Thursday, October 21, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS:
PROTEST CETA IN OTTAWA:
CETA, the Canada -EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, is one of those things that has the habit of sneaking up on you gradually. Only at the last moment do you realize that you are in an inescapable trap. Canada has had ample experience of this in the past with NAFTA, and now the federal government wants to tie us to yet another democracy destroying contract.
The following item from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) echoes a call from the Council of Canadians for a demonstration in Ottawa on the 22nd against this agreement. As a public service union CUPE is, of course, most concerned with the way that this agreement will be used to further privatization of public services. As an organization with a nationalist agenda the C0C is most concerned with the loss of Canadian sovereignty that such deals represent. Most important, in my point of view, is the weakening of the potential for significant decentralization in Canada as our polity becomes hamstrung by international restrictions. In any case there are many reasons to oppose such a deal. Here is the notice from CUPE.
CETACETACETA
CETA: Treat or Trick?Just in time for Halloween, Canadian and European Union trade negotiators are in Ottawa next week putting together a monster free trade pact. But this Harper-era trade deal is no treat. It's a trick that threatens workers, First Nations, municipal democracy, our public services and more.
People in both Canada and Europe want public services that are owned and operated by democratically elected governments and run on a not-for-profit basis. There is no place for trade deals that prohibit keeping our services and infrastructure public and keeping our tax dollars flowing back into our communities.
Don't let Harper create a trade monster. Help us chase CETA out of town!
What: rally against CETA organized by The Council of Canadians
Where: Old Ottawa City Hall, 111 Sussex Drive
When: Friday, October 22, 12 - 1 p.m.
For more information:
Tel: 613-233-2773
Email: inquiries@canadians.org
Read more about CETA on the CUPE Privatization Watch Webpage.
Labels: Canadian labour, Canadian politics, CETA, Council of canadians, CUPE, demonstrations, labour., Ottawa, protests, trade deals
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR PETERBOROUGH:
PROTEST AGAINST HOSPITAL LAYOFFS:
You have to admire our political and economic system. Our beloved rulers always have a fine sense of priorities, and they would never let such a trivial thing as patient safety interfere with finding the money for corporate tax cuts and give-aways. It is, after all, more productive to stimulate a live corporation than a dead patient. Here's a story from the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) via the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) about some who oppose such "short-sightedness".
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Hospital staff hold rally to fight cuts in Peterborough
Oct 5, 2010 03:33 PM
Hospital staff from across Ontario rally against the deep cuts to services at Peterborough Regional Health Centre
On October 4, more than 500 workers were in attendance at a rally to show their support to the 252 layoff notices to CUPE members issued by the Peterborough Community Hospital.
In addition to the staff layoffs, the proposed cuts include:
♣Closing the downtown women’s health centre.
♣Dozens of hospital beds to be closed and an untold number of beds to remain unusable because they will not be staffed.
♣Cuts to ICU, medical and surgical beds, infection control and housekeeping.
OCHU president Michael Hurley said, “This is just the beginning, we won’t let this government close community hospital and we will have many other rallies like this one with more and more people.”
Watch the video of the rally and read the article entitled Hundreds protest hospital cuts during union rally from The Peterborough Examiner.
Read more about the struggle to save the hospital on the OCHU Website.
Labels: budget cuts, Canadian labour, CUPE, current events, demonstrations, labour., Ontario, Ontario Council of Hospital Unions, Peterborough.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
POLITICAL SPORT:
SOCCER WITH A DIFFERENCE:
There's the World Cup and then there's the 'Homeless World Cup'. The latter is soccer played by homeless people, street soccer if you will, and it has its own events designed to draw world attention to the plight of the homeless. This year the Homeless World Cup will be held in Rio De Janiero Brazil from Sept. 19 to 26. this alternative world Cup is sponsored by numerous organization worldwide, including the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The following announcement of a fundraiser on September 1 out in Vancouver comes from CUPE.
HSHSHSHSHS
Support Team Vancouver in the Homeless World Cup 2010
Aug 23, 2010 07:26 PM
Team Canada is holding a fundraiser on Wednesday, September 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Doolins Pub at Granville and Nelson in Vancouver. Tickets are $15 and include a burger and a beer. The event will feature special guests, a silent auction and live entertainment.
This is a benefit and send-off for Street Soccer Team Canada which is going to Rio De Janiero, Brazil on September 15 to represent us in the 64-nation Homeless World Cup. Players have recently been homeless, are homeless, or are at risk for homelessness.
Most of Team Canada’s players were originally recruited from shelters run by the Portland Hotel Society Community Services Society (PHS).
CUPE 15 and CUPE 1004 members work for both PHS and the Carnegie Community Centre and both locals are supporting the team financially and as volunteers.
For more information call Leo Cooper at (604) 831-8412.
Watch the ad promoting the series.
For more information, visit the Homeless World Cup website.
Support Team Vancouver in the Homeless World Cup 2010
Aug 23, 2010 07:26 PM
Team Canada is holding a fundraiser on Wednesday, September 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Doolins Pub at Granville and Nelson in Vancouver. Tickets are $15 and include a burger and a beer. The event will feature special guests, a silent auction and live entertainment.
This is a benefit and send-off for Street Soccer Team Canada which is going to Rio De Janiero, Brazil on September 15 to represent us in the 64-nation Homeless World Cup. Players have recently been homeless, are homeless, or are at risk for homelessness.
Most of Team Canada’s players were originally recruited from shelters run by the Portland Hotel Society Community Services Society (PHS).
CUPE 15 and CUPE 1004 members work for both PHS and the Carnegie Community Centre and both locals are supporting the team financially and as volunteers.
For more information call Leo Cooper at (604) 831-8412.
Watch the ad promoting the series.
For more information, visit the Homeless World Cup website.
Labels: Canadian labour, CUPE, events, Homeless World Cup, homelessness, poverty, soccer, sports, Vancouver
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
LOCAL EVENTS WINNIPEG:
WALK FOR THE SHELTERS:
Here's an interesting event beginning today in Winkler and ending on the 21st in Memorial Park here in Winnipeg...the 'Walk for the Shelters'. The cause is the support of shelters for battered women in Winkler and in Winnipeg, and you can see more about it at the walk's website.
Yes, I know, I know, I know. The purists out there amongst the anarchists will complain about any event that asks for more government money, and doubtless they are right in an abstract sense. Yet, this is one of many situations where the government actually doles out its funds to things that are useful, and there is little immediate prospect of funding coming from elsewhere. Aside from the absurdity of waiting for the revolution that will never come there are, of course, other solutions that could be applied in the intermediate to long term. One would be to expand the category of "tax credits" such that donations to certain things would be deductible from income tax.
This is certainly not an impossibility, merely something that would be difficult to get enacted in anything but the very long term. Especially when so much of the opposition to our conservative rulers are either just as statist as they are or are under the delusion that protest is all that has to be done. Yet it would go very far to making the operation of such worthy things as shelters for battered women independent of state control. It's an idea well worth considering.
Here's the story from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) about their support for this walk.
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CUPE Respect Campaign supports Walk for the Shelters
Text size
(What are these?) Aug 13, 2010 01:32 PM
WINNIPEG – CUPE’s Respect Campaign is honoured to support Steve Braun’s Walk for the Shelters as he walks from Winkler to Winnipeg to raise money for two women’s shelters, drawing attention to the fact that women’s shelters across Manitoba lack the funding necessary to provide adequate services to victims of domestic violence.
On August 17 at 9:00 a.m., Steve Braun will begin his 150 kilometre walk. Kathy Macdonald, president of CUPE Local 2343 and member mobilizer for the CUPE Respect Campaign, will be walking alongside Steve during part of his four-day journey which will conclude on August 21 at Memorial Park.
“I’m proud to walk alongside Steve in his quest to make people aware of just how under-funded our women’s shelters really are,” said Kathy Macdonald. “These shelters need adequate resources to provide women and children who are victims of domestic violence a safe alternative.”
CUPE Manitoba represents social services workers in women’s shelters across Manitoba. The goal of the Respect Campaign is to raise the profile of what CUPE members contribute to the people in their care and for their communities.
“In a perfect world, shelters would receive adequate funding from the provincial government and efforts like Steve’s would not be necessary,” said Kathy Macdonald. “Sadly that is not the case. I’m very impressed with the leadership Steve has shown on this issue.”
The funds raised by the Walk for the Shelters will go directly to address staff and resource shortages at the IKWE-WIDDJIITIWIN shelter in Winnipeg and Genesis House in Winkler.
For more information about the Walk for the Shelters or to make a donation, please visit the Walk for the Shelters website.
