Fall 2002
CAW Women's Conference,
"CAW Women Mobilizing, Organizing From the Workplace to the Bargaining Table and Beyond"
The CAW's largest conference held August 25-28, 2002 was a smashing success with the majority of attendees being first time delegates. The new and innovative courses reflecting the Health Care sector were well attended and appreciated. The conference opened with greetings from Julie White, Director, Women's Programs, followed by a state of the union address by Peggy Nash, Assistant to the President. The evening's keynote speaker Nancy Riche recently retired from the Canadian Labour Congress as Secretary-Treasurer regaled the sisters with Herstory, from her beginnings as a union activist fighting for pay equity, to her rise through the CLC. Nancy's commitment to equity, her candour and humour were tremendously inspiring to all of the delegates.
Pottery, creative writing, and photo-graphy cultural classes, all new this year, were well attended by delegates on Monday evening. On Tuesday evening, delegates were treated to an historical overview of the CAW by former CAW President Bob White. He spoke of the historic GM strike that began the formation of our present union, to the building of the CAW Education Centre, to the union's commitment to bringing women into national leadership roles. Bob's frankness about the struggles forming the CAW was immensely appreciated by both new and experienced delegates.
Judy Rebick, well known feminist and author was Wednesday morning's closing speaker. Judy presented delegates an enthusiastic feminist blueprint for the future, citing many of the changes that the Left and progressive groups need to undertake to keep moving forward into the future. She spoke passionately of how politicians, and governments should begin recognizing the changes being demanded by young people today. That the demands for protecting our education and healthcare systems be heard, and begin focussing on Canadians, not multi-national interests. Delegates left the conference on an energized and affirmative note as reflected by the evaluations. Women went home feeling empowered and ready to get involved, in the words of one sister, "No knowledge, No voice!"
On December 6th women unite to end violence against women
December 6th the nationally recognized day of commemoration and action to end violence against women. This year marks the 13th anniversary of the 1989 Montreal massacre of fourteen young women, mostly engineering students, at the Poly-technique. Each year there is increasing awareness of the scope of this urgent social problem. However in spite of education campaigns, the epidemic of violence against women continues across our country.
Last year the CAW embarked on a renewed campaign to again raise the issue of violence against women. In a ceremony at the Family Education Centre in remembrance of the fourteen women killed in 1989 in Montreal, we dedicated a bronze sculpture along with an eternal flame to serve as a reminder to all who visit the Centre of this horrific event and to perpetuate our union's ongoing commitment to end the violence in our homes, in our communities and in our workplaces. The plaque has the following inscription:
December 6th
National Day of Commemoration and Action to End Violence Against Women
To our Daughters:
"We pledge we will work to transform our world so that neither your dreams, nor your lives, are cut short by violence.
On behalf of all CAW members, we dedicate this Eternal Flame in the spirit of our daughters in the belief that we can create a more just and humane world."
Despite the work of our union, allies and community partners the murders of women by their husbands or ex husbands is on the rise. In September of 2002, Statistics Canada homicide figures show an increase between 2000 and 2001, especially in Ontario, a tragic irony because it has been in Ontario that we have had two major inquests into the murder-suicides of women in recent years releasing 271 recommendations for change to prevent such deaths. These recommendations were largely ignored with only a recent allocation of funding for one-time, short term projects, over a three-year period, not nearly enough to make a dent in the pervasive and ongoing killing of women.
On December 6th as CAW activists, we must work with our community allies to push governments at all levels to take violence against women more seriously and make and honest commitment to implement substantive recommendations of recent inquests. These include increased funding to shelters and women's advocacy programs, increasing social assistance rates and housing options for women, and legal support for women in the justice system.
Now that we have shattered the silence about violence against women, the challenge is to create the economic and social conditions that make it possible for women to escape violence and live in safety and security.
As a CAW activist you can continue to make a difference on December 6th - organize a community forum - show the CAW video "For Our Daughters For Ourselves" at a membership meeting - invite a speaker from a local shelter - Write a letter to the editor, lobby your federal, provincial and municipal politicians demanding a solution to the eradication of violence against women.
December 6th BUTTONS WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE! Order forms will be sent to your local unions by early November. Please begin planning your Dec. 6th events and get involved in community events, call your local women's shelter for information.
If your local or women's committee is planning an event please let us know so that we may include your event on the CAW web page.
