News & Events Archived Newsletters CONTACT 2007 July 27, 2007VIA Agreement Approved by Local and National Leadership
The tentative agreement reached by the CAW National Bargaining Committee and VIA Rail has received the unanimous support of the local and national leadership who came from across the country July 23 to review it.
The new three-year agreement includes a three per cent wage increase in each year, a new long-term disability plan, improvements in all areas of benefits, and a new apprenticeship program for the skilled trades/ maintenance workers.
An agreement was reached after VIA's demands for concessions in wages and healthcare benefits were fought back by the union. Negotiations began in October and re-convened in Montreal from July 16 -22. Members had provided an overwhelming strike vote of more than 93 per cent.
"We expect our members to be very pleased with this settlement," said CAW local 100 President Bryon DeBaets. "We're particularly proud of the provincially regulated apprenticeship program - a first ever for VIA."
"For the last 21 years, we have been fighting to get changes made to the work rules and with this new agreement we have been able to do that, while staying true to the pattern set on other railways," said CAW National Council 4000 President Bob Fitzgerald.
"This tentative agreement recognizes the incredible efforts of our members in the work they do day to day in ensuring the best possible service to Canadians across the country at VIA," said Assistant to CAW National President, Bob Chernecki.
"Our union remains committed to ensuring that governments no matter what stripe must fund this important passenger rail system that links our country together," said Chernecki.
Greater Job Security for Chrysler Workers in Brampton
Chrysler's announcement that it's investing up to $1.4 billion into its Brampton, Ontario assembly complex will help ensure greater job security including the future of the third shift.
Chrysler officials announced July 19 that the company will invest between $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion as it shifts European production of its 300 sedan to the plant over the next few years.
Jerry Dias, Assistant to the CAW President, said it's great news for approximately 4000 members at the assembly complex, which produces Chrysler's LX models including the 300, Magnum and Charger.
"This commitment will help solidify the third shift," said Dias. A key part of the July 19 announcement is a commitment to the next generation of vehicles that will replace the current LX models, he said. That next generation of vehicles being built in Brampton will run to 2015 or 2016.
"This investment means product," Dias said. "Product means jobs. This is a long-term commitment to these facilities," he said.
The company's decision to shift European production of the 300 to the Brampton facility means that right hand drive and diesel vehicles will be built in Brampton.
"This announcement means greater job security for our members for years to come," said Ardis Snow, CAW plant chairperson. "It's going to boost the flexibility of the product line made at the plant."
Say NO to Molson
Since May 30, more than 100 workers at CAW Local 284 have been on strike at the Molson Coors Brewery in Edmonton. Molson Coors is trying force workers to accept concessions which would jeopardize the livelihood of future workers.
In co-ordination with the Alberta Federation of Labour, the CAW is calling for a national boycott on all Molson products. In support of our members, we are asking that you boycott products made by Molson.
Financial Appeal for Molson Coors Workers in Edmonton
CAW Locals are requested to provide financial help to the 102 members of CAW Local 284 who are on strike against Molson Coors in Edmonton, Alberta.
Some key issues are the company's demand for concessions, a two-tier wage system, two -tier pension system and cuts in time off.
In a letter to CAW local union presidents, CAW President Buzz Hargrove requests financial support and messages of solidarity to be sent to CAW Local 284. Please mail cheques to: Thomas Henstridge, Financial Secretary, CAW Local 284, 10060 164th Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5P 4Y3.
Federal Bus Purchase a Travesty, Desnoyers Says
Federal government plans to purchase up to 30 buses from a European company rather than a Canadian manufacturer is a travesty that will mean more hardship for Canadian workers, families and their communities, CAW Quebec Director Luc Desnoyers says.
Public Works Minister Michael Fortier is defending the federal government's decision to select a German bus maker over two Canadian firms, including Quebec's Prevost Car Inc. Fortier claims the federal government will save money by purchasing buses from Germany. CAW Local 911 represents workers at Prevost.
Desnoyers said Quebec manufacturing has been hard hit by the rise in the value of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S., unfair trade agreements and the lack of federal government action to protect manufacturing jobs.
"This latest decision is a travesty for Quebec workers. The awarding of this bus contract to Prevost would have meant up to 60 laid off workers were called back as well as greater security for hundreds of other workers," Desnoyers said. "The government's decision doesn't take into account the loss in tax revenues, lost wages within the community or the social impact on workers and their families."
Since the beginning of 2007, Quebec has lost 43,500 manufacturing jobs, according to Statistics Canada. The CAW has launched a "Manufacturing Matters" campaign, part of which calls for governments to buy Canadian-made products.
The Department of National Defence says it needs up to 30 buses over the next three years to transport military personnel between bases.
CAW Activists Support St. Thomas Anti-Scab Rally
CAW activists and other labour groups in the London region took to the streets in St. Thomas on July 20th in support of striking OPSEU workers and to demand that anti-scab legislation be reinstated in Ontario.
Hundreds of activists rallied outside the office of Steve Peters, Ontario Minister of Labour and MPP for the Elgin-Middlesex-London region, to protest the use of scab labour at two BPS developmental service facilities in Aylmer and St. Thomas.
