December 10, 2000
Volume 30, No. 37
Hargrove Calls On Federal NDP To Strike A Task Force To Define The Future Of The Party
CAW president Buzz Hargrove has called on Alexa McDonough, the leader of the federal New Democrats, to move quickly and strike a Task Force about the future of the party in the wake of poor party election results. "The NDP is in crisis....," began Hargrove's letter to McDonough, "the NDP barely clung to party status." "The NDP cannot continue drifting along, leaning in one political direction or another, testing the winds of public opinion. Our goal must be to challenge and shift public opinion, in favour of progressive policies." To achieve that goal, Hargrove has suggested the establishment of a Task Force that should be comprised of five to seven prominent NDPers with a mandate to go across the country and enlist party members, activists and labour leadership and social partners to give their views about the future of the party. Hargrove especially challenged McDonough to ensure the Task Force consider why the NDP has not been attracting the excited youth and green activists who reject capitalism as a solution. "To do that, we must invite those activists to join in this process." The full text of Hargrove's letter can be found on the CAW's web page at www.caw.ca/ press releases.
CAW Nursing Homes' Agreement
CAW members at Chelsey Park and Oxford Regional Nursing Homes voted recently to accept a tentative settlement reached November 24, between the CAW and Diversicare. The settlement is the first between the CAW and an Ontario nursing home and an important precedent for the other 22 nursing homes represented by the CAW and currently in negotiations. The settlement contains 'breakthrough' provisions dealing with workplace harassment, violence against women and discrimination; ensuring members are treated with respect and dignity by the employer and residents. Members gained the right to refuse to work in abusive or harassing situations and an extensive Harassment Policy that will be included in their contract. This is a settlement without concessions or 'give backs'; a settlement where part time members at Oxford Regional achieved the 4% pension level; a settlement that makes progress on part time benefits - replacing the pro rata scheme with 'real' part time benefits and employer premium contributions; a settlement that includes significant wage increases and the pay-out of existing pay equity obligations. CAW members overwhelmingly approve settlement with DIVERSICARE nursing homes: A settlement on November 24 between CAW and 2 Diversicare nursing homes was ratified recently by a total vote margin of 97% in favour at Chelsey Park in London and 94% in favour at Oxford Regional in Ingersoll. The two homes are part of the Diversicare chain which in Ontario operates13 nursing homes and 15 retirement homes. Real Wage Increases The settlement provides over 3 years for total real wage increases of 6.1% and pay-out of the remaining 70.5¢ pay equity obligation: - 2.5% on Nov. 1, 2000 with 7¢ towards pay equity - 3.5% on Nov. 1, 2001 with 21¢ towards pay equity - 3.0% on Nov. 1, 2002 with 14¢ towards pay equity - 2.0% on April 1, 2003 with 28.5¢ towards pay equity and an RPN adjustment of 25¢ effective Nov. 2002 for total percentage increases over the term of 11.5% to 13%.
Rally For Versatile Strikers In Winnipeg
A rally for CAW Local 2224 members on strike at the Versatile tractor plant in Winnipeg was held December 2. More than 300 workers attended in sub-zero temperatures, including federal NDP MPs Pat Martin, Bill Blaikie and Judy Wasylycia-Leis. Workers at the plant, which was recently bought by Buhler Industries, have been on strike since November 3. Becky Barrett, the NDP government's minister of labour in Manitoba, recently contacted the CAW and the company to see if the provincial government could help get the parties back to the bargaining table. After some informal talks it was decided there wasn't enough common ground to go back to negotiations. "The workers are determined to not go backwards," said Dale Paterson, the CAW's area director for Manitoba. "They are equally determined to fight for greater job security and to protect the hard fought gains they have made over the last 15 years." Versatile was bought by Winnipeg-based Buhler Industries after a U.S. department of justice ruling ordered the former owner Case/New Holland to sell the plant. There are 250 CAW members at the plant. "We will continue to try and find a solution to this difficult dispute. The history of this local union and its members clearly shows their determination not to roll back their hard fought gains," said Bob Chernecki.
Harris Government Refuses To Commit To End Violence Against Women
For the first time since the Harris government in Ontario was elected a group of cabinet ministers met with representatives of more than 150 women's organizations on the issue of violence against women. Unfortunately, Attorney General Jim Flaherty, Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation Helen Johns and Community and Social Services Minister John Baird refused to make any commitment to act on emergency measures to reduce violence against women. Earlier this year the leaders of the Ontario NDP and the Liberals signed on in support of a series of emergency measures intended to reduce the problem of violence against women. The CAW was part of the coalition that developed the package and the Declaration of Commitment urging all political parties to sign on so the measures can be implemented in the fall of 2000. The emergency measures include: - more front line support services; - stronger economic supports such as improved employment standards protections and social assistance; - justice measures such as improved access to legal aid. Peggy Nash, assistant to CAW president Buzz Hargrove, slammed the Harris Tories for their inaction. "This government pretends that it has steered clear of moral conservatism, however by its refusal to act on these emergency measures the Harris government is increasing the inequality women face each day," Nash said. "In fact, by making it harder to get social assistance and eroding workplace standards, women in abusive situations are more at risk than ever."
Burmese Leader Aung San Suu Kyi Receives CAW Human Rights Award
Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi is the recipient of the CAW's first Nelson Mandela Human Rights Award. Under house arrest by the military dictatorship that rules Burma (renamed Myanmar by the junta), Aung San Suu Kyi was unable to accept the award in person at the CAW/Quebec Joint Council meeting Dec.9 in Toronto. The prime minister in exile, Dr. Sein Win of the National Coalition of the Union of Burma received the award on her behalf. Presenting the award was Warren Allmand, president of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, a Canadian institution based in Montreal. The CAW's Nelson Mandela Human Rights Award recognizes "struggle, courage and achievement in advancing human rights and social justice." Aung San Suu Kyi was a founding member of the National League for Democracy which emerged out of the pro-democracy uprising in Burma in August 1988. Since then she has been placed under house arrest many times. In 1991 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights. As recently as November 2000 the International Labour Organization invoked Article 33 of its constitution for the first time in its 81 year history calling on employers and governments to cease any activity with Burma that could directly or indirectly assist the practice of forced labour which Burma's notorious military and government engages in. Companies such as Wal-Mart of Canada, Reitman's and Saan stores have recently come under criticism for importing garments made in Burma. The CAW commissioned Sylvie Boulanger to create the original sculpture award to be given out once every three years.
