facts

  • Breast cancer was comparatively rare until the mid-20th century.
  • It is the major cancer afflicting women.
  • It is the most common cancer in most countries.
  • In the UK, it kills 1,000 women every month.
  • Breast cancer rates continue to rise. The chance of contracting the disease rose from 1 in 12 to 1 in 9 during the five years up to 2001
  • In any one year, the disease affects almost a quarter of a million women in the UK. Fewer than half the cases can be attributed to official risk factors-e.g., late onset of menopause, early onset of menarche, genetic predisposition, diet, late-age pregnancy.
  • Girls are reaching puberty earlier. Toxicologists believe this could be due to chemicals changing the body's hormonal balance. Earlier puberty is linked to breast cancer later in life.

NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK

We always need help pulling together Sisterline. If you would like to contribute ideas for future editions, please send your suggestions, articles, photographs, poetry, cartoons, questions, news bites, reports on events and happenings, etc to:

Sisterline
c/o Julie White, Director Women's Programs
CAW-Canada
140 Pine Valley Boulevard
London ON N6K 3X3

Or Email us at women@caw.ca
Or fax us at 519-649-7355

Until next time Sisters...