Sunday, August 15, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR MOOSE JAW:
XL BEEF TO BE CLOSED PERMANENTLY:
After over half a year of locking out their employees XL Beef in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan has announced that they plan to close their plant permanently. Molly has blogged before on this lockout and the subsequent boycott of XL Beef products which the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (reluctantly and tardily) agreed to. The story of the closure is given below in a story from the Moose Jaw radio station CJME. Before getting into that, however, there is a lot of behind the scene details about this story that the reader should be aware of. Unions sources are suspicious that XL planned to close the plant all along. If they didn't it would seem like gross incompetence for them to dither about with temporary closures and lockouts as long as they did. If these plans were in the making for this long the actions of the company in carrying out the lockout were more than slightly deceitful and callous. Anyone who would like to say so to the parent company of XL Beef in Calgary can do so via the following contact info:
Nilsson Brothers Inc.
5101- 11th St. SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2H 1M7
phone 403-258-3233
fax 403-806-3849
Molly thinks that the union suspicions are quite accurate. To see why here are some forgotten facts about the plant. The plant originally opened as a joint private/public partnership in 1995 under the name of 'Western Canadian Beef'. At that time the Crown Investments of the Saskatchewan government owned 40% of the equity for God knows how much of the original investment. Management of the plant was turned over to the private partners whose "efficiency" ran it into the ground so that in 1998 the Crown had to take over the entire operation. The remaining 60% of the operation was purchased for $1.8 million with a government loan guarantee for $3 million for operating expenses.
Over the course of the next two years the provincial government also failed to turn a profit from the plant, and, despite the cyclical nature of the beef business, they were convinced they should unload the facility back to the private sector. In the year 2000 they sold the plant to XL Beef for a cost of $1.868 million plus, of course, a government financed loan at low interest rates of $2.368 million. Note this loan as it is important. The loan was to be paid off over 10 years.
Ten years arrived in 2010 !!! During that time the funds available from the loan were still active despite the fact that XL Beef had been in either shutdown or lockout for the better part of a year. The loan was "presumably" for operating expenses that never existed during the time of shutdown. While XL continued to pay back the government at a low interest rate they were able to apply the funds in more profitable ways all the while. When the loan was finally repaid XL had no reason to not go ahead and do what they intended all along ie close the plant. One has to wonder what uses the loan monies were put to over the years, uses remote from ensuring the profitability of the Moose Jaw plant. You gotta love the company accountants.
Let's examine the sale in 2000. The province bought the remained of the plant in 1998 for $1.8 million and sold it again in 2000 for $1.868 million. Seems about even ? Wrong ! Don't forget that the province already owned 40% of the plant in 1998. Selling both the 60% interest and the already owned 40% would have yielded a selling price of about $3 million to break even. Seems like a great deal for XL, and it was indeed.
Let's travel back to 2000 again. Labour activists in Canada are forever enraptured by the NDP and its supposed virtues. In 2000 the Saskatchewan government was NDP under Roy Romanow. In other words the beloved "left wing" NDP engineered a massive corporate giveaway that any conservative government would have drooled over. Here's the then Minister in charge of the sale John Nilson about the supposed benefits of selling the plant to XL:
"Our goals were to keep the company in business, to keep it in Moose Jaw and to prevent further financial loss for the Province"
It's 2010. The company is no longer in business in Moose Jaw. The province incurred a huge "paper loss" by selling the plant for far less than it was worth at the beginning. Given fluctuating interest rates the province may or may not have 'broken even' over the loan guarantees for the past decade. It depends on the fine details of the loan that are not open to public access.
What should have been done at the very beginning of this disaster ? Libertarian socialists as opposed to the statist socialists of the NDP would have seen the plant as a prime candidate for a "mixed cooperative". This would originally have been a tripartite partnership between the workers involved and their union, Saskatchewan beef producers and the provincial government. The monies needed would have come from exactly the same sources as XL drew upon (unless you believe the fairy tale that XL just so happened to have $1.8 million of 'spare cash' hanging around in their safe) ie loans. There should have been an agreement in place for the workers and the producers to gradually buy back the provincial equity. That sort of thing would have been the only way that it could be assured that the plant would remain to service Saskatchewan producers and consumers.
Is this alternative viable now ? Obviously not. There is a conservative provincial government in place in Regina. The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour was seriously reluctant to launch a simple boycott and did little to promote it after its announcement. The city of Moose Jaw is cash strapped and could hardly step in to replace the province. The union representing the workers the UFCW is far too weak in the province to carry out such a thing on its own. Saskatchewan beef producers are cynical and rightfully so. As a side bar to this story I can remember many years ago when an anarchist comrade from Saskatchewan who was also a cattleman attempted to organize a cooperative marketing group for Saskatchewan beef. Who were the main opponents who killed the idea by vigorous campaigning ? Full points if you guessed the NDP government.
All that Molly can say is that a few conclusions can be drawn from debacles such as this. One is that governments, including so-called 'left' governments are by their very nature treacherous, and that one should never depend on them and always keep them under close scrutiny. Another is that a cooperative alternative should always be first and foremost in examining what can be done about economic questions. The whole idea never occurred to anyone's mind in 2000, but if it had the story would have been quite different today.
Enough of the lecture. Here's the story from Moose Jaw.
CLCLCLCLCL
XL Beef lays off 200, closes its doors permanently in Moose Jaw
Blames market conditions and lack of collective agreement with union
It's been a very unlucky Friday the 13th for employees of XL Beef in Moose Jaw -- almost 200 picketing workers have been permanently laid off.
A letter from XL Beef says the closure is for business and economic reasons, blaming market conditions and that they still don't have a new bargaining agreement with the union that represents employees at the plant.
"We've maintained all along that we're willing to negotiate, that the people go back to work and negotiate a fair and equitable contract," said Norm Neault, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1400.
"I don't think we've been the ones holding this up by stretch of the means. We haven't taken a strike vote and I guess the company, for the lack of a better word, gave up on that.
"They've got their interest in Alberta which is where their negotiating right now and I think that's on their horizon. I think Moose Jaw has been part of their plans for quite some time now."
Nilsson Bros, the parent company of XL Foods out of Alberta, have declined to comment.
The facility was initially shut down last spring due to market conditions. Employees were supposed to be back to work in the fall of 2009. Just days before they were to return, employees were locked out by XL Beef and a labour dispute began. Union members have been walking the picket line ever since.
The letter from XL Beef says the plant will be permanently closed within 90 days.
While the union tries to get all of the loose ends under control, Moose Jaw's mayor is voicing his disappointment in the decision -- saying this is terrible news for the city.
Mayor Glenn Hagel has been in touch with Nilsson Bros, the parent company of XL Foods in Alberta.
"They called to advise that they were making their decision," he said. "They assured me that there wasn't anything that the City of Moose Jaw did or didn't do that influenced their decision and indicated that their decision was final."
If there is anything that the employees can look forward to, it's the opening of the pork plant -- that facility opens in the new year.
With reporting by Chris Rasmussen, CHAB Moose Jaw.
XL Beef lays off 200, closes its doors permanently in Moose Jaw
Blames market conditions and lack of collective agreement with union
It's been a very unlucky Friday the 13th for employees of XL Beef in Moose Jaw -- almost 200 picketing workers have been permanently laid off.
A letter from XL Beef says the closure is for business and economic reasons, blaming market conditions and that they still don't have a new bargaining agreement with the union that represents employees at the plant.
"We've maintained all along that we're willing to negotiate, that the people go back to work and negotiate a fair and equitable contract," said Norm Neault, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1400.
"I don't think we've been the ones holding this up by stretch of the means. We haven't taken a strike vote and I guess the company, for the lack of a better word, gave up on that.
