News & Events Archived Newsletters CONTACT 2007 April 20, 2007CAW Council April 13-15 Port Elgin
More than 800 delegates from coast to coast gathered for CAW Council, the union's Parliament, at the CAW Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario, April 13 to 15.
CAW President Buzz Hargrove welcomed delegates, giving a detailed speech which addressed at current economic, social and political issues affecting members, their families and communities.
Delegates discussed a wide variety of issues ranging from the manufacturing crisis to strategic voting to environmental issues affecting the auto industry.
Stop Manufacturing Job Loss, Hargrove Says
Workers around the country face growing job insecurity as lay offs, plant closures and shift reductions become increasingly common.
Hargrove called on members to support the Manufacturing Matters campaign, drawing public attention to the severe job loss in the manufacturing sector. "There is nothing more important to the overall economy than a strong manufacturing base - we need to keep pushing with this campaign."
Hargrove blasted the Harper government for failing to support workers and called for an end to the unfair trade in vehicles with Japan and Korea. He demanded that the federal government withdraw from current discussions on a free trade agreement with South Korea. If approved the agreement could lead to an estimated loss of $1 billion in the first year alone for Canadian producers, slashing away even more jobs.
Green technology and job creation
Four Canadian provinces - B.C., Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, have already brought forward stringent California-style vehicle emission standards, which will have disastrous consequences on Canadian industry.
Hargrove stressed that while the environment is important, new policies must consider the livelihood of Canadian workers and families. "For the first time in my lifetime, the government has released a budget that puts workers out of their jobs by encouraging people to buy imports," said Hargrove speaking about the Conservatives' recent federal budget.
"This budget has kicked the industry in the guts while it's down," said Hargrove, referring to the $1,000 - $4,000 in large vehicle taxes, which have disproportionately targeted General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler. "Last year the Big 3 collectively lost $15 billion and now the government is giving incentives to purchase imports that will put more of our members out of work."
The government must understand that job security and environmental policy can co-exist. Ideas like green technology investment incentives could fulfill the joint purpose of developing greater fuel efficiency while fostering economic growth. One example could be a green engine plant in Windsor to compensate for all the jobs lost, suggested Hargrove.
Hargrove called on members to renew the strategic voting policy for both the federal and the upcoming Ontario provincial election. He emphasized the need to prevent a second term re-election for the Harper government and the election of a Conservative government in Ontario.
Touching on a broad range of important issues, Hargrove applauded the recent worker-led Collins & Aikman occupation, affirming that regardless of economic status, employers cannot expect to walk away from obligations made to workers, such as severance pay and pensions.
Hargrove also discussed issues ranging from the need to pressure the government to fully fund VIA Rail, to opposing the federal government's Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which will lead to exploitation. Instead, he encouraged support for training programs for unemployed youth, especially First Nations youth who have a 70 per cent unemployment rate in certain areas of the country.
Hargrove discussed international issues including nuclear armament and the war in Afghanistan and called for a minute of silence for all those soldiers who have been needlessly killed and injured. While commending our troops' bravery he said the best way to support our troops is to get them out of Afghanistan.
Ontario Premier McGuinty Speaks to CAW Council
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty was a guest speaker at CAW Council. He stressed the important role the union has played in the life of the province.
McGuinty complimented the CAW for its work toward a fair provincial minimum wage, help for people on social assistance, WSIB benefits and increased funding for Medicare. "The CAW has always been a force for good across Canada and we are rolling in the same direction," McGuinty said of his government.
He spoke about the $500 million that went into the province's auto fund to help maintain and develop a strong industry in Ontario. He outlined concerns with manufacturing job loss and urged the federal government to take on the issue, especially in light of federal free trade negotiations with South Korea.
"If Korea wants access to our markets, then we should have equal access to theirs. Any free trade agreement must also be a fair trade agreement."
McGuinty stressed that there is no need to pick between the economy and the environment. He said his goal is for Ontario to produce the next generation of comfortable, environmentally clean cars - a goal that's good for the economy and jobs.
