News & Events Archived Newsletters CONTACT 2007 November 16, 2007CAW Leadership Meet Brampton MPs on Manufacturing Crisis
CAW leadership met with Brampton area MPs recently to discuss the alarming manufacturing job loss problems that are impacting workers and their families in Ontario and across Canada.
CAW leadership including Assistant to the President Jerry Dias; Director of Government Relations Paul Forder; and Local 1285 executive members Vince Bailey, Leon Rideout and Terry Browne met with Brampton area MPs at the Local 1285 Hall on November 9.
The agenda covered discussion of the Canada/Korea Free Trade talks, the current manufacturing crisis in Canada, loss of the third shift at the Brampton Assembly Plant and the need for federal support for the auto industry.
The recent announcement of the loss of a third shift at Chrysler's Brampton Assembly Plant and the resulting impact on the economy were key topics. It's estimated that for every job lost at the Chrysler plant, an additional seven jobs will also vanish in the region.
MPs Navdeep Bains, Gurbas Malhi and a representative from the office of Dr. Ruby Dhalla were at the meeting. The Brampton MPs signed a letter committing their support for a federal task force.
CAW Supports Campaign to Ban Asbestos in Canada
RightonCanada.ca, an internet-based public advocacy campaign for human rights, has launched a letter writing campaign demanding that the federal government ban the use and export of asbestos in Canada.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral often used in industrial settings as a fire retardant. If inhaled, its fibres are a health hazard and have been linked to diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Many countries have banned the use of asbestos, including the European Union. Despite this, Canada continues to be one of the world's leading producers and exporters of asbestos.
RightonCanada.ca has called on the CAW and its activists to support their campaign efforts. Organizers are encouraging all members to send letters to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and other top government officials, demanding their commitment to ban the use and export of asbestos in Canada and to provide adequate transition assistance for workers in the asbestos industry.
This campaign builds on the CAW's "Ban Asbestos" campaign, launched in the spring of 2004.
"The devastation of asbestos exposure is known all to well by CAW members, past and present," said Sari Sairanen, National Director of the CAW Health, Safety and Environment department. "Our activists have campaigned long and hard on this issue and it's important that we support similar efforts wherever possible."
For more information, please visit: www.RightonCanada.ca
Pension Gains at Coca-Cola in Hamilton
CAW Local 1575 members at Coca-Cola in Hamilton, Ontario have ratified a first collective agreement that provides pension, benefit and wage improvements.
"I'm proud of the determination and solidarity of our membership and our bargaining committee. This strength resulted in major pension gains that will provide a more secure future for our members," said Jim Barr, president of CAW Local 1575.
A key issue in bargaining was achieving a defined benefit pension plan funded by the employer. As well early retirement incentives were negotiated. In addition numerous benefit gains were negotiated as well as 40 cent wage increases in each year of the three year agreement and paid time for the plant chairperson.
The new agreement also provides the right to transfer to other Coke locations in Ontario and maintain seniority if comparable work is available. The CAW represents five Coca-Cola locations in Canada, four in Ontario and one in Alberta.
The group of 110 Hamilton workers merged with the CAW in late August. They were formerly part of UFCW. The facility is a distribution centre and warehouse that serves Hamilton and the Golden Horseshoe area.
"This agreement tracks gains made at these other Coke facilities. In addition, the four Ontario locals will now form a CAW Coca-Cola council to begin preparations to negotiate a master collective agreement in the next round of talks," said CAW national representative Mike Reuter.
Questions About Coast Guard Training Exercise
The CAW/FFAW is raising questions regarding a Coast Guard training exercise that ended tragically with the death of Charlottetown fish harvester Dennis Chaulk.
Dennis Chaulk was the skipper of the 35-foot longliner, the Sea Urchin. He had been assisting in a Coast Guard training exercise on November 4 in Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland. He was a long-time volunteer with the CG auxiliary.
CAW/FFAW Secretary-Treasurer David Decker said the most important question is why the Coast Guard went ahead with training maneuvers in the midst of adverse weather warnings.
Decker said high winds with even higher gusts and three foot seas are a cause of concern and questions must be raised about going ahead with the training exercise.
"But first and foremost, I wish to extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the Chaulk family. Dennis was part of our union family and will be missed by all who knew him."
Maintaining the Right To Strike For Nova Scotia Health Care Workers
The campaign to maintain the right to strike for Nova Scotia health care workers continues to move forward.
Delegates to the recent Nova Scotia Federation of Labour convention vowed to stand behind provincial health care workers in opposition to the MacDonald government's regressive anti-strike bill. They also agreed to lobby for improvements such as the hiring of more health care workers, keeping emergency rooms open, shorter wait times for surgery and more acute care beds.
The CAW along with six other unions in Nova Scotia are members of the Right To Strike Coalition. Both the NDP and the Liberals in Nova Scotia are opposed to Conservative Premier MacDonald's bill.
CAW Locals in Nova Scotia are being urged to take part in a Maintaining Our Bargaining Rights Rally on November 22, which gets underway with a meeting at noon at Parade Square in Halifax, followed by a march to the Nova Scotia legislature. For more information call 902-595-0653 or 902-849-9384 or email caw4600@ns.aliantzinc.ca.
The CAW represents 3,700 workers in the Nova Scotia health care sector.
Christmas 2007 Solidarity Salmon
The 2007 holiday season Solidarity Salmon sale is underway. The BC salmon being offered is the finest available. It's guaranteed wild and organically processed in union plants.
Profits support and promote sustainable wild fisheries and provide social benefits to those less fortunate, through the Protein for People Program, in partnership with Food Banks of BC. By making an order you support BC wild salmon, unionized workers, people in need and at the same time you receive the finest quality smoked salmon available. Orders must be by the case - with 15 sides of salmon in each case. Sockeye is $24 for a one pound, sliced, frozen side and Silverbright chum is $17 for a one pound, sliced, frozen side.
For more information contact Suzanne Thomson at the CAW/UFAWU at 604-886-1395 or fax 604-886-1305 or email suzthomson@dccnet.com.