"They've got their interest in Alberta which is where their negotiating right now and I think that's on their horizon. I think Moose Jaw has been part of their plans for quite some time now."
Nilsson Bros, the parent company of XL Foods out of Alberta, have declined to comment.
The facility was initially shut down last spring due to market conditions. Employees were supposed to be back to work in the fall of 2009. Just days before they were to return, employees were locked out by XL Beef and a labour dispute began. Union members have been walking the picket line ever since.
The letter from XL Beef says the plant will be permanently closed within 90 days.
While the union tries to get all of the loose ends under control, Moose Jaw's mayor is voicing his disappointment in the decision -- saying this is terrible news for the city.
Mayor Glenn Hagel has been in touch with Nilsson Bros, the parent company of XL Foods in Alberta.
"They called to advise that they were making their decision," he said. "They assured me that there wasn't anything that the City of Moose Jaw did or didn't do that influenced their decision and indicated that their decision was final."
If there is anything that the employees can look forward to, it's the opening of the pork plant -- that facility opens in the new year.
With reporting by Chris Rasmussen, CHAB Moose Jaw.
Labels: Canadian labour, cooperativism, current events, labour, lockouts, Moose Jaw, mutualism, NDP, Saskatchewan, statism, tactics, XL Beef
Thursday, July 08, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR REGINA:
WORKERS AND MANAGEMENT STILL FAR APART AT CASINO REGINA:
Molly blogged about the strike at Casino Regina last June 25, and to date their has been no agreement between management of the province's cash cow the striking workers represented by the PSAC and the RWDSU. Here's an item from the Regina Leader Post about the "state" of contract negotiations and news of a rally at the Legislature to be held today. Note that no matter how "generous" management claims they are being their demand to reduce full time workers to part time is a great step backwards for the people involved.
SLSLSLSLSL
No deal yet for gaming workers
By Pamela Roth,
No deal yet for gaming workers
By Pamela Roth,
The Leader-Post July 6, 2010
Frustration is mounting for gaming employees with Casino Regina after a meeting last week with their employer, the Crown-owned Saskatchewan Gaming Corp., failed to strike a new deal.
Communication between Sask. Gaming and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents about 425 gaming employees at the casino, has been minimal since the strike began more than a month ago.
Both parties had high hopes an agreement could be reached when the corporation arranged the meeting last week, but Robin Benson, regional executive vice president of PSAC, said they now seem even further apart.
She said the corporation is willing to increase wages, but not without scaling back some positions to part-time.
"We had really hoped they were serious about us coming back to the table. We are nowhere close to an agreement," said Bensen.
"You can't take from one hand and give to the other. A wage increase, but no full-time hours, is just not possible. If you are never going to be more than a part-time worker, how is that a career?"
On June 3, more than 400 gaming employees walked off the floor and went on strike after failed attempts to reach a new contract with their employer.
Food and beverage employees also are on the picket line in support of PSAC's decision to strike, leaving the casino operating with limited services and shorter hours.
The union members, which include dealers, cashiers, security guards and slot attendants, have been without a contract since May 2009. Wage increases, family leave and night-shift premiums are the outstanding issues.
Members of PSAC, along with the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, will be hosting a rally outside the Legislative Building on Thursday, and have also been in contact with local MLAs to step in.
Blaine Pilatzke, vice-president of human resources for Sask. Gaming, said he was hoping the meeting would spark further discussions, but was disappointed when nothing further materialized.
He said Sask. Gaming presented a fair offer that included 5.5 per cent in total increased compensation over a three-year period and a realignment of existing provisions within the collective agreement to address some of the union's priorities.
The offer also included improvements to health care benefits.
"We presented a couple of options to try to address some of their priorities, but those were rejected," said Pilatzke.
"It's been more than 30 days and the corporation recognizes it's difficult on the picketers, but it's also difficult on our out-of-scope staff who have been asked to perform additional functions as well. I would hope that at some point in the near future we can get back and have some further discussions."
Sask. Gaming owns and operates Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw, which are regulated by the provincial government.
The gaming corporation was the Regina-area winner of the 2010 Top Employers for Young People competition conducted by Mediacorp Canada (the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers).
Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/business/deal+gaming+workers/3240123/story.html#ixzz0t4EUtcu3
Communication between Sask. Gaming and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents about 425 gaming employees at the casino, has been minimal since the strike began more than a month ago.
Both parties had high hopes an agreement could be reached when the corporation arranged the meeting last week, but Robin Benson, regional executive vice president of PSAC, said they now seem even further apart.
She said the corporation is willing to increase wages, but not without scaling back some positions to part-time.
"We had really hoped they were serious about us coming back to the table. We are nowhere close to an agreement," said Bensen.
"You can't take from one hand and give to the other. A wage increase, but no full-time hours, is just not possible. If you are never going to be more than a part-time worker, how is that a career?"
On June 3, more than 400 gaming employees walked off the floor and went on strike after failed attempts to reach a new contract with their employer.
Food and beverage employees also are on the picket line in support of PSAC's decision to strike, leaving the casino operating with limited services and shorter hours.
The union members, which include dealers, cashiers, security guards and slot attendants, have been without a contract since May 2009. Wage increases, family leave and night-shift premiums are the outstanding issues.
Members of PSAC, along with the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, will be hosting a rally outside the Legislative Building on Thursday, and have also been in contact with local MLAs to step in.
Blaine Pilatzke, vice-president of human resources for Sask. Gaming, said he was hoping the meeting would spark further discussions, but was disappointed when nothing further materialized.
He said Sask. Gaming presented a fair offer that included 5.5 per cent in total increased compensation over a three-year period and a realignment of existing provisions within the collective agreement to address some of the union's priorities.
The offer also included improvements to health care benefits.
"We presented a couple of options to try to address some of their priorities, but those were rejected," said Pilatzke.
"It's been more than 30 days and the corporation recognizes it's difficult on the picketers, but it's also difficult on our out-of-scope staff who have been asked to perform additional functions as well. I would hope that at some point in the near future we can get back and have some further discussions."
Sask. Gaming owns and operates Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw, which are regulated by the provincial government.
The gaming corporation was the Regina-area winner of the 2010 Top Employers for Young People competition conducted by Mediacorp Canada (the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers).
Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/business/deal+gaming+workers/3240123/story.html#ixzz0t4EUtcu3
Labels: Canadian labour, labour, Moose Jaw, PSAC, Regina, Regina Leader Post, RWDSU, Saskatchewan, strike.
Friday, June 25, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR - SASKATCHEWAN:
BETTING ON THE UNION:
Employees at Casino Regina in Regina Saskatchewan have been without a contract since May 2009, and early this month they decided that enough was enough. The first to walk out were members of the PSAC on June 3, and they were followed by others from the RWDSU on June 4. The casino, of course, is a great cash cow for the provincial government, but despite this they have been unwilling to part with a little of it for the employees.
There is a strike support Facebook Page and also a Strike Blog. Look there for more info. All that Molly can say of the government is that it is a more than one armed bandit. It takes the taxes with one hand, the gambling revenues with another, and puts its third hand behind its back when its employees ask for decent wages and working conditions. Sounds like a game you can't win.
Here's an item from the Regina Leader Post about how some of the regulars at the Casino sympathize with the strikers.
RCRCRCRCRCRCRC
Casino Regina regulars on side of striking workers
By PAMELA ROTH, Leader-Post
REGINA — It's getting harder each week for some regular patrons of Casino Regina to cross the picket line in front of the building.
Ever since more than 400 gaming employees went on strike almost three weeks ago after failed attempts to reach a new contract with their employer, the Crown-owned Saskatchewan Gaming Corp., Maryanne Burst would like nothing more than to see both sides get back to the bargaining table.