For more information, contact:
Liam Martin
Communications Representative
Tel: (204) 612-0901
Kathy Macdonald
Respect Campaign Member Mobilizer
Tel: (204) 942-0343, ext. 214
Sheree Capar & Allan Bleich
Social Service Coordinators
Tel: (204) 942-0343
Labels: battered women, CUPE, feminism, local events, protests, tactics, Walk For the Shelters, Winkler, Winnipeg, women
Thursday, August 05, 2010
ECOLOGY CANADIAN POLITICS:
OPPOSITION TO THE NORTHERN GATEWAY PIPELINE:
The oil company Enbridge has recently joined BP on the "most unwanted list" of corporate vandals because of its pipeline spill in Michigan. Not content with playing second fiddle to the head capo of corporate crime, however, Enbridge has for some time been preparing a made in Canada potential disaster to put it up with the big boys. I refer to the planned 'Northern Gateway Pipeline' from the Alberta Oil Sands to the Pacific coast in British Columbia. This project has attracted a wide variety of opposition from environmental groups to first nations whose lands will be threatened by the development. It has even been opposed by the BC Central Coast Chamber of Commerce because of the dangers that it hazards. The Pembina Institute, a Canadian think tank concerned with energy policy, has produced a very critical report outlining the problems with this project as well as with another proposed northern pipelines. Consult that website for further details.
Canadian labour, in the person of the BC section of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE BC) has also come out in opposition to Northern Gateway. Here's their statement from the website of CUPE BC.
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CUPE BC opposes Enbridge tanker plans to navigate off coast
BURNABY—Citing this week’s Enbridge oil spill that has threatened a Michigan river and the earlier disaster by British Petroleum that devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast, the B.C. division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees today joined First Nations and environmental groups in voicing opposition to the Enbridge Northern Gateway project.
The project would involve super tankers carrying bitumen from the Alberta tar sands and navigating the coast of British Columbia, including the fragile Great Bear Rainforest.
CUPE BC says that any potential benefits of the Enbridge plan are outweighed by the high risk of another disaster like the BP oil spill. Enbridge itself has lost credibility in recent days with a pipeline leak that resulted in more than 3 million litres of oil flowing into the Kalamazoo River in southern Michigan, coating birds and fish.
“As we’ve seen in Michigan and the Gulf coast, any kind of oil spill on our coast would have a tremendous impact on the natural environment and would impact wildlife, including salmon and the Kermode bear which is unique to the Great Bear Rainforest,” says CUPE BC diversity vice-president (aboriginal workers) Leanne Louie. “With the BP oil spill, the damage is irreversible. We can’t let that happen here.”
Penetration of the B.C. coastline by oil tankers is only part of a massive plan to build a 1,150-kilometre underground pipeline that will result in the transportation of 525,000 barrels of oil each day across Alberta and B.C. The federal government and its joint review panel are currently reviewing Enbridge’s application for the project despite the B.C. government’s 2006 promise to protect the Great Bear Rainforest.
“Enbridge claims there is minimal risk of an oil spill. In reality, it’s not if but when an oil spill will occur,” says Sheryl Burns, co-chair of the CUPE BC environment committee. “The Campbell government says it wants to fight climate change. But by supporting the Enbridge application it’s doing precisely the opposite, since the pipeline will be a major incentive for increased production of climate-damaging oil from the tar sands. We should be creating green jobs instead that will employ British Columbians while also protecting our environment.”
In a letter to Premier Gordon Campbell, CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill reminds the premier of B.C.’s promise in 2006 to protect the Great Bear Rainforest. “We urge the provincial government to oppose the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Project altogether and honour the Great Bear Rainforest agreement it signed,” writes O’Neill.
CUPE BC opposes Enbridge tanker plans to navigate off coast
BURNABY—Citing this week’s Enbridge oil spill that has threatened a Michigan river and the earlier disaster by British Petroleum that devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast, the B.C. division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees today joined First Nations and environmental groups in voicing opposition to the Enbridge Northern Gateway project.
The project would involve super tankers carrying bitumen from the Alberta tar sands and navigating the coast of British Columbia, including the fragile Great Bear Rainforest.
CUPE BC says that any potential benefits of the Enbridge plan are outweighed by the high risk of another disaster like the BP oil spill. Enbridge itself has lost credibility in recent days with a pipeline leak that resulted in more than 3 million litres of oil flowing into the Kalamazoo River in southern Michigan, coating birds and fish.
“As we’ve seen in Michigan and the Gulf coast, any kind of oil spill on our coast would have a tremendous impact on the natural environment and would impact wildlife, including salmon and the Kermode bear which is unique to the Great Bear Rainforest,” says CUPE BC diversity vice-president (aboriginal workers) Leanne Louie. “With the BP oil spill, the damage is irreversible. We can’t let that happen here.”
Penetration of the B.C. coastline by oil tankers is only part of a massive plan to build a 1,150-kilometre underground pipeline that will result in the transportation of 525,000 barrels of oil each day across Alberta and B.C. The federal government and its joint review panel are currently reviewing Enbridge’s application for the project despite the B.C. government’s 2006 promise to protect the Great Bear Rainforest.
“Enbridge claims there is minimal risk of an oil spill. In reality, it’s not if but when an oil spill will occur,” says Sheryl Burns, co-chair of the CUPE BC environment committee. “The Campbell government says it wants to fight climate change. But by supporting the Enbridge application it’s doing precisely the opposite, since the pipeline will be a major incentive for increased production of climate-damaging oil from the tar sands. We should be creating green jobs instead that will employ British Columbians while also protecting our environment.”
In a letter to Premier Gordon Campbell, CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill reminds the premier of B.C.’s promise in 2006 to protect the Great Bear Rainforest. “We urge the provincial government to oppose the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Project altogether and honour the Great Bear Rainforest agreement it signed,” writes O’Neill.
Labels: BP, British Columbia, Canada, Canadian labour, CUPE, current events, ecology, Enbridge, environment, Northern Gateway Pipeline, oil, oil companies, Pembina Institute, pipeline
Thursday, July 29, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR HAMILTON:
STAND WITH MCMASTER'S STAFF AGAINST CASUALIZATION:
The following appeal for online solidarity with workers at McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario comes from the Canadian Union Of Public Employees (CUPE).
MCMCMCMCMC
Fight to stop the casualization of work at McMaster University
Sessional faculty at McMaster University (CUPE 3906) are fighting management’s plan to casualize their work. We have been in contract talks with the university administration for the last three months to achieve a fair contract, but management filed for a ‘no board’ report triggering a strike/lockout deadline of August 11.
Management wants to casualize sessional faculty by dividing courses into smaller sub-units taught by different instructors. For example, a one-semester course could potentially be turned into three sub-unit courses taught by three different instructors. If management gets their way, the quality of education will suffer at McMaster and sessional faculty could become one-month employees.
In addition, McMaster management wants to continue to keep sessional faculty at the lower end of the wage scale by offering no increases to wages or benefits for two full years.
Send a message to McMaster University’s management
Help us stop the casualization of sessional faculty. Please take a moment to send an email to McMaster administration and tell them you support CUPE 3906 members’ fight to stop casualization of their work.
It’s time the administration showed them the respect they deserve.
Take action now!
MCMCMCMCMC
THE LETTER:
Please go to this link to send the following letter to the Administration at McMasters University.
MCMCMCMCMC
I support McMaster University’s sessional faculty and sessional music faculty’s fight to stop management from casualizing their work.
I am appalled the University wants to turn sessional faculty into one-month employees and continue to keep them at the lower end of the wage scale by offering no increases for two full years.
Sessional faculty make McMaster University work.
It’s time the administration showed them the respect they deserve.
I urge you to drop your concession demands and offer sessional faculty and sessional music faculty a fair contract to prevent a strike or a lockout that will hurt the very students McMaster educates.
Labels: Canadian labour, CUPE, Hamilton, labour, solidarity.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS HUMAN RIGHTS:
WATER AS A HUMAN RIGHT:
Most of take our access to clean safe abundant water for granted. This is not, however, the case in poorer countries nor even on many reservation here in Canada. In a time when there are increasing disputes between countries for access to water and when there is a global push to sell off public utilities to the private sector the movement to declare access to water as a human right is particularly timely. Here's a notice from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) asking you to add your voice to this movement.
WWWWWWWW
Water is a human right: Push for Canadian action
On July 28, the United Nations General Assembly will take a landmark vote on recognizing the human right to water and sanitation. CUPE members can help push Canadian representatives to support this vital resolution.
The resolution would recognize “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a universal human right”. The resolution calls for increased financial, technological and capacity-building support to countries in the global South, to build the public services that will make this human right a reality.
The Council of Canadians’ Blue Planet Project has launched an online week of action to build support for the resolution.
Today, 1.2 billion people don’t have access to clean drinking water, and 2.6 billion don’t have access to basic sanitation services. For years, the Canadian government has blocked efforts at the UN to recognize these services as basic human rights.
