News & Events Archived Newsletters CONTACT 2007 October 12, 2007University of Manitoba Workers on Strike
Workers at the University of Manitoba went on strike October 10 after CAW Local 3007 and the university were unable to reach a new agreement.
The two sides had been meeting nearly every day since September 24. Most outstanding issues are non-monetary items such as sick days, seniority rights, job postings, in addition to wages, according to CAW National Representative Tom Murphy.
Local 3007 represents workers in food services, maintenance, caretaking and general services and power engineers at the university.
Assistant to the CAW President Hemi Mitic said morale among members remains high. "The membership has demonstrated strong support for the bargaining committee and their desire to negotiate a fair agreement," said Mitic.
As CONTACT went to press, members had set up a picket line outside of the university's administrative building, but were not obstructing students from attending classes. "We want to ensure we maintain good relations with the students here, while sending the university's administration a strong message," said Brian Kelly, CAW Local 3007 President.
Canada Heads for Largest Auto Trade Deficit in its History
The CAW has released a new report showing that Canada's automotive trade balance has deteriorated so dramatically this year, it is now on track to record its largest automotive trade deficit in history.
The report, Canada's Deteriorating Automotive Trade Performance, provides statistical evidence of the erosion of the country's once-impressive record in auto trade. Data covering auto exports and imports for the first seven months of this year indicate that Canada imported $4.3 billion of auto products (both finished vehicles and parts) more than it exported for that period. This year's automotive trade deficit could reach $8 billion.
Canada's largest automotive trade deficit is with Japan (exceeding $6 billion), while Canada's most unbalanced automotive trade relationship is with Korea - from whom we purchase 183 times as much automotive value as we sell there. The fastest-growing automotive imports have been from China (up by over 1200% in 10 years) and Korea (up by almost 600%).
The CAW report calls attention to the potential damage more free trade agreements will do to the auto sector. In particular, the union urges the federal government to stop its free trade negotiations with Korea.
To read this new paper, go to:
www.caw.ca/whoweare/CAWpoliciesandstatements/ pdfs/deterioratingAutoTrade.pdf
More Manufacturing Jobs Lost in Quebec
A year-long fight has come to an end for Norsk Hydro workers in Becancour, Quebec at CAW/TCA Local 6055.
The nearly 400 workers had lost their jobs when the magnesium plant officially closed in April. But plans to dismantle the plant were postponed after a significant lobby campaign by the union, with the expectation that a buyer could be found for the facility.
Hopes were dashed when Norsk Hydro, a Norway-based aluminum and energy company, announced they would dismantle and liquidate the Becancour magnesium plant at the end of September.
CAW/TCA Quebec Director Luc Desnoyers maintained that the magnesium market is still strong, yet the government has done little to protect domestic production. Local 6055, led by President Michel Gauthier and with the support of the CAW/TCA Quebec membership and the director, led a campaign including lawn signs, rallies, marches and a sugar shack.
Quebec has been hard hit by manufacturing job loss. In the last five years Quebec has lost 130,900 manufacturing jobs and so far this year alone has lost nearly 40,000 manufacturing jobs.
The company listed tough competition with China and a high Canadian dollar as causing the closure.
CAW Local Decries Newspaper Report on Bus Safety
Representatives of CAW Local 111 in Vancouver have expressed their deep concern over a recent news report attacking the public safety record of Lower Mainland bus drivers employed by Coast Mountain Bus.
The report, published in the Vancouver Sun on October 5, was dismissed by Local 111 President Steve Sutherland as factually inaccurate and misleading.
According to CAW Local 111 Vice President Jim Houlahan, preventable accidents in 2003 amounted to 20 per cent of total accidents for Coast Mountain buses, while in 2006 that number had increased to 24 per cent. The newspaper had reported a 43 per cent increase.
"Most of this increase can be attributed to the growing number of buses on the road and the addition of new construction detour routes in the city," said Houlahan.
"We want to assure bus riders and the general public that our bus drivers put public safety first," said Sutherland.
The local has asked the newspaper to correct its story and has considered filing a complaint with the BC Press Council.
Nova Scotia Health Care Fight Back
A coalition of seven unions, including the CAW, in the Nova Scotia health care sector is actively touring the province to inform members and the general public of the folly of proposed legislation to take away the right to strike from health sector workers.
Nova Scotia's NDP and Liberal opposition parties have both announced they will oppose the proposed legislation of Conservative Premier Rodney MacDonald. With the Liberals joining the NDP in opposition to the proposed legislation, the Tory minority government can no longer force the legislation through.
However, employers and the Conservative government are still pushing the proposed legislation with MacDonald saying he would still bring it forward even if it was going to be defeated.
"If these employers put as much effort into negotiating a fair deal with the employees as they are in fighting the workers' right to free and open collective bargaining, then workers would be fairly compensated for their skills and dedication to provide quality healthcare to Nova Scotians," said CAW Nova Scotia area director Victor Tomiczek.
The coalition of unions has demonstrated to hospitals and long-term care providers who are lined up with the Conservatives on the issue that healthcare workers are united in the effort to protect the rights of workers in this sector.
CAW Local 4600 President Shauna Wilcox said members will be updated through regional meetings and another information booklet that will be distributed.
"We are determined to win this struggle and protect the right to strike," said Wilcox, President of the CAW's Nova Scotia Health Care Council.
For more information visit:
www.dontmakehealthshortagesworse.ca
Former CAW President Bob White Honoured
| Former CAW President Bob White celebrated with his wife Marilyn White in Windsor after being inducted into the Canadian Manufacturing Hall of Fame as a labour representative at the 2nd Annual Awards Dinner. |
Staff Appointments
CAW President Buzz Hargrove has appointed National Representative Annie Labaj as Director of the International Department, effective October 7, 2007.
He has also appointed National Representative Karen Cobb to the International Department effective October 7, 2007
Correction
In last week's edition Gary Parent was misidentified in the article "Windsor Arena Named After Gary Parent." His title should have read CAW Local 444 Financial Secretary. We apologize for any inconvenience.