"Going green isn't necessarily about going small," McGuinty said in reference to vehicle production in Ontario.
Later, CAW president Buzz Hargrove said, 'We stand to lose 150,000 jobs in our auto industry as politicians try to 'out green' one another."
"Canada is only responsible for about two per cent of the world's total greenhouse gas production and shutting down the entire country would barely make an impact. The union is supportive of the Kyoto Accord as long as timetables are flexible enough for industries to meet them," Hargrove said.
Making Poverty History for First Nations
Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations spoke to CAW Council urging a call to action on the single most social injustice in Canada - First Nations poverty. No one has been able to articulate why there is such poverty; but this is an imposed poverty."
After the Harper government took office last year, it scrapped a $5.1-billion aboriginal spending plan, component of the Kelowna Accord, which promised to improve the social and economic conditions of Aboriginal people. Funding caps on First Nations programs and services over the last decade have made impoverished conditions much worse.
Fontaine said, "This is discrimination, and it's racist. We are held hostage and many First Nations people feel they are second class citizens in this country, our homeland. We have been denied the right to our land and traditional territories. We want to be as others are - independent and making a contribution to our society. We want to stand as equals."
Hargrove told Fontaine "I want to ensure you that we recognize that the Harper government chose to ignore the commitment made by the previous government of Canada on the Kelowna Accord. We want to join with the Assembly of First Nations to tell our government that this is unacceptable."
At the Council meeting, delegates passed a recommendation for CAW Skilled Trades members to work in solidarity with First Nations communities to help improve housing conditions. Another recommendation was passed calling on the Federal government to honour the Kelowna Accord.
The Assembly of First Nations represents more than 630 First Nations communities and some 756,000 First Nations people. These communities represent the youngest, fastest-growing segment of the Canadian population - more than half are under 23 years old.
There are 190 First Nations communities on boil-water advisories and there is a chronic housing shortage. The housing that's available is sub-standard and overcrowding is double the Canadian rate. Poverty among First Nations people remains appallingly high, both on and off reserve. This poverty is systemic and long-standing and requires concerted attention from all levels.
Jobs and Manufacturing on the Critical List
Canada's manufacturing sector is suffering from an accelerating loss of good jobs, plant closures and cutbacks that must become the focus of a national economic debate.
Carol Phillips, assistant to the CAW president, said the current crisis is not the result of a temporary economic downturn or cycle.
"This is about a fundamental shift in our economy - away from manufacturing," said Phillips. "Our union is demanding a national debate on the economic crisis our country is facing."
David Robertson, CAW director of work organization, said the union has launched a campaign to raise this issue onto the national agenda.
"We're in a crisis - everyday there is another plant closing," Robertson said. The haemorrhaging of good manufacturing jobs from all sectors is alarming. In the last 4.5 years Canada has lost 250,000 manufacturing jobs - or150 manufacturing jobs every day - and that rate is accelerating.
The industries affected range from auto assembly and parts, to aerospace, shipbuilding, food and beverage, textiles and many others.
The result of this job loss is staggering. It has hammered community after community and the economy as a whole. From a trade surplus $12 billion a decade ago Canada is now running a trade deficit of $29 billion.
In the automotive sector, for example, Canada ran an automotive trade deficit in 2006 for the first time in 18 years.
The surge in the value of the Canadian dollar, unfair trade agreements, and the lack of government action has contributed to the crisis.
Robertson stressed that the CAW campaign will focus on building fair trade and greater protection for workers from bankruptcies, downward pressure on pay and working conditions and the need for stronger employment insurance provisions.
Phillips urged delegates to become involved in the CAW's Manufacturing Matters campaign. The CAW has launched a series of leadership meetings across Canada and will participate in a series of community forums that will lead up to an event in Ottawa May 30.
To find out more visit www.caw.ca and click on the 'Manufacturing Matters' button.
The Environment and Jobs
Climate change must be tackled in a manner that doesn't threaten the jobs and the livelihood of workers and their families, Hargrove stressed to Council delegates.
Hargrove said the environment is important and promises to be a key issue in upcoming elections as politicians try to "out-green one another."