A resolution on Violence Against Women was unanimously adopted at the 2002 Collective Bargaining Conference. The resolution is available at your local union hall or by e-mailing women@caw.ca
URGENT APPEAL - JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO END DEATH BY STONING SENTENCES! IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO SAVE AMINA LAWAL FROM DEATH BY STONING!
Back in October 2001, 35-year old Safiya Hussaini was sentenced to death by stoning for allegedly committing adultery. International outcry led by Amnesty International helped save her life: she was acquitted on technical grounds by an appeal court. Now 30-year old Amina Lawal faces the same death sentence. Amina was sentenced to death by stoning by a Regional Court in Katsina State, Nigeria, for having a child outside marriage. Her sentence was announced in March 2002, 3days before Safiya's acquittal.
Amnesty International, the Human Rights Watch, The World Organization Against Torture and the European Parliament have all condemned Safyia's and Amina's sentences and issued an urgent appeal calling on the Nigerian Government to put an end to this type of inhumane and degrading sentences. At this stage, it is of crucial importance to encourage the Nigerian Government to do the right thing: to end inhumane and cruel sentences and ensure human rights for all Nigerians. Take action now! You can sign an open letter to the President of Nigeria. Visit the campaign resource section to find contact details including e-mail addresses for the Nigeria Government and practical information on how to can take action. http://www.mertonai.org/amina/amina.asp
New Women Activists Program Launched!
The new one-week Women Activists program was officially launched October 20-25, 2002 at the CAW Family Education Centre. It brought together 20 women participants from different workplaces, sectors and experiences for a week of skills building, organizing and strategizing, all with a feminist twist.
The new and exciting program builds on the foundation of our past program but at the same time meets the current needs of CAW women with skills, knowledge and practical strategies to organize around equality issues, a program that moves women to action to make real change in their workplaces, locals and communities. We know that when women's voices are part of the debate something different happens. Women bring a different voice to the union, different experiences and different solutions.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Comments from 2002 Women Activists graduates:
"The most important thing I learned this week was the value of an ally, and the power of a united front." "This week was truly empowering! I cannot expect to do everything on my own, know your allies. As women in the union we have power in our Solidarity. We can do anything!! "Your vision of this course is right on track! We will see you soon'...you'll be hearing from me...or should I say about me! Thanks again!!!"
POEM TO MY "SISTERS"
Today we stand strong and tall,
We as women, will not fall.
Sisters we are and unite together,
We will fight for our rights forever.
Times have changed, and we are here,
To stick together and have no fear.
Solidarity is a precious word,
That we as "sisters" all have heard.
So now we part, till next time we meet,
The time together, I will treasure and keep.
You are my sister, united we stand,
Forever in my heart, I will hold your hand.
Women Activists Grad
Women Activists Pilot Program, October 2002
CAW Family Education Centre, Port Elgin, Ontario
CAW Women's Tool Kit
The Women's Tool Kit was launched at this year's Women's Conference. This action- oriented kit is both a practical and handy resource for use by CAW women in their local unions. Some of the topics include: forming a Women's Committee in your local union, How to Get Elected, Education Programs, CAW Policy Statements, Workplace Safety Audit, Collective Agreement Equity Audit, Useful Acronyms. The kit may be ordered from the national office at women@caw.ca .
CAW Family Auxiliary Conference
The 2002 CAW Family Auxiliary was held October 15-18, 2002. Delegates from Auxiliaries 27 (Oshawa), 312 (Woodstock), 321 (Brantford) and 598 (Sudbury) joined together at the Family Education Centre in Port Elgin. The theme of this year's conference was "Women Defending National Health Care".
The conference began with a review of the CAW Task Force on Working Class Politics focussing on CAW campaigns and the recommendations flowing from that report. Auxiliaries shared with each other the campaigns they had organized and what strategies they had used to mount an effective campaign. The remainder of the conference was spent on looking at the attack on public health care and delegates shared how the erosion was affecting them on a personal level. Many of the women told the realities of growing up as children without public health care, and were ready to return to their communities to join in the fight along with community partners to defend it.
Sister Nancy McMurphy, President of CAW Local 302, and Sister Judy McLachlan, Chairperson Local 302 RPN committee, told the realities of working in an underfunded health care system and the stresses our members face in the workplace due to those cuts. Judy shared a poem she wrote on Nurses Day to remind her of her commitment to her profession.
