March 12, 2000
Volume 30, No. 10
Health Care Emergency: Call for Action
Take action to save Canada's health care system. Alberta Premier Ralph Klein has introduced legislation attacking the fundamental principles of the Canada Health Act by allowing private, for-profit delivery of Medicare-insured surgical services. In Ontario, Premier Mike Harris says he's ready to head down the same dangerous road. At the same time the federal government inflamed the situation in its recent budget by giving such a small amount in health care transfers. CAW president Buzz Hargrove, in a letter to CAW local presidents and recording secretaries, is urging action to save Canada's non-profit health care system. Hargrove said it's an issue that matters to all Canadians and which also matters at the bargaining table if health services aren't all covered by Medicare. "In the USA where workers have to rely on workplace coverages because there is no public Medicare system, the big majority of strikes includes disputes about health insurance," Hargrove said. CAW members are urged to speak out against a two-tier USA style health care system and take part in the cross-Canada campaign being organized by the Canadian Health Coalition. Messages can be faxed to Prime Minister Jean Chretien (613) 957-5514, Health Minister Allan Rock (613) 952-1154, Finance Minister Paul Martin (613) 992-4291, Ontario Premier Mike Harris (416) 325-3745 and Alberta Premier Ralph Klein (780) 427-1349.
International Women's Day
March 8, International Women's Day, is the day that women come together marching, wheeling, running, stomping and dancing in celebration, and commitment: celebration of the victories won, and commitment to the on-going struggle to end injustice and gain equality for all women, everywhere. March 8 is a tribute to the women and children of the New York garment sweat- shops who, on that day in 1857, walked off the job to demonstrate in the streets against poverty wages and long, exhausting hours of work. This year, as every year, CAW activists across the country played a key role in organizing and taking part in gatherings of all kinds. This year, as every year, the CAW strongly supported women's shelters -- $90,000 has been donated to help 45 shelters across the country. These shelters are often the last hope and refuge for the many women and children suffering from male violence. In 1997-98 in Canada, 47,962 women and 42,830 children were admitted to shelters for abused women. Some 2,200 progressive organizations in over 135 countries are using International Women's Day to launch another international event, this year's World Women's March 2000. The march is a protest against poverty and violence against women. Activities all over the world take place March 8 to October 17, 2000. For more information about Canada's participation in the march, contact the Canadian Labour Congress in Ottawa at (613) 521-3400. For more information about the participation of the CAW, ask your Local Union leadership or call the national union Women's Department at 1-800-268-5763.
With Help Of The CAW, Flight Specialists Win 13 Percent Over Three Years
A tentative agreement was reached February 25, between the Air Traffic Specialists of Canada (ATSAC), the union representing more than 800 flight safety specialists working at 79 airports across Canada and their employer, NAV-Canada, who owns and operates Canada's air navigation system. NAV-Canada had been seeking concessions. The union, however, was successful in winning a 13 percent wage increase over three years. "We held firm and even moved ahead in many areas," said Ron Smith, ATSAC president. ATSAC was assisted throughout the talks by negotiators from the CAW. Details of the tentative agreement are being discussed at meetings of union members across Canada. Members vote on the tentative contract beginning March 3, with the vote concluding March 23. "In our union we have a strong policy against concessions. We are committed to making progress for our members. Together we have held firm and reversed concessionary bargaining," CAW president Buzz Hargrove said to ATSAC members.
Mass Rally For CAW Members At Brant Screen Craft Local 397 Helps Bring End To Strike
A mass rally was held in support of striking CAW members at Brant Screen Craft in Brantford, Ontario, who are fighting to win a first collective agreement. CAW Local 397 president Doug Aitchison said the union was determined to win a fair settlement and our rally brought the pressure needed to get the company back to the bargaining table. Sixty CAW members at Brant Screen Craft, a sign manufacturer, had been on strike since February 9. The main issues in the dispute include fair and equitable wage increases, benefits, and contract language changes. Hemi Mitic, assistant to CAW president Buzz Hargrove, blasted the company for bringing scabs in to do the jobs of striking CAW members. Mitic told the March 3 rally that the CAW would not tolerate scabs and would do what was necessary to get a fair and equitable agreement. An agreement was reached and ratified on Tuesday, March 7. On behalf of the membership, Aitchison expressed his thanks to the many CAW area locals who responded to the call.
WEB PREVIEW: CAW Web Page
Here's a brief look at just some of the information available on the CAW home page. Newsletters February 2000 Volume 4, Number 1 IT DOESN'T COST TO BELONG The following statistics show what women in Canada get for their union dues: - 79% of unionized women have a pension plan. 31% of non unionized women are covered. - 78% of unionized women have medical coverage. 40% of non unionized women are covered. - 72% of unionized women have a dental plan. 38% of non unionized women are covered. If you know a group of women who need a union... For the full text, go to the CAW web site, www.caw.ca, under Newsletters - Sisterline.
