The federal NDP has recently posted 6 jobs in the last 11 days (2 permanent full-time, 2 permanent part-time, 1 temporary, and 1 casual). The full-time jobs pay $43,000.00/annum, and all workplaces are organized through the Communication, Energy, and Paperworkers Local 232. If you are looking for work and located in Southern Ontario or B.C., click here.
The positions are:
Deputy Director of Research and Communications - Temporary (up to 1 year)
Member’s Assistant – Permanent Full-Time Position
Legislative Assistant – Permanent Full-Time Position
Constituency Assistant – Casual (18.75 hours per month)
Constituency Assistant – Permanent Part-Time Position (32 hrs/week)
Constituency Assistant – Permanent Part-Time Position (7.5 hrs per week)
Monday, May 28, 2007
How do we get good jobs in Niagara?
Attend this UNITE HERE Local 2347 forum to have your opinion heard and find out what others have to say.
JULY 7, 2007
MacBain Community Center,
Niagara Falls
With activists and speakers from:
the union movement,
political office,
academia and,
community movements.
Conference issues will include:
Employment, Underemployment and Poverty in Niagara.
Navigating out of the downward spiral: service sectors jobs with dignity.
The crisis in the manufacturing sector: how do we recover?
There will also be workshops to discuss the issues more in depth.
Specific times and speakers to follow.
JULY 7, 2007
MacBain Community Center,
Niagara Falls
With activists and speakers from:
the union movement,
political office,
academia and,
community movements.
Conference issues will include:
Employment, Underemployment and Poverty in Niagara.
Navigating out of the downward spiral: service sectors jobs with dignity.
The crisis in the manufacturing sector: how do we recover?
There will also be workshops to discuss the issues more in depth.
Specific times and speakers to follow.
Anti-Scab Legislation in Newfoundland and Labrador
The strike at Voisey's Bay mine in Newfoundland and Labrador has seen violent incidents on the picket line and has prompted a Tory government minister to explore the possibility of passing anti-scab legislation in the province.
John Hickey — who holds the transportation and works as well as the Labrador affairs portfolios — said he is worried about safety and staff morale as a strike involving support staff at the Voisey's Bay mine on Labrador's northern coast winds on.
"We are not obviously going to step into the middle of a dispute between a company and a union," Hickey told CBC News.
"{Labour} Minister {Shawn} Skinner has advised me that inside the department, this whole legislation is under review, [and] I have taken the opportunity to review other legislation across the country … so these are issues that we as a government certainly are looking at dealing with."
While the legislation is still in exploratory stages and has yet to pass, New Democrats in Manitoba and Saskatchewan could certianly learn something.
John Hickey — who holds the transportation and works as well as the Labrador affairs portfolios — said he is worried about safety and staff morale as a strike involving support staff at the Voisey's Bay mine on Labrador's northern coast winds on.
"We are not obviously going to step into the middle of a dispute between a company and a union," Hickey told CBC News.
"{Labour} Minister {Shawn} Skinner has advised me that inside the department, this whole legislation is under review, [and] I have taken the opportunity to review other legislation across the country … so these are issues that we as a government certainly are looking at dealing with."
While the legislation is still in exploratory stages and has yet to pass, New Democrats in Manitoba and Saskatchewan could certianly learn something.
Good-bye Andrew Coyne
National Post columnist Andrew Coyne has been removed from my 'anyone who's anyone reads' list for this ill-conceived attack on Canada Post. While I certainly can't defend the corporation for its anti-union activity over the years, I much prefer a crown corporation to a privately owned company. Coyne was first put on my reader's list for his progressive views on proportional representation.
The following is CUPW President Deborah Bourque's reply to Coyne's attack on Canada Post.
"Andrew Coyne’s column (“Ignorance is Canada Post’s bliss” from May 23, 2007) is merely a “one size fits all” analysis backed up with fuzzy reasoning.
Surely if Holland’s postal service has substantially liberalized, he contends, so should Canada Post. Newsflash: Holland’s landmass fits into Canada 240 times and is one of the flattest countries on the planet.
Could it be the Canada Post Act, passed unanimously by the House of Commons, gave people a post office suited to the demands of a large country with a low population density? No, says Coyne. The post office monopoly was broken in Sweden, Germany and New Zealand and should be in Canada.
Before jumping on the deregulation bandwagon, consider Sweden, which has had a competitive mail service since the 1990s. Private companies deliver mail, mostly in the urban areas, allowing large businesses in urban areas to enjoy lower postage fees. However, postage fees for small business and individual citizens have gone up dramatically, in rural areas and urban areas.
In fact, these postal services Coyne is so fond of all have one thing in common: their postage fees are higher than those of Canada Post, despite these countries’ smaller sizes and higher population densities. The only exception is New Zealand Post where regulatory restrictions prevented increasing postal rates. But it’s easier for New Zealand Post to keep fees low - they happen to own the country’s largest bank.
Luckily, not owning a bank has not stopped Canada Post from offering the second lowest basic postage fees in the G8, turning a profit for 12 straight years and paying an $80 million dividend to the government last year alone.
Ignorance is indeed bliss."
The following is CUPW President Deborah Bourque's reply to Coyne's attack on Canada Post.
"Andrew Coyne’s column (“Ignorance is Canada Post’s bliss” from May 23, 2007) is merely a “one size fits all” analysis backed up with fuzzy reasoning.