She doesn't mind having to serve herself a beverage while she's playing the slot machines, but said other casino patrons have been complaining about the lack of employees.
Aside from that, Burst said it's been business as usual for her at the casino slot machines, and she doesn't blame the gaming employees for demanding a raise.
"I think they have to fight for their rights like everybody else," said Burst. "This just allows the high-rollers to save their money."
The casino was active with patrons on Tuesday afternoon, even though all gaming tables are temporarily closed due to the strike, and food and beverage services are limited.
Food and beverage employees are also on the picket line after the decision to strike by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) — the union that represents Casino Regina gaming employees.
The union members, which include dealers, cashiers, security guards and slot attendants, have been without a contract since May 2009.
Wage increases, family leave and night-shift premiums are the outstanding issues.
Edie, who did not want to use her last name, visits the casino to gamble once a week and hasn't been disrupted by the strike.
So far, she's pleased with how the casino has handled the scale-back in a number of services, but admits it's getting harder to drive through the picket line.
"We go in there with an understanding we are not going to get the same services," said Edie. "I feel badly for them (the employees). We hear how much profit the casino makes. They can afford to pay a bit more,"
Since the strike began, PSAC and Sask. Gaming have had limited contact with one another.
Last week, a spokesperson for the Sask. Gaming Corp said the corporation is eager to get back to the bargaining table, but so far no meetings have been arranged.
Fran Mohr, spokesperson for PSAC, said spirits on the picket line are still high.
"We'd had a lot of donations of food and stuff like that," she said. "Even in the rain, everybody is still happy to be here."
Sask. Gaming owns and operates Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw, which are regulated by the provincial government.
proth@leaderpost.canwest.com
Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/business/Casino+Regina+regulars+side+striking+workers/3187723/story.html#ixzz0ruxj8muh
Labels: Canadian labour, casino Regina, labour, PSAC, Regina, Regina Leader Post, RWDSU, Saskatchewan, strike.
Monday, May 17, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR- SASKATCHEWAN:
RALLY AGAINST BILL 80:
Bill 80 is a proposed bill now before the Saskatchewan Legislature that would gut the right to collective bargaining for construction workers in that province. The governing 'Saskatchewan Party' (read Conservatives in drag ) have introduced legislation that would basically allow employers to chose which union would represent "their" workers. Tomorrow there will be a rally at the Regina legislative building to oppose this attack on Saskatchewan construction workers. Here's the story from the CEP Union Blog.
SLSLSLSLSLSLSL
Rally Against Bill 80
There will be a rally against Bill 80 on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at noon at the Saskatchewan Legislative building 2405 Legislative Drive Regina.
If you can not make the rally you can show your support in a number of other ways.
Join the face book group.
" kill bill 80 "
A petition out side of face book
Stop Bill 80's Amendments to the — Construction Industry Labour Relations Act
Find out more information at the Say No to Bill 80 Website
If you're a CEP member ask why would CEP support such a bill?
Rally Against Bill 80
There will be a rally against Bill 80 on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at noon at the Saskatchewan Legislative building 2405 Legislative Drive Regina.
If you can not make the rally you can show your support in a number of other ways.
Join the face book group.
" kill bill 80 "
A petition out side of face book
Stop Bill 80's Amendments to the — Construction Industry Labour Relations Act
Find out more information at the Say No to Bill 80 Website
If you're a CEP member ask why would CEP support such a bill?
Labels: Bill 80, Canadian labour, CEP Union Blog, demonstrations, labour, protests, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Party
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS/CANADIAN LABOUR-SASKATCHEWAN:
WALL GOVERNMENT ATTRACTS UNWANTED ATTENTION:
I guess it's an example of overweening ambition. The Saskatchewan Party (read right wing conservative) government of Premier Brad Wall of Saskatchewan is in an unseemly rush to demolish any and all legislation that might benefit workers or ordinary people. Wall should really take lessons from that master of slyness, our beloved Prime Minister, about how to go about these things piecemeal. patience is, after all, a virtue. This rush to take away rights has attracted the unwanted attention of the International Labour Organization (ILO) who have made it plain to the Premier that his plans violate international law. Here's the story from Larry Hubich's Blog. Hubich is the President of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL).
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
ILO blasts anti-labour laws adopted by Saskatchewan
UN body instructs government of Premier Brad Wall to consult with labour and work out an acceptable solution to essential services legislation, union organizing votes and a labour relations board all parties can trust.
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The International Labour Organization (ILO) has issued a stinging rebuke to the government of Saskatchewan, primarily over two pieces of anti-labour legislation adopted in 2008 (Bills 5 and 6).
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The United Nations body has directed the province to go back to the drawing board and rewrite the laws in full consultation and cooperation with workers and labour groups affected.
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In an unusually-pointed decision, the ILO – which is based in Geneva – has also instructed the Brad Wall government to keep ILO officials informed of corrective steps as they are taken to bring the province into compliance with international labour standards that Canada as a UN member country is bound to uphold.
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“The ILO has told the Wall government that these laws clearly violate international law and the principles of freedom of association. The government has an obligation and a duty to consult meaningfully with those who are affected by the laws it intends to enact,” said SFL President Larry Hubich.
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“SGEU is particularly pleased with the decision of the ILO and its impact on our collective bargaining. The outrageous and illegal use of designations to take away our members’ right to strike and force upon us collective agreements which do not reflect free and fair bargaining will be addressed through all means at our disposal including the courts if necessary,” said Bob Bymoen, president of SGEU.
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“This government must repeal its regulations and honour our previous agreement. International law is not just about business. It’s also about human rights and it’s time the Wall government started to respect those rights,” added Bymoen.
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“The ILO has also stated that the Labour Relations Board, which enforces both Acts, needs to enjoy the confidence of labour, and since the 2008 firings of the chair and vice-chair, those conditions do not exist. That’s another mess the ILO is calling upon the Wall government to fix,” added Hubich.
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“Brad Wall’s government appears eager to go out of their way to ensure the province complies with international trade agreements. It’s time they respected and lived up to our international obligations to ensure labour rights and human rights are consistent with those of other modern democracies,” said Hubich and Bymoen.
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The ILO Committee on Freedom of Association is referring the decision to the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations. The Committee of experts is expected to meet in June and to issue a report on the government’s compliance in November.
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Download PDF version of news release here....
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Download complete ILO decision here....
ILO blasts anti-labour laws adopted by Saskatchewan
UN body instructs government of Premier Brad Wall to consult with labour and work out an acceptable solution to essential services legislation, union organizing votes and a labour relations board all parties can trust.
.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has issued a stinging rebuke to the government of Saskatchewan, primarily over two pieces of anti-labour legislation adopted in 2008 (Bills 5 and 6).
.
The United Nations body has directed the province to go back to the drawing board and rewrite the laws in full consultation and cooperation with workers and labour groups affected.
.
In an unusually-pointed decision, the ILO – which is based in Geneva – has also instructed the Brad Wall government to keep ILO officials informed of corrective steps as they are taken to bring the province into compliance with international labour standards that Canada as a UN member country is bound to uphold.
.
“The ILO has told the Wall government that these laws clearly violate international law and the principles of freedom of association. The government has an obligation and a duty to consult meaningfully with those who are affected by the laws it intends to enact,” said SFL President Larry Hubich.
.
“SGEU is particularly pleased with the decision of the ILO and its impact on our collective bargaining. The outrageous and illegal use of designations to take away our members’ right to strike and force upon us collective agreements which do not reflect free and fair bargaining will be addressed through all means at our disposal including the courts if necessary,” said Bob Bymoen, president of SGEU.
.
“This government must repeal its regulations and honour our previous agreement. International law is not just about business. It’s also about human rights and it’s time the Wall government started to respect those rights,” added Bymoen.
.