CUPE has written a letter to Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon as part of an action organized by Public Services International, the public sector trade union federation we belong to.
CUPE has also signed an open letter supporting the UN resolution.
What you can do
Now it’s time to add your voice, by sending a message to Canada’s UN representatives and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
**Send an email to Canada’s representatives at the United Nations, Ambassadors John McNee and Henri-Paul Normandin.
**Send an email to Prime Minister Stephen Harper calling on the Canadian government to support water as a human right.
Water is a human right: Push for Canadian action
On July 28, the United Nations General Assembly will take a landmark vote on recognizing the human right to water and sanitation. CUPE members can help push Canadian representatives to support this vital resolution.
The resolution would recognize “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a universal human right”. The resolution calls for increased financial, technological and capacity-building support to countries in the global South, to build the public services that will make this human right a reality.
The Council of Canadians’ Blue Planet Project has launched an online week of action to build support for the resolution.
Today, 1.2 billion people don’t have access to clean drinking water, and 2.6 billion don’t have access to basic sanitation services. For years, the Canadian government has blocked efforts at the UN to recognize these services as basic human rights.
CUPE has written a letter to Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon as part of an action organized by Public Services International, the public sector trade union federation we belong to.
CUPE has also signed an open letter supporting the UN resolution.
What you can do
Now it’s time to add your voice, by sending a message to Canada’s UN representatives and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
**Send an email to Canada’s representatives at the United Nations, Ambassadors John McNee and Henri-Paul Normandin.
**Send an email to Prime Minister Stephen Harper calling on the Canadian government to support water as a human right.
WWWWWWWW
THE LETTERS:
Here are the letters that the post above asks you to send. First of all go to this link to send the following letter to the Canadian ambassador to the UN.
WWWWWWWW
Dear Ambassador,
I am writing to express my support for the United Nations General Assembly resolution clearly recognizing the human right to water and sanitation.
I believe it is critical that the United Nations General Assembly demonstrate leadership in focusing priorities on securing water and sanitation for the 1.2 billion people without access to clean water and the 2.6 billion without access to basic sanitation. Everyone must be able to enjoy these fundamental rights.
Access to safe clean drinking water and sanitation is essential for the health and dignity of people around the world. This resolution comes at a time when communities around the world face the impacts of climate change and a global water crisis.
As you know, under Target 3 of Goal 7 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Environmental Sustainability, states pledged to “Halve, by 2015, the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.”
I am hopeful that passing the resolution will make water and sanitation high priorities at the UN Summit on the MDGs being held September 20-22, 2010 in New York, U.S. It will also focus attention on water before the Rio +20 summit in 2012, another critical moment for the global community to come together for our common future.
When the General Assembly considers this resolution, I respectfully ask that your country provide its support for a clearly stated resolution declaring the human right to water and sanitation.
I would also encourage your state to co-sponsor this historic resolution and send a further signal of your commitment to these fundamental human rights.
Sincerely,
Dear Ambassador,
I am writing to express my support for the United Nations General Assembly resolution clearly recognizing the human right to water and sanitation.
I believe it is critical that the United Nations General Assembly demonstrate leadership in focusing priorities on securing water and sanitation for the 1.2 billion people without access to clean water and the 2.6 billion without access to basic sanitation. Everyone must be able to enjoy these fundamental rights.
Access to safe clean drinking water and sanitation is essential for the health and dignity of people around the world. This resolution comes at a time when communities around the world face the impacts of climate change and a global water crisis.
As you know, under Target 3 of Goal 7 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Environmental Sustainability, states pledged to “Halve, by 2015, the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.”
I am hopeful that passing the resolution will make water and sanitation high priorities at the UN Summit on the MDGs being held September 20-22, 2010 in New York, U.S. It will also focus attention on water before the Rio +20 summit in 2012, another critical moment for the global community to come together for our common future.
When the General Assembly considers this resolution, I respectfully ask that your country provide its support for a clearly stated resolution declaring the human right to water and sanitation.
I would also encourage your state to co-sponsor this historic resolution and send a further signal of your commitment to these fundamental human rights.
Sincerely,
WWWWWWWW
And if you go to this link you can send the following letter to our beloved comrade leader Sneaky Stevie Harper.
WWWWWWWW
Prime Minister Harper,
I am writing to demand that Canada support the resolution put forward by the Bolivian Mission at the United Nations, which calls for water to be recognized as a human right.
This resolution would recognize the right to water and sanitation for the 1.2 billion people without access to clean water and the 2.6 billion without access to basic sanitation.
We are concerned that Canada along with a handful of states including the United Kingdom, Sweden, the United States and Australia, are attempting to block the process by watering down what is currently a strong proposal by Bolivia to address global injustice when it comes to access to water and sanitation.
It is essential that the resolution specifically declares “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation a universal human right.”
Your government claims it is committed to maternal and infant health, yet you have obstructed the official recognition of water as a human right at several key UN meetings. Every eight seconds a child dies from drinking dirty water. Access to safe clean drinking water and sanitation is essential for the health and dignity of communities around the world.
People living in Canada want their government to show leadership on water issues by recognizing this human right and by taking an active role in dealing with the global water crisis. It is time for Canada to stand on the right side of history and support this very important call to have water and sanitation declared human rights.
Sincerely,
Prime Minister Harper,
I am writing to demand that Canada support the resolution put forward by the Bolivian Mission at the United Nations, which calls for water to be recognized as a human right.
This resolution would recognize the right to water and sanitation for the 1.2 billion people without access to clean water and the 2.6 billion without access to basic sanitation.
We are concerned that Canada along with a handful of states including the United Kingdom, Sweden, the United States and Australia, are attempting to block the process by watering down what is currently a strong proposal by Bolivia to address global injustice when it comes to access to water and sanitation.
It is essential that the resolution specifically declares “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation a universal human right.”
Your government claims it is committed to maternal and infant health, yet you have obstructed the official recognition of water as a human right at several key UN meetings. Every eight seconds a child dies from drinking dirty water. Access to safe clean drinking water and sanitation is essential for the health and dignity of communities around the world.
People living in Canada want their government to show leadership on water issues by recognizing this human right and by taking an active role in dealing with the global water crisis. It is time for Canada to stand on the right side of history and support this very important call to have water and sanitation declared human rights.
Sincerely,
Labels: Blue Planet Project, Council of canadians, CUPE, human rights, international politics, petitions, Steven Harper, United Nations, water
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS IRAN:
STOP THE EXECUTION OF SAKINEH ASHTIANI:
In response to wide international protest the judiciary of Iran has relented and said that Sakineh Ashtiani will not be executed by "stoning". It is left open, however, whether she will be executed in another fashion for the "crime" of adultery. It should be noted that generally in Islamic jurisprudence it is almost impossible to prove adultery as it takes the eyewitness testimony of four male witnesses to the act. There is, however, an out as confessions are taken as equivalent evidence. Ashtiani's so-called "confession" was obtained by duress ie during the course of her whipping. That apparently can be done even if there is not the standard of proof required for the death penalty to be applied. She has later recanted her forced confession. Here's at item from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) calling you to sign a petition demanding that Ashtiani not be executed by any method.
IWIWIWIWIW
Help save lives in Iran
People from across the world are organizing to save the life of Sakineh Ashtiani, the Iranian woman who faces death after having been tortured for alleged adultery.
Act now and join the hundreds of thousands of people demanding that the Iranian government halt Ashtiani’s execution.
Sign the international petition
In 2006 Ashtiani was convicted of having an illicit relationship and received 99 lashes. Since this time the 43-year old mother of two has been in jail where she recanted the confession she made under the duress of the lashing.
She was recently re-tried and again convicted. Her sentence: death by stoning.
Due to international pressure Iran’s government has indicated that she will not be executed by stoning, though her death sentence may still be carried out by some other method, likely hanging.
Even if Sakineh Ashanti is not executed she may still face a long prison term. Right now fifteen more people are on death row in Iran waiting stoning, in which victims are buried up to their necks in the ground and then large rocks are thrown at their heads.
Don’t let Sakineh Ashtiani become another victim of the debasing, inhuman treatment of women that has become the daily reality in Iran. Make your voice count and encourage others to do the same.
Take action against the practice of stoning; take action against abuse of women. Sign the petition at the link below. Encourage your friends and family to do so to.
By working together we can help make a difference by keeping up the international pressure on the Iranian government to stop this brutal violation of human rights.
Take action now
Help save lives in Iran
People from across the world are organizing to save the life of Sakineh Ashtiani, the Iranian woman who faces death after having been tortured for alleged adultery.
Act now and join the hundreds of thousands of people demanding that the Iranian government halt Ashtiani’s execution.
