January 22, 2010
Volume 40, No. 3
Former PMP Workers Honoured at Graduation Ceremony
| CAW President Ken Lewenza congratulates former PMP worker Maria Cordero on her graduation from a banking and financial services program, January 19, 2010. |
More than 90 former Progressive Moulded Products (PMP) workers were part of a graduation ceremony at the PMP Action Centre in Vaughan, Ontario on Tuesday, January 19 - the next step in a long process to move from unemployment into new jobs and careers.
The ceremony was the first of its kind since the closure of the 11 PMP plants in Vaughan, which suddenly put 2,400 people out of work in July 2008.
Approximately 36 people graduated from the provincially-funded Second Career program, while more than 50 graduated from academic upgrading programs. Fields of study range from dental assisting and social services to food preparation and building trades.
Certificates were also presented to workers who had completed an in-house bridging/academic upgrading program.
"These workers have overcome some of the most challenging circumstances after losing their jobs," said CAW President Ken Lewenza. "Along with recognizing their successful completion of important academic and career retraining programs, it's their spirit of solidarity and resilience that we celebrate as well."
Lewenza attended, along with Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy.
Support CAW Haiti Emergency Relief Efforts
CAW President Ken Lewenza has issued an urgent call to all CAW locals, staff and coordinators for donations to the CAW Social Justice Fund's Haiti Earthquake Relief fund.
The CAW is aiming to raise $250,000 for disaster relief efforts, with the hope of triggering maximum contributory funds from the federal government.
Individual contributions can be made to the Haiti earthquake relief effort. (A tax receipt will be issued for contributions of $20.00 or more). Cheques should be made out to CAW Social Justice Fund - Haiti Earthquake Relief, and sent with a donation form to:
CAW Social Justice Fund
205 Placer Court, Toronto, Ontario M2H 3H9
Donation forms can be downloaded from the CAW website at: http://www.caw.ca/assets/images/HAITI_Earthquake_Relief.pdf
If you have any questions, please email the CAW International Department: cawint@caw.ca.
Community Rallies to Save Kidd Creek Metallurgical Site
A community rally held by the Save the Met Site Coalition in Timmins, Ontario brought together nearly 2,000 enthusiastic supporters determined to ensure Xstrata's Kidd Metallurgical Site remains open.
Xstrata Copper Canada announced in December it plans to permanently shut down its copper and zinc metallurgical plants in May 2010. CAW Local 599 represents 615 workers at the facility. 670 Kidd employees plus an estimated 200 contractors will lose their jobs.
CAW Local 599 President Dennis Couvrette said it's time for the entire community to speak out.
"We all have to agree that what Xstrata is doing is wrong," Couvrette said. "They are at the point in their history where [they believe] Kidd Creek employees are expendable."
CAW President Ken Lewenza told the January 17 rally the great community turnout demonstrates how important the issue is for everyone in Timmins and the surrounding area.
When Oshawa was dealing with the potential closure of GM, the Premier stepped in to help and the same help should be offered to the people of Northeastern Ontario, Lewenza was quoted in the Timmins Daily Press. "This means as much to this community as Chrysler does to Windsor," Lewenza said. "This is not just about what's good for us, but for the next generation."
Ben Lefebvre, Chairperson at Xstrata Copper said that the company is making tons of money despite their claims to the contrary. "During the three year period ending December 31, 2008 Kidd made nearly $1 billion in net profit," said Lefebvre. "Base metal prices are back up to historical highs. Xstrata's announcement simply does not make sense."
To sign the petition, please visit: http://www.caw599.ca/.
You can help even more by getting friends and neighbours to sign it too!
Support Debro Steel Workers in Brampton, Ontario
CAW local unions are being urged to provide financial support for CAW Local 252 members on strike at Debro Steel in Brampton, Ontario since November 22.
"There is no question that this remains a difficult dispute, as the employer has tabled numerous concessions," said CAW President Ken Lewenza.
The employer wants to phase out sick days, is attacking new hires rates, and is demanding overtime changes that would mean no overtime after 40 hours. Local 252 represents 36 workers at Debro Steel.
Cheques should be made payable to CAW Local 252 and sent to Abbot Harvey, President, CAW Local 252, 1343 Matheson Blvd., Unit 12, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 1R1.
CAW Local 444 Hold Classes on Human Rights Training
| Approximately 100 union officers of CAW Local 444 took part in a week long human rights leadership program in early January. Another 100 officers will take the course in the months to come. The course was organized through the CAW's Human Rights Department. |
CAW Health Care Conference
The CAW Health Care Conference will be held May 7 to 9, 2010 at the Delta Halifax in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The conference theme is Defending our Rights - Preparing for the Future. The conference will include guest speakers, plenary sessions and workshops.
Further details regarding workshop selections for pre-registration will be forwarded to CAW health care local union presidents and recording secretaries in the near future.
Staff Appointment
As a result of Munir Khalid's upcoming retirement, CAW President Ken Lewenza has appointed national representative SUKHVINDER JOHL, Toronto Area Director, working out of the CAW's Toronto office, effective Sunday, January 31, 2010.