"We want to support the aims and objectives of the Kyoto Accord. We want to do our share, but we don't want to throw all of our members out of work as we're moving to solve this problem," Hargrove said.
The way forward includes dealing with the issues on a realistic basis with objectives and time tables that embrace available technology in auto and other industries. In addition, it's time to put forward incentives for green technology and green production that will do some good for the environment as well as the economy, he said.
"What's wrong with the Government of Canada making a proposal to Ford Motor Company to build fuel efficient engines in the city of Windsor to replace the engine plants that they're closing," Hargrove asked.
Tony Dionisio Thanks CAW
Labour leader Tony Dionisio commended CAW members for supporting his efforts to organize the Canadian Construction Workers union. The CAW had previously decided to loan Dionisio a million dollars to be used to help start an independent Canadian construction workers union.
After attending the weekend of discussion at the CAW Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Dionisio called the CAW democratic processes a breath of fresh air, similar to what he would like to create with the new union. "It was amazing to see people speaking freely, knowing that they would be able to get along the next day and also still have a job." Dionisio expressed his appreciation to the delegates for providing the possibility of starting a new Canadian union that addresses the needs of Canadian workers in a way that international unions fail to accomplish.
"The new Canadian Construction Workers union has been formed because you have made it possible," said Dionisio.
Fighting Concessions at FPI
The tough fight against company demands for wage cutbacks at Fishery Products International (FPI) in Newfoundland & Labrador was highlighted by Hargrove.
FPI wants to cut wages $2 an hour from people already making less than $13 an hour. Despite long hours of contract talks, no progress was being made at the bargaining table. A mediator finally brought in a report with some wage cuts and while the union decided to accept it, the company refused.
After returning to the bargaining table the company demanded changes in overtime pay, shift schedules and more. More than 60 per cent of CAW/Fish Food and Allied Workers members voted to reject the company's final offer.
Strategic Election Voting
CAW Council delegates voted in favour of strategic voting in the upcoming federal election with the goal of stopping a Harper Conservative majority government.
In addition to strategic voting delegates heard about the importance of establishing an issue based campaign that will put workers' issues on the national agenda. This CAW campaign will be coupled with the Canadian Labour Congress' Better Choice campaign - www.betterchoice.ca/
Hargrove said key campaign items will centre on jobs, worker issues such as bankruptcy protection, anti-scab legislation as well as the environment. Unless the labour movement plays a key role the Harper Conservatives are headed for a majority, he warned.
"Our objective is to stop the Harper government. The other objective we have is to re-elect our sister Peggy Nash, who has played an absolutely critical role in Parliament."
Council delegates also endorsed strategic voting in the provincial election in Ontario slated for October "to prevent the Conservatives from forming a government."
"There's a list a mile long when you look at Ontario. We need anti-scab legislation. We need a card check, tougher legislation on workplace closures, notice of closure and notice of layoff. We need more training funds, child care, a commitment to manufacturing and just a whole host of issues," Hargrove said.
Road to Zero Injuries and Fatalities
The labour movement has been a critical force in improving on-the-job safety and will continue to have an important role, Chairperson of the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Steve Mahoney told the CAW Council, as part of the WSIB Road to Zero campaign. "We have to make everyone in this country understand that no-one should go to work to die," said Mahoney. In 2005 alone, 1,097 workers were killed on the job in Canada, a nearly 20 per cent increase since the year before.
"This is one of the issues we need to change in our society," said Mahoney. "People are killed in the workplace and nobody pays any attention. The tendency is to throw them on the scrap heap - this has to stop."
When talking to a business audience, Mahoney stresses that a good safety record improves a company's value with less money spent on workers' compensation and time lost from operations. "I tell them that workplace safety belongs on the asset side of the ledger," he said.
Part of the cultural change will also come through education. One of the chief areas of WSIB education and outreach is to youth, especially as they head out into summer jobs. "We have to let young people know that not only they have the right to refuse unsafe work, they have the responsibility to refuse unsafe work," said Mahoney. Mahoney also applauded the CAW for the work it has been doing in engaging youth members and going into schools.
