You tell me. Keep in mind it's these folks that are forcing the budget cuts. It must be nice when you make so much money that you don't need to worry about the front-line employees that struggle to pay the bills at the week's end. If budget cuts must go through, here's a list of some excess salaries that could use a bit of trimming. It seems to me that it would be much more appropriate to cut from these fat cats instead of the teaching assistants who make $20/hr and spend a third of the year on unemployment insurance.
I wonder if these people could survive a few weeks in a CUPE or OSSTF members' shoes. I doubt it....
Terrance Boak, president, provost and vice-president academic, $238,733
Ian Brindle, dean, $156,803
John Corlett, dean, $156,406
Donald Cyr, associate dean, $147,765
Rosemary Drage Hale, dean, $162,500
Ronald Dubien, chief information officer, $175,482
Donald Dworet, director -- continuing teacher education, $140,901
Corrado Federici, associate dean, $142,449
James Heap, dean, $165,000
G.H. Irons, director, $135,169
Martin Kusy, dean, $207,999
Jack Lightstone, president, $132,499
Michael Manley-Casimir, vice-president, academic, professor, education, $169,890
Pauline McCormack, executive director of human resources, $132,941
Kimberley Meade, associate vice- president, $143,229
Steven Pillar, vice-president of finance and administration, $203,501
Michael Plyley, associate dean, $136,097
Marilyn Rose, dean, graduate studies, $146,544
Barbara Sainty, associate dean, $130,222
David Siegel, dean, social sciences, $156,406
Robert Welch, chair, professor, finance, operations and information system, $152,377
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Auto workers occupy Scarborough plant
About 100 autoworkers have barricaded the doors at the Collins & Aikman plant in Scarborough, Ontario, ceasing production. The workers don't plan on leaving until the company agrees to pay severance to 200 laid off workers. Collins & Aikman have a binding agreement with the CAW, but the company has told them the U.S. operations are refusing to release the money for severance.
This is union militancy at its finest. I'm a big fan of the occupation tactic, and there is no finer time than when the company refuses to honour its binding agreement. Hopefully this will force the hand of the company. We'll see which side the government, police, and law are on with this one.
"They have absolutely every obligation, lawful and otherwise, including an
agreement with us, our union – CAW, to pay that severance out."- Bob Chernecki,
assistant to the Canadian Auto Workers' president
This is union militancy at its finest. I'm a big fan of the occupation tactic, and there is no finer time than when the company refuses to honour its binding agreement. Hopefully this will force the hand of the company. We'll see which side the government, police, and law are on with this one.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Tim Peterson to run as Tory
Tim Peterson, the brother of former Ontario Liberal premier David Peterson and former federal cabinet minister Jim Peterson, has decided to run as a Tory in this October's Ontario provincial election. He was elected as a Liberal in Mississauga South in 2003 (the first Grit elected in that riding since Confederation), though was unhappy that he was not awarded a cabinet position and that issues from his riding weren't receiving the prominence he thought they should. He has left the Liberal Party and will sit as an independent until the October election. I'll give him credit- at least he didn't cross the floor. This should provide yet another interesting race. I'll be most curious to see if/how David and Jim campaign on their brother's behalf.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Best Music Video Ever- Loco Locass
Seriously, greatest music video entertainment since A-ha's 'Take on Me.' If you watch it, make sure to watch till the very end. The pictures tell the story if you can't understand the lyrics (which are all in French).
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Liberals propose anti-scab bill...
...just days after defeating an existing one. What a farce that party is. I hope this one passes, but there is absolutely no reason why the previous one (or the two before that) should have failed. You can read about the watered-down bill here.
We need to be liberated from the Liberals, as soon as possible.
We need to be liberated from the Liberals, as soon as possible.
Analysis of the Quebec Election
Via a 'P.S.' on an e-mail, a colleague remarked that the national election in Quebec was interesting. I dropped a quick response....
Quebec has definately undergone a political realignment. And in all likelihood, M. Charest and M. Boisclair will be replaced. The ADQ has (unfortunately in my mind) has made some huge gains in the past few years.
When asked for some more feedback, and what the future might hold, I said....
I don't think that, at this point, Quebeckers aren't even exactly aware of what they see in their own political future. This current political situation seems to parallel the one we have at the federal situation, in which a clear 'governing' party has yet to emerge. In fact, it might take a little while for Qubeckers to figure out exactly what it is that they desire in their political future.
Despite forming a minority government, I think the Liberals are the biggest losers coming out of this election. Their vote percentage dropped significantly (13%), presumably with most of that support going to the ADQ. The question now is what can the Parti liberal offer Quebec voters that they can't get elsewhere?
It's fair to say that the political spectrum has shifted to the right. The PQ has moved away from their social democratic beginnings, though we could still see them as centre-left, and the only party to occupy this position. They'll also have their sovereignist base, and with centre-left support, will always be contenders. The ADQ is decidely right-wing (so are the Liberals), though the ADQ is much more nationalist than the Liberals. And really, most all Quebecers are nationalist at some level (with the exception of a few hardline English federalists). The ADQ won't lose any points on that end.
Another friend of mine has suggested that the new situation will likely parallel the old bleus vs. rouges two-party system, in that the ADQ is very similar to the old Union Nationale (bleus). However, the 'rouges' will not be Quiet Revolution nationalist liberals, but instead, the PQ.
I think the ADQ will continue to attract Liberal voters who are one the right-wing of the political spectrum and who are more nationalist than the Liberal platrform allows for. On the other hand, I can see the Liberals becoming an anglophone/allophone party concentrated primarily in Montreal and the southern Ottawa valley. As I've mentioned, the PQ will always have its soverignist base, and as long as it remains centre-left, will have a core base of progressive support.
This minority national assembly won't last too long. I suspect it will be on an issue by issue basis, and another election will be called in a year or so. I'm not even sure if at that point Quebeckers will know what they want. That being said, they'll be able to see what the ADQ can do with additional power, and the Liberals will have everything to lose in the coming months (hopefully this includes their leader).
As far as what I see, or better put, what I'd like to see, it's more Qubec Solidaire MNAs. They finished a strong second in two ridings in Montreal this time around (to PQ incumbents). While winning those ridings might be hard, they are the party that I'd cast a vote for if I lived in Quebec.
from: http://www.cbc.ca/quebecvotes2007/parties/qs.html
It's one of the few English resources on QS....
"Founded on principles of sovereignty, feminism, social equality, pluralism and ecology, Québec Solidaire wants to position itself as a viable left-wing alternative to the Parti Québécois."
Quebec has definately undergone a political realignment. And in all likelihood, M. Charest and M. Boisclair will be replaced. The ADQ has (unfortunately in my mind) has made some huge gains in the past few years.
When asked for some more feedback, and what the future might hold, I said....
I don't think that, at this point, Quebeckers aren't even exactly aware of what they see in their own political future. This current political situation seems to parallel the one we have at the federal situation, in which a clear 'governing' party has yet to emerge. In fact, it might take a little while for Qubeckers to figure out exactly what it is that they desire in their political future.
Despite forming a minority government, I think the Liberals are the biggest losers coming out of this election. Their vote percentage dropped significantly (13%), presumably with most of that support going to the ADQ. The question now is what can the Parti liberal offer Quebec voters that they can't get elsewhere?
It's fair to say that the political spectrum has shifted to the right. The PQ has moved away from their social democratic beginnings, though we could still see them as centre-left, and the only party to occupy this position. They'll also have their sovereignist base, and with centre-left support, will always be contenders. The ADQ is decidely right-wing (so are the Liberals), though the ADQ is much more nationalist than the Liberals. And really, most all Quebecers are nationalist at some level (with the exception of a few hardline English federalists). The ADQ won't lose any points on that end.