Sign the international petition
In 2006 Ashtiani was convicted of having an illicit relationship and received 99 lashes. Since this time the 43-year old mother of two has been in jail where she recanted the confession she made under the duress of the lashing.
She was recently re-tried and again convicted. Her sentence: death by stoning.
Due to international pressure Iran’s government has indicated that she will not be executed by stoning, though her death sentence may still be carried out by some other method, likely hanging.
Even if Sakineh Ashanti is not executed she may still face a long prison term. Right now fifteen more people are on death row in Iran waiting stoning, in which victims are buried up to their necks in the ground and then large rocks are thrown at their heads.
Don’t let Sakineh Ashtiani become another victim of the debasing, inhuman treatment of women that has become the daily reality in Iran. Make your voice count and encourage others to do the same.
Take action against the practice of stoning; take action against abuse of women. Sign the petition at the link below. Encourage your friends and family to do so to.
By working together we can help make a difference by keeping up the international pressure on the Iranian government to stop this brutal violation of human rights.
Take action now
IWIWIWIWIW
THE LETTER:
Please go to this link to sign the following petition to the Iranian authorities.
IWIWIWIWIW
To Ayotollah Ali Khamenei and the leaders of Iran
We call on you to finally put an end to capital punishment by stoning and to reverse the unjust judgment in the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani.
To Ayotollah Ali Khamenei and the leaders of Iran
We call on you to finally put an end to capital punishment by stoning and to reverse the unjust judgment in the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani.
Labels: CUPE, death penalty, feminism, international politics, Iran, petitions, repression, Sakineh Ashtiani, violence against women, women
Saturday, July 03, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS CANADIAN LABOUR:
CANADIAN LABOUR COMES ON BOARD FOR A G20 INQUIRY:
Since the recent event in Toronto where the police made over 1,000 arrests of people unconnected with the pathetic little "riot" that the police certainly "encouraged" and perhaps set up totally there has been a growing movement for an independent inquiry about the police actions during those days. Molly's only quibble with this is that it should obviously include the political "rules of engagement" under which the police operated. This is very much a "political matter", and it would be disappointing if the result were only blame one individual in the Toronto police bureaucracy. Here's the call from the Canadian Union of Public Employees for the inquiry.
CPCPCPCPCP
CUPE calls for public inquiry on G20
CUPE is adding its voice to a growing list of organizations calling for a public inquiry into the traumatic and excessive use of force by police and government officials during the G20 summit.
“As we approach Canada Day, it’s deeply disturbing to think that something so undemocratic and fundamentally un-Canadian has just happened in our country,” said CUPE National President Paul Moist.
“Citizens of Toronto have a right to know why they were not consulted about the security process leading into the summit. Small business owners deserve to know why their businesses were not protected, and why they are not being compensated for damages. And hundreds of innocent people need to know why they were arbitrarily searched, detained, or subject to unreasonable aggression by the police,” said Moist.
Pressure for an independent investigation has been mounting steadily this week, with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Amnesty International, opposition parties, and tens of thousands of Canadians calling for accountability from police and government officials.
The Canadian Labour Congress has issued a statement on police actions. As well, CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn and Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick have issued a statement on behalf of CUPE members from across Ontario – many of whom bore witness to acts of unprovoked violence in Toronto.
“CUPE deplores the actions of those individuals who committed acts of vandalism during the summit protests,” said Moist. “However, the peaceful expression of dissent is a right that must be protected with vigilance. It’s the sign of a healthy democracy, and one of the bedrock values of this country.”
CUPE calls for public inquiry on G20
CUPE is adding its voice to a growing list of organizations calling for a public inquiry into the traumatic and excessive use of force by police and government officials during the G20 summit.
“As we approach Canada Day, it’s deeply disturbing to think that something so undemocratic and fundamentally un-Canadian has just happened in our country,” said CUPE National President Paul Moist.
“Citizens of Toronto have a right to know why they were not consulted about the security process leading into the summit. Small business owners deserve to know why their businesses were not protected, and why they are not being compensated for damages. And hundreds of innocent people need to know why they were arbitrarily searched, detained, or subject to unreasonable aggression by the police,” said Moist.
Pressure for an independent investigation has been mounting steadily this week, with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Amnesty International, opposition parties, and tens of thousands of Canadians calling for accountability from police and government officials.
The Canadian Labour Congress has issued a statement on police actions. As well, CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn and Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick have issued a statement on behalf of CUPE members from across Ontario – many of whom bore witness to acts of unprovoked violence in Toronto.
“CUPE deplores the actions of those individuals who committed acts of vandalism during the summit protests,” said Moist. “However, the peaceful expression of dissent is a right that must be protected with vigilance. It’s the sign of a healthy democracy, and one of the bedrock values of this country.”
CPCPCPCPCP
As I said support for an independent inquiry has been growing. Here's an item from the Canadian Labour Congress demanding same.All these calls are fair and good, and they are definitely "of benefit" whatever convinced anarchists who don't see the need to reach out to the general population may say. At the risk of repeating myself endlessly I do have to emphasize that the political directives to the police should also be investigated. If this does not happen the author of these crimes will escape unscathed. Here's the statement from the CLC.
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AStatement on G20 Summit Police Actions
AStatement on G20 Summit Police Actions
The Canadian Labour Congress supports the call of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and other organizations for an independent inquiry into the actions of the police during the G8 and G20 summits.
The G20 summit in Toronto on June 26 and 27 was an opportunity for us to tell our politicians that the needs of workers, of citizens, and the environment must take precedence over the greed of global finance and global corporations.
Our People First Rally on June 26 brought over 30,000 people to Toronto, to the official demonstration area at Queen's Park, and along a parade route negotiated with security officials. By all accounts – including the police – labour's rally was a peaceful demonstration with hundreds of volunteer marshals from the labour movement ensuring we had a successful event.
Unfortunately our successful and peaceful demonstration was overshadowed by the actions of small numbers of individuals unrelated to our event, who committed serious acts of vandalism.
The Canadian Labour Congress quickly and publicly deplored those actions, which undermined the efforts of labour and civil society to ensure our voices were heard.
Reports of peaceful demonstrators, exercising their democratic rights of expression and free assembly, being rounded up and detained in mass arrests are cause for concern. We are further disturbed by the revelations that the Ontario government passed in secret an amendment of the Public Works Protection Act that did not meet Canadian constitutional standards and resulted in inappropriate use of police powers to arrest and detain individuals for recognized legal activities.
It is the responsibility of our governments to ensure Canadians know exactly what transpired during this security operation, and that police will be held accountable if mistakes were made. We call on the federal and provincial governments to conduct an independent inquiry into security during the 2010 G8 and G20 summits.
The G20 summit in Toronto on June 26 and 27 was an opportunity for us to tell our politicians that the needs of workers, of citizens, and the environment must take precedence over the greed of global finance and global corporations.
Our People First Rally on June 26 brought over 30,000 people to Toronto, to the official demonstration area at Queen's Park, and along a parade route negotiated with security officials. By all accounts – including the police – labour's rally was a peaceful demonstration with hundreds of volunteer marshals from the labour movement ensuring we had a successful event.
Unfortunately our successful and peaceful demonstration was overshadowed by the actions of small numbers of individuals unrelated to our event, who committed serious acts of vandalism.
The Canadian Labour Congress quickly and publicly deplored those actions, which undermined the efforts of labour and civil society to ensure our voices were heard.
Reports of peaceful demonstrators, exercising their democratic rights of expression and free assembly, being rounded up and detained in mass arrests are cause for concern. We are further disturbed by the revelations that the Ontario government passed in secret an amendment of the Public Works Protection Act that did not meet Canadian constitutional standards and resulted in inappropriate use of police powers to arrest and detain individuals for recognized legal activities.
It is the responsibility of our governments to ensure Canadians know exactly what transpired during this security operation, and that police will be held accountable if mistakes were made. We call on the federal and provincial governments to conduct an independent inquiry into security during the 2010 G8 and G20 summits.
Labels: Canadian labour, CLC, CUPE, current events, G20, G20 demonstrations, government plots, labour, solidarity., Toronto
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS:
SOLVING THE PENSION CRISIS:
Molly has mentioned the appeal from the CEP Union about Canada's pension system before on this blog. The recent finance ministers' meeting made vague promises to "reform" the system as whatever "gradual increases" mean, leaving potential things like rises in the CPP payroll tax up in the air. Here's another appeal, this time from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) calling for real reform in Canada's pension system.
CPCPCPCPCPCPCP
Tell Stephen Harper: It's time to fix Canada's pension crisis
All Canadians should have the right to a secure income in their retirement through access to workplace and government-sponsored pension plans.
But 11 million Canadian workers have no workplace pension plan, and existing plans are under added stress because of the global economic meltdown.