“The ILO has also stated that the Labour Relations Board, which enforces both Acts, needs to enjoy the confidence of labour, and since the 2008 firings of the chair and vice-chair, those conditions do not exist. That’s another mess the ILO is calling upon the Wall government to fix,” added Hubich.
.
“Brad Wall’s government appears eager to go out of their way to ensure the province complies with international trade agreements. It’s time they respected and lived up to our international obligations to ensure labour rights and human rights are consistent with those of other modern democracies,” said Hubich and Bymoen.
.
The ILO Committee on Freedom of Association is referring the decision to the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations. The Committee of experts is expected to meet in June and to issue a report on the government’s compliance in November.
.
Download PDF version of news release here....
.
Download complete ILO decision here....
Labels: Brad Wall, Canadian labour, Canadian politics, conservatives, current events, ILO, labour, larry Hubich, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, Saskatchewan Party
Saturday, February 20, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR-SASKATCHEWAN:
SPENDING MONEY FOOLISHLY:
Here's a great switcheroo. Unions representing City of Regina workers are criticizing the City of Regina for needlessly wasting money on a consultant to develop a new symbol. The cost - $320,000 for a little bit of internet design work that would cost about 50 or 60 dollars outside of "Consultantland". Never let it be said that the right wing is right when they try and blame the unions for the waste of public monies. Government is well able to do it on its own, thank you very much. especially when it involves doling out money to corporate friends. The consulting industry is, of course, one of the greatest scams ever developed, and they are always on the lookout for a willing victim. I mean it-5o to 60 dollars. Any kid in the basement could have done as much in 20 minutes. In this case the unions stand as the guardian of the public purse.Here's the story from the Regina Leader Post.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Local unions concerned about Regina's 'Infinite Horizons' strategy:
By Joe Couture, Leader-Post February 19, 2010
REGINA — The heads of three union locals that represent City of Regina workers noted their concerns Friday about the city’s recently introduced “Infinite Horizons” branding strategy.
Local unions concerned about Regina's 'Infinite Horizons' strategy:
By Joe Couture, Leader-Post February 19, 2010
REGINA — The heads of three union locals that represent City of Regina workers noted their concerns Friday about the city’s recently introduced “Infinite Horizons” branding strategy.
“I struggle with the need to brand ourselves or create an image, especially with something as obscure as a stylized ‘R’,” said Marvin Meickel, president of CUPE Local 7, which represents inside city workers.
He noted the old logo, which had a rendering of the city skyline, and the logo that came before it, which included a crown, were sufficient to represent the city.
Both Tim Anderson, president of CUPE Local 21, which represents outside city workers, and Mike Ehmann, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 588, which represents transit drivers, said Friday they, too, thought the previous logo was fine.
Meickel said he gives credit to Mayor Pat Fiacco for his efforts to make the city’s image more positive, noting that is important. But he said he doesn’t understand why city needs to keep spending money on its image when the existing image seems to be well-received.
“We seem to be riding a fairly high tide of city growth and province growth,” Meickel continued. “Were we really lacking as far as that particular brand or logo? I would say, ‘No’. Could the money have been spent in other areas? I would say, ‘Absolutely’.
“There’s all sorts of challenges that the city continues to face that would involve a financial commitment, but they’ve decided to take this particular direction.”
The cost is at the centre of the concerns of the other two union leaders, too.
Anderson said he expects the final price tag for the branding initiative will be significantly more than the $320,000 paid to the advertising firm that developed it.
“We have a number of issues facing the city,” he said. “With the provincial government reneging on their promise to share revenue, we’re looking at a mill rate increase, I would assume. I think the timing of the logo could have been postponed until we can afford it. At another time, it wouldn’t have been that bad.”
Anderson said he thinks spending on the brand now shows a lack of fiscal responsibility.
“I think it comes down to wants and needs,” he said.
Ehmann said, “The money could have been spent better elsewhere,” noting the transit department’s recent well-publicized fleet challenges. “They could have bought a bus.”
Meickel questioned whether a public-sector corporation such as the city even needs to have a style of brand like a private-sector company. The new branding appears to be of such a style, he added.
“I think some people, including myself, just don’t quite understand it,” he said. “Maybe time will give me an opportunity to be more comfortable with it.”
jcouture@leaderpost.canwest.com
Labels: Canadian labour, consultants, Corporate criminals, CUPE, government waste, labour, Regina, Regina Leader Post, Saskatchewan
Friday, February 05, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR-MOOSE JAW:
AN XL BEEF BOYCOTT -FINALLY:
Last November 24 Molly reported (one of three reports on the subject here at Molly's Blog) on the call on the part of locked out workers at XL Foods in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan for a boycott of XL products. At the time I had some rather harsh words for the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) and their hesitation in calling for such a boycott. That hesitation, I am happy to say, is over, and the SFL has called for a boycott in support of the workers who have been locked out since the beginning of last September. Better late than never I guess. Here's the story from The Canadian Cattlemen.
MJMJMJMJMJMJMJ
Sask. unions call for XL boycott over lockout:
With no new talks in sight to end a lockout at XL Foods' beef processing plant at Moose Jaw, Sask., the province's labour leaders have called for a boycott of the Alberta parent company's beef.
With no new talks in sight to end a lockout at XL Foods' beef processing plant at Moose Jaw, Sask., the province's labour leaders have called for a boycott of the Alberta parent company's beef.
As of Wednesday, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada) Local 1400, which represents 200 employees at the Moose Jaw plant, reported no bargaining dates have been set and XL Foods has yet to respond since the workers voted in October to reject its last offer.
The workers, who have been without a contract since the end of January, came back in September from a five-month shutdown to be greeted by a company-imposed lockout, then rejected an XL Foods contract offer later that month.
"XL Foods locked out those workers to put pressure on them to accept concessions at the bargaining table," the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour said in a statement.
The Regina-based SFL, the overarching body for unionized labour in the province, urged in its statement that consumers "ask where (the) meat comes from" at grocery stores and meat markets, and not to buy if the answer is XL Foods.
"If you are at a restaurant, ask where the beef is coming from; if the answer is XL Foods, consider some other product," the SFL said.
It also recommended that consumers ask those questions every time they buy beef, as businesses may switch suppliers often for better pricing.
UFCW president Norm Neault said recently members have been distributing leaflets with the same general message.
Neault said he had yet to hear from XL but recently had heard from a provincial conciliator.
Unionized employees walking the line at the Moose Jaw facility recently got a boost in picket pay, he said, as affiliated unions in the U.S. raised money to support the locked-out staff.
That news was offset by a recent ruling from the federal Employment Insurance program, which according to Neault said the locked-out workers are not entitled to EI benefits relating to their layoffs beyond XL's originally scheduled recall date of Sept. 28, 2009. The company by that time had announced the lockout.
The UFCW noted that its Local 401 is also currently in talks with XL at the company's Calgary beef plant. UFCW-represented staff at that plant have been working under the terms of their last contract, which expired at the end of March 2009.
Bargaining sessions between the union and XL in Calgary are scheduled for Feb. 23 and 25, UFCW staff in Regina said.
Bargaining is also expected to begin in early 2010 for unionized staff at XL's plant at Brooks, Alta.
Labels: boycotts., Canadian Cattlemen, Canadian labour, labour, lockouts, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, SFL, UFCW, XL Beef, XL Beef Boycott
Sunday, January 31, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR-SASKATCHEWAN:
GOVERNMENT OFFER TO SASKATCHEWAN HEALTH CARE WORKERS INSULTING:
Out in Molly's old stomping ground, the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, the new ultra-conservative Saskatchewan Party (a temporary parking space for right wingers to avoid the aura of corruption of the old Conservatives-until they get caught enough themselves of course) continues its campaign of attacking ordinary people to increase the income and power of the rich. The latest targets are government employees in the health care sector. Here, from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is the latest news on the so-called "offer" of the government in negotiations that have been ongoing for over a year and a half. Molly has reported on these contract negotiations before last December.