Another friend of mine has suggested that the new situation will likely parallel the old bleus vs. rouges two-party system, in that the ADQ is very similar to the old Union Nationale (bleus). However, the 'rouges' will not be Quiet Revolution nationalist liberals, but instead, the PQ.
I think the ADQ will continue to attract Liberal voters who are one the right-wing of the political spectrum and who are more nationalist than the Liberal platrform allows for. On the other hand, I can see the Liberals becoming an anglophone/allophone party concentrated primarily in Montreal and the southern Ottawa valley. As I've mentioned, the PQ will always have its soverignist base, and as long as it remains centre-left, will have a core base of progressive support.
This minority national assembly won't last too long. I suspect it will be on an issue by issue basis, and another election will be called in a year or so. I'm not even sure if at that point Quebeckers will know what they want. That being said, they'll be able to see what the ADQ can do with additional power, and the Liberals will have everything to lose in the coming months (hopefully this includes their leader).
As far as what I see, or better put, what I'd like to see, it's more Qubec Solidaire MNAs. They finished a strong second in two ridings in Montreal this time around (to PQ incumbents). While winning those ridings might be hard, they are the party that I'd cast a vote for if I lived in Quebec.
from: http://www.cbc.ca/quebecvotes2007/parties/qs.html
It's one of the few English resources on QS....
"Founded on principles of sovereignty, feminism, social equality, pluralism and ecology, Québec Solidaire wants to position itself as a viable left-wing alternative to the Parti Québécois."
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Liberate Us from the Liberals....
as soon as possible.
Music provided by francophone band Loco Locass
Bill C-257- If at first you fail....
Correction, if after three you fail....
After anti-scab legislation has suffered three defeats in the past few years at the hands of a bourgeoisie parliament, Bloc leader Gilles Duceppe said he plans on introducing yet another anti-scab bill. This bill, he claims, will include safe-guards for the delivery of essential services. This was, of course, the reason that many Liberals claim caused them to reassess their support of the bill. However, these safeguards already exist in the Canada Labour Code, making the Liberal claim moot (though one they still claim anyways). They might as well say that they are opposed to the interests of Canada's working class. At least then they would be honest.
That being said, it will be interesting to see how the Liberals respond to this new bill. How hypocritical will they look if they vote down a bill that addresses their concerns? And when push comes to shove, who is it that is looking out for the working class ? You guessed it, the Bloc Quebecois. Yet somehow, we continuously vote Liberal, and vilify the Bloc. At least the Tories are clear where they stand. The Liberals, as always, appear as progressives, and vote as reactionaries.
After anti-scab legislation has suffered three defeats in the past few years at the hands of a bourgeoisie parliament, Bloc leader Gilles Duceppe said he plans on introducing yet another anti-scab bill. This bill, he claims, will include safe-guards for the delivery of essential services. This was, of course, the reason that many Liberals claim caused them to reassess their support of the bill. However, these safeguards already exist in the Canada Labour Code, making the Liberal claim moot (though one they still claim anyways). They might as well say that they are opposed to the interests of Canada's working class. At least then they would be honest.
That being said, it will be interesting to see how the Liberals respond to this new bill. How hypocritical will they look if they vote down a bill that addresses their concerns? And when push comes to shove, who is it that is looking out for the working class ? You guessed it, the Bloc Quebecois. Yet somehow, we continuously vote Liberal, and vilify the Bloc. At least the Tories are clear where they stand. The Liberals, as always, appear as progressives, and vote as reactionaries.
Bill C-257- Which side were they on?
The passage of Bill C-257 would have made it illegal for employers to hire replacement workers (scabs) in work stoppages in any industry covered under the Canada Labour Code. The bill passed second reading, but failed yesterday, losing by a vote of 177 to 122. You can read all about the benefits of the now failed bill here. The entire NDP and Bloc caucuses supported the bill, as a minority of Liberals, and one Tory. Once again, the Liberals have shown which side they are on, as their flip-flop ultimately led to the bill's defeat. And let's be clear, they are on the side of big and small business. But then again, when haven't the Liberals been on that side?
This government had an idea
And parliament made it law
It seems like it's illegal
To fight for the union any more
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
We went out to join the picket line
For together we cannot fail
We got stopped by police at the county line
They said, "Go home boys or you're going to jail"
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
It's hard to explain to a crying child
Why her Daddy can't go back
So the family suffer But it hurts me more
To hear a scab say Sod you Jack
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
I'm bound to follow my conscience
And do whatever I can
But it'll take much more than the union law
To knock the fight out of a working man
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
Which side were they on? Thanks to Uncorrected Proofs, we know that the following Liberals voted against the bill, and, by extension, against working class families.
Opposed: Dion, Martin, Ignatieff, Martin, McCallum, Sgro, Graham, Volpe, Bennett, Brison, Goodale, Dryden
My local MP, backbench Tory Rick Dykstra, voted against the bill, despite promising organizing that the bill had his full support.
These MPs have shown which side they are on, and it's not on the side of working class families. But like Billy Bragg said, it will take much more than (anti) union law to take the fight out of the working class.
This government had an idea
And parliament made it law
It seems like it's illegal
To fight for the union any more
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
We went out to join the picket line
For together we cannot fail
We got stopped by police at the county line
They said, "Go home boys or you're going to jail"
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
It's hard to explain to a crying child
Why her Daddy can't go back
So the family suffer But it hurts me more
To hear a scab say Sod you Jack
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
I'm bound to follow my conscience
And do whatever I can
But it'll take much more than the union law
To knock the fight out of a working man
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
Which side were they on? Thanks to Uncorrected Proofs, we know that the following Liberals voted against the bill, and, by extension, against working class families.
Opposed: Dion, Martin, Ignatieff, Martin, McCallum, Sgro, Graham, Volpe, Bennett, Brison, Goodale, Dryden
My local MP, backbench Tory Rick Dykstra, voted against the bill, despite promising organizing that the bill had his full support.
These MPs have shown which side they are on, and it's not on the side of working class families. But like Billy Bragg said, it will take much more than (anti) union law to take the fight out of the working class.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Happy Colbert Day
Oshawa, Ontario is celebrating Colbert Day today. And to make it as realistic as possible, the festivities are full of corporate sponsorship and feature a right-wing idiot like Don Cherry. Colbert would be proud Oshawa!
Ali G Vs. Anti-Choice Crowd
Hear me now, hear me now...Free Nelson Mandela.
The part with the priest was priceless!
Postal Workers (CUPW) Wildcat Strike
They call em' the most militant union in Canada for reasons like this. While it only lasted an hour, it worked. The unionized employees walked off the job to protest the fact that management had taken three months to take any action on workload grievances. So when management doesn't act, the union takes things into their own hands. The postal workers have once again illustrated that collective action works. Within the hour, Canada Post management promised to bring in additional staff to help the over-burdened sorters.
The media is claiming that this incident represents bringing back the militant days of Jean Claude Perrot. Brothers and sisters, bring back the Flint Sitdown if necessary.
The media is claiming that this incident represents bringing back the militant days of Jean Claude Perrot. Brothers and sisters, bring back the Flint Sitdown if necessary.
Send Songs to Iraq
Outspoken hip-hopper Boot Riley of the Coup is encouraging people to burn a copy of the song 'Captain Sterlings Little Problem' of The Coup's 2006 album 'Pick a Bigger Weapon' and send it to soldiers staioned in Iraq. He explains...
The song features former Rage Against the Machine guitarist and full-time acitivist Tom Morello and encourages G.I. dissent. The full lyics are here:
It's a wrap then (HEY!) grab the Mac-10 (YEAH!)
Plan of action (WHAT?) kill the Captain (YEAH!)
Excuse me colonel sir, may I request please
Permission to go home or blow off your knees
It's a wrap then (HEY!) grab the Mac-10 (YEAH!)
Plan of action (WHAT?) kill the Captain (YEAH!)