"In this 'client' focussed world
Let us not forget
what it means
to hold a hand
to lend an ear
to dry a tear
to be a nurse."
One participant commented "I for one am committed to protecting our national health care before all I could do was talk about the cuts on a personal level - now I am equipped with facts, stats and information to join in the fight - action is needed by all - if we are to stop the privatization of our hospitals."
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Sister Anne Davidson President of CAW Local 2002, NEB member, recently elected to the Women's Committee of International Transport Federation.
Sister Dorothea Hughes first woman elected to the Executive Board of CAW Local 200. Also, Sister April McLellan reelected to shift steward for her second term at Ford Engine Plant, Windsor. Both notable milestones for women at Local 200 and within our union.
Kudos to Sister Kathie Fowlie and the CAW Eastern Women's Network for their dedication and devotion to the Durham Community. The YWCA recently showered the Network with praise for two events they held for women and children living in crisis and without their own home. The 4th annual picnic and an outing at Windreach Farm provided a blast for children and their mothers who enjoyed activities including crafts, games and a scavenger hunt to name a few.
"The CAW Eastern Women's Network is truly a dedicated and devoted group of women who work hard on their own time to bring joy and happiness into the lives of women and children. These are only two examples of how the CAW Eastern's Network has supported the YWCA of Durham's work with the women and children using our services. Words alone cannot say how appreciative the YWCA of Durham has been for their support. We can only say "Thanks" and we know they truly make a difference in the lives of the women and children we serve."
Big 3 Negotiating Committees for improved family initiatives:
Child Care Benefit:
- fees reduced by up to $12 per-day subsidy
- up to $2,400 per year, per child
- available for children 8 and under
- all licensed non profit care eligible
- existing CAW centres to continue
Parental and Adoption Benefits:
- Top up of EI benefits to 65% of weekly pay during Parental and Adoption leaves has been improved by extending the benefit period from 10 weeks to 35 weeks.
Violence Against Women:
- White Ribbon Day, December 6th one-minute workplace shutdown where feasible, increasing joint recognition of violence against women
Tuition
- Tuition assistance for dependent children
- Increase in tuition refund for dependent children from $800 to $1300 annually.
Bargaining Breakthrough - We have been successful for the first time in bargaining a Women's Advocate position for the Fire/Security Unit at Daimler Chrysler in Windsor. This unit has approximately 20 women out of 90 members. This advocate will work on an "as needed" basis to help women in her unit with problems dealing with violence, family counselling, financial difficulties and will assist getting her help for addictions. This is a real breakthrough for women who work in security units. Well done!!!
Just the Facts...The Union Advantage
Women Need Unions!
Statistics Canada Annual Labour Day "Fact Sheet on Unionization" reported that during the first half of 2002 :
Union membership grew to 3.9 million - the union density rate rose to 30.3% (from 30.0%) because union membership grew faster than paid employment.
Women accounted for almost all the increase in union membership, rising to 30.2% of all female employees and for the first time matching men (30.3% of male employees are unionized). Only 13.1% of women in the private sector are unionized (22.6% of men) reflecting women's predominance in the largely unorganized sales and service occupations. Most unionized women work in the public sector.
Unionization rates among part time workers remained unchanged at 23.3%, although unionized part-time employees averaged hourly earnings of $17.31/hr compared to $10.60/hr of non-union employees, and benefit coverage for union workers e.g. extended health, dental and life/ disability were nearly double of those of non-union workers (80% versus 40%).
The union advantage in pension plan coverage was even higher (80% vs 27%).
Speaking of Web Pages...
The CAW Women's page is presently being redesigned and is under construction, so, here are some other web sites you might find interesting...
www.womenshealth.ca Women's Health Matters
www.cbcn.ca Canadian Breast Cancer Network
www.wuhi.org Women's Universal Health Initiative
www.shelternet.ca shelters across the country
www.unpac.ca Women& Economy
www.rabble.ca progressive Canadian journalism
www.imfmetal.org/women women section of the International Metalworkers Federation
www.childcareontario.org affordable, high quality, child care
www.law-lib.utoronto.ca/diana/mainpage.htm
Women's Human Rights Resources (WHRR) a database organized around 26 topics.
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
205 Placer Court
Toronto, ON M2H 3H9
or email us at women@caw.ca
or fax us at 416-495-6552
SISTERLINE can also be accessed through the CAW homepage, http://www.caw.ca/whatwedo/women/index.asp