Fortunately, we can fix this situation - by doubling the CPP to offer secure and enhanced pension benefits for the 93% of Canadians who make CPP contributions, by raising the guarantee income supplement to lift hundreds of thousands of poor pensioners out of poverty, and by introducing better regulations to protect pension plans from bankruptcy.
Tell Prime Minister Stephen Harper that there's an urgent need to solve the pension crisis in this country.
Tell Stephen Harper: It's time to fix Canada's pension crisis
All Canadians should have the right to a secure income in their retirement through access to workplace and government-sponsored pension plans.
But 11 million Canadian workers have no workplace pension plan, and existing plans are under added stress because of the global economic meltdown.
Fortunately, we can fix this situation - by doubling the CPP to offer secure and enhanced pension benefits for the 93% of Canadians who make CPP contributions, by raising the guarantee income supplement to lift hundreds of thousands of poor pensioners out of poverty, and by introducing better regulations to protect pension plans from bankruptcy.
Tell Prime Minister Stephen Harper that there's an urgent need to solve the pension crisis in this country.
CPCPCPCPCPCPCP
THE LETTER:
Please go to this link to send the following letter to the Prime Minister.
CPCPCPCPCPCPCP
Dear Prime Minister:
All Canadians should have the right to a secure income in their retirement through access to workplace and government-sponsored pension plans.
There’s an urgent need for the federal government to solve the pension crisis in our country. I call on you to implement reforms proposed by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, including:
* Doubling Canada Pension Plan benefits to provide up to 50 per cent of the average wage;
* Working with unions and employers to ensure more Canadians are part of defined benefit pension plans and to protect the plans of workers already covered;
* Tougher laws to protect workers’ retirement income.
Labels: Canadian labour, Canadian politics, CUPE, labour, pensions, petitions, Steven Harper
Sunday, June 06, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR- MISSISSAUGA:
RED CROSS BOSSES ARROGANCE PUSHES WORKERS TO STRIKE:
There are bosses, and then there are bosses. One thing that Molly has observed over the years is that bosses with a presumed "ethical mandate" are the worst of all. This was demonstrated to the tune of close to 100 million deaths under communist dictatorship in the 20th century. But the petty world of charities and NGOs gives ample evidence of this even if their power is (mercifully) restricted. Down Ontario way the bosses of the Red Cross have pushed their workers into a strike position by their arrogance. Here's the story from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
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Red Cross threats, intimidation push drivers to strike
MISSISSAUSAGA, ON – More than forty drivers for Red Cross Mississauga-Halton have decided to exercise their right to strike following an employer campaign of threats and intimidation. Picket lines will go up Monday morning unless an agreement is reached.
“Our members have been in a legal strike position since midnight last Friday,” said CUPE National Representative Helen Gibb-Gavel. “Knowing how important their service is to people who have serious medical needs, others with disabilities, and seniors, they decided to continue working while holding information pickets between shifts.
“The Red Cross has responded with threats and intimidation of a group of low-paid workers who are trying to achieve their first collective agreement.”
Employees received voice messages at their homes threatening termination if they picket during work time. However, said Gibb-Gavel, the drivers work split shifts and have held information pickets between those shifts. As well, on Wednesday a man who identified himself as a Red Cross manager threatened to have picketers’ vehicles towed from a parking lot next door to Red Cross headquarters.
“Instead of being able to spend our time productively at the bargaining table, trying to negotiate a fair first contract, we will be on the picket lines and at the labour board with a charge of intimidation,” said Gibb-Gavel. “More importantly, people who need assisted transportation are going to see their service disrupted.”
The union is ready to meet at any time before Monday to try to achieve a fair collective agreement and avert a strike, said Gibb-Gavel. If there is no agreement, picket lines will go up at 4:45 a.m. at the Canadian Red Cross office, 5700 Cancross, Mississauga, and 6:30 a.m. at Region of Peel TransHelp, 3190 Mavis Road.
For more information, contact:
Helen Gibb-Gavel
CUPE National Representative
Tel: (905)568-4664; cell 905-242-4207
Red Cross threats, intimidation push drivers to strike
MISSISSAUSAGA, ON – More than forty drivers for Red Cross Mississauga-Halton have decided to exercise their right to strike following an employer campaign of threats and intimidation. Picket lines will go up Monday morning unless an agreement is reached.
“Our members have been in a legal strike position since midnight last Friday,” said CUPE National Representative Helen Gibb-Gavel. “Knowing how important their service is to people who have serious medical needs, others with disabilities, and seniors, they decided to continue working while holding information pickets between shifts.
“The Red Cross has responded with threats and intimidation of a group of low-paid workers who are trying to achieve their first collective agreement.”
Employees received voice messages at their homes threatening termination if they picket during work time. However, said Gibb-Gavel, the drivers work split shifts and have held information pickets between those shifts. As well, on Wednesday a man who identified himself as a Red Cross manager threatened to have picketers’ vehicles towed from a parking lot next door to Red Cross headquarters.
“Instead of being able to spend our time productively at the bargaining table, trying to negotiate a fair first contract, we will be on the picket lines and at the labour board with a charge of intimidation,” said Gibb-Gavel. “More importantly, people who need assisted transportation are going to see their service disrupted.”
The union is ready to meet at any time before Monday to try to achieve a fair collective agreement and avert a strike, said Gibb-Gavel. If there is no agreement, picket lines will go up at 4:45 a.m. at the Canadian Red Cross office, 5700 Cancross, Mississauga, and 6:30 a.m. at Region of Peel TransHelp, 3190 Mavis Road.
For more information, contact:
Helen Gibb-Gavel
CUPE National Representative
Tel: (905)568-4664; cell 905-242-4207
Labels: bosses, Canadian labour, CUPE, labour, Mississauga, Ontario, Red Cross, strike
Thursday, May 27, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR-NEW BRUNSWICK:
HUNGER STRIKE IN NEW BRUNSWICK:
School support workers in New Brunswick have started a hunger strike in support of a new collective agreement with the province. Here's the story from Canoe.ca.
NBNBNBNBNBNBNB
Hunger strike begun in N.B. for new collective agreement
By The Canadian Press
FREDERICTON -- Union officials for school support staff in New Brunswick have begun a week-long hunger strike as they push for a new collective agreement with the province.
Nine people from a CUPE local were camped out Monday in a recreational vehicle outside the Fredericton Inn and vowed to not eat for five days.
Local president Sandy Harding said they're looking for fairness and respect from the province.
She said the union, which includes teacher and library assistants, school intervention workers, district and school administrative support staff and student attendants, has several issues.
Harding said the average employee works 28 hours a week for an average salary of $17,000 a year.
She said most employees also don't have a defined benefits pension plan.
"We felt doing a hunger strike would show the seriousness of the situation, and what this team is willing to do to make the government take notice," said Harding, who was joined by the CUPE negotiating team on the hunger strike.
"We need a collective agreement and we need something that is fair."
The support staff have been without a contract for more than a year.
Hunger strike begun in N.B. for new collective agreement
By The Canadian Press
FREDERICTON -- Union officials for school support staff in New Brunswick have begun a week-long hunger strike as they push for a new collective agreement with the province.
Nine people from a CUPE local were camped out Monday in a recreational vehicle outside the Fredericton Inn and vowed to not eat for five days.
Local president Sandy Harding said they're looking for fairness and respect from the province.
She said the union, which includes teacher and library assistants, school intervention workers, district and school administrative support staff and student attendants, has several issues.
Harding said the average employee works 28 hours a week for an average salary of $17,000 a year.
She said most employees also don't have a defined benefits pension plan.
"We felt doing a hunger strike would show the seriousness of the situation, and what this team is willing to do to make the government take notice," said Harding, who was joined by the CUPE negotiating team on the hunger strike.
"We need a collective agreement and we need something that is fair."
The support staff have been without a contract for more than a year.
NBNBNBNBNBNBNB
Here's more on this story from the St. John Telegraph Journal. Read more about this dispute from CUPE Local 2745 here.
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Labour: School support staff trying to get the attention of provincial politicians
by ALEXANDRA DAVIS
The president of New Brunswick's education support staff union says she's willing to go to drastic lengths to gain the attention of the provincial government.
Members of CUPE 2745 began a five-day hunger strike on Monday to bring attention to what they say is a lack of fairness and respect they receive from the province. Sandy Harding was joined Monday by CUPE Local 2745's eight-member negotiating team to kick off a five-day hunger strike.
She said the group will be camping out in a recreational vehicle in front of the Fredericton Inn, and is prepared to go without food until Friday.
"We are hungry for fairness and respect," Harding said. "We felt doing a hunger strike would show the seriousness of the situation, and what this team is willing to do to make the government take notice.
"We need a collective agreement, and we need something that is fair."
She said the union, which includes teacher and library assistants, school intervention workers, district and school administrative support staff and student attendants, has several issues with its contracts.