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Health workers incensed by employers’ actions:
The Saskatchewan government and health employers “final offered” 25,000 health care providers and cancelled conciliation. Their actions have angered CUPE, which represents 12,600 health providers in five health regions.
The Saskatchewan government and health employers “final offered” 25,000 health care providers and cancelled conciliation. Their actions have angered CUPE, which represents 12,600 health providers in five health regions.
“We are bitterly disappointed that the employers’ first move in conciliation is to present a final offer and cancel conciliation,” says CUPE Health Care Council President Gordon Campbell. “They’ve made a mockery of the conciliation process.”
The employers’ arrogance is tied to the government’s new essential services legislation, he adds. Under the legislation, three out of four health care providers are deemed essential and unable to strike.
The three health care providers unions – CUPE, SGEU and SEIU – have been negotiating for 17 months. Their contracts expired nearly two years ago.
“This so-called final offer is disgraceful,” says Mike Keith, CUPE’s chief negotiator, adding it contains all of the major concessions CUPE members rejected last June, when they voted 88% in support of job action. “These concessions are a license for health employers to understaff and overwork our members and mismanage our health care system.”
Keith says the union has “lost all confidence” that health employers have the mandate to negotiate a fair agreement.
“We are calling on the government to get serious about contract negotiations and stop trying to provoke a strike,” says Keith.
“We want to return to the bargaining table and negotiate a reasonable contract settlement. And we want the government to put a bargaining team in place to make make that happen,” he says.
Labels: Canadian labour, conservatives, CUPE, health care., labour, negotiations, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Party
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
CANADIAN LABOUR-SASKATCHEWAN:
HEALTH CARE WORKERS VERSUS THE SASKATCHEWAN GOVERNMENT:
Out Saskatchewan way a real test of wills is shaping up between the right wing Saskatchewan Party provincial government and over 11,000 workers represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Having voted over 88% in favour of strike action in late November the health care workers have continued to negotiate with the government, but many are becoming frustrated enough to begin walkouts at any time. They do this despite legislation that defines pretty well all of what they do as an "essential service" which means that they legally barred from striking. What follows is an article from the Regina Leader Post. To follow developments check in with the SEIU's western Canadian website.
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Health-care workers willing to defy legislation, SEIU says:
By Janet French
Some unionized health-care workers are willing to walk off the job, defying essential services legislation and potentially incurring hefty fines, if they can't reach a deal with health regions, the president of Service Employees International Union-West says.
Health-care workers willing to defy legislation, SEIU says:
By Janet French
Some unionized health-care workers are willing to walk off the job, defying essential services legislation and potentially incurring hefty fines, if they can't reach a deal with health regions, the president of Service Employees International Union-West says.
"People are prepared to take that next step," union president Barbara Cape said late last week.
Last Friday, the union, which represents more than 11,000 health-care workers such as licensed practical nurses, special care aides, laundry, maintenance and food service workers and more, announced it is taking four regional health authorities to court over their latest essential services plans.
Cape says lawyers have filed a notice of motion for a judicial review of essential services plans given to the union by Saskatoon, Cypress, Five Hills and Heartland health regions, and have also asked for a judicial review of the Public Service Essential Services Act itself.
The union is challenging the constitutionality of the act, and the plans.
Three health-care unions representing 25,000 workers -- SEIU-West, Saskatchewan General and Government Employees Union, and Canadian Union of Public Employees -- bargain together, and have been without a contract since March 2008.
The parties had been at the bargaining table, but those talks broke off in early December.
In a late-November strike vote, SEIU members voted 88 per cent in favour of job action.
When health regions delivered the union their essential services plans that day, Cape says the employers had declared at least 90 per cent of the workers "essential," which she says was more onerous than plans the health regions had handed over earlier this year.
"It takes away our right to strike, if not, severely limits our right to strike in support of collective bargaining," Cape said.
Susan Antosh, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations, which bargains on behalf of the health regions and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, says the regions did meet with the unions to try and agree on an essential services plan in advance, but the parties were not able to reach agreements.
They had also discussed, but failed to reach an agreement on providing replacement workers in the event of a strike.
Essential services legislation says as soon as there is a threat of job action, employers must present an essential services plan to the union, and notify workers, if no such agreement has been struck in advance.
Antosh said a strike vote means the unions could give 48-hour strike notice at any time.
Because hand-delivering letters to thousands of employees takes more than two days, Antosh said health regions opted to hand out their plans earlier.
Antosh also said the essential services plans handed over in February, then after each union's strike vote, were the same, if not less demanding than initial plans. Each plan declared about 75 per cent of the full-time workload to be essential, Antosh said. She admits that may work out to affect more than 90 per cent of the employees, but didn't have exact numbers.
During talks with members across the province before the strike vote, Cape said several workers claim they are willing to defy legislation and walk off the job to get a fair deal. Cape said the union is attempting to discourage workers from doing that.
Defying the essential services legislation could result in "significant" fines against the worker and the union -- $2,000 on the first day for a worker, and $400 on every subsequent day, Cape said.
"I don't know any health-care workers, let alone any person in the province, who can afford that kind of fine," she said.
Antosh also discourages any workers from breaking the law, but adds those are personal choices health regions cannot control.
When asked what assurances Antosh could provide that health-care services will be there for Saskatchewan people in the event of a strike, Antosh said the employers have done everything they can under current legislation.
"The employer is extremely interested in ensuring the services are provided, and people of Saskatchewan actually have access to the services that they need," she said. "That is not a decision or something that I have the ability to control."
During talks, the unions asked for wage increases of five per cent in 2008, five per cent in 2009 and five per cent in 2010.
SAHO countered with a proposal of a 9.4 per cent pay increase over four years, with additional incentives for hard-to-recruit professionals.
Cape calls the essential services plans a "stall tactic," that's preventing the parties from reaching an agreement, instead of a tool to ensure public safety during a strike.
Antosh maintains essential services agreements and collective bargaining are two independent processes, and that one shouldn't affect the other. (She probably said this with a straight face too-Molly )
However, there is hope bargaining will resume soon between the unions and SAHO. Both parties have agreed to work with government conciliator Doug Forsyth, and Antosh is hopeful more bargaining dates will be scheduled for January.
The essential services legislation was enacted in Saskatchewan in May 2008, and raised the ire of several labour groups and official Opposition both before and after it became law.
Labels: bargaining., Canadian labour, health care., labour, Saskatchewan, SEIU, strike
Monday, December 21, 2009
CANADIAN LABOUR-MOOSE JAW:
UFCW SOLIDARITY WITH LOCKED OUT WORKERS IN MOOSE JAW:
Looks like it's "celebrating the donations" time here at Molly's Blog. Following the previous article here's another good news story as the UFCW from across the continent have raised $86,000 as a donation for workers locked out by XL Beef in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. Yeah, I know it's not the centre of the universe, just as here in Manitoba the plight of workers locked out by Tembec in Pine Falls hardly blips onto the world screen. Multiply these isolated incidents in out of the way places to what they actually are, however, and you see a vicious pattern of managerial assault on ordinary workers.
The following is a "good news story", just as the previous 'Operation Christmas Cheer' reported here at Molly's Blog is such a thing. I suppose, however, that I have to get my "grouch" in. It has been some time since the UFCW asked the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour to support a boycott of XL Beef. The SFL spokesman came out with a disparaging statement about the idea, and since that time little has been heard about it. Can anyone say "death by neglect" ? It seems as if the UFCW Union is unwilling to publicly challenge the SFL about their lack of action. Too bad. This is one of the many instances that point to the need for independent voices, not just in Canada's unions but amongst "the left" in general, voices that are not mouthpieces for this or that organization. Too much get swept under the carpet. The SFL should be challenged to say whether it is or is not willing to support such a boycott and to give its reasons if not. My own opinion, for what it is worth is that, given the fact that XL Beef is marketed internationally, that the UFCW should go ahead with a boycott whether they have the support of the SFL or not.