In case you're wonderin, well yes I'm gon' fight
I'm fin' to join the army, but one you don't like
Needed some stackoli to get free like a parolee
Now I'm in apparel colored shirt and guacamole
In another country brought to you by Coca-Coley
Ordered from the top to shoot everything holey
Shit I'm 19 and I'm missin all my homies
All that fight for freedoms hit; we know that shit is phoney
Free to work at Shoney's 'bout one hour for six boneys
And everybody we hustle scratch and scrape for macaronis
and cheese, bullets squeeze outta my assault weapon
Tear through the air, then his chest, then his breaths and
Looked like my homie from the hood I be reppin
I wept then, changing from a soldier to a veteran
Left in shambles 'bout this kin of no relation
Crept in the sergeant's tent with quiet calculation
Message from the soldiers to the brass administration
Looks like Captain Sterling's fin ta have a situation
[Chorus]
I have just killed my first but it may not be the last one
I screamed this at the sergeant with his head press to the magnum
You brought us to this country not to free but bodybag them
And free up all their money so accounting firms can add them
Drag them and their corporates to their own battle
Now they're dragging us to the slaughter like cattle
Me and the whole unit we will start to ramshackle
Listen very closely you can hear the fire crackle
You could weigh the air as he was breathing out his nostrils
Couldn't understand we we were semming so hostile
Said "We spread democracy" like he was preaching gospel
Slapped him in his head and said "Now shut up Sergeant Roscoe!
If this is not explicit, lemme tell ya straight out
We'll no longer kill to keep this country drained out
We want up outta here like on the next planes out
Tell the Cap'n make it happen or we'll blow his brains out!"
[Chorus]
Get yo' ass off the flo' {*4X*}
"I have this suggestion: the soldiers should demand to be returned home, using
any means necessary to make this happen, This would lead to a swift end to this
war, saving countless lives, both U.S. and Iraqi… Congress hasn’t done more than
give lip service to wanting the war to end. The people that are directly
affected by this war are going to have to act."
The song features former Rage Against the Machine guitarist and full-time acitivist Tom Morello and encourages G.I. dissent. The full lyics are here:
It's a wrap then (HEY!) grab the Mac-10 (YEAH!)
Plan of action (WHAT?) kill the Captain (YEAH!)
Excuse me colonel sir, may I request please
Permission to go home or blow off your knees
It's a wrap then (HEY!) grab the Mac-10 (YEAH!)
Plan of action (WHAT?) kill the Captain (YEAH!)
In case you're wonderin, well yes I'm gon' fight
I'm fin' to join the army, but one you don't like
Needed some stackoli to get free like a parolee
Now I'm in apparel colored shirt and guacamole
In another country brought to you by Coca-Coley
Ordered from the top to shoot everything holey
Shit I'm 19 and I'm missin all my homies
All that fight for freedoms hit; we know that shit is phoney
Free to work at Shoney's 'bout one hour for six boneys
And everybody we hustle scratch and scrape for macaronis
and cheese, bullets squeeze outta my assault weapon
Tear through the air, then his chest, then his breaths and
Looked like my homie from the hood I be reppin
I wept then, changing from a soldier to a veteran
Left in shambles 'bout this kin of no relation
Crept in the sergeant's tent with quiet calculation
Message from the soldiers to the brass administration
Looks like Captain Sterling's fin ta have a situation
[Chorus]
I have just killed my first but it may not be the last one
I screamed this at the sergeant with his head press to the magnum
You brought us to this country not to free but bodybag them
And free up all their money so accounting firms can add them
Drag them and their corporates to their own battle
Now they're dragging us to the slaughter like cattle
Me and the whole unit we will start to ramshackle
Listen very closely you can hear the fire crackle
You could weigh the air as he was breathing out his nostrils
Couldn't understand we we were semming so hostile
Said "We spread democracy" like he was preaching gospel
Slapped him in his head and said "Now shut up Sergeant Roscoe!
If this is not explicit, lemme tell ya straight out
We'll no longer kill to keep this country drained out
We want up outta here like on the next planes out
Tell the Cap'n make it happen or we'll blow his brains out!"
[Chorus]
Get yo' ass off the flo' {*4X*}
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Tom Morello and Anti-Flag Cover Woody Guthrie
Most people don't understand what "This is Your Land is About." In actual fact, the song was originally a fierce protest song that protested class inequality and it was originally written in response to Irving Berlin's "God Bless America." Guthrie considered that song unrealistic and complacent. The capitalist establishment likes to change the lyrics when the song is sung by school children, but the original version of "This Land Is Your land" also consisted of Guthrie protesting class inequality in the verse,
In the squares of the city, In the shadow of a steeple;
By the relief office, I'd seen my people.
As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking,
Is this land made for you and me?
and protesting the institution of private ownership of land with the verse,
As I went walking, I saw a sign there;
And on the sign there, It said, 'NO TRESPASSING.'
But on the other side, It didn't say nothing.
That side was made for you and me.
Bill C-257- Vote YES...and say NO to Scabs
Don't you hate scabs? I do. We should support the Bloc motion, Bill C-257, and encourage our politicians to oppose all scabs in federally regulated industry.
Compliments of Uncorrected Proofs, you can join the good fight. And keep in mind, "Stephane, WE CAN DO BETTER!"
WHAT? Anti-scab demonstration
WHEN? Saturday March 17 at 11am (St. Patrick's Day)
WHERE? Club Roma (125 Vansickle Rd., St. Catharines, ON), the site of a Liberal fundraiser featuring Stephane Dion
WHY? To protest Stephane Dion and the Liberal flip flop on Bill C-257
WHO? This demonstration is being organized by the St. Catharines & District Labour Council
Compliments of Uncorrected Proofs, you can join the good fight. And keep in mind, "Stephane, WE CAN DO BETTER!"
WHAT? Anti-scab demonstration
WHEN? Saturday March 17 at 11am (St. Patrick's Day)
WHERE? Club Roma (125 Vansickle Rd., St. Catharines, ON), the site of a Liberal fundraiser featuring Stephane Dion
WHY? To protest Stephane Dion and the Liberal flip flop on Bill C-257
WHO? This demonstration is being organized by the St. Catharines & District Labour Council
"Anonymous" lashes out at Eugene Plawiuk
I recently posted this, encouraging CUPE National President Paul Moist to offer a fair settlement to striking unionized workers employed by CUPE itself. Of course, my stipulation was that the contract would be one without concessions, which CUPE has been demanding.
Eugene Plawiuk, whose opinions I normally agree with, stated...
Not only did he recieve a stern response Uncorrected Proofs, "Anonymous" also rushed to the defense of unionized union employees, and said...
later adding,
To that, I say solidarity forever? You're damn right!
Eugene Plawiuk, whose opinions I normally agree with, stated...
Unionized Union reps are labour fakirs and parasites on the back of their lowest
paid workers. This is the bureaucracy striking against the bureaucracy. These
guys should be elected like they are in CUPW.
Not only did he recieve a stern response Uncorrected Proofs, "Anonymous" also rushed to the defense of unionized union employees, and said...
What a great way to divide workers: servicing reps are bureaucrats (last I
checked bureaucrats are workers too) and are paid off the backs of "their lowest
paid workers." Eugene, you should be an employer, you have that one skill that's
necessary: the divide and conquer tactic.
later adding,
Solidarity? how can you preach to someone else when clearly you don't support
the idea yourself? Do any of you out there wonder if maybe you should know the
truth of whats being offered before assuming that they are not being dealt with
fairly? Does no one want to even know that before playing the blame game? Its
funny how easy it is for some of you to divide our union, without knowing the
facts. If all employers have the "divide and conquer tactic" then I strongly
urge you to run for the position. No ones stopping you from doing that. Show us
how the perfect person would get the job done please. I dare you.
To that, I say solidarity forever? You're damn right!