Surely if Holland’s postal service has substantially liberalized, he contends, so should Canada Post. Newsflash: Holland’s landmass fits into Canada 240 times and is one of the flattest countries on the planet.
Could it be the Canada Post Act, passed unanimously by the House of Commons, gave people a post office suited to the demands of a large country with a low population density? No, says Coyne. The post office monopoly was broken in Sweden, Germany and New Zealand and should be in Canada.
Before jumping on the deregulation bandwagon, consider Sweden, which has had a competitive mail service since the 1990s. Private companies deliver mail, mostly in the urban areas, allowing large businesses in urban areas to enjoy lower postage fees. However, postage fees for small business and individual citizens have gone up dramatically, in rural areas and urban areas.
In fact, these postal services Coyne is so fond of all have one thing in common: their postage fees are higher than those of Canada Post, despite these countries’ smaller sizes and higher population densities. The only exception is New Zealand Post where regulatory restrictions prevented increasing postal rates. But it’s easier for New Zealand Post to keep fees low - they happen to own the country’s largest bank.
Luckily, not owning a bank has not stopped Canada Post from offering the second lowest basic postage fees in the G8, turning a profit for 12 straight years and paying an $80 million dividend to the government last year alone.
Ignorance is indeed bliss."
Sunday, May 27, 2007
First Ontario Credit Union Strike Coming to an End?
For eight months, 70 COPE Local 343 members employed at First Ontario Credit Union in Hamilton have been on strike over issues of sick pay, benefits and protecting full-time positions.
Recently, seven members have been fired for their role in a staged sit-in at the credit union's office at Upper Sherman and Queensdale streets.
Based on recent events that occured at the credit union's annual general membership meeting, things might be looking up for the striking workers.
"After a raucous demonstration at the credit union's annual meeting Wednesday in Hamilton, the members succeeded in pushing through motions calling on the board to submit the outstanding labour issues to binding arbitration and to "forthwith" rehire seven workers fired last week."
John Lahey, First Ontario's chief executive officer, said the board will meet next week to decide if it is required to act on the member motions -- the act that governs the credit union allows members to elect directors and appoint auditors, but reserves most other actions for the board.
"Clearly the board took a message from that meeting," he said. "Everyone on both sides of this issue wants to see it settled."
Recently, seven members have been fired for their role in a staged sit-in at the credit union's office at Upper Sherman and Queensdale streets.
Based on recent events that occured at the credit union's annual general membership meeting, things might be looking up for the striking workers.
"After a raucous demonstration at the credit union's annual meeting Wednesday in Hamilton, the members succeeded in pushing through motions calling on the board to submit the outstanding labour issues to binding arbitration and to "forthwith" rehire seven workers fired last week."
John Lahey, First Ontario's chief executive officer, said the board will meet next week to decide if it is required to act on the member motions -- the act that governs the credit union allows members to elect directors and appoint auditors, but reserves most other actions for the board.
"Clearly the board took a message from that meeting," he said. "Everyone on both sides of this issue wants to see it settled."
End of the NDP on PEI?
It's not as if the Island New Democrats have ever had much of a presence in PEI's political scene, but this article suggests that tomorrow's election might be the final nail in the coffin for the PEI NDP.
Ian Dowbiggin, political commentator and history professor at the University of Prince Edward Island states, "One of the questions in this election is, are we seeing the demise of the NDP on Prince Edward Island with the rise of the Greens?" While neither the Greens nor the NDP are offering a full-slate of candidates, Green Leader Sharon Labchuk has been successful in keeping environmental issues on the front burner throughout the campaign.
Ian Dowbiggin, political commentator and history professor at the University of Prince Edward Island states, "One of the questions in this election is, are we seeing the demise of the NDP on Prince Edward Island with the rise of the Greens?" While neither the Greens nor the NDP are offering a full-slate of candidates, Green Leader Sharon Labchuk has been successful in keeping environmental issues on the front burner throughout the campaign.
30, 000 attend rally in Windsor
Canada's manufacturing sector is in a crisis. About 250 000 jobs have been lost since 2002. These jobs are unionized, well-paying, provide benefits and a pension. Windsor has been hit particularly hard, with 17 000 job losses in that same five year period. 30 000 people attended a rally today in Windsor to protest these job losses and illustrate to politicians that manufacturing matters. Many politicians, such as Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty, think this job loss in 'inevitable.'
Interestingly enough, the article link I've provided features a picture of a CUPE banner and CUPE members.
Interestingly enough, the article link I've provided features a picture of a CUPE banner and CUPE members.
Prince Edward Island Provincial Election
This year in the blogosphere, we've read (and typed) a great deal about the national election in Quebec, the provincial election in Manitoba, the upcoming provincial election in Ontario, and speculated quite a bit about an upcoming federal election. What we haven't focused much on is the Prince Edward Island provincial election, which is set to place tomorrow. It's a two-way race between Liberals and Tories.
Click here for the CBC votes page, and here for a CBC blog.
Click here for the CBC votes page, and here for a CBC blog.
Stanley Cup Playoffs and Municipal Democracy
I was flipping through the television this morning when I saw Ottawa mayor Larry O'Brien- wearing a Senators jersey- on one side of the screen, and another man on the right side with 'Anaheim, Ca.' underneath. I correctly assumed that this was the mayor of Anaheim. They were talking to one another about their cities and the Stanley Cup.