"The average number of hours we work is 28 per week, 39 weeks a year," she said. "Our average salary is $17,000 a year.
"We don't have a defined benefit pension plan for all members; only about 10 per cent of members are qualified to pay in."
Harding said she was pleased with the reaction of passing motorists, as union members held up signs and waved at Regent Street traffic.
"We've gotten a lot of public support," she said. "As people drive by, they're honking and they're stopping in. We're also collecting food for the food bank, and a lot of people have contributed. It's been going really well."
A.J. Savoie, a custodian with School District 6, said he isn't a CUPE 2745 member, but he supports the group's cause.
He joined picketers outside the Fredericton Inn on Monday afternoon, and said he was pleased to participate in the effort.
"These workers need full-time hours to be able to focus on students," Savoie said. "Teacher assistants and support staff are very important, and they should get the hours and fairness and respect that they deserve."
He said giving education support workers more hours would be beneficial for the province.
"We need more people to work within the province of New Brunswick because it helps everyone," he said. "When we have more people with full-time jobs, we have more people paying more taxes.
"We've got to fight for this. What's happening is not right."
Harding said the team was keeping hydrated and hunger hadn't started to set in Monday. She said the days ahead may be difficult, but it will be worthwhile if the hunger strike incites a response.
"We're confident we can go five days," she said. "Hopefully, it will get a reaction from the government when they see we're willing to go to these lengths to get a collective agreement. They know what the issues are with regard to our group. They need to step up to the plate and say they're willing to help with this."
She said union members who weren't directly involved in the hunger strike were supporting the initiative in other ways, such as fasting for a day or by collecting donations for food banks.
A spokesman for the Department of Human Resources said Friday he was unable to discuss any details as the matter is still on the table.
Labour: School support staff trying to get the attention of provincial politicians
by ALEXANDRA DAVIS
The president of New Brunswick's education support staff union says she's willing to go to drastic lengths to gain the attention of the provincial government.
Members of CUPE 2745 began a five-day hunger strike on Monday to bring attention to what they say is a lack of fairness and respect they receive from the province. Sandy Harding was joined Monday by CUPE Local 2745's eight-member negotiating team to kick off a five-day hunger strike.
She said the group will be camping out in a recreational vehicle in front of the Fredericton Inn, and is prepared to go without food until Friday.
"We are hungry for fairness and respect," Harding said. "We felt doing a hunger strike would show the seriousness of the situation, and what this team is willing to do to make the government take notice.
"We need a collective agreement, and we need something that is fair."
She said the union, which includes teacher and library assistants, school intervention workers, district and school administrative support staff and student attendants, has several issues with its contracts.
"The average number of hours we work is 28 per week, 39 weeks a year," she said. "Our average salary is $17,000 a year.
"We don't have a defined benefit pension plan for all members; only about 10 per cent of members are qualified to pay in."
Harding said she was pleased with the reaction of passing motorists, as union members held up signs and waved at Regent Street traffic.
"We've gotten a lot of public support," she said. "As people drive by, they're honking and they're stopping in. We're also collecting food for the food bank, and a lot of people have contributed. It's been going really well."
A.J. Savoie, a custodian with School District 6, said he isn't a CUPE 2745 member, but he supports the group's cause.
He joined picketers outside the Fredericton Inn on Monday afternoon, and said he was pleased to participate in the effort.
"These workers need full-time hours to be able to focus on students," Savoie said. "Teacher assistants and support staff are very important, and they should get the hours and fairness and respect that they deserve."
He said giving education support workers more hours would be beneficial for the province.
"We need more people to work within the province of New Brunswick because it helps everyone," he said. "When we have more people with full-time jobs, we have more people paying more taxes.
"We've got to fight for this. What's happening is not right."
Harding said the team was keeping hydrated and hunger hadn't started to set in Monday. She said the days ahead may be difficult, but it will be worthwhile if the hunger strike incites a response.
"We're confident we can go five days," she said. "Hopefully, it will get a reaction from the government when they see we're willing to go to these lengths to get a collective agreement. They know what the issues are with regard to our group. They need to step up to the plate and say they're willing to help with this."
She said union members who weren't directly involved in the hunger strike were supporting the initiative in other ways, such as fasting for a day or by collecting donations for food banks.
A spokesman for the Department of Human Resources said Friday he was unable to discuss any details as the matter is still on the table.
Labels: Canadian labour, Canoe.ca, CUPE, CUPE Local 2745, labour, New Brunswick, Telegraph Journal
Sunday, May 23, 2010
CANADIAN POLITICS:
DON'T HIDE THE TRUTH MINISTER KENNEY:
Last November a new guide for immigrants to Canada was issued by the federal government. Significantly it omitted references to the decriminalization of gay people and recognition of gay marriage. This was despite the fact that said references had been included in previous drafts of the pamphlet. The responsibility for the omission lays with Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney who vetoed the sections.
Now no doubt Minister Kenney would like it very much if gay people had no such protection in Canada, but they do. I guess the next best thing in his mind, petty as such an action might be, is to eliminate all references to this fact in any matter that he has power over ie to lie by omission. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has a campaign to pressure the Minister to reinsert the missing sections. Here's the story.
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Tell Jason Kenney:
Tell Jason Kenney:
Equal rights are an important part of being Canadian
Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney blocked references to LGBTTI rights in a new study guide for immigrants, which was released last November. News of the actions taken by Kenney, who opposed same-sex marriage when it was debated in Parliament, has just become public.
Documents show Kenney chose to omit references to Canada’s decriminalization of homosexual sex and recognition of same-sex marriage rights despite recommendations from his senior department officials. Both references were contained in earlier drafts of the 63-page guide.
Canada has been a leader in rights for LGBTTI persons. We guarantee same-sex spousal pensions and benefits. We have equal rights to marriage. These are hard won rights that Canadians and CUPE members are proud of and should be recognized in documents that our federal government produces.
By putting pressure on Minister Kenney, we can make sure that Canada's citizenship guide promotes the importance of the fundamental freedoms and rights outlined in the Charter.
Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney blocked references to LGBTTI rights in a new study guide for immigrants, which was released last November. News of the actions taken by Kenney, who opposed same-sex marriage when it was debated in Parliament, has just become public.
Documents show Kenney chose to omit references to Canada’s decriminalization of homosexual sex and recognition of same-sex marriage rights despite recommendations from his senior department officials. Both references were contained in earlier drafts of the 63-page guide.
Canada has been a leader in rights for LGBTTI persons. We guarantee same-sex spousal pensions and benefits. We have equal rights to marriage. These are hard won rights that Canadians and CUPE members are proud of and should be recognized in documents that our federal government produces.
By putting pressure on Minister Kenney, we can make sure that Canada's citizenship guide promotes the importance of the fundamental freedoms and rights outlined in the Charter.
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THE LETTER:
Please go to this link to send the following letter to Minister Kenney.
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I am writing to condemn your decision to remove all references to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans rights from Canada’s new guide for immigrants released last November.
The booklet provides immigrants applying for Canadian citizenship with information about Canada and why our country is a great place to live and work for everyone, especially members of the LGBTTI community.
As a representative of our federal government, you have a responsibility to uphold the rights of all Canadians as guaranteed under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Under Canadian law, all citizens have the right to freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation.
I demand that all references to these rights be put back into the guide and further that your department proudly promote the importance of these rights to citizenship applicants.
Labels: Canadian labour, Canadian politics, CUPE, gay marriage, gay rights, immigrants, Jason Kenney, petitions
Saturday, May 01, 2010
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR- SOUTH AFRICA:
VICTORY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN MUNICIPAL WORKERS:
After a week long general strike municipal workers in South Africa gained a victory as the association of municipalities has agreed to a standard job evaluation across the country. The victory was won because instead of trying to bargain individually the workers launched the general strike across the country, preventing the local authorities from picking them off one a group at a time. A lesson to be learned here ? Here's a report of what happened from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
SASASASASASASASA
Victory for South African Municipal workers
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) has concluded a seven day general strike. The call to action was due to the employer’s refusal to implement a standard wage system. For seven days SAMWU members remained on the streets for fair wages while the union negotiations team bargained intensely with the South African local government association (SALGA).
“The success of the seven day national strike to ensure that all municipal workers are paid fairly is a great accomplishment,” said CUPE National President Paul Moist. South African municipalities had been able to exploit workers by paying below the correct wage level. As a result of the mass action SAMWU members now have an agreement on wage curves starting 1 July 2010.
Key issues that gave rise to the strike were: SALGA’s refusal to introduce a job evaluation system that will grade all jobs in the sector. The absence of this system allowed individual municipalities to arbitrarily grade jobs and assign their own salary to that job. This led to massive abuse and favouritism. Although SALGA was willing to introduce a job evaluation system it was only prepared to pay at half of the market rates for jobs such as nurses, plumbers, electricians, engineers and technicians. This underpayment of staff led to a loss of skills from the sector as workers seek better paid jobs elsewhere.
