News & Events Archived Newsletters CONTACT 2007 October 19, 2007CAW and Magna Sign Framework of Fairness
| CAW National President Buzz Hargrove and Magna Chairman Frank Stronach address the media launching the Framework of Fairness Agreement on October 15. |
Frank Stronach, Chairman of the Board of Magna International Inc., and Buzz Hargrove, President of the Canadian Auto Workers, signed a historic agreement in Toronto October 15.
CAW National President Buzz Hargrove and Magna Chairman Frank Stronach address the media launching the Framework of Fairness Agreement on October 15.
The agreement, called the Framework of Fairness, will allow Magna employees to participate in secret-ballot votes to join the CAW. It also establishes an innovative new structure for labour relations involving workplace elections and referenda; a multi-faceted dispute settlement process; and the use of final-offer arbitration instead of work stoppages to settle contract disputes.
"With this agreement, Magna and the CAW will develop a new way of working together," Hargrove said in signing the agreement. "It will strengthen the CAW's ability to support auto parts workers at an incredibly challenging time, but in a way that also strengthens Canada's auto industry."
Once fully implemented, the Framework could cover up to 18,000 Magna production employees working in about 45 manufacturing facilities in Ontario.
Additional background materials are available at www.caw.ca.
Union Seeks Asbestos Disclosure
CAW Local 4285 is seeking full disclosure from employer Marine Atlantic on possible asbestos exposure for crew members working aboard its MV Atlantic Freighter.
Crew members working on the 29-year-old ship expressed concern after the company had posted stickers on board, warning employees of the dangerous substance.
According to Local 4285 President Sue Irvine, warning stickers were posted after the asbestos had been encapsulated at the end of September. Although follow-up analysis determined the air quality was within government and industry standards, the union is troubled that members may have been exposed to asbestos in the past and not informed.
Asbestos fibres, once inhaled, can cause serious long term health problems such as lung cancer and asbestosis.
Bargaining Update at CP Rail
The CAW bargaining committee at CP Rail officially opened contract talks with the company on October 1 in Toronto.
Work rule issues and explanations of proposals from the membership of CAW Local 101 were dealt with as were employer demands for concessions on work rules and co-pays for benefits.
"The challenges we face at CP bargaining are very similar to what our members at CN and VIA have faced," said Bob Chernecki, assistant to the CAW President. "It is clear from our initial discussions that we have a long way to go and that there are a number of serious issues that must be dealt with as we move through this round of negotiations. We remain confident that with a lot of hard work with the bargaining committee and the support of our members we will secure a solid collective agreement," he said.
"The concessions tabled by CP are not acceptable to our members and that message was given loud and clear to the management bargaining team at CP Rail," Chernecki said.
CAW Local 101 President Tom Murphy said "For the last number of contracts Local 101 has set the pattern on wages and pensions on CP and plans to continue that tradition in this round of bargaining."
Students Support Striking CAW Members
The University of Manitoba Students' Union has passed a motion in support of striking CAW Local 3007 members at the university.
The students held a rally in support of Local 3007 members at noon on October 17 outside the University's administration building.
The 480 members of CAW Local 3007, who include food services, maintenance, caretaking and general services, skilled trades and power engineers at the university, have been on strike since October 10.
"Students recognize the important role that the CAW workers play in helping to run our university and in helping us get our education," said Garry Sran, UMSU President. "We want to remind everyone that delays they may encounter on campus such as lack of food services, garbage removal or grounds work, are due to the fact that these valued workers have made the difficult decision to strike in order to receive fair wages, benefits a and safe working environment."
The student union motion states that USMU supports the CAW as well as five other unions at the university in securing fair wages, working conditions, job security and academic freedom. It's the first time the student union has passed a motion in support of an employee union.
CAW Member Coaches Canada to Gold
| Team Canada coach, and Local 199 member, Grant Martin is all smiles after returning home with a gold medal from the World Games in Shanghai, China. |
Special Olympics men's softball team brought home a gold medal at the 2007 World Summer Games in Shanghai. The group was led by head coach Grant Martin, a millwright at General Motors in St. Catharines and member of CAW Local 199.
A long-time supporter and contributor to the special athletic program, Martin was overjoyed with Canada's overall success at the event, bringing home a total of 112 medals.
Team Canada coach, and Local 199 member, Grant Martin is all smiles after returning home with a gold medal from the World Games in Shanghai, China.
The Olympic team arrived at Pearson Airport in Toronto on October 12 to a crowd of cheering supporters. For Martin, this happy ending was a fitting tribute to the team's hard work and perseverance.
"Preparation for the World Games began over a year and a half ago," a delighted yet bleary-eyed Martin said. "It was an unbelievable feeling, but I think everyone's about ready for some rest and relaxation."
| Canada's Special Olympics softball t eam returns home with a gold medal from the World Games in Shanghai, China. |
Here are excerpts from Hargrove's October 3 letter to the Chinese Ambassador to Canada:
"Dear Ambassador Shumin,
I write to ask your consideration of our union's deep concern over the increasing danger and violence in Burma.
For more than a week, courageous monks in Burma have led many thousands of workers, students, and other supporters of democracy through the streets of Rangoon and other cities in opposition to military repression. While these non-violent protests began over the regime's decision to double the price of fuel last month, they have evolved into a much broader push for democracy in Burma.
To read the full letter, visit
www.caw.ca/news/newsnow/news.asp?artID=1547