When O'Brien was asked by the host what he knew about Anaheim, he stated the city, with its population of only 342,410, has only four city councillors, while Ottawa, with a population of 859,704, has 23 councillors. He suggested that this was far too many councillors and that he (and Ottawa) could learn something about governance from Anaheim. Anaheim mayor Bob Pringle responded that he'd happily teach O'Brien a thing or two about running an efficient government.
Apparently local democracy is not an important thing in Ottawa mayor Larry O'Brien's mind.
When O'Brien was asked by the host what he knew about Anaheim, he stated the city, with its population of only 342,410, has only four city councillors, while Ottawa, with a population of 859,704, has 23 councillors. He suggested that this was far too many councillors and that he (and Ottawa) could learn something about governance from Anaheim. Anaheim mayor Bob Pringle responded that he'd happily teach O'Brien a thing or two about running an efficient government.
Apparently local democracy is not an important thing in Ottawa mayor Larry O'Brien's mind.
Sid Ryan and the NDP
Sid Ryan, president of CUPE Ontario and four-time unsuccesful New Democratic candidate, promised the union last year that CUPE was his main focus. As such, he stated that he would refrain from seeking elected office in the future.
However, at the recent CUPE Ontario convention, calls from the floor by rank-and-file members asked the delegates to release Ryan from his promise so he could seek election as an NDP candidate in this fall's Ontario provincial election. While these calls were informal and not adressed by Ryan or anyone from the executive, be on the look out for Ryan to run. He has enough support in the union that if he showed interest in running, his membership would support his decision and endorse his candidacy.
In the last provincial election (2003), Ryan was defeated by 1,109 votes in Oshawa.
However, at the recent CUPE Ontario convention, calls from the floor by rank-and-file members asked the delegates to release Ryan from his promise so he could seek election as an NDP candidate in this fall's Ontario provincial election. While these calls were informal and not adressed by Ryan or anyone from the executive, be on the look out for Ryan to run. He has enough support in the union that if he showed interest in running, his membership would support his decision and endorse his candidacy.
In the last provincial election (2003), Ryan was defeated by 1,109 votes in Oshawa.
CUPE and the NDP- Safe for Now
While you'd never know it from all the rhetoric that was spoke at the recent CUPE Ontario Annual Convention about the shared interests and goals of the ONDP and CUPE Ontario, a resolution put forward by the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) could have severly tested the limits of that relationship. As reported by Uncorrected Proofs last week, Resolution 26 read as follows:
RESOLUTION #26
SUBMITTED BY OCHU
· Because our political work for the last four years has focused, appropriately, on the provincial Liberals; and.
· Because the provincial conservative Party supports public funding for private schools and 2 Tier Medicare; and.
· Because the provincial NDP should not mirror the federal NDP by propping up the Conservatives in a minority government.
Therefore be it resolved:
1. That CUPE Ontario work actively to expose the political agenda of the provincial Conservative party during the lead-up to the provincial election; and
2. That CUPE Ontario push both the New Democratic and Liberal parties to work together to advance a progressive political agenda for working people in the event that there is a minority government.
However, said resolution failed to even hit the convention floor. While the Liberals were routinely bashed over the four day conference, it would have been interesting to see (and hear) what would have taken place had the OCHU resolution hit the floor. While the resolution was clear to read "in the event that there is a minority government," the very fact that the union would pass a resolution openly suggesting anything but an NDP majority (no matter the unliklihood of it happening) would have tested the limits of the relationship between the two entities. However, since the resolution was not discussed, consider it dead for now.
RESOLUTION #26
SUBMITTED BY OCHU
· Because our political work for the last four years has focused, appropriately, on the provincial Liberals; and.
· Because the provincial conservative Party supports public funding for private schools and 2 Tier Medicare; and.
· Because the provincial NDP should not mirror the federal NDP by propping up the Conservatives in a minority government.
Therefore be it resolved:
1. That CUPE Ontario work actively to expose the political agenda of the provincial Conservative party during the lead-up to the provincial election; and
2. That CUPE Ontario push both the New Democratic and Liberal parties to work together to advance a progressive political agenda for working people in the event that there is a minority government.
However, said resolution failed to even hit the convention floor. While the Liberals were routinely bashed over the four day conference, it would have been interesting to see (and hear) what would have taken place had the OCHU resolution hit the floor. While the resolution was clear to read "in the event that there is a minority government," the very fact that the union would pass a resolution openly suggesting anything but an NDP majority (no matter the unliklihood of it happening) would have tested the limits of the relationship between the two entities. However, since the resolution was not discussed, consider it dead for now.
Neo-cons vs. Theo-cons
Ontario PC leader John Tory tries to illustrate that Ontario's provincial Conservatives are still progressive by attending the Inside Out Toronto Gay and Lesbian Film and Video Festival. The Ontario PC, he claims, are a 'big tent' party.
Of course, even Mike Harris- as Conservative as they come- realized the need to appear progressive on many social issues, often leaving him at odds with the then Reform and later Canadian Alliance. There illustrated a division between neo-cons and theo-cons in the late 1990s in Ontario. Harris didn't want to touch equal marriage or other social issues with a ten foot poll. This was necessary in order to appeal to Ontario's urban voters. John Tory, it seems, realizes that the same strategy will be necessary. He rightly assumes that the Liberals will, as always, paint the Tories as 'spooky' with a hidden agenda.
While John Tory is no Mike Harris, the remnants of the Common Sense Revolution are still largely existent in the Ontario PC Party. Privatization, deregulation, contracting-out, and anti-union legislation will occur under a John Tory led Tory government. It will be interesting to see how effective the Tories are at painting themselves as progressive enough (on social issues, and to a lesser extent on some economic issues) to appeal to Ontario's 905-belt urban voters, and if these voters buy those claims.