Reader of the Week- Some Dirty Liberal
My favorite post, the "Reader of the Week," has made its triumphant return after a few weeks of inactivity. This week's recipient is Kim Feraday. He responded to this post, in which I urged readers to buy union made vehicles. I come from a union town and I've witnessed first hand the drastic effects that plant closures have on communities. While a 'union-only auto' policy is reactionary, as it does nothing to address ownership over the means of production and distribution, it does ensure that unionized auto workers in my community have a job. Kim remarked...
Just wondering, do you buy only union made clothing? Or shoes? Or technology? Or food? Or Coffee? Dos the CAW-UAW do the same or require that their members do this?
My response is that I buy union whenever possible. It's easy to bring up examples like shoes, clothes, and coffee, which, in most cases, likely aren't union made. No, the UAW-CAW doesn't require it's members to do only buy union, though the unions, like myself, encourage people to buy union whenever possible. In the auto industry, we have no excuse not to. That being said, I do all my grocery shopping at union shops (and increasingly I've been purchasing other household type items from unionized grocery stores), drive a union vehicle, ensure that any hotel I stay at is unionized, and make sure that any products that my local buys (ie/ tee-shirts, pens etc.) are made in a union shop. On campus, I buy all food from the unionized places, as opposed to the near-by, non-union shops. It's nearly impossible to only buy union, but whenever possible, it's something we should strive to do.
That being said, one of Kim's favorite books is by Adam Smith, so I assume that his political outlook is pretty disgusting to begin with.
Just wondering, do you buy only union made clothing? Or shoes? Or technology? Or food? Or Coffee? Dos the CAW-UAW do the same or require that their members do this?
My response is that I buy union whenever possible. It's easy to bring up examples like shoes, clothes, and coffee, which, in most cases, likely aren't union made. No, the UAW-CAW doesn't require it's members to do only buy union, though the unions, like myself, encourage people to buy union whenever possible. In the auto industry, we have no excuse not to. That being said, I do all my grocery shopping at union shops (and increasingly I've been purchasing other household type items from unionized grocery stores), drive a union vehicle, ensure that any hotel I stay at is unionized, and make sure that any products that my local buys (ie/ tee-shirts, pens etc.) are made in a union shop. On campus, I buy all food from the unionized places, as opposed to the near-by, non-union shops. It's nearly impossible to only buy union, but whenever possible, it's something we should strive to do.
That being said, one of Kim's favorite books is by Adam Smith, so I assume that his political outlook is pretty disgusting to begin with.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Bruce Springsteen- Working Class Hero
I was chatting with a friend (and loyal Double D reader) today about Bruce Springsteen and woking class music. He claims that Springsteen isn't an honest representation of the working class. I beg to differ. As such, I'll be posting some of his videos and lyrics in an attempt to sway the opinion of these nay-sayers. This one is 'My Hometown.'
...Now Main Street's whitewashed windows and vacant stores
Seems like there ain't nobody wants to come down here no more
They're closing down the textile mill across the railroad tracks
Foreman says these jobs are going boys and they ain't coming back to your hometown
Your hometown
Your hometown
Your hometown...
If you're from the Niagara Region like I am, this is your hometown.
Buy Union! Support those who support you!
I'm a firm believer in buying union-made automobiles. I've grown up in the Niagara Region and spent my whole life there, and I've seen the devastating effects of the decline of the North American auto-industry. Auto workers, though still a strong force in our communities, have faced numerous jobs loses in recent years, especially since the passage of the FTA and NAFTA. These workers support our communities; it's only right that we support them. We can do this by BUYING UNION! Make sure the union label is on your car.
I just came across this. It's from the UAW site, and lists all cars made by CAW-UAW members. If the vehicle you're driving doesn't appear on this list, then it's a vehicle that you shouldn't be driving. Support those who support you. Demand a union made vehicle. Not only do autoworkers build cars, they also build communities.
I just came across this. It's from the UAW site, and lists all cars made by CAW-UAW members. If the vehicle you're driving doesn't appear on this list, then it's a vehicle that you shouldn't be driving. Support those who support you. Demand a union made vehicle. Not only do autoworkers build cars, they also build communities.
CUPE Staff Strike Update: Staffers hit the bricks
An update from staffunions.ca. Paul Moist and CUPE national had better wake up, return to the table, offer a fair deal, and end this strike. NO CONSESSIONS! It's embarassing that these people are even forced into striking in the first place.
On the first day of cross-country coordinated action that saw all the national
and all regional offices close, CSU, COPE and ATSU members sent a strong and
clear message to CUPE: get back to the table so we can negotiate a fair
collective agreement. The show of solidarity was phenomenal among CUPE staff
and, in some cases, from CUPE locals. Highlights of the day:
- in Burnaby, CEP members who work for the provincial government employees’ union joined a
CSU/COPE picket line that shut down the regional and division offices all staff in the Manitoba office picketed the 7th floor premises in Winnipeg’s Union Centre
- national and Ottawa area office staff, gathered around burn barrels in the deep cold, made it to the 6 p.m. news
- in an equally cold Montreal, CSU and COPE members shut down the entire Quebec Federation
of Labour building for part of the morning
- members from one large CUPE local brought coffee and donuts to the picket line outside the Maritimes regional office.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Unions and the Law - Working Class Punk
This is a video by the Street Dogs, one of my favorite punks bands. This is song is called 'Unions and the Law,' and it's off their 2005 release 'Back to the World.' The band is led by ex-Boston firefighter and ex-Dropkick Murphys frontman Mike McCologan. The band routinely sings about labour issues and working class life, as well as their opposition to the current Iraq War (McCologan is a veteran from Desert Storm, but strongly opposes the Bush administration and the current war). Their sound is generally more loud and agressive, but they've slowed it down nicely here. The chorus goes...
Unions and the law... What's wrong with being treated fairly
Unions and the law... We've got to defend ourselves somehow
CUPE Staff Strike- Update
Many CUPE locals across Canada have shown support to CUPE staff, who, as of March 3rd, are in a legal position to strike. In an act of solidarity, these locals have written letters to CUPE National President Paul Most expressing their disdain at the expectation of concessions. Over the years, CUPE members have come to expect these aggressive bargaining concessions from their employers. It's disgusting when a union that is supposedly opposed to concessions attempts to shove them down the throat of their own employees.
While CUPE staffers aren't yet on strike, direct actions have begun, such as this one in Quebec.
While CUPE staffers aren't yet on strike, direct actions have begun, such as this one in Quebec.
Trainee reps in Quebec got a firsthand lesson in what it means to be a CUPE
staffer when a group of CSU members showed up at their training session in Magog
on Monday afternoon.
The reps took over to explain the issues on the table
in negotiations between CUPE and its staff. In a unanimous show of solidarity,
the trainees marched out and shut down their school for the rest of the day.
Check in for ongoing updates as CUPE staff actions break out across Canada
-- and remember to dress warmly
Stand Up. Fight Back- Budget Cuts at Brock University
On February 28th, B.L.A.S.T. (Brock Labour and Students Together) held a rally to oppose impending budget cuts at the university, which will undoubtedly have negative consequences on the quality of education that school can provide. Furthermore, overworked and underpaid employees will become even more overworked, if they are even able to secure employment. Brock TV covered that rally, and you can see highlights here. The piece is extremely well done. It begins at 4:39 into the clip, and runs about three minutes. Speakers include Wayne Samuelsson (OFL), Sid Ryan (CUPE), and Joel Duff (Canadian Federationof Students). Curtis Maloley, VP of CUPE 4207, is also interviewed.
Monday, March 5, 2007
The Blogging Waffle?
In this post, I drew on the past expulsion of the Waffle to explain the current state of some NDP bloggers and their inability to respond to constructive criticism of the current state of the party.
Perhaps the creation of the Blogging Waffle isn't that far off.