OK, enough preaching. Here's the story from the Moose Jaw Times.
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UFCW stands behind local XL Beef employees:
$86,000 US.
That’s how much United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) from across North America gave local XL Beef employees currently on lock out on Friday.
$86,000 US.
That’s how much United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) from across North America gave local XL Beef employees currently on lock out on Friday.
“It may seem at times this is a fight you’re taking on by yourself, but you’re not by yourself,” UFCW vice president and food processing and packing director Mark Lauritsen told about 60 local workers, who were picketing across the road from XL Beef plant.
Lauritsen said the fight was important not just in Moose Jaw, but to anyone who works in the beef-packing industry in Canada and the U.S.
Lauritsen then presented UFCW Local 1400 president Norm Neault with an envelope containing $86,000, which the union collected from its members in from both countries following a recent sector meeting.
Labels: Canadian labour, labour, lockouts, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, SFL, solidarity., UFCW, XL Beef
Friday, December 18, 2009
CANADIAN LABOUR:
MORE ON THE CLAC:
Want to learn more about the pseudo-union, the CLAC, that has often been mentioned here at Molly's Blog. Go directly to the Winnipeg Wobbly Blog for more news on this threat to workers' rights, including other things that Molly hasn't published here- especially their history in Alberta. Tell 'em Molly sent you.
Labels: Alberta, Canadian labour, CLAC, labour, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg Wobbly Blog
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
CANADIAN LABOUR-SASKATCHEWAN:
THE "UNION" THAT WANTS A LOWER MINIMUM WAGE:
That's right, you heard me correctly. There is a Canadian "union" that is pushing for a two-tiered minimum wage whereby young workers can get paid at a lower minimum wage rate than older workers. By its advocacy of this the benighted province where it has the ear of the government will go beyond even Ontario which has a similar two tiered system that applies only to students, not to all young workers. We are, of course, referring to the infamous CLAC (Christian Labour Association of Canada) and the "newish" Saskatchewan Party government of that province which seems determined to out-Alberta any previous right wing government in the province to the west.
CLAC has become infamous over the years in Alberta where the government has been biased in favour of employers since the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. Its latest escapade was acting as a hiring agent for New Brunswick bosses ( see HERE at Molly's Blog) who were dissatisfied with paying even the depressed Atlantic Provinces wages to local construction workers. One wonders what the "cut" was that the CLAC was given to ship work desperate people down there from out here. One doubts that they were willing to ship in scabs for free, and no doubt they padded the bill. The CLAC is still not recognized as a union in NB, and neither is it in Saskatchewan. In Saskatchewan, however, it can barely repress its glee at the possibility of being the "bosses' choice" if the government's Bill 80 is passed, opening up the province to "Potemkin unions" endorsed by the employers.
Here's a little item from the Saskatoon Star Phoenix about CLAC's latest proposal to the Saskatchewan government to create an underclass of young workers.
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Objective to cut wages:
By Terry Parker,
Objective to cut wages:
By Terry Parker,
The StarPhoenix
December 14, 2009
The Christian Labour Association of Canada is suggesting the Saskatchewan Party government lower the minimum wage for young people.
The Christian Labour Association of Canada is suggesting the Saskatchewan Party government lower the minimum wage for young people.
Both have both fought for lower wages and benefits for workers, so CLAC's advocacy for a lower minimum wage is not surprising even if it is foolish.
It makes no sense to penalize young workers in an economy that should be trying to keep them in Saskatchewan and get them into the labour force, unless the real objective is to ensure lower wages for the benefit of employers.
I suspect that what is really going on here is that the government wants to lower the minimum wage and thinks that young workers are the easiest to pick off, so it's going after them first. Next, move to a lower minimum wage for rural workers, as also advocated by CLAC.
To complement their strategy to lower minimum wages for non-union workers, CLAC and the Saskatchewan Party are also working together through Bill 80 to decrease wages and benefits for construction workers.
In addition to lower wages, Bill 80 legislates away the right of workers to choose the union that represents them. Instead, workers will be forced by employers to become CLAC members.
It's not surprising, but it is disappointing. Saskatchewan people will say no to lower minimum wages, just as they have said no to Bill 80.
Terry Parker
Business manager
Saskatchewan Building Trades
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Looking back over the past year I'm amazed by just how frequently this "yellow dog" union that represents a small number of people across Canada has made the news by its antics. I'm even amazed by how often it has been mentioned here at Molly's Blog (See HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE in the last year alone). Even in its home turf of Alberta, where it has all the benefits of conspiracy with the government in its favour it represents only about 15,00 people according to Wikipedia. But, as I said the Saskatchewan Party, trying to outdo the Alberta Conservatives, aims to give it a new field of victims. Here's an item from the Owls and Roosters Blog out of Saskatoon that gives many more details about the CLAC In Saskatchewan and its collaboration with the provincial government to prey on Saskatchewan workers. The original blog features photos of the heavily censored communications of the provincial government about what is going on. One wonders why they have such a need for secrecy. Look for Molly's unique interjection.
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Christian Labour Association of Canada promotes slashing minimum wage for young adults; Wall gov’t hiding Bill 80 information from public:
The StarPhoenix reported last month that the number of people using food banks in Saskatchewan in 2009 rose six per cent over last year. In Saskatoon, usage rose by 12 per cent. [Food bank usage rises (StarPhoenix, November 18, 2009)]
The StarPhoenix reported last month that the number of people using food banks in Saskatchewan in 2009 rose six per cent over last year. In Saskatoon, usage rose by 12 per cent. [Food bank usage rises (StarPhoenix, November 18, 2009)]
Regina Food Bank CEO Wayne Hellquist told the Leader-Post recently the food bank needs to feed a record number of families this Christmas.
“The fastest increase we’ve seen in any user group is what we call the working poor. They hold down a job, they might hold down more than one part-time job, they’re earning $10 an hour, but they're trying to feed and clothe and keep their family on $10 or $12 an hour. And if you do the math, it’s virtually impossible. If you’re spending $800 to $1,000 a month on housing, there’s not much left over at the end of the day to insure that your family has a great Christmas,” Hellquist said.
In all, the food bank needs to prepare Christmas hampers for at least 1,800 families – as many as 250 families and 1,500 individuals more than last year. Hellquist also pointed out nearly half of the food bank’s clientele are kids. [Food bank helping more than ever this year (Leader-Post, December 4, 2009)]
On December 4, 2009, the Star Phoenix reported that the wage gap in Saskatchewan is getting worse.
Legions of Saskatchewan workers – general labourers, retail employees, office staff and care home workers – are surviving at or just above the minimum wage of $9.25 an hour, Saskatchewan News Network senior reporter Jason Warick wrote.
Despite Saskatchewan’s image as a bastion of social equality, the separation between high- and low-income earners continues to widen.
“The gap between the richest and poorest families in Saskatchewan has increased dramatically over the past generation and has mushroomed since 2000 -- during the best of economic times,” former University of Regina sociology professor Paul Gingrich wrote in his study Boom and Bust: The growing income gap in Saskatchewan.
According to the study, released in September, Saskatchewan’s income gap is now the largest of all provinces. The richest 10 per cent of Saskatchewan families take home 28 per cent of all income, while those in the entire bottom half earned 20 per cent, Warrick wrote. ( I guess this is what "prosperity means-Molly )
Although Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate is low, much of the recent job growth has occurred in the typically low-paying service sector.