Of course, even Mike Harris- as Conservative as they come- realized the need to appear progressive on many social issues, often leaving him at odds with the then Reform and later Canadian Alliance. There illustrated a division between neo-cons and theo-cons in the late 1990s in Ontario. Harris didn't want to touch equal marriage or other social issues with a ten foot poll. This was necessary in order to appeal to Ontario's urban voters. John Tory, it seems, realizes that the same strategy will be necessary. He rightly assumes that the Liberals will, as always, paint the Tories as 'spooky' with a hidden agenda.
While John Tory is no Mike Harris, the remnants of the Common Sense Revolution are still largely existent in the Ontario PC Party. Privatization, deregulation, contracting-out, and anti-union legislation will occur under a John Tory led Tory government. It will be interesting to see how effective the Tories are at painting themselves as progressive enough (on social issues, and to a lesser extent on some economic issues) to appeal to Ontario's 905-belt urban voters, and if these voters buy those claims.
Howard Hampton addresses CUPE Ontario
I recently attended the 44th annual CUPE Ontario convention, at which Ontario NDP leader Howard Hampton was a guest speaker. The conference's theme- 'An Agenda for Change'- was fitting with Hampton's pre-election style speech. Change, in both CUPE Ontario and Hampton's minds, means electing a New Democrat government.
Sadly, though not surprisingly, Hampton failed to use the word capital(ism) or the phrase 'working class' in his speech, though 'working families' and 'working people' were routinely employed. However, Ontarians were reminded of a recently re-elected New Democratic Party in Manitoba as evidence that New Democrats would be an effective government for the working-class, if, of course, you over look the fact that anti-scab legislation has never been passed by an NDP government in that province (and conveniently Hampton did just that). Though in defense of the Manitoba NDP, card check certification forms the basis of union organizing in that province. Both anti-scab legislation and card check certification were issues that Hampton promised to provide for Ontarians if elected.
Among other things, Hampton stated:
“In the coming election, the NDP will represent the politics of hope. I want people to vote NDP because we have the best ideas to make their lives better and more affordable. I want people to vote NDP because we’ll fight for high-quality public services. I want people to vote NDP because we're the party that represents today’s working people. Working together, we’ll build the Ontario of our dreams – an Ontario that puts working families first.”
Sadly, though not surprisingly, Hampton failed to use the word capital(ism) or the phrase 'working class' in his speech, though 'working families' and 'working people' were routinely employed. However, Ontarians were reminded of a recently re-elected New Democratic Party in Manitoba as evidence that New Democrats would be an effective government for the working-class, if, of course, you over look the fact that anti-scab legislation has never been passed by an NDP government in that province (and conveniently Hampton did just that). Though in defense of the Manitoba NDP, card check certification forms the basis of union organizing in that province. Both anti-scab legislation and card check certification were issues that Hampton promised to provide for Ontarians if elected.
Among other things, Hampton stated:
“In the coming election, the NDP will represent the politics of hope. I want people to vote NDP because we have the best ideas to make their lives better and more affordable. I want people to vote NDP because we’ll fight for high-quality public services. I want people to vote NDP because we're the party that represents today’s working people. Working together, we’ll build the Ontario of our dreams – an Ontario that puts working families first.”
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Gary Doer wins third straight majority
The CBC is reporting that the Manitoba NDP, led by Premier Gary Doer, has won a third straight majority government. Perhaps now the former president of the Manitoba Government Employees Union will get around to passing anti-scab legislation to protect that province's unionized workers. He has thus far failed to pass such legislation since becoming premier in 1999.
Fly union
When I'm on the ground, I drive union. When I fly, I fly union.
I recently arrived home from Ireland aboard Air Transat. Thanks to both Teamsters and CUPE members for a safe flight.
I recently arrived home from Ireland aboard Air Transat. Thanks to both Teamsters and CUPE members for a safe flight.
My Country...
Seeing as how my girlfriend is in Montreal this week, I thought that posting this video would be fitting.
Also, a certain someone should appreciate the picture of W.L.M.K. in here. Apparantly they have a lot in common.
Barbra Streisand- Immoral and Shameful
I've never really been a fan of her music, but I've never really thought she was immoral and/or shameful. However, Italian consumer advocacy groups have me changing my mind. Streisand is about to play her first ever concert in Italy, however, exorbant ticket prices, which range from just under 50 euros (about $73) to more than 900 euros (about $1,315), may put the show on ice. The cheapest tickets have already sold out.
The concert is set to take place at Rome's Stadio Flaminio. Consumer groups Adusbef and Codacons have called on the city government and the Italian Olympic Committee — the venue's owner and manager, respectively — to oust the scheduled concert.
The two groups have called the ticket prices "absurd and shameful," and argue that since the arena was finaced by the public purse, and is owned by, and managed by the state, that the show should be cancelled. After all, they argue that public property shouldn't be "used for contracts that are immoral and which heap shame on a civilized country."
The concert is set to take place at Rome's Stadio Flaminio. Consumer groups Adusbef and Codacons have called on the city government and the Italian Olympic Committee — the venue's owner and manager, respectively — to oust the scheduled concert.
