November 5, 2000
Volume 30, No. 32
Harris Government Goes Backwards On Workers' Rights
The CAW has blasted amendments to Ontario's Labour Relations Act introduced by the Harris government November 2. The amendments focus on reducing the number of unionized workers in the province with emphasis on decertification and restrictions for organizing drives. "This is the first government in 50 years that sees collective bargaining in a negative light," said Hemi Mitic, assistant to CAW president Buzz Hargrove. This legislation comes on top of earlier moves by the Harris government in its first term, which gave employers the right to hire "scab labour" during strikes. Employers will now be required to post details in workplaces on how to decertify or get rid of a union. The bill rolls back labour laws in Ontario by: * increasing the period for decertification of a union from 60 to 90 days; * it also introduces a one-year cooling off period in cases where a certification drive has failed; * if approved it would amend the Labour Relations Act to require separate votes for ratification and strike action during first contract situations.
Injunction Limits Pickets At Falconbridge
An Ontario court judge has issued an injunction to limit pickets at Falconbridge's Sudbury operations. The 1,250 members of CAW Local 598 have been on strike at Falconbridge for 14 weeks. The company's mines and smelter operations in Sudbury were completely shutdown by Local 598 members for 12 days in late October. CAW local unions are being urged to provide as much support as possible to members of Local 598. It's hoped that in the coming weeks plant gate collections will be held to gather a strong show of support for the Falconbridge strikers. CAW Local 599 members at Falconbridge's Kidd Creek operations in Timmins provided $5,000 in support both in September and in October.
Strike At Two London Tim Hortons
A strike at two Tim Hortons' outlets in London has been ongoing since May 4, 2000 and is now entering its sixth month. The company is offering four cents, two cents and four cents. The full-time employees are only guaranteed a 24 hour work week and the company will not bargain anything beyond that. During the last 2 ½ weeks, the CAW has been conducting demonstrations in London and surrounding areas including the company's head office in Oakville, Ontario. The workers are members of CAW/RW Local 448. The two strike locations are at Oxford & Talbot Street and Richmond Street South.
Fishing Tragedy On East Coast
Two members of the FFAW/CAW from Sunnyside, Newfoundland, drowned October 30, in a fishing tragedy. Ray Goulding, 49, and Grant Goulding, 23, were a father and son who fished together. They set out together at 9:00 a.m., but didn't return when originally expected. Their boat was found later that day drifting without the two men onboard. A railing at the stern of the boat was missing.
More New Members Join CAW
The following are some new members who have recently joined the CAW, Canada's largest private sector union: * in Vancouver, 115 workers at the Terminal City Club, a social club/hotel have joined the CAW. They are members of CAW Local 3000; * in Delta, B.C., a new unit of 24 members at Rock Cliffe Coatings Ltd. are now part of the CAW; * at Crown East Steel Fabricators in Mississauga, Ontario, a new unit of 59 CAW members has become part of CAW Local 1256; * at McAllister Springs Ltd. in Surrey, B.C., a new unit of 36 workers has joined the CAW and become part of CAW Local 114.
Bulletins
Labour Market Regulation and Deregulation Labour Market Regulation and Deregulation: Challenges and Prospects in the 21st Century is an international conference sponsored by York University's Centre for Research on Work and Society. The CAW is a co-sponsor of the conference that will be held December 1 and 2, 2000, at York University in Toronto. CAW economist Jim Stanford is a co-chair of the working group. For a preliminary program and registration information visit www.yorku.ca/research/crws Reminder: CAW Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Conference The CAW Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Conference will be held at the CAW Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario, on November 24, 25 and 26. The deadline for reservations is November 10. For more information contact Raj Dhaliwal, CAW Human Rights Department director. Reminder: Solidarity Salmon Help UFAWU/CAW members in British Columbia by purchasing "Solidarity Salmon" for Christmas. The collapse of the fishery has had a dramatic impact on UFAWU/CAW members, their families and communities. The salmon is pre-sliced, vacuum packed and union processed. It costs $15 per side for approximately 1.25 pounds. All proceeds go to the UFAWU/CAW Sustainable Fisheries Fund. The order deadline is November 15. For more information contact Dave Watt at (604) 255-1336 or fax an order to (604) 255-3162. Quest for Justice The story of Korean women used as sex slaves during World War II by the Japanese government is expressed through 30 pieces of original art by four Korean "comfort women." It's part of a North American tour that highlights the campaign to win justice for these women. The art show will be located at Toronto's City Hall Rotunda, 100 Queen Street West, November 9 to 12. The opening reception will take place November 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The CAW is a co-sponsor of the art show. There is also a demonstration planned on Wednesday, November 8 at 12:00 noon, outside the Japanese Consulate, 77 King Street West at Bay Street (Royal Trust Tower). For more information contact the Quest for Justice Toronto planning committee at (416) 327-5064. Bud Jimmerfield Award Nominations The annual Bud Jimmerfield Award recognizes the contribution of an outstanding CAW health, safety, environment or workers' compensation activist. The award is made each year at the December CAW Council meeting. Eligible health, safety, environment or workers' compensation activists must be CAW members and be nominated by their local union leadership or local workplace leadership. These activists must have shown leadership in helping their fellow workers and as well have participated in activities beyond their workplace. Nominations for the award can be faxed to CAW president Buzz Hargrove at (416) 495-6552. Nominations must arrive no later than November 15th.
WEB PREVIEW: CAW Web Page
Here's a brief look at just some of the information available on the CAW home page. CAW Video News World Women's March In Ottawa dated October 19, 2000 World Women's March In Ottawa Ottawa, Oct. 15th As part of the World Women's March 30 thousand women marched through the streets of the nation's capitol... For the full text, go to the CAW web site, www.caw.ca, under What's News - CAW Video News.