“The thought was that Saskatchewan was more egalitarian -- that just isn’t what the figures say,” Gingrich said in an interview.
“It’s a pretty bad situation for the bottom 10 or 20 per cent.”
A growing income gap will lead to a divided society, higher crime rates and poorer overall health, Gingrich said. [Wage disparity widens in Sask. (StarPhoenix, December 4, 2009)]
The provincial minimum wage board reviews the minimum wage every two years.
On September 25, 2009, the provincial government announced that a review was underway and invited the public to submit their opinions and concerns with the minimum wage by October 30, 2009.
It seems as far as the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) is concerned, the minimum wage is too generous for some people.
In its October 23, 2009, submission to the board CLAC recommends slashing the minimum wage by 10 per cent for people under the age of 21 years.
“A lower minimum wage rate for young and single adults encourages companies to hire youth who require work experience and on-the-job skills training. This approach offers young people opportunities to develop their skills for long term employment beyond summer and occasional employment while they attend school,” said the letter’s author, Chris Bosch, CLAC’s director of research and education.
Bosch says a high minimum wage for young people encourages early withdrawal from school and notes that public policy should encourage young people to get essential workplace skills while they attend school.
CLAC’s recommendation seems ill conceived and contradicts other statements in its submission.
Bosch notes that “a guaranteed minimum wage is an important provision for workers.” He said it attempts to provide adequate incomes to young people entering the labour market for the first time; for low-skilled adults workers who, in many cases and through no-fault of their own, are not candidates for higher-paid employment but still require the means to provide for themselves; and for single-parent households where the ravages of child poverty are most apparent.
Incredibly, Bosch says CLAC is “a labour union concerned for the welfare of Saskatchewan workers.”
What kind of labour union fights for lower wages that would cause additional hardship for those barely getting by or push others on the bubble over the edge into even greater poverty and despair?
Not only does the CLAC proposal discriminate against a person’s age it would also penalize young and single adults with children. It would hurt those under 21 years of age that aren’t in school or not living at home. It would also hammer first and second year post secondary students trying to hold down a job while they’re in school.
Present legislation does not permit CLAC to unionize construction companies in Saskatchewan. Construction workers who work for unionized sites must join the union associated with their particular trade. Bargaining is held on a province wide basis by trade.
CLAC, along with business lobby groups like the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, lobbied the right wing Saskatchewan Party government to change the legislation.
On March 10, 2009, their wish was granted as the provincial government introduced amendments to The Construction Industry Labour Relations Act, 1992 (CILRA) that would allow groups like CLAC to organize in Saskatchewan.
According to records obtained through a freedom of information request, Paul de Jong, the Prairies director of the CLAC, and Mike Carr, an associate deputy minister with Advanced Education, Employment and Labour (AEEL), were in contact up to a week before the bill’s introduction.
In a March 3, 2009, email to Carr, de Jong alluded to an earlier conversation and seemed to be providing information that Carr requested.
“When we last spoke,” de Jong said. “You reminded me that it would be helpful to provide some sense of how many members we have working in, or based from, Saskatchewan. Using 2008 statistics, it would appear that we have 1270 members who live in Saskatchewan, and work elsewhere (typically in Alberta). However, some of these members actually both live and work in SK, as we have contractors such as Pyramid Electrical Corporation, who have permanent/ongoing maintenance work within the province. Also, contractors have, and continue to, work in the province on a variety of construction projects. On these projects CLAC continues to represent the employees, but with the crucial difference being that we are not able to conclude a legal collective agreement on which those members can rely.
“Many of our contractors ( "our Contractors" ????? pretty goddamn obvious-Molly ) continue to ask me about our prospects in SK, as they, notwithstanding the current economic slowdown, are in a position to bid on a variety of infrastructure and private sector construction projects that continue to be released. These contractors are very keen to see evidence that they/we can operate legally within the province.
“Any updated information you could provide about the legislative process would be much appreciated.”
Carr replied on March 4, 2009: “Paul this is very helpful thanks. We are moving ahead as planned and expect to have some positive announcements perhaps as early as next week. We will be touch. Thanks again.”
Carr did indeed keep in touch with de Jong sending him at least three more emails with the last one coming on the day the legislation was introduced.
Confident of success CLAC opened an office in Saskatoon on July 1, 2009. [Bill 80, new union threat to construction workers: SFL (StarPhoenix, June 24, 2009)]
Speaking at a North Saskatoon Business Association luncheon on November 27, 2009, AEEL Minister Rob Norris told a crowd of more than 200 people that the legislation would pass.
“Bill 80 is a priority for this government. This bill is going to pass,” Norris said. [Bill 80 will pass, Norris tells crowd (StarPhoenix, November 28, 2009)]
During that same week households in Regina and Saskatoon received a feel good colour brochure from CLAC promoting the so-called union and Bill 80.
Oddly, the one thing the pamphlet didn’t say is what the CLAC acronym stands for. Not once is the word Christian mentioned. It’s assumed the reason for this is they’re afraid of scaring people off. That in itself says a lot.
The flyer appears to fulfill one of the group’s objectives outlined in its original constitution and by-laws adopted at the first convention on April 24, 1954: “To reach its aim the C.L.A. of C. shall… Make propaganda by the written and spoken word for Christian economic and industrial principles and their proper application; and counteract the unwholesome propaganda of radical labour groups inspired by anarchistic ( Hey, it's nice to get a mention. Thanks for caring guys. In 1954 anarchists had very little influence in the unions. This matter is slowly changing, particularily as other non-anarchists see more and more merit in what anarchists have advocated all along. I'd be very pleased to see the likes of the CLAC even more worried in years to come- Molly ) or communistic principles.”
CLAC’s aim as stated in the constitution is: “To organize workers in trade and industrial unions, for the purpose of propagating, establishing and maintaining justice in the sphere of labour and industry, and promoting the economic, social and moral interests of the workers through the practical application of Christian principles in collective bargaining and other means of mutual aid or protection.”
The language used in CLAC’s current literature may have softened since then but the underlying aim, principles and objectives generally seem to be the same.
The provincial government, meanwhile, is continuing to hide information about Bill 80 from the public.
In response to an access to information request made October 20, 2009, AEEL released two heavily censored briefing notes dated September 15 and October 8, 2009, in which ministry officials completely blacked out the ‘key messages’ portion in each. Also redacted were details on the bill’s current status.
For most briefing notes it’s the key messages that are used by ministers or senior staff to sell a particular initiative to the public. In this case if the key messages aren’t for the public then who are they for?
The Brad Wall government contends that Bill 80 will be good for Saskatchewan but at the same time goes out of its way to withhold as much information as possible.
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PLEASE see the original Owls and Roosters Blog for the graphics that document the conspiratorial nature of the Saskatchewan government.
Labels: Bill 80, Canadian labour, CLAC, conspiracy., labour, Owls and Roosters Blog, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Party, Saskatoon Star Phoenix
Friday, December 04, 2009
CANADIAN LABOUR-SASKATCHEWAN:
AGAINST BILL 80:
Out Saskatchewan way (Molly's childhood stomping grounds) citizens and workers have been fighting hard against 'Bill 80', a measure proposed by the right wing Saskatchewan Party to supposedly liberalize union representation in the province. What the bill actually does is make it extremely difficult to organize real trade unions while opening the door to 'bosses' unions' such as the CLAC (think 'unions' under fascism or communism ). Here's a story from the Saskatoon Star Phoenix about just how determined the government is to push this bill through.
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Bill 80 will pass, Norris tells crowd:
The Star Phoenix November 28, 2009
A controversial construction labour bill that critics say exposes the Saskatchewan Party's anti-union bias will be passed one way or another, says Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris.