The two groups have called the ticket prices "absurd and shameful," and argue that since the arena was finaced by the public purse, and is owned by, and managed by the state, that the show should be cancelled. After all, they argue that public property shouldn't be "used for contracts that are immoral and which heap shame on a civilized country."
Ontario NDP support on the rise
Things are looking all right for the Ontario NDP, whose support level of 26% is as high as its been since their time in office in the early 1990s. This figure represents an increase of 15% since the 2003 election, which has come almost exclusively from bleeding Liberal support. The Liberals have lost 18% support and is currently running second in popular support to the Tories.
However, before these results can be fully contextualized, a geographical breakdown of region is necessary. Sadly, this survey doesn't provide it. While Ontario is often viewed as a three-party system, it is more appropriate to view the province as a series of two party races, which leads to an aggregate three-party competition. For example, the ONDP should be expected to do well in the North, in Hamilton, and in parts of downtown Toronto. These are all areas in which they currently have seats. However, in order for the party to make a significant breakthrough, they'll need to gain support in the 905 belt, eastern Ontario, and other areas which feature Liberal-Conservative support.
Regardless, geographical divisions aside, these results bode well for NDP supporters.
Thanks to Uncorrected Proofs for providing this link
Shelly Martel announces her retirement
Nickel Belt MPP Shelly Martel has recently announced that she won't be seeking re-election in the upcoming Ontario election.
I wonder why they didn't mention her voting in favour of the Social Contract in their news release, which listed a variety of the things she did in office....
I wonder why they didn't mention her voting in favour of the Social Contract in their news release, which listed a variety of the things she did in office....
Monday, May 21, 2007
Democracy is dead in Mississaugua
At least Ian Urquhart isn't crapping all over proportional representation.
Instead, he uses his column to to air the Ontario PC's dirty laundry in Mississuagua. Democracy there is dead, and John Tory has killed it.
Instead, he uses his column to to air the Ontario PC's dirty laundry in Mississuagua. Democracy there is dead, and John Tory has killed it.
Strike wave on Canada and Quebec's Roads
Greyhound coachline workers in Western Canada, represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1374, are on strike. Word is that 'no end is in sight.'
Meanwhile, in Quebec, Montreal's transit workers are poised to hit the lines at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday if a collective agreement deal cannot be negotiated. These workers are represented by the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN). In the event of a strike, hundreds of thousands of commuters in Quebec's largets city will be affected.
I should be fine here in Southern Ontario. My union-made automobile, despite walking off the job on me a few times, is running well. No disruptions are expected.
Meanwhile, in Quebec, Montreal's transit workers are poised to hit the lines at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday if a collective agreement deal cannot be negotiated. These workers are represented by the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN). In the event of a strike, hundreds of thousands of commuters in Quebec's largets city will be affected.
I should be fine here in Southern Ontario. My union-made automobile, despite walking off the job on me a few times, is running well. No disruptions are expected.
Even ownership wants a union
It's not too often that you hear owners/management complaining that there is no union in their industry, but every once in a while, that is exactly the case. Take the case of the National Women's Hockey League, whose eastern portion has suspended operations for the 2007-08 season. While lack of fan interest is one of the main reasons for the leagues falter, it's certianly not the only one.
"Bill Metcalfe, owner of the Oakville Ice, enumerates five areas of concern for the league, among them:
Free agency: All players are free agents at the end of each season. There is no players' union.
Incoming rookies can sign with any team they like. There is no draft."
It suffices to say that the presence of a union and the existance of a collective agreement would address these concerns. For players, the choice would be obvious. Rarely, if ever, do you see an NHLer readily accept a one-year deal. Long-term stability, in this case as in most others, is beneficial for the workers, and is also beneficial for ownership. Perhaps the Professional Hockey Players Association, a St. Catharines based union, could step in. After all, the NWHL's western division is still operational.
If that fails, the article reminds us that Ted Saskin is currently seeking employment.
"Bill Metcalfe, owner of the Oakville Ice, enumerates five areas of concern for the league, among them:
Free agency: All players are free agents at the end of each season. There is no players' union.
Incoming rookies can sign with any team they like. There is no draft."
It suffices to say that the presence of a union and the existance of a collective agreement would address these concerns. For players, the choice would be obvious. Rarely, if ever, do you see an NHLer readily accept a one-year deal. Long-term stability, in this case as in most others, is beneficial for the workers, and is also beneficial for ownership. Perhaps the Professional Hockey Players Association, a St. Catharines based union, could step in. After all, the NWHL's western division is still operational.
If that fails, the article reminds us that Ted Saskin is currently seeking employment.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
To Organize or Not? Is this really a question?
Later this week, I'll be headed off to the CUPE Ontario Convention in Windsor. I was recently looking on-line at the resolutions booklet, and came across a very peculiar resolution. Needless to say, I'll be lined up at the 'nay' microphone to speak out against these shenanigans proposed by CUPE Local 4400. Hopefully the resolutions committee will have already recommended non-concurrence. The resolution reads:
RESOLUTION #15
SUBMITTED BY LOCAL 4400
CUPE Ontario will:
1. Immediately communicate with National Executive Council and National Executive Board for continued support for organizing child care workers in the non-profit sector only, as part of a comprehensive strategy leading to coordinated bargaining structures for both workers and employers; and
2. Immediately request that the organizing department stop all organizing in the for-profit child care sector and allow no more certifications; and
3. Reaffirm its policy calling for public funding to be directed to building a universal, accessible, high quality non-profit child care system.