I don't care if we waffle, as long as we waffle to the left!
Perhaps the creation of the Blogging Waffle isn't that far off.
I don't care if we waffle, as long as we waffle to the left!
Media Bias in Labour Reporting
The fact that the media is biased against organized labour is an accepted fact, though one that we ought to work to chance. It's routine for the interests of organized labour to be skewed as a result of the capitalist media. Here's a great example. This article from the Hamilton Spectator speaks briefly on the COPE 343 strike against the First Ontario Credit Union. It's entitled "Strikers keep protest peaceful," as if the reader should be shocked at that. What did the media expect, that the heads of those attending the curling match at Copps Coliseum would be based in by strikers with brooms and curling rocks? Come on.
The article concludes "About 70 tellers of Local 343 of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union have been on the picket line since Oct. 20, 2006." Never does it mention why these people are on strike (the result of harsh concessions demanded by management) or the issues that are important to the striking workers.
The article concludes "About 70 tellers of Local 343 of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union have been on the picket line since Oct. 20, 2006." Never does it mention why these people are on strike (the result of harsh concessions demanded by management) or the issues that are important to the striking workers.
Ontario Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reform
The Citizens Assembly has finally received some press coverage in the form of this Ian Urquhart column. While the majority of the assembly has voted to explore mixed-member proportionality, "...the devil is in the details – such as how big the Legislature should be overall, how many seats should be allocated for members chosen the old way (by riding), and how many for those plucked from party lists to ensure proportionality."
After a weekend of debate, "the assembly voted to continue working on two MMP models–one with 100 riding seats and 33 add-ons for proportionality, the other with 107 ridings seats and 36 proportional add-ons.
But several dissenting members also extracted a commitment from the assembly's beleaguered chair, retired judge George Thomson, to keep other options open, including 90 ridings and 30 add-ons." Additionally, the assembly also voted to consider one other alternative system, the single transferable vote (STV).
Hopefully the mixed-member system is endorsed and put to a referendum this fall. It will make our democratic system more responsive, more accountable, and much more democratic. First-past-the-post is archaic and no longer reflects voter preference in a multi-party system.
After a weekend of debate, "the assembly voted to continue working on two MMP models–one with 100 riding seats and 33 add-ons for proportionality, the other with 107 ridings seats and 36 proportional add-ons.
But several dissenting members also extracted a commitment from the assembly's beleaguered chair, retired judge George Thomson, to keep other options open, including 90 ridings and 30 add-ons." Additionally, the assembly also voted to consider one other alternative system, the single transferable vote (STV).
Hopefully the mixed-member system is endorsed and put to a referendum this fall. It will make our democratic system more responsive, more accountable, and much more democratic. First-past-the-post is archaic and no longer reflects voter preference in a multi-party system.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
And I thought I could be offensive on blogs...
Looks like someone tops me....this guy wonders if it was Andre Bosclair's ex-dealer that shot a police officer in Quebec.
Quebec Election 2007: Update
It's a no-holds barred campaign, and things are just starting to get heated. This weekend, M. Dumont of the ADQ took shots at the Parti liberal, stating “We have not only had a bad government in Quebec but rather the worst government Quebec has ever seen in modern times” in front of a rally of 1000 in his hometown of Rivière-du-Loup. The opportunist also attacked M. Charest for his view of federalism, or lack thereof. "Mr. Charest has no demands for Quebec, there is no vision for improvement (of federalism)…. It is unprecedented. Never before has a Quebec Premier presented himself before Quebeckers with such a weak, pale, insignificant policy on the future of Quebec (within Canada)." With the ADQ's stock quickly rising in the polls and all indicators showing they could become kingmaker, M. Dumont's attack was solely against the Liberals.
Meanwhile, sensing the ADQ's growing support, M. Boisclair went on the offensive against M. Dumont over his position on immigrants and ethnic minorities, stating "“They would never want to live in a society where racism, intolerance, discrimination, sexism or homophobia ...” before pausing and placing his hand over his heart. The crowd, largely composed of minorities, burst into applause. After his composure was regained, he continued, "I hear Quebeckers everywhere who are worried, who see things change quickly and who are trying to find an anchor for their identity as Quebeckers...I hear demagogues tell them, `Follow me. I'll find you that anchor. Come with me and you'll be comforted...I am worried that things are skidding out of control. That big skid, it's Mario Dumont.”
Regardless of political affiliations, one cannot deny that the ADQ is quickly on the rise, for better for worse. I tend to think its for the latter. To this end, I don't stand alone.
Meanwhile, sensing the ADQ's growing support, M. Boisclair went on the offensive against M. Dumont over his position on immigrants and ethnic minorities, stating "“They would never want to live in a society where racism, intolerance, discrimination, sexism or homophobia ...” before pausing and placing his hand over his heart. The crowd, largely composed of minorities, burst into applause. After his composure was regained, he continued, "I hear Quebeckers everywhere who are worried, who see things change quickly and who are trying to find an anchor for their identity as Quebeckers...I hear demagogues tell them, `Follow me. I'll find you that anchor. Come with me and you'll be comforted...I am worried that things are skidding out of control. That big skid, it's Mario Dumont.”
Regardless of political affiliations, one cannot deny that the ADQ is quickly on the rise, for better for worse. I tend to think its for the latter. To this end, I don't stand alone.
SFX University staff vote on strike
More than 80% of the 120 member bargaining unit of trades, grounds, cleaning staff, represented by the Canadian Auto Workers, have voted in favour of strike action at the Nova Scotia university. There is some debate over whether or not classes will be affected. While the workers seeking a contract are not academic staff, I hope that the academic staff show solidarity with these workers and hit the bricks with them in the event of a strike. I'm not the the terms of the other unions' CBA, but I hope that they can find a way to do this. In any event, even if they can't withhold their services, I hope they spend some time on the line before, after, and between their classes. The longer the line, the shorter the strike. But let's hope that the university administration offers a fair contract before it reaches that point.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Interview with Jack Layton
Partisan Hacks make me sick
I saw that a particular post was linking to my blog, so I figured I'd check it out. It ended up being a Robert McClelland post, which brought up this discussion, asking Blogging Dippers how to deal with those affiliated with the Dipper blog roll how to deal with those who are also affiliated to another partisan blog roll. He asks...
Before we begin a discussion about this, let's have a look at the raison d'etre of the Blogging Dippers...
The key here, of course, is the latter part, which suggests that this blog role is available to those who identify with the issues of the NDP. Unless of course the NDP puts forward very narrow issues that are supported by Dippers and dippers exclusively and exhaustively, it's likely that someone can identify with the NDP on some issues and not on others. Furthermore, it remains entirely possible that people might also be able to identify with another party on some issues. This is even more true when parties look for the elusive 'centre' of the political spectrum. Increasingly, the political spectrum is becoming congested over certain issues, which brings all the parties closer to consensus and less polarized. That being said, it is entirely consistent with the raison d'etre that a Blogging Dipper would also be affiliated to another partisan blog roll. No where in the mandate of blogging dippers does it prevent cross roll-affiliation, nor does it state that Blogging Dippers cannot question the NDP. Lastly, it doesn't state that the purpose of this roll is to win votes for the NDP. In fact, it explicitly states...
So what should be done about Blogging Dippers who are cross-affiliated with another blog roll? Nothing, its called free-speech and expression. Let bloggers generate ideas and question the status quo. The last thing the NDP needs is a few-thousand more Buzz Hargroves. And by that, I don't mean NDP members who endorse voting Liberal, I mean a few-thousand now ex-Dippers who have been purged for questioning and criticizing the NDP.