U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement
The recently announced U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement is bad news for the auto industry not only in the U.S., but also in Canada.
"The predictions are that in the first year of that agreement, there will be about $1 billion worth of vehicles shipped from South Korea into the United States because of the lifting of the duties," Hargrove said. "If they are selling more, we are selling less, and that means more layoffs in our plants in Canada."
Even worse, Hargrove added, Canada is rushing to negotiate its own free trade agreement with South Korea. It's difficult to believe that Canada will do any better in terms of the auto industry than the U.S. did and while Democrats are threatening to veto it, Hargrove said he doubts that will happen.
"I predict that they will ratify and Japan will be right behind. That will open up more opportunity for them to ship into our market without any access to their market."
Council delegates unanimously called on the Stephen Harper Conservative government to put an end to the unfair trade in vehicles with Japan and Korea. They also called for the Harper government to withdraw from the current discussions on a free trade agreement with South Korea.
Day of Mourning: April 28
The CAW unveiled its National Day of Mourning flag, joining with organizations in 118 countries around the world on April 28 in commemorating workers who have been killed on the job or who died from workplace related injuries and illnesses. The first National Day of Mourning was initiated by the Canadian Labour Congress on April 28, 1984.
Back in January, the CAW Health and Safety department launched a contest to design a new CAW Day of Mourning flag to be used in ceremonies across the country.
Congratulations to contest winners Eileen Corbett, Local 1136 and David Holjevac, Local 444.
One flag will be sent to every local in time for the ceremony; additional flags will be available for purchase through the Health and Safety department.
For more information, please contact CAW Health & Safety director Sari Sairanen at 1-800-268-5763 ext 789 or Sari.Sairanen@caw.ca.
International Solidarity
A number of international guests travelled from Africa to observe CAW Council.
Two trade union guests were from the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) a union that has been a strong CAW ally since the anti-apartheid movement.
Over the years a relationship between NUMSA and the CAW developed through exchanges with members from each union traveling to the other country. Many of the exchanges were through projects supported by the CAW's Social Justice Fund such as the exchange with Ford workers from South Africa, Brazil and Canada that built strong bonds between workers from all three countries.
It's through NUMSA that the CAW is now building a connection with the Zimbabwe Metal, Energy and Allied Workers union. Three members of this Zimbabwean union attended council.
The purpose of the visit was to participate in CAW health & safety training programs at the union's family education centre in Port Elgin, Ontario.
The Kindness of Strangers
An enormous and unexpected wave of support came in for the Huelin family, after the call was made at the December 2006 CAW Council. The family of five has three young children, two of whom suffer from the rare terminal illness, Batten's Disease. Sheldon Huelin, the father of the two children, Jamie and Carson, is a member of CAW Local 504 and the issue was first raised by the unit chairperson.
In addition to raising funds and public awareness about the family's hardship, the CAW negotiated with Air Canada three round trip tickets to Beijing China for 5-year-old Jamie, her mother and grandmother so that the young girl could undergo experimental surgery that could save her life.
The Huelin family sent their sincere appreciation to the CAW and Air Canada. "We would like to thank anyone and everyone who helped give our children a second chance at life," wrote the Huelin family. "Without your help, this would not be possible. There will never be enough words to express how grateful we are."
For more information, visit: www.jamieandcarsonshope.com
Port Elgin Family Education Centre Celebrates 50 Years
Bob White, former President of the CAW, highlighted some of the history of the CAW Family Education Centre on its 50th anniversary. "The CAW Education Centre evolved from a small committee of people who had a vision. They came together to share ideas and to dream of a place they could gather for education and to hold meetings."
"We've changed a lot of minds here on racism, sexism, recognition of rights and international issues. This institution will remain democratic, socially active and a fundamental part of our union." White said.
Officially opened on October 1, 1988, the new CAW Family Education Centre is now a year-round, 47-acre site combining the best of a natural woodland setting and state-of-the-art technology. It is an exceptional environment for reflection, discussion and recreation.