Because:
· Organizing for-profit child care undermines the dual strategy of increasing unionization rates in the sector and bringing employers together in coordinated bargaining structures to improve our bargaining strength; and
· Organizing in the for-profit child care sector undermines CUPE’s ability to work effectively with our coalition partners in calling for government funding for regulated, high quality, non-profit child care.
I can certainly appreciate the spirit of aggressively promoting non-profit child care-as I myself actively oppose for-profit service delivery, but to suggest that CUPE refrain from organizing in the for-profit sector is ludicrous. On a purely pragmatic level, CUPE should keep in mind that other unions will be happy to organize these unorganized workers if CUPE decides not to organize them.
Furthermore, to deny these workers the union of their choice- assuming that CUPE is strong in the sector- is a shameful act. We all know that unions offer workers protection, and CUPE should actively look to protect these workers.
However, on a more practical level, organizing in the for-profit sector might actually help promote the non-profit sector. Here's why.
If workers in the for-profit sector remain unorganized, it is likely that they will be exploited and used as a cheap pool of labour, which will urge neo-liberal politicians to continue the acceleration of for-profit delivery. However, if these workers are organized, it is less likely that they will be used as cheap labour. If we ensure that they are organized in CUPE, we can ensure wage parity with their fellow workers in the non-profit sector, thus making the for-profit sector less lucrative as a means to find cheap labour. CUPE 4400 really ought to have thought a bit more critically before submitting this ill-conceived resolution. Hopefully it will be defeated.
RESOLUTION #15
SUBMITTED BY LOCAL 4400
CUPE Ontario will:
1. Immediately communicate with National Executive Council and National Executive Board for continued support for organizing child care workers in the non-profit sector only, as part of a comprehensive strategy leading to coordinated bargaining structures for both workers and employers; and
2. Immediately request that the organizing department stop all organizing in the for-profit child care sector and allow no more certifications; and
3. Reaffirm its policy calling for public funding to be directed to building a universal, accessible, high quality non-profit child care system.
Because:
· Organizing for-profit child care undermines the dual strategy of increasing unionization rates in the sector and bringing employers together in coordinated bargaining structures to improve our bargaining strength; and
· Organizing in the for-profit child care sector undermines CUPE’s ability to work effectively with our coalition partners in calling for government funding for regulated, high quality, non-profit child care.
I can certainly appreciate the spirit of aggressively promoting non-profit child care-as I myself actively oppose for-profit service delivery, but to suggest that CUPE refrain from organizing in the for-profit sector is ludicrous. On a purely pragmatic level, CUPE should keep in mind that other unions will be happy to organize these unorganized workers if CUPE decides not to organize them.
Furthermore, to deny these workers the union of their choice- assuming that CUPE is strong in the sector- is a shameful act. We all know that unions offer workers protection, and CUPE should actively look to protect these workers.
However, on a more practical level, organizing in the for-profit sector might actually help promote the non-profit sector. Here's why.
If workers in the for-profit sector remain unorganized, it is likely that they will be exploited and used as a cheap pool of labour, which will urge neo-liberal politicians to continue the acceleration of for-profit delivery. However, if these workers are organized, it is less likely that they will be used as cheap labour. If we ensure that they are organized in CUPE, we can ensure wage parity with their fellow workers in the non-profit sector, thus making the for-profit sector less lucrative as a means to find cheap labour. CUPE 4400 really ought to have thought a bit more critically before submitting this ill-conceived resolution. Hopefully it will be defeated.
The Political Left and Electoral Reform
Toronto Star columnist Thomas Walkom is speaking out against electoral reform, and he's warning the left that proportional representation isn't all that it's cracked up to be. In fact, he warns that a move to PR could spell the end of the NDP in Ontario. He notes that "What the dreamers too often forget, however, is that changing the rules changes everything. If proportional representation had been in play in the last provincial election, there is no guarantee that the NDP would have won 15 per cent of the votes cast. Indeed, there is no guarantee that the NDP, in its current form, would have existed."
To support his claim, he draws on New Zealand, a country which changed its electoral system from FPTP to PR in 1996, and saw the political left fracture and the subsequent election of a right-wing coalition. Walkom suspects that same could happen in Ontario.
"The New Zealand experience holds several lessons for Ontario, and in particular for the province's left. First, expect existing parties to fracture. The NDP alone could spin off a radical socialist party, a trade union party, a market-friendly party and a northern party."
While Walkom uses this dark scenario to wean leftists off PR, it makes me want it even more. Seeing the NDP fracture into a socialist party and a trade union would be great. Then we would have a two true leftist parties in Ontario. As for the creation of a market-friendly party, I'd have no problem in seeing right-wing dippers go it alone. It's not as if the current NDP has much clout anyways.
But isn't Walkom forgetting something? Perhaps a right-wing fracture. The neo-cons and theo-cons may also spilt apart.
And if Walkom tries to scare the left away from PR by drawing on the right-wing coalition which took power in New Zealand in 1996 (and has yet to govern since the 1999 election), we should remember that FPTP led to two Mike Harris terms. It doesn't get much worse than that. I think I'll take my chance with PR, thank you very much.
Read Walkom's full article here
To support his claim, he draws on New Zealand, a country which changed its electoral system from FPTP to PR in 1996, and saw the political left fracture and the subsequent election of a right-wing coalition. Walkom suspects that same could happen in Ontario.
"The New Zealand experience holds several lessons for Ontario, and in particular for the province's left. First, expect existing parties to fracture. The NDP alone could spin off a radical socialist party, a trade union party, a market-friendly party and a northern party."