The NDP seems to me, at least, as a party unable to deal with internal criticism. It's caught certain Dippers like wildfire, and it reminds me significantly of the purge of the Waffle and its adherents in the 1970s. This is a blog roll folks, do we really need to be juvenile to the point of expelling people who are critical of the NDP and preventing them from being members of a blog roll. Seriously, if that's how the party deals with internal dissent and criticism, then the party and its members are in a really sad state.
I'd like to conclude by saying that this blog roll should be seen as a forum for ideas and debate. If it must be reduced to a forum in which each members is limited to stating how much they love Jack Layton and regurgitating party rhetoric, then it's a forum that is in a pretty sad state.
I'll understand if no one reads this and I get the boot, but I think that would prove my point rather nicely.
Do I continue to allow this or should these members have to make a choice?
Should the decision be put to a vote? Should a stricter policy for membership in
the Blogging Dippers be implemented?
Before we begin a discussion about this, let's have a look at the raison d'etre of the Blogging Dippers...
The Blogging Dippers is an affiliation of bloggers who support the New
Democratic Party or its issues.
The key here, of course, is the latter part, which suggests that this blog role is available to those who identify with the issues of the NDP. Unless of course the NDP puts forward very narrow issues that are supported by Dippers and dippers exclusively and exhaustively, it's likely that someone can identify with the NDP on some issues and not on others. Furthermore, it remains entirely possible that people might also be able to identify with another party on some issues. This is even more true when parties look for the elusive 'centre' of the political spectrum. Increasingly, the political spectrum is becoming congested over certain issues, which brings all the parties closer to consensus and less polarized. That being said, it is entirely consistent with the raison d'etre that a Blogging Dipper would also be affiliated to another partisan blog roll. No where in the mandate of blogging dippers does it prevent cross roll-affiliation, nor does it state that Blogging Dippers cannot question the NDP. Lastly, it doesn't state that the purpose of this roll is to win votes for the NDP. In fact, it explicitly states...
The Blogging Dippers website is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by the
New Democratic Party of Canada or any of the provincial/territorial parties.
So what should be done about Blogging Dippers who are cross-affiliated with another blog roll? Nothing, its called free-speech and expression. Let bloggers generate ideas and question the status quo. The last thing the NDP needs is a few-thousand more Buzz Hargroves. And by that, I don't mean NDP members who endorse voting Liberal, I mean a few-thousand now ex-Dippers who have been purged for questioning and criticizing the NDP.
The NDP seems to me, at least, as a party unable to deal with internal criticism. It's caught certain Dippers like wildfire, and it reminds me significantly of the purge of the Waffle and its adherents in the 1970s. This is a blog roll folks, do we really need to be juvenile to the point of expelling people who are critical of the NDP and preventing them from being members of a blog roll. Seriously, if that's how the party deals with internal dissent and criticism, then the party and its members are in a really sad state.
I'd like to conclude by saying that this blog roll should be seen as a forum for ideas and debate. If it must be reduced to a forum in which each members is limited to stating how much they love Jack Layton and regurgitating party rhetoric, then it's a forum that is in a pretty sad state.
I'll understand if no one reads this and I get the boot, but I think that would prove my point rather nicely.
Charles Taylor- The Pattern of Politics
I've just finished reading Charles Taylor's Pattern of Politcs, and I'd strongly recommend this book to anyone who would consider them self to be a progressive or someone on the left. Specifically, I found his discussion of the politics of polarization to be very insightful, and I agree with him that this pattern is more appropriate and necessary for Canada than the politics of consensus.
While a discussion of non-material issues (authoritarian vs. libertarian) is relevant to our understanding of politics, I believe that at the core, politics is a fundamental clash between left and right. Keeping this clash in mind, it's important to recognize the need for the politics of polarization. This is a similar line of reasoning as to why I would consider myself to be a socialist more than I would consider myself to be a social democrat. It's also why I find the current path followed by the NDP to be less than satisfactory. It seems to be that they've abandoned the politics of polarization for the politics of consensus.
While a discussion of non-material issues (authoritarian vs. libertarian) is relevant to our understanding of politics, I believe that at the core, politics is a fundamental clash between left and right. Keeping this clash in mind, it's important to recognize the need for the politics of polarization. This is a similar line of reasoning as to why I would consider myself to be a socialist more than I would consider myself to be a social democrat. It's also why I find the current path followed by the NDP to be less than satisfactory. It seems to be that they've abandoned the politics of polarization for the politics of consensus.
Politicians on Facebook
You can add both Olivia Chow and Stéphane Dion as Facebook friends.
You can also learn some interesting information on these parliamentarians. For example, M. Dion's favorite movie is Lawrence of Arabia, and Ms. Chow enjoys the West Wing and the Simpsons.
As far as friends goes, it seems that Ms. Chow is a bit less popular (just like the NDP are in the polls).
You can also learn some interesting information on these parliamentarians. For example, M. Dion's favorite movie is Lawrence of Arabia, and Ms. Chow enjoys the West Wing and the Simpsons.
As far as friends goes, it seems that Ms. Chow is a bit less popular (just like the NDP are in the polls).
CN Rail Strike: UTU vs. Teamsters
While the CN rail strike may be over (pending a final contract ratification vote by mail, though workers are already back on the job), the real battle is just heating up. The CN rail workers, currently represented by the United Transportation Workers, may soon become Teamsters. The Teamsters claim that 65 percent of the 2,800 UTU members at Canadian National have signed applications asking for a certification vote.
This strike highlights the problem with international unions operating in Canada. The strike split the UTU began with its international president removing the original Canadian negotiating team and accusing them of launching an unauthorized walkout on February 10. The walkout was deemed unauthorized by the UTU because the Canadian division didn't ask the international for permission before undertaking the job action. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board found differently, allowing the strike to continue. If the switch to Teamsters does take place, hopefully that union will respect the Canadian division and grant them full autonomy. If they can't do that, then let's get the internationals the hell out of Canada.
This strike highlights the problem with international unions operating in Canada. The strike split the UTU began with its international president removing the original Canadian negotiating team and accusing them of launching an unauthorized walkout on February 10. The walkout was deemed unauthorized by the UTU because the Canadian division didn't ask the international for permission before undertaking the job action. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board found differently, allowing the strike to continue. If the switch to Teamsters does take place, hopefully that union will respect the Canadian division and grant them full autonomy. If they can't do that, then let's get the internationals the hell out of Canada.
Friday, March 2, 2007
The NDP- Still a Joke
Yesterday I made a post with a similar title and commented on the NDP being at 13% in the polls, virtually tied with the Greens.
Today, you can have a look at NDP members Pat Martin and Catherine Bell and their hand puppets, Toxic Timmy and Ms. O'Thelioma.
Perhaps there is a correlation between events like this and only polling at 13%.
Liberals turn their back on working class Canadians
The federal Liberals are now planning on withdrawing their support from Bill C-257, which would have created anti-scab law for those industries covered by federal legislation under the Canada Labour Code. This includes banks, railroads/aviation/inter-provincial transportation, telecommunications, as well as a few others.
It's not that I ever thought that the Liberal Party had the backs of the working-class to begin with, but after the bill passed second reading in the House of Commons in late October by a margin of 167 to 101, I was pleasantly surprised, and fairly hopeful. I guess this shows exactly where the Liberals stand on social and economic justice. The party of big business? Yes, more than ever.
It's not that I ever thought that the Liberal Party had the backs of the working-class to begin with, but after the bill passed second reading in the House of Commons in late October by a margin of 167 to 101, I was pleasantly surprised, and fairly hopeful. I guess this shows exactly where the Liberals stand on social and economic justice. The party of big business? Yes, more than ever.
Stephane Dion moves left, looks for NDP support
The Liberals are great at campaigning from the left, which it looks like they're trying to do, but have a history of governing from the right. I don't foresee this time around being any different, if they are able to form a majority government. That, however, is unlikely, though they'll try and find as much left-leaning support as possible prior to the election. Of course, the NDP are the ultimate losers when they are unable to distinguish themselves from welfare and left-leaning Liberals. Increasingly, more than the Liberals, the Green Party is starting to eat into NDP support, which explains this.