Hundreds of activists rallied outside the office of Steve Peters, Ontario Minister of Labour and MPP for the Elgin-Middlesex-London region, to protest the use of scab labour at two BPS developmental service facilities in Aylmer and St. Thomas.
Community leaders, including CAW Local 1001 President Diane Agar, spoke about the negative impact that scabs have had on the workers, their families and the local community.
"What is very concerning," says Agar "is that security guards are being used to intimidate the striking workers, many of who are women. This is simply wrong."
Respect and Rights for Workers
The recent movement to raise the minimum wage in Ontario to $10 an hour has inspired an entirely new campaign. With a focus on people, work, and communities, the Toronto and York Region Labour Council has unveiled six initiatives aimed at increasing the respect shown to the one million citizens making less than $10 an hour as well as working people across Ontario. The aptly titled Respect Campaign emphasizes the following six key points:
* The right to a minimum wage of at least $10 as soon as possible;
* The right to have a stable full time job as well as restoring the rights of contract workers, defending manufacturing jobs, and investing in green jobs;
* Respect for a worker's skills and experience, wherever he or she gained them. If Ontario recognized international credentials, new Canadians would find employment in their professions and trades;
* The right to housing, childcare, and education. Affordable housing and community based child care would ease the stress of families with falling income levels. School boards also need adequate funding to better provide proper services;
* The right to have a union voice at work. No one should be fearful of intimidation or job loss when looking to join a union;
* The right to social benefits if needed, such as an increase of social assistance and implementation of the Ontario Child Benefit.
For more information on the Respect Campaign visit www.amillionreasons.ca.
Canadian Labour Challenges Free Trade Talks
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's recent announcement that trilateral free trade talks with Columbia and Peru have begun was met with strong criticism from national labour federations in both Canada and Columbia.
A joint statement released by the Canadian Labour Congress and the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores de Columbia (CUT) cite concerns over a free trade deal that would "guarantee the rights of investors over the human, social, economic, cultural and labour rights of its citizens."
Concerns have also been raised over the Columbian government's connection to paramilitary organizations and international criminal networks as well as its lax labour, environmental and human rights standards.
Columbia has gained notoriety for its public prosecution of labour unions and trade unionists. The CLC and CUT are demanding that labour and environmental assessments be conducted before any trade agreement is undertaken.
But Harper considers it "ridiculous" to postpone trade talks until Columbia gets its affairs in order despite the country's heavily criticized human rights record.
"We're not going to say, 'Fix all your social, political and human rights problems, and only then will we engage in trade relations with you,'' said Harper in a recent CBC interview.
Help End First Nations Poverty
CAW members are being urged to join the fight to make poverty history for First Nations communities.
"The wide spread and devastating poverty among First Nations peoples in Canada is completely unacceptable," said CAW President Buzz Hargrove. "All Canadians must join together to demand the Harper Conservatives take immediate action to end this tragedy. This can only happen if the Harper government moves immediately to implement the Kelowna Accord."
The Kelowna Accord was approved by the previous Liberal government. It included a $5.1 billion spending plan, which promised to improve the social and economic conditions of Aboriginal people.
Hargrove urged the Conservative government to act immediately to increase investment in education, health services, housing and infrastructure for all Aboriginal people in Canada.
There are approximately 100 First Nations communities on boil-water advisories, chronic housing shortages, while 1-in-4 First Nations children live in poverty and First Nations youth commit suicide at 5-to-8 times the Canadian rate - the result of poverty and despair.
To find out more about fighting First Nations poverty and to sign an Assembly of First Nations petition on the issue, visit www.afn.ca.
Tentative Agreement at Central Care Corporation
The CAW has reached a tentative collective agreement covering 2,000 union members who work at Central Care Corporation nursing homes in Ontario.
The tentative agreement covers CAW members who belong to Locals 229, 302, 504, 830, 1106 and 2458 working at 14 long-term care homes across the province. They work in communities across Ontario including Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Windsor, Goderich, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Kitchener, Picton and Port Dover.
CAW members at Central Care Corporation include nursing, personal care, and support services workers.
Details of the tentative agreement will be released following completion of the ratification process.
Canadian Red Cross Supports North American Auto Industry
The Canadian Red Cross recently purchased six new Chevrolet Suburbans to assist in disaster response work in the cities of Chatham, Hamilton, Toronto, Simcoe, Ottawa and Thunder Bay.
These GM-made utility vehicles will enable Red Cross to carry emergency supplies that are essential to disaster response efforts, says John Saunders, director of disaster management for the Canadian Red Cross in Ontario. "They will provide a warm, safe place for a family who has been forced from their home while our volunteers have time to assess their needs and make longer-term arrangements."
CAW President Buzz Hargrove applauds the Canadian Red Cross' decision to purchase these vehicles from General Motors.
"It is very important that groups like the Red Cross understand the importance of supporting the North American auto industry," says Hargrove. "I commend their effort."
Staff Appointment
CAW President Buzz Hargrove has appointed Kitchener Area Director Bob Orr as Assistant to the Secretary-Treasurer, effective September 3.
New CAW Members
The CAW has 20 new members at Sifton Properties - Richmond Woods Retirement Residence in London, Ontario.
Also, 150 workers at Atlantic Wholesalers Ltd, the last remaining non-union distribution facility in the Loblaws chain, in Moncton, New Brunswick recently joined the CAW.
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