Following seven days of general strike action, SALGA conceded to the union’s demands. “CUPE is impressed with the action SAMWU members have taken to stand up for a fair wage system and to push SALGA to use their resources to fund public service delivery for the communities they serve,” added Moist.
Labels: CUPE, international labour, labour, South Africa, strike
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR:
WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY:
April 28 is International Workers' Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember the millions of workers killed or injured either on the job or by workplace related illness. A list of events across the world can be seen at this article from Hazards magazine. Here in Canada Molly urges you to check out the website of the Canadian Injured Workers Society, especially their article 'What's Wrong With Workers Compensation'. I'll will have a lot more to say about this day later, but for now here is the statement of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) on this day.
ILILILILILILILIL
Remember the dead, fight for the living
April 28 is the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured as a result of unhealthy work environments.
This day is particularly important for CUPE members as it was CUPE’s National Health and Safety Committee, who in 1984, first proposed the idea for a day to honour workers injured or killed at work. This year will mark the 26th National Day of Mourning and it will be recognized in more than a hundred countries around the world.
Conservative estimates report that on average, three Canadian workers are killed every day. That means in a typical year, there are approximately 1,000 workers killed in Canada. Add these statistics to the approximately one million workplace injuries and thousands of workers that are made sick or diseased by their work or workplaces in Canada.
The International Labour Organization (ILO), an agency of the United Nations, reports that more than two million people worldwide die from occupational accidents or work-related diseases every year. The ILO conservatively estimates that there are 270 million occupational accidents and 160 million cases of occupational disease across the globe every year. Many of these injuries are not reported, compensation for workers and their families is limited, and penalties for employers and management are rarely imposed.
Today in Canada, from coast to coast to coast, ceremonies are being held to recognize workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace during the last year.
CUPE remembers the following local union members who lost their lives while on the job this past year.
++Clifford Payne, 63, CUPE 3148, school bus driver in Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador
++Sheldon Miller, 29, CUPE 189, maintenance worker in Medicine Hat, Alberta
++Jacques Tremblay, 55, Chief Equipment Mechanic, section locale 1500 du SCFP, (CUPE 1500) Forestville, Quebec
++James Best, 34, CUPE 416, municipal worker in Toronto, Ontario
++Pierre Leclerc, 57, section locale 301 du SCFP (CUPE 301), Pierrefonds, Quebec
Remember the dead, fight for the living
April 28 is the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured as a result of unhealthy work environments.
This day is particularly important for CUPE members as it was CUPE’s National Health and Safety Committee, who in 1984, first proposed the idea for a day to honour workers injured or killed at work. This year will mark the 26th National Day of Mourning and it will be recognized in more than a hundred countries around the world.
Conservative estimates report that on average, three Canadian workers are killed every day. That means in a typical year, there are approximately 1,000 workers killed in Canada. Add these statistics to the approximately one million workplace injuries and thousands of workers that are made sick or diseased by their work or workplaces in Canada.
The International Labour Organization (ILO), an agency of the United Nations, reports that more than two million people worldwide die from occupational accidents or work-related diseases every year. The ILO conservatively estimates that there are 270 million occupational accidents and 160 million cases of occupational disease across the globe every year. Many of these injuries are not reported, compensation for workers and their families is limited, and penalties for employers and management are rarely imposed.
Today in Canada, from coast to coast to coast, ceremonies are being held to recognize workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace during the last year.
CUPE remembers the following local union members who lost their lives while on the job this past year.
++Clifford Payne, 63, CUPE 3148, school bus driver in Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador
++Sheldon Miller, 29, CUPE 189, maintenance worker in Medicine Hat, Alberta
++Jacques Tremblay, 55, Chief Equipment Mechanic, section locale 1500 du SCFP, (CUPE 1500) Forestville, Quebec
++James Best, 34, CUPE 416, municipal worker in Toronto, Ontario
++Pierre Leclerc, 57, section locale 301 du SCFP (CUPE 301), Pierrefonds, Quebec
Labels: Canadian labour, CUPE, deaths, events, international labour, labour, Workers Memorial Day, workplace deaths, workplace safety
Monday, March 22, 2010
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS/CANADIAN LABOUR:
THE STATE OF OUR WATER:
Today is World Water Day, and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is involved in many events around the issue of water availability. Here's a story from CUPE about the significance of this day to Canada.
WWWWWWWWWWWW
Learn, organize and act for public water
Today, water activists are mobilizing to mark World Water Day. It’s an opportunity to re-energize CUPE’s work protecting public water systems and community water resources.
Today, water activists are mobilizing to mark World Water Day. It’s an opportunity to re-energize CUPE’s work protecting public water systems and community water resources.
Our union has a long history of stopping water privatization by building grassroots coalitions. When we come together – workers, environmentalists, citizens’ groups, indigenous organizations, faith groups, young and old – we are unbeatable. Just look at the recently-opened water treatment plant in Vancouver, or Whistler’s new state-of-the-art sewage treatment system. Both remain public thanks to community activism against privatization.
Last fall’s Blue Summit celebrated a decade of our Water Watch coalition with the Council of Canadians. The summit declaration outlines our collective vision for public water resources and services.
At home and around the globe, privatization, underfunding, pollution, and international trade agreements are roadblocks to building and strengthening public water services.
Federal funding for community infrastructure, including water, hasn’t kept pace with growing needs in Canadian cities and towns. The federal government and several provinces are pushing P3s by attaching strings to public funding and through a federal privatization agency – PPP Canada Inc.
But in the wake of the economic and financial crisis it’s crystal clear that P3s for water infrastructure and services don’t work.
CUPE is also concerned about the state of water and sanitation services in some First Nations communities. More than 110 First Nations communities are living with undrinkable water. In some cases, they endure tainted, polluted and unsafe water for years. This violates a basic human right, and is a national disgrace.
Another threat is the proposed trade agreement between Canada and the European Union, which is backed by the European water multinationals. This deal could open public procurement of services – including water and wastewater – to foreign corporations. It would give corporations new rights and erodes the ability of governments to regulate in the public interest.
Finally, Canada must do its part to end the global water crisis. This begins with Prime Minister Stephen Harper reversing Canada’s opposition to the right to water at the United Nations.
Upholding this right and giving developing-world governments the resources to fulfill it will help lift millions in the global South out of poverty, especially women and children.
We encourage CUPE members to get active on these and other water issues in their communities this World Water Day.
Promoting public sector alternatives is as important as fighting privatization. We know that public works best for our water and wastewater systems. Through innovative new initiatives such as public-public partnerships, we will continue to show that privatization is no solution.
Together, in CUPE and with our allies, we will continue to protect water resources and services – for future generations, and for the planet. Public water is a human right!
Labels: Canadian labour, CUPE, environment, labour, water, World Water Day
Sunday, March 21, 2010
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS/CANADIAN LABOUR:
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION:
Today, March 21, is the day declared by the United Nations as 'International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination'. This begins a week of events in solidarity with victims of racial discrimination. Human beings are one species, and it is a hangover of more primitive times that they are divided by race. the international anarchist movement has always worked against this prejudice, and, in my opinion, its elimination is both possible and necessary even under our present economic system- managerial society. It will actually be one of the great tasks of "the managers" before they pass from history, and the accomplishment of this task is necessary before (not after) a free society can come to birth. Great advances have already been made, but there is much more to do. Here's the statement of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) about this day.
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Eliminating racial discrimination
March 21 is the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination. On the day in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in Sharpeville, South Africa.
Events and activities worldwide, which mark the day, aim to remind us of racial discrimination’s negative consequences. It also reminds us of our obligation to combat racism in all its forms.
Racism contradicts and undermines our union struggle for equality, inclusiveness and social justice. Intolerance, hatred and discrimination lead to the denial of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, endangers peace and economic and social security.
Help fight racism
**Challenge your own racist assumptions and beliefs.
**Learn more about racially visible people and their communities.
**Stand with racially visible communities and speak out against hatred and racism.
**Challenge governments’ racist and discriminatory policies and laws.
**Organize a panel discussion on racism.
**Set up an information booth or a lunch-time video that promotes better cross cultural understanding.
**Act against racism, whether jokes, slurs, graffiti, or name calling.
**Organize a speaker on human rights at your next union meeting.
**Identify barriers to equality at work and find ways to remove them.
**Put equality issues on your bargaining agenda.
**Organize education on anti-racism in your local.
**Make sure your union newsletter or website carries ethnic culture success stories and send your stories to your local newspaper.
**Encourage public institutions and officials to show their support for human rights and anti-racism when an issue arises in your community.