While Hebert notes that Dion's strategy has yet to poach any NDP support, the Liberals will likely cast themselves as progressive as possible on social issues and quasi-left on economic issues (except of course for anti-scab law) until the next election. There's plenty of time for their strategy to bear some fruit.
While Hebert notes that Dion's strategy has yet to poach any NDP support, the Liberals will likely cast themselves as progressive as possible on social issues and quasi-left on economic issues (except of course for anti-scab law) until the next election. There's plenty of time for their strategy to bear some fruit.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Revolution in US Labour Law: Employee Free Choice Act
The Employee Free Choice Act, the most important piece of labour legislation in the United States since the National Labour Relations Act, has recently been passed after more than five hours of historic debate by a margin of 241–185. Thirteen Republicans joined 228 Democrats in voting for the bill.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi had this to say...
Democrats believe we must make our economy fairer. We took the first step in our first 100 hours, with a strong bipartisan vote to increase the minimum wage. And today, we take the next step, with a strong bipartisan vote to ensure that America’s working families have the right to organize. The right to organize means a better future for them, and for all us. It means a future that is economically and socially just, a future where the workplace is safe, a future where our retirement is secure.
And AFL-CIO President John Sweeney says the House vote:
…marks a momentous turning point in the growing movement to restore our nation’s middle class. Today, the voices of tens of millions of working people who deserve the right to make a free choice to bargain for a better life have been heard and heeded on Capitol Hill. Because of today’s vote, the future looks a little brighter to all Americans who have watched corporations celebrate record profits, but have themselves been shut out of the party, left with stagnant wages and facing soaring costs. A union card is the single best ticket into the middle- class and, thanks to the Employee Free Choice Act, working people may finally have the chance to be part of a union.
While I fundamentally disagree with Sweeney's class analysis, in that he has bought into the capitalist view of the so-called middle class, thus somehow denying that union members are always working class, I'm happy that this act passed at it will allow many more workers to reap the benefits of being a member of a trade union.
You can read more fully about the act here, though the main two provisions involve the certification of a union as the exclusive representative of employees without an election where "a majority of the employees in a unit appropriate for bargaining has signed valid authorizations" and would require parties who cannot agree upon the terms of a first collective bargaining contract within 120 days to submit the issues to an arbitration board, which would be empowered to settle the dispute.
Perhaps this will help to increase a union density rate that has seen significant declines in recent years. It currently stands at 12%.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi had this to say...
Democrats believe we must make our economy fairer. We took the first step in our first 100 hours, with a strong bipartisan vote to increase the minimum wage. And today, we take the next step, with a strong bipartisan vote to ensure that America’s working families have the right to organize. The right to organize means a better future for them, and for all us. It means a future that is economically and socially just, a future where the workplace is safe, a future where our retirement is secure.
And AFL-CIO President John Sweeney says the House vote:
…marks a momentous turning point in the growing movement to restore our nation’s middle class. Today, the voices of tens of millions of working people who deserve the right to make a free choice to bargain for a better life have been heard and heeded on Capitol Hill. Because of today’s vote, the future looks a little brighter to all Americans who have watched corporations celebrate record profits, but have themselves been shut out of the party, left with stagnant wages and facing soaring costs. A union card is the single best ticket into the middle- class and, thanks to the Employee Free Choice Act, working people may finally have the chance to be part of a union.
While I fundamentally disagree with Sweeney's class analysis, in that he has bought into the capitalist view of the so-called middle class, thus somehow denying that union members are always working class, I'm happy that this act passed at it will allow many more workers to reap the benefits of being a member of a trade union.
You can read more fully about the act here, though the main two provisions involve the certification of a union as the exclusive representative of employees without an election where "a majority of the employees in a unit appropriate for bargaining has signed valid authorizations" and would require parties who cannot agree upon the terms of a first collective bargaining contract within 120 days to submit the issues to an arbitration board, which would be empowered to settle the dispute.
Perhaps this will help to increase a union density rate that has seen significant declines in recent years. It currently stands at 12%.
The Coup - Marxist Hip-Hop
I routinely talk to some friends about Marxist inspired hip-hop. They often doubt its existence. Have a look at this video by The Coup. MC Raymond (Boots) Riley and DJ Pam the Funkstress (and the band's ex-MC E-Roc) are one of the most politically charged hip-hop groups of all time, and have a solid understanding of political philosophy. The sing about working-class struggle and black oppression, and often focus on the intersection of these two issues. Recently, the political climate in the U.S. under George Bush has been a target for the band's newest material. This song is called 'Dig It' and is from their 1993 debut album, 'Kill Your Landlord.' I've provided lyrics for the first verse.
Presto, read the Communist Manifesto
Guerillas in the Mist, a Guevara named Ernesto, so
(E-Roc: What a brother with a afro know?)
Yo, go and flow for the mack and be the hoe
so grow cause the lynchin brothers might get hung
Better rip through em from the tip of my mouth/Mao, say/Tse-Tung/tongue
Deficit (money spent) catch the glint
(E-Roc: of my nine as they cut welfare twenty-five percent)
And I dissent, as I clench and raise my fist
(We did away with, that) so you could get with this
Here's a twist cause we'll overthrow like Kwame N'Krumah
Spread around the wealth as if it were a, vicious rumor
Pam, cuts a record like a surgeon cuts a tumor from a brain
(E-Roc: We're all cooped up so feel the pain)
from four hundred years of exploitation
Anesthesia provided by your local TV station
Patience is not a virtue (I ain't waitin)
Turn this shit over like Bush did a boatload of Haitians
The NDP: What a Joke
By now, you've all probably read the most recent Decima Research poll, which put the Tories ahead of the Liberals, and suggested their lead has been increasing over the past few months.
The poll also found that "The Green party jumped to 12 per cent, putting it in a virtual dead heat with the NDP, which polled 13 per cent." Yikes.
I recently posted this, which commented on Chantal Hebert's column, suggesting that the federal NDP will be in for a tough fight this election, and one that could wipe it off the map. I guess that what's happens when the party's ideology is so bland that it fails to distinguish itself from the eco-capitalists and the welfare Liberals. Time for a left-wing renewal? I think so.
The poll also found that "The Green party jumped to 12 per cent, putting it in a virtual dead heat with the NDP, which polled 13 per cent." Yikes.
I recently posted this, which commented on Chantal Hebert's column, suggesting that the federal NDP will be in for a tough fight this election, and one that could wipe it off the map. I guess that what's happens when the party's ideology is so bland that it fails to distinguish itself from the eco-capitalists and the welfare Liberals. Time for a left-wing renewal? I think so.
The growing gap between rich and poor
Thomas Walkom's newest editorial examines the growing gap between rich and poor, which has been getting progressively worse over the past few decades. The editorial focuses on Toronto economist Armine Yalnizyan's newest report, release by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, entitled "The Rich and the Rest of Us." The study has found that...
The poor are working harder but earning significantly less. Median annual earnings for the 10 per cent of Canadian families at the very bottom of the income scale stood at $3,358 in 1976. By 2004, that figure, adjusted for inflation, had dropped by almost 70 per cent to $1,050.
The not-quite-so-poor aren't doing much better. A stunning 40 per cent of income earners – those making less than $50,000 – are worse off now than in the 1970s, even though they, too, are working longer hours.
The middling classes, those earning between $50,000 and $85,000, are managing to hold their own in terms of pay. But to do so, they've had to speed up the treadmill. The roughly 376,000 Canadian families in the middle of the income scale, for instance, are now working 20 per cent more than in the '70s. But their inflation-adjusted earnings have risen by a mere 2 per cent over three decades.
