CUPE 4207, the union representing part-time instructors, teaching assistants, and marker-graders, is planning a major rally tomorrow (28 February 2007) at the main entrance of the Brock University campus to protest budget cuts that the senior administration has forced departments to make. These cuts are to reflect a decrease in department spending by 3% and 6.9% respectively. However, these cuts are not necessary.
Tuition is set to raise 4.5%, government funding to Ontario's universities is up 3.8%, the university has ran a cash surplus of $8 million over the past three years, and enrollment is expected to increase for both undergraduate and graduate programs next fall. Quite simply, these cuts are unnecessary. The St. Catharines standard has written a brief article, as has the Brock Press- though it is not yet on their site. The Brock University Students Union has launched the 'It's OUR university' campaign to provide information to students on why these cuts need to be fought.
Among other things, these cuts will mean less spring/summer classes, fewer classes offered during the fall/winter semester, thus making enrollment harder, it will be harder for students to receive part-time employment as teaching assistants, will make already overworked staff even more overworked, and overall, it will decrease the quality of education that the university is able to provide.
Following the rally at the gates, protesters will march to the Senate Chambers, where a Senate meeting will be going on. Speakers at the rally will include Sid Ryan from CUPE Ontario, Wayne Samuelsson from the Ontario Federation of Labour, Wayne Gates from CAW 199, Kithio Mwanzia from the students union, and members of the Canadian Federation of Students.
Stand up. Be heard.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
What's Left? Federal NDP prospects
While Chantal Hebert's most recent column focuses mostly on Justin Trudeau and his decision to seek the Liberal nomination in Papineau, it also examines the battles between many 'progressive' candidates that is surely to take place in the next election. But what does this mean for the Dippers? It might mean game over.
This means that anyone who actually believes the NDP is a truly left-wing party has got to be kidding themselves. If the NDP is in danger of being indistinguishable from eco-capitalists and welfare Liberals, then the party has almost lost its entire sense of purpose. I guess the NDP has rested content before it has eradicated capitalism and put into operation a full programme of socialized planning . Wake up NDP, let's try and get on the right (err, left) path. At the very least, be able to distinguish yourselves from the likes of Gerard Kennedy, Bob Rae, and David Cherushenko.
In Toronto, Gerard Kennedy is poised to run against the NDP's Peggy Nash in
Parkdale-High-Park. In Ottawa Centre, David Chernushenko, one of the top
figures of the Green Party, is going after the only New Democrat seat in the
nation's capital. Bob Rae is said to have set his sights on Bill Graham's
Toronto Centre riding but, until recently, there was talk that he might take on
NDP Leader Jack Layton. In an attrition battle reminiscent of some
episodes of the Conservative civil war of the 1990s, progressive candidates are
poised to take each other out of the game from coast to coast in the next
federal election. Within the confines of party backrooms, that makes eminent
sense. The Liberals and the Greens have a common interest in wiping the NDP off
the map and vice-versa.
This means that anyone who actually believes the NDP is a truly left-wing party has got to be kidding themselves. If the NDP is in danger of being indistinguishable from eco-capitalists and welfare Liberals, then the party has almost lost its entire sense of purpose. I guess the NDP has rested content before it has eradicated capitalism and put into operation a full programme of socialized planning . Wake up NDP, let's try and get on the right (err, left) path. At the very least, be able to distinguish yourselves from the likes of Gerard Kennedy, Bob Rae, and David Cherushenko.
Quebec Election 2007- Early Projections
The wonderful people over at DemocraticSPACE, which is one of the best political blogs out there, have made some early projections for the results of the upcoming Quebec national election. They are currently projecting a minority PQ government with 61 seats, with the Parti Liberal at 51 seats and the ADQ at 13 seats. This leaves the neo-conservative ADQ is the king maker, and I see a Liberal/ADQ alliance more likely than a PQ/ADQ alliance. The later, even if it were to occur, would just be right-wing nationalism, which is of course slightly better than right-wing federalism,but still something I'd rather not have to think about. However, both sides are playing on the wrong wing to begin with.