While Walkom uses this dark scenario to wean leftists off PR, it makes me want it even more. Seeing the NDP fracture into a socialist party and a trade union would be great. Then we would have a two true leftist parties in Ontario. As for the creation of a market-friendly party, I'd have no problem in seeing right-wing dippers go it alone. It's not as if the current NDP has much clout anyways.
But isn't Walkom forgetting something? Perhaps a right-wing fracture. The neo-cons and theo-cons may also spilt apart.
And if Walkom tries to scare the left away from PR by drawing on the right-wing coalition which took power in New Zealand in 1996 (and has yet to govern since the 1999 election), we should remember that FPTP led to two Mike Harris terms. It doesn't get much worse than that. I think I'll take my chance with PR, thank you very much.
Read Walkom's full article here
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Andre Boisclair finally makes a good decision...
And it's his first good decision in 17 months...
"Besieged by mounting dissent and facing a palace coup, Parti Québécois Leader André Boisclair has opted to end his tumultuous 17-month-long tenure rather than wait to be pushed out."
Perhaps now the sovereignty movement can get back on the right track. Come home Gilles, come home.
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/211576
(weird computer, sorry).
"Besieged by mounting dissent and facing a palace coup, Parti Québécois Leader André Boisclair has opted to end his tumultuous 17-month-long tenure rather than wait to be pushed out."
Perhaps now the sovereignty movement can get back on the right track. Come home Gilles, come home.
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/211576
(weird computer, sorry).
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Shipping of to Dublin
I'm off to Ireland for two weeks. I hope my trip is half as fun as this video clip.
Wal-Mart dealt yet another blow in anti-union campaign
I recently reported this setback to Wal-Mart in their anti-union campaign. They lost a bid to challenge the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board over a union effort to organize company stores in the province. The corporation hoped the Supreme Court of Canada would hear the case, as they argued the SLRB was biased against them.
I was happy to find out that they faced one more setback in their union busting campaign.
They wanted the court to force the Quebec labour relations board to order a secret ballot by the store's employees, and challenged an earlier decision by the Quebec Court of Appeal, saying it should have been allowed to present arguments on the legality its original claim. One UFCW withdrew its certification request, but another local submitted its request for accreditation the following day. This led Wal-Mart to believe it could bust the new local. This SCC decision means it can't. It also means that Wal-Mart employees are one step closer to being members of a fully functional and certified lUFCW local.
I was happy to find out that they faced one more setback in their union busting campaign.
They wanted the court to force the Quebec labour relations board to order a secret ballot by the store's employees, and challenged an earlier decision by the Quebec Court of Appeal, saying it should have been allowed to present arguments on the legality its original claim. One UFCW withdrew its certification request, but another local submitted its request for accreditation the following day. This led Wal-Mart to believe it could bust the new local. This SCC decision means it can't. It also means that Wal-Mart employees are one step closer to being members of a fully functional and certified lUFCW local.
A unified, secular school system in Ontario
Ian Urquhart has written about this hot-button issue in his most recent column. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, a single, unified, secular school system is a good idea and one that must be implemented sooner than later.
While the NDP Socialist caucus supports such a system, the rest of the party is sadly on the wrong side of this issue. The Ontario Greens, however, are the only party in Ontario in favour of this system. Is it any surprise than the NDP is bleeding voters to the Greens?
At least this issue is back on the radar. There are two choices here. One is to extend state funding to all religious schools, the other idea- and the more appropriate of the two- is to eliminate state funding for the Catholic board. Such a move eliminates segregation within the school system and is necessary to ensure that separation of church and state.
This issue is already causing havoc within the Liberal Party:
The sooner that state funding for faith-based schooling is eliminated, the better. Then, and only then, can we have a school system capable of unifying youth and eliminating religious stereotyping and mistrust. The separation of church and state is a long-standing political tradition, and one that Ontarians must ensure comes to being in their province. It wasn't a problem for Quebec and Newfoundland...it's time that Ontario caught on.
While the NDP Socialist caucus supports such a system, the rest of the party is sadly on the wrong side of this issue. The Ontario Greens, however, are the only party in Ontario in favour of this system. Is it any surprise than the NDP is bleeding voters to the Greens?
At least this issue is back on the radar. There are two choices here. One is to extend state funding to all religious schools, the other idea- and the more appropriate of the two- is to eliminate state funding for the Catholic board. Such a move eliminates segregation within the school system and is necessary to ensure that separation of church and state.
This issue is already causing havoc within the Liberal Party:
The issue surfaced at Queen's Park last week when backbench Liberal MPP Peter Fonseca introduced a motion opposing "any attempt to take public money and hand it over to private schools."
Fonseca says his motion was motivated in part by a desire to smoke out Tory on the issue.
If so, it backfired by roiling some of Fonseca's Liberal colleagues – especially those representing ridings with large numbers of children in Jewish, Muslim or Christian Fundamentalist schools. They have been trying to soften the Liberals' stand on funding of religious schools and saw Fonseca's motion as, in the words of one, "a sharp stick in the eye."
Embarrassingly for Fonseca, only half-a-dozen Liberal MPPs showed up for the vote on his motion, which was defeated.
One of the absent Liberals was Mario Racco, whose Thornhill riding is about 30 per cent Jewish. When asked by a Jewish constituent where he stood on the motion, Racco emailed back: "I do not understand why Peter Fonseca would introduce such a resolution, but it got the result it deserved."