The rich are laughing. The top 10 per cent of Canadian families, those with median earnings of $166,000, saw their pay packets rise by 30 per cent since the late '70s. But to earn that money, they don't have to work more. In fact, they are working less – by about 5 per cent.
Government social programs and taxes smooth out this gap between rich and poor somewhat. But thanks to the so-called fiscal reforms of the mid-'90s (carried out across the country by Liberal, Conservative and New Democratic governments alike) they do so far less than before.
This is consistant with this article, which identifies the decline in unionized workplaces as one of the key reasons for the growing gap.
Stand up. Organize.
The poor are working harder but earning significantly less. Median annual earnings for the 10 per cent of Canadian families at the very bottom of the income scale stood at $3,358 in 1976. By 2004, that figure, adjusted for inflation, had dropped by almost 70 per cent to $1,050.
The not-quite-so-poor aren't doing much better. A stunning 40 per cent of income earners – those making less than $50,000 – are worse off now than in the 1970s, even though they, too, are working longer hours.
The middling classes, those earning between $50,000 and $85,000, are managing to hold their own in terms of pay. But to do so, they've had to speed up the treadmill. The roughly 376,000 Canadian families in the middle of the income scale, for instance, are now working 20 per cent more than in the '70s. But their inflation-adjusted earnings have risen by a mere 2 per cent over three decades.
The rich are laughing. The top 10 per cent of Canadian families, those with median earnings of $166,000, saw their pay packets rise by 30 per cent since the late '70s. But to earn that money, they don't have to work more. In fact, they are working less – by about 5 per cent.
Government social programs and taxes smooth out this gap between rich and poor somewhat. But thanks to the so-called fiscal reforms of the mid-'90s (carried out across the country by Liberal, Conservative and New Democratic governments alike) they do so far less than before.
This is consistant with this article, which identifies the decline in unionized workplaces as one of the key reasons for the growing gap.
Stand up. Organize.
COPE 343 Strike: Support striking workers
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS' DAY SOLIDARITY PICKET
FirstOntario Credit Union
March 9th - 10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 688 Queensdale Avenue East, Hamilton
A bargaining unit of 70 women and one man in Hamilton, Ontario have been on strike for four months now. Ironically they are on strike against a credit union which was started by unions to protect their members from the banks. Times have changed though and their employer is now run by management who>comes from the banking sector and who aspire to create their own little empire - by gouging their employees and demanding massive concessions at the bargaining table. These clawbacks include demands to give up sick days and retirement benefits as well as job security. Management takes the position that clawbacks and concessions are necessary despite boasting recently of record profits. Come out and support these strikers
You can also support them be signing on to the Labour Start site and sign>the petition.
http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=190
FirstOntario Credit Union
March 9th - 10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 688 Queensdale Avenue East, Hamilton
A bargaining unit of 70 women and one man in Hamilton, Ontario have been on strike for four months now. Ironically they are on strike against a credit union which was started by unions to protect their members from the banks. Times have changed though and their employer is now run by management who>comes from the banking sector and who aspire to create their own little empire - by gouging their employees and demanding massive concessions at the bargaining table. These clawbacks include demands to give up sick days and retirement benefits as well as job security. Management takes the position that clawbacks and concessions are necessary despite boasting recently of record profits. Come out and support these strikers
You can also support them be signing on to the Labour Start site and sign>the petition.
http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=190
Budget Cuts at Brock: Union leaders threaten to shutdown Brock University
Following a major rally yesterday at Brock University, CUPE Ontario President Sid Ryan has threatened to close down the university, which has recently announced that a round of budget cuts will be made to the operating budget. Departments have been asked to propose cuts of 3% and 6.9% respectively, and many have indicated that the cuts are likely to come out of the universities part-time teaching budget. CUPE 4207, the union representing part-time faculty, teaching assistants, marker-graders, lab demonstrators, and course coordinators, will be bargaining for a new collective agreement this summer.
"There is no need whatsoever for cutbacks," CUPE Ontario president Sid Ryan announced at the rally. "We can easily, completely and totally shut down this university and send the message to (president Jack) Lightstone that you may have gotten away with this at Concordia (University) but you won't get away with it at Brock."
While Ryan is indeed correct in the union's ability to shut-down the university, these budget cuts are completely unnecessary in the first place, as tuition fees are set to go up by 4.5 per cent for undergraduates and eight per cent for graduate students next year; government funding for Ontario universities will grow by 3.8 per cent for next year alone, meaning an extra $110 million will be allocated to Ontario universities. In addition, Brock finance stated that they were operating a $3.9 million surplus that will be carried over to the next fiscal year that starts July 1, 2007. "So when you have a surplus, tuition fees are going up and the government is investing more money," said CUPE 4207 vice-president Curtis Maloley. "All of this should lead to better education, not to cuts that are going to affect students negatively."
With over 100 people in attendance at yesterday's rally, which moved from the university's front gates to in front of the Senate Chamber, a strong message was sent to the university's administration. It is their choice on whether or not to act upon it. "This doesn't end today. We'll keep going until we know for sure the university is properly funded," said Dan Crow, president of CUPE 4207.
"There is no need whatsoever for cutbacks," CUPE Ontario president Sid Ryan announced at the rally. "We can easily, completely and totally shut down this university and send the message to (president Jack) Lightstone that you may have gotten away with this at Concordia (University) but you won't get away with it at Brock."
While Ryan is indeed correct in the union's ability to shut-down the university, these budget cuts are completely unnecessary in the first place, as tuition fees are set to go up by 4.5 per cent for undergraduates and eight per cent for graduate students next year; government funding for Ontario universities will grow by 3.8 per cent for next year alone, meaning an extra $110 million will be allocated to Ontario universities. In addition, Brock finance stated that they were operating a $3.9 million surplus that will be carried over to the next fiscal year that starts July 1, 2007. "So when you have a surplus, tuition fees are going up and the government is investing more money," said CUPE 4207 vice-president Curtis Maloley. "All of this should lead to better education, not to cuts that are going to affect students negatively."
With over 100 people in attendance at yesterday's rally, which moved from the university's front gates to in front of the Senate Chamber, a strong message was sent to the university's administration. It is their choice on whether or not to act upon it. "This doesn't end today. We'll keep going until we know for sure the university is properly funded," said Dan Crow, president of CUPE 4207.
Former NDP MPP Mel Swart passes away
One of the Niagara region's most notable and beloved politicians, Mel Swart, has passed away at the age of 87. Mel served the Welland area at Queen's Park as a NDP MPP from 1975 to 1988. The NDP's current success in the riding can be attributed to Swart's tireless efforts.
He was a tireless champion of social justice, and was the primary advocate of public automobile insurance. After the NDP abandoned that plan in the early 1990s, he called for Bob Rae's resignation, stating "Bob Rae, as premier, has undermined, torn apart, and trampled on the basic principles, policies and integrity of the NDP." Truer words have rarely been spoken.
"Mel Swart was just an incredibly committed and fearless advocate for working women and men and their families," said Niagara Centre MPP Peter Kormos. "He was there with those great leaders when they were building the party and building the movement in the '50s and '60s. He was highly regarded by politicians of all political stripes, and all voters."
They don't make em' like they used to. Mel Swart will be missed by all.
He was a tireless champion of social justice, and was the primary advocate of public automobile insurance. After the NDP abandoned that plan in the early 1990s, he called for Bob Rae's resignation, stating "Bob Rae, as premier, has undermined, torn apart, and trampled on the basic principles, policies and integrity of the NDP." Truer words have rarely been spoken.
"Mel Swart was just an incredibly committed and fearless advocate for working women and men and their families," said Niagara Centre MPP Peter Kormos. "He was there with those great leaders when they were building the party and building the movement in the '50s and '60s. He was highly regarded by politicians of all political stripes, and all voters."
They don't make em' like they used to. Mel Swart will be missed by all.
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