**Work with other unions and local allies on a plan to end racism in your workplace, local institutions and community.
**Join or support organizations that are working to build inclusive communities.
**Get involved, have courage and take a stand against racism and hate!
Labels: Canadian labour, CUPE, international day for the elimination of racial discrimination, labour, racism, United Nations
Friday, March 19, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR - VANCOUVER:
WORLD WATER DAY WITH CUPE:
This in from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). next Monday, March 22, will be World Water day, and CUPE will be holding a preliminary celebration on Sunday the 21st out in Vancouver. Here's the details.
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In Vancouver?
Celebrate World Water Day 2010 with CUPE!
Sunday, March 21, 2-4pm
Grandview Park, Commercial at Charles
Vancouver
VANCOUVER —Join the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Council of Canadians in a Toast to Public Water leading up to World Water Day on March 22. This free, outdoor all-ages event will take place in East Vancouver’s Grandview Park at Commercial and Charles. On tap will be live music by local folk/roots favourites Headwater. We will also present the First Annual Tappie Awards - a tribute to community members and groups who have worked extra hard to promote and protect B.C.'s public water system.
VANCOUVER —Join the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Council of Canadians in a Toast to Public Water leading up to World Water Day on March 22. This free, outdoor all-ages event will take place in East Vancouver’s Grandview Park at Commercial and Charles. On tap will be live music by local folk/roots favourites Headwater. We will also present the First Annual Tappie Awards - a tribute to community members and groups who have worked extra hard to promote and protect B.C.'s public water system.
The United Nations’ focus for World Water Day this year is on clean water for a healthy world. Across British Columbia water systems are under threat from private drinking and sewage treatment corporations, environmental pollution and bottled water companies who want to sell our resources back to us at many times the cost of public tap water.
“In keeping with the UN theme, our focus is on protecting public water systems and community water resources. CUPE BC is committed to defending the right of every community in B.C. to access to clean, safe, affordable public water,” says CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill.
“All year groups across British Columbia struggle to protect our water systems and keep them in public hands,” says Council of Canadians Vancouver president Penny Tilby. “The Tappie Awards are a fun way to thank them for their hard work and encourage others to join in the effort to keep water public for everyone.”
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Contact: Murray Bush, CUPE National Communications Representative: 778-554.2234
Labels: Canadian labour, concerts, CUPE, events, labour, Vancouver, World Water Day
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
CANADIAN LABOUR-QUEBEC CITY:
PUBLIC SECTOR COMMON FRONT VERSUS THE QUEBEC GOVERNMENT:
Down in the province of Québec public sector workers have formed a 'Common Front' for negotiations with the provincial government. To say the least this is a necessary tactic if the workers are to avoid being picked off one by one, and this sort of thing should be broadly imitated. The negotiations are "heating up", and last Monday 3,000 union members demonstrated in Québec City to put pressure on the government. here's the story from CTV Montréal.
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Public sector workers demonstrate in Quebec City
Some 3,000 public sector workers demonstrated in Quebec City on Monday as they near the end of their five-year contract and continue contract talks with the government.
The unionized workers are calling on the Charest government for a salary increase of 11.25 per over three years, while the province is offering seven per cent over five years.
The last contract was imposed by a government decree, but union leaders say relations with the government have improved since then.
"I still believe that Jean Charest and his people would prefer to have a collective agreement agreed with the unions than impose another decree," said Michel Arsenault, president of the FTQ.
Arsenault said Quebec needs to pay salaries comparable to other public sector workers in other parts of Canada.
"They are hiring people and two years after these people are leaving the government and going to the private sector because there's more money there," Arsenault said.
He also said workers are also frustrated about the increased use of private company employees in public service.
"It's a shame to see contractors making 120 to 125 per cent more than our own people and doing the same job. It makes no sense."
While both sides appear to want to have a deal by March 31, the unions are planning another – and larger – demonstration for March 20 in Montreal.
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Here, from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is more on what is at stake in the recent bargaining.
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Quebec Common Front: "Time is running out!"
Following last Friday’s meeting between the Common Front and Treasury Board President Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, spokespersons for the Common Front - Lucie Martineau of the Secrétariat intersyndical des services publics (SISP), Claudette Carbonneau of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) and Michel Arsenault of the Québec Federation of Labour (FTQ) - have asked the government to step up negotiations and give some tangible signals so that the talks can move forward.
They stress that "with just thirty-eight days remaining, everything must be done to try to reach a deal by the time the collective agreements expire on March 31. However, it is clear that, if this is going to happen, a serious change of course is required on the part of the government."
The Common Front unions want to intensify the discussions in order to ensure progress. They do not want to see negotiations bogged down because of a few sticking points at the sectoral tables.
The unions have agreed on a deadline of March 20 for a new appraisal stage in the negotiations. Until then, they will make every effort to resolve the impasse at the negotiating tables and will negotiate diligently and in good faith.
In the workplace, employees in the public and parapublic sectors are displaying a sticker to remind the government that “Time is running out” and to show solidarity with the 3,000 representatives who have gathered in Québec City during the negotiations.
The Common Front is asking for a three-year employment contract with salary increases of 3.75% per year, which would protect the workers’ purchasing power and narrow the wage gap between public sector employees and other Québec workers. The union organizations believe that the government's proposals are insufficient, because they would leave state employees on the road to impoverishment and exclude any possibility for salary catch-up or participation in collective wealth.
The Common Front includes all the major unions in the public and parapublic sectors in Québec, including unions grouped together in the SISP (CSQ, FIQ, SFPQ, SPGQ and APTS), the CSN (FSSS, FEESP, FNEEQ and FP) and the FTQ (CUPE, SQEES, COPE and UES).
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What is the 'Common Front' ? Here's a good explanation from Nicolas Phébus, published last December at the Ontario platformist site Linchpin.
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Quebec public sector unions unite in a "Common Front"
By Nicolas Phébus
Quebec correspondent
On Oct. 30, the public sector unions in Québec made their central demands for the negotiations with the province. Under the banner "together for public services", they are demanding a negotiated agreement that includes better pay, improved retirement plans and accommodation of workers family commitments. The demands are backed by a “Common Front” of unions representing 475,000 workers in health care, social services, education, public service and government agencies. While the mobilization is not yet impressive, and may never become, some unions and activists are taking positive steps for wider grassroots participation.
As the unions put it in their collective bargaining statement, "our working conditions are increasingly difficult, and in many sectors there are real problems in attracting new workers and keeping the employees we already have".
"We are concerned", they say, "because our pay is often less that the going rates in the private sector and many people prefer to work elsewhere rather than serve the citizens of Québec." Actually, recent studies from the government’s own agency show that the average public sector wage of $36,000 lags behind the general population by 7.7%.
The unions are demanding an 11.25% wage hike over the next three years. But wages are not everything, they are also pressing for improvement to the government retirement plan. But the major issue could be what they call "conciliation travail-famille", which is an issue that is rising to prominence all over Quebec. It calls for accommodation for workers to deal with family commitments, such as taking some time off work if their kid is sick. This is especially relevant in an industry where 75% of the workers are women and a full third is precarious, working irregular hours. In addition to adjustments in the collective agreements, unions are demanding a law that would apply to the whole working class.
Today's public sector Common Front is the largest since the infamous 1972 Common Front which led the whole working class into an illegal general strike that took an insurrectionary character. While not exactly the same mood, the 2009 Common Front is impressive because it's taking place after a major split in the public sector unions following the 2005 negotiations which ended in a repressive government decree. The bargaining strategy of the Common Front is also "historical" in a way. The demands were ready and made on the very day the negotiations could legally start, 5 months before the government decree will expire. The labour leadership clearly wants fast negotiations and that's why they limited the demands. Actually, their biggest demand is probably this: a negotiated agreement. Anything would do, as long as the unions can get away without having another decree that limits their activity stuffed down the throats of their members. If they succeed it would be the first time since 1999.
For the moment, the mobilization is not yet impressive on the ground. There was a successful provincial tour to present the demands to the members and 2000 people attended a gathering in Québec City to deliver the demands. But according to many activists, the mobilization has not yet reached the workplaces. People are still bitter from the last negotiations and are in a mood "not to be fooled again". Some unions and activists are taking positive steps to get some grassroots input. One example of this is the Confederation Des Syndicats Nationaux which is using the web in a more creative way. They decided to open up communication by creating an open publishing website with the common "web 2.0" features --including a blog-- where every member (and the public) can create an account to post comments and even their own stories. To date grassroots activists have been trained in 200 different unions to use this new tool. So far, some 101 stories have been posted to the "news" section of the web site by its users. Hopefully, this is only a sign of things to come.
Labels: Canadian labour, Common Front., CTV Montreal, CUPE, demonstrations, labour, Linchpin, Nicolas Phebus, Quebec, Quebec City, tactics