Bill 80 will pass, Norris tells crowd:
The Star Phoenix November 28, 2009
A controversial construction labour bill that critics say exposes the Saskatchewan Party's anti-union bias will be passed one way or another, says Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris.
Norris spoke to a North Saskatoon Business Association luncheon crowd (no doubt a very sympathetic crowd-Molly )of more than 200 people Friday at the Saskatoon Inn.
"Bill 80 is a priority for this government. This bill is going to pass," Norris said.
He said the bill will ensure a more "competitive" construction industry in the province and give employees more choice.
Norris notes credible unions such as the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers favour the bill. ( See Molly Note )
The NDP Opposition sparred with the government this week over the issue, and groups such as the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour say it will weaken the power of workers.
The bill would allow new unions into Saskatchewan's construction industry and permit wall-to-wall certifications of a job site instead of having all unionized construction workers belong to the craft union associated with their trade.
The government had hoped the bill would pass next week, but due to a lack of agreement between the parties, it likely won't pass until the end of the spring sitting in May 2010.
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MOLLY NOTE:
It seems to be true that one representative of the CEP Union did indeed speak in favour of the Bill at a public hearing. Once more, as Molly has remarked before on this blog, all the better to never let speakers up to say anything when they are drunk. How "solid" this support is can be judged from the CEP website where there is not a single mention any such support. Can you say "red faces" ? If there is any such support within the union it has its opposition within the union as the following petition, courtesy of the CEP Union Blog, makes plain. Look it over and sign it if you'd like. The address is given above under "petition".
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Stop Bill 80's Amendments to the Construction Industry Labour Relations Act
Category: Employment
Region: Canada
Target: Saskatchewan Party
Web site: http://www.cepunion.blogspot.com/
Background (Preamble):
On March 10, 2009 the Saskatchewan Party Government Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Rob Norris tabled amendments to the Construction Industry Labour Relations Act.“Assistant Deputy Minister Mike Carr confirmed in a stakeholder briefing that the construction and other unions in Saskatchewan did not ask for this and that none were consulted prior to its introduction. The government says it’s about so-called freedom of choice for employers and employees.
Stop Bill 80's Amendments to the Construction Industry Labour Relations Act
Category: Employment
Region: Canada
Target: Saskatchewan Party
Web site: http://www.cepunion.blogspot.com/
Background (Preamble):
On March 10, 2009 the Saskatchewan Party Government Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Rob Norris tabled amendments to the Construction Industry Labour Relations Act.“Assistant Deputy Minister Mike Carr confirmed in a stakeholder briefing that the construction and other unions in Saskatchewan did not ask for this and that none were consulted prior to its introduction. The government says it’s about so-called freedom of choice for employers and employees.
We say it is about opening the door to certain employer-dominated unions to do wall-to-wall certifications of construction projects,”says SFL President Larry Hubich. Trades unions have long argued that wall-to-wall certifications, rather than the current system of certifying on a craft basis, will lead to deskilling and lower wages. The amendments also remove ‘maintenance’ from the definition of construction industry, which means a significant portion of unionized construction work will no longer be covered by the Act.
“Once again, the government is gutting legislation that affects thousands of workers without consulting them in advance. We saw this with last year’s essential services legislation and the amendments to the Trade Union Act. Now they’re doing it with the construction trades.
This government is obviously intent on breaking unions in every sector,” says Hubich.“It makes no sense to change the way in which construction workers are certified: the government’s own numbers show that despite the giant boom in construction over the past five years, that the unionization rate has remained the same. The system works for the trades union members because they are assured of a collective agreement and it works for employers, who are provided with skilled labour out of the union hiring hall.
The Petition:
"The amendments purposed under Bill 80 to the Construction Industry Labour Relations Act are unjust and unnecessary. That the present system has worked fine with over 17 years with a work disruption. That the Saskatchewan Party Minister of Government Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Rob Norris stop the amendments to the Construction Industry Labour Relations Act as purposed under Bill 80."
Labels: Canadian labour, Canadian politics, CEP Union, CEP Union Blog, labour, Saskatchewan, solidarity., unionism
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
CANADIAN LABOUR-MOOSE JAW:
XL BEEF BOYCOTT ?:
As Molly reported last October 18 members of UFCW Local 1400 have been locked out since late September at the XL Beef plant in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. Since then the workers have been walking the picket line and trying to keep their spirits up. XL workers are beginning to ask the public for a boycott of XL products, as the following story from the Moose Jaw Times Herald says.
XL Foods in Moose jaw is owned by XL Foods in Calgary which, in turn is owned by Edmonton based Nilsson Brothers Group. The company claims worldwide exports, and it seems to me that any consideration of a boycott should be national or even international. XL products are sold under their own label and also the label of 'The Original Alberta Beef'. The company operates slaughter and processing facilities in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Here's the story from the Moose Jaw Times Herald.
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Locked out XL Beef employees start boycott campaign:
Shoppers at Moose Jaw grocery stores on Friday might have seen individuals passing out pieces of paper reading “Tainted Meat.”
Shoppers at Moose Jaw grocery stores on Friday might have seen individuals passing out pieces of paper reading “Tainted Meat.”
However the word “tainted” wasn’t referring to the quality of the meat, but rather how unionized XL Beef employees feel about the ongoing labour dispute with the employer.
Norm Neault, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 1400 president and spokesman, said employees are asking for community support by way of a local boycott on XL products.
Although UFCW hasn’t asked Saskatchewan Federation of Labour for support with the boycott yet, Neault said it will.
He said although it may seem difficult, the union is urging residents to help bring an end to the lockout by asking store clerks and managers which are XL, and then avoiding the purchase of such items.
According to Neault, Friday was the first time the union members handed out pamphlets as part of a boycott campaign
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According to this further article from the Moose Jaw Times Herald the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) is hesitating about whether to endorse the boycott.
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Saskatchewan Federation of Labour to consider supporting XL boycott:
If the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) chooses to support the local XL boycott, it will only do so after thorough consideration.
If the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) chooses to support the local XL boycott, it will only do so after thorough consideration.
“We don’t take boycotts lightly, because once started, they’re hard to turn off,” SFL executive assistant Don Anderson told the Times-Herald on Monday.
MOLLY NOTE:
I really have to call a time out here. What could possibly be good reasons for calling off a boycott ? One would be that the strike has been won in which case the boycott virtually calls itself off as the news is disseminated. Another is that the strike is really, completely and truly lost in which case you might as well keep the thing going out of pure spite and punishment of the victor. Another would be that the workers (not a union head office) involved themselves ask for its cancellation for whatever reason. This is also virtually self cancelling. Yet another is that there is a court judgement that leads to the bailiffs coming and seizing union assets all the way down to the light sockets and the toilet seats. Any tin pot lawyer whose whisky consumption is less than 26oz/day should be able to protect the union against that one. What is not a good reason is any desire of union officials to have complete and total control over any such boycott- just for the sake of having such control. OK, time out over.
On Friday, XL Beef employees were at grocery stores, handing out pamphlets encouraging local shoppers to boycott XL products.
On Friday, XL Beef employees were at grocery stores, handing out pamphlets encouraging local shoppers to boycott XL products.
Norm Neault, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 1400 president and spokesman, said the union is urging residents to help bring an end to the lockout by them asking store clerks and managers what products are XL products, and then avoiding the purchase of such items.
Neault said the union would also ask for support from the SFL.
According to Anderson, the provincial organization will take that application and contact all other unions within its membership that might be impacted by the boycott. If SFL decides to support the UFCW initiative, Anderson said his staff would encourage all 95,000 SFL members and their families to stop purchasing XL products. ( Well, I bloody well hope so-Molly )
Labels: boycotts., Canadian labour, labour, lockouts, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, UFCW