The sooner that state funding for faith-based schooling is eliminated, the better. Then, and only then, can we have a school system capable of unifying youth and eliminating religious stereotyping and mistrust. The separation of church and state is a long-standing political tradition, and one that Ontarians must ensure comes to being in their province. It wasn't a problem for Quebec and Newfoundland...it's time that Ontario caught on.
Who is the Worst Canadian?
We've all heard about the greatest Canadian (finally something that Dippers can feel good about). But the real question remains, who is the worst Canadian? Popular history magazine the Beaver attempts to find out.
My list would have to include:
Brian Mulroney
Mitch Hepburn
Conrad Black
Mike Harris
My list would have to include:
Brian Mulroney
Mitch Hepburn
Conrad Black
Mike Harris
Facebook vs. the Ontario Government
The Ontario government is cracking down on its employees for using Facebook on the job...Facebook is fighting back.
In other Facebook related news,
Does anyone actually think McGuinty is handsome?
In other Facebook related news,
As of Thursday, the group "Stop McGuinty's Crusade Against Facebook" had 78 members, almost double the number of members as the "Dalton McGuinty is Handsome Club" page.
Does anyone actually think McGuinty is handsome?
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Union Song
Tom Morrelo (formerly of Rage Against the Machine) is also known as The Nightwatchman. This 'one-man revolution' features Morello playing solo with an acoustic guitar. In keeping consistant with RATM's progressive outlook, The Nightwatchman sings of the need for both social and economic justice. He'll be playing Toronto on May 16th, but I'll be across the Atlantic and will miss the show. However, have a listen to 'Union Song.' The verse about the workers that stood up to push is routinely changed to reflect workers in current labour disputes. Striking credit union workers in Hamilton need a special shout-out...they are fuckin' heroes.
For the fired auto workers
Who were twisted, tricked and robbed
To the peasant in Guatemala
In a sweatshop got your job
And she can't feed her family
On the pennies that she makes
Meanwhile the crime rate's rising
Up and down the Great Lake states
Like vegetables left in the field
The signatures smell rotten
On the contracts and the deeds
That push the race down to the bottom
As they load the rubber bullets
As they fire another round
I'm heading into the tear gas
Dig in man, hold your ground
For Joe Hill and Caesar Chavez
Who fought in their own time
For our brothers and our sisters
Up and down that picket line
For the unnamed and unnumbered
Who struggle brave and long
For the union men and women
Standing up and standing strong
Si nos quedemos
Juntos vamos a ganar? Si !
Hit em where it hurts
And bite the hand that feeds
You might get one to three
Or probation and a fine
But I know where I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be right on that front line
For Joe Hill and Caesar Chavez
Who fought in their own time
For our brothers and our sisters
Up and down that picket line
For the unnamed and unnumbered
Who struggle brave and long
For the union men and women
Standing up and standing strong
Now dirty scabs will cross the line
While others stand aside and look
But ain't nobody never got nothin'
That didn't raise their voice and push
Like the steel worker in Ohio
The miner in West Virginia
The teacher in Chicago
Janitor in Mississippi
From the sweatshops of L.A.
To the fields of Mission Flats
There's a thunder cloud exploding
And I'm free at last
Like Joe Hill and Caesar Chavez
Who fought in their own time
Like our brothers and our sisters
Up and down that picket line
Like the unnamed and unnumbered
Who struggle brave and long
Like the union men and women
Standing up and standing strong
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
He vs. She on the Daily Dissidence
Via Uncorrected Proofs (via Nag on the Lake), I've been directed to the He/She ratio. The he/she ratio is measured by counting the number of pages on the domain containing the word “he”, then searching for the number containing “she”, and then looking at the two numbers in comparison.
For The Daily Dissidence, the he/she ratio:
That being said, I find myself faring better than most, and in a statistical tie with greenparty.ca
WarrenKinsella.com 69% HE vs. 31% SHE
CalgaryGrit.blogspot.com 72% HE vs. 28% SHE
JasonCherniak.blogspot.com 73% HE vs. 27 SHE
BloggingTories.ca 71% HE vs. 29% SHE
Liblogs.ca 81% HE vs. 19% SHE
Conservative.ca 86% HE vs. 14% SHE
Liberal.ca 79% HE vs. 21% SHE
NDP.ca 78% HE vs. 22% SHE
GreenParty.ca 64% HE vs. 36% SHE
It looks like all of my posts about reproductive rights have proven to be useful in more ways than one.
However, I'm curious to know if there is a transgendered ratio?
For The Daily Dissidence, the he/she ratio:
Usage of "he" vs "she" on site:www.thedailydissidence.blogspot.com (66%/ 34%)
That being said, I find myself faring better than most, and in a statistical tie with greenparty.ca
WarrenKinsella.com 69% HE vs. 31% SHE
CalgaryGrit.blogspot.com 72% HE vs. 28% SHE
JasonCherniak.blogspot.com 73% HE vs. 27 SHE
BloggingTories.ca 71% HE vs. 29% SHE
Liblogs.ca 81% HE vs. 19% SHE
Conservative.ca 86% HE vs. 14% SHE
Liberal.ca 79% HE vs. 21% SHE
NDP.ca 78% HE vs. 22% SHE
GreenParty.ca 64% HE vs. 36% SHE
It looks like all of my posts about reproductive rights have proven to be useful in more ways than one.
However, I'm curious to know if there is a transgendered ratio?
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