As I've said before, the best case is a PQ minority supported by Quebec Solidaire. With that as an unlikely result, I'll settle for a PQ majority. At least groggy social democratic nationalism (and that' s the PQ at its absolute best) is better than right-wing nationalism. The PQ certainly has been affected by the right-wing paradigm shift, and if it weren't for the rank-and-file commitment of trade unionists and other progressive minded nationalists, I'd hate to think where that party would be. Well, to some degree we've already seen where it would be, and it seems like a scary place. Perhaps in a sovereign Quebec a true left-wing party will emerge when the national question has been answered. In the meantime, Quebec Solidaire remains the overall best option for this March's election.
As I've said before, the best case is a PQ minority supported by Quebec Solidaire. With that as an unlikely result, I'll settle for a PQ majority. At least groggy social democratic nationalism (and that' s the PQ at its absolute best) is better than right-wing nationalism. The PQ certainly has been affected by the right-wing paradigm shift, and if it weren't for the rank-and-file commitment of trade unionists and other progressive minded nationalists, I'd hate to think where that party would be. Well, to some degree we've already seen where it would be, and it seems like a scary place. Perhaps in a sovereign Quebec a true left-wing party will emerge when the national question has been answered. In the meantime, Quebec Solidaire remains the overall best option for this March's election.
And the Grammy for best political answer goes to...
...former Prime Minister Jean Chretien. What a dick.
Bluenotes pulls offensive t-shirts
A colleague sent me an e-mail about this last week. It seems that enough of a firestorm was raised that Bluenotes has decided to pull the offensive tee-shirts, which trivialize violence and sexual assualt against women. The tee-shirts, which will thankfully no longer be sold in stores, read "No means have aNOther drink," which is a ploy on the "No Means No" slogan that the Canadian Federation of Students uses in its on-campus campaigns against date rape. Pulling these shirts was a wise decision. No means no, and that's a message that must be clear.
Quebec Election 2007- What do Quebecers Want?
It is a question that has plagued the Canadian political landscape for quite some time, and one that likely will not go away anytime soon. According to this article profiling ADQ leader Mario Dumont...
"Quebecers want a Liberal government with Parti Québécois priorities led by Mario Dumont."
It looks like the 'Quebec question' has an answer that is as complicated as ever. Unless Quebec Solidaire pulls off a miraculous victory (my fingers are crossed), Quebecers will get at least one of their three wishes. I think the best we can hope for is a PQ minority, supported by QS. Though at this point, that would seem unlikely.
"Quebecers want a Liberal government with Parti Québécois priorities led by Mario Dumont."
It looks like the 'Quebec question' has an answer that is as complicated as ever. Unless Quebec Solidaire pulls off a miraculous victory (my fingers are crossed), Quebecers will get at least one of their three wishes. I think the best we can hope for is a PQ minority, supported by QS. Though at this point, that would seem unlikely.
The City of Toronto- A High Risk Employer
I'm a firm believer that working in the public-sector is better than working in the private-sector. Consequently I support an increase to overall employment in the public-sector, via the aggressive nationalization of various private-sector employers.
However, work in the public sector isn't as carefree and easy as the right-wingers would like to have us believe. Take the City of Toronto, for example, which has recently been designated a high-risk employer by the province. High-risk employers make up about 2 per cent of Ontario's employers, but account for 10 per cent of lost-time injuries in the province and 21 per cent of workplace safety insurance claims costs, according to the ministry.
Mayor David Miller, a candidate endorsed by organized labour in last fall's municipal elections had this to say...
"It's my personal view that if you have problems with health and safety, it indicates other problems with management oversight," Miller told the committee Friday.
"My goal is simple: Zero workplace accidents," Miller said in an interview.
If that's not the goal, he said, then managers are essentially lining up their workers and asking: "Who volunteers to be hurt?"
Let's hope that since the designation means the city is subject to more intensive and more frequent safety inspections and higher premiums to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) that this shameful situation can be rectified and that employment for the city's workforce will become much safer.
However, work in the public sector isn't as carefree and easy as the right-wingers would like to have us believe. Take the City of Toronto, for example, which has recently been designated a high-risk employer by the province. High-risk employers make up about 2 per cent of Ontario's employers, but account for 10 per cent of lost-time injuries in the province and 21 per cent of workplace safety insurance claims costs, according to the ministry.
Mayor David Miller, a candidate endorsed by organized labour in last fall's municipal elections had this to say...
"It's my personal view that if you have problems with health and safety, it indicates other problems with management oversight," Miller told the committee Friday.
"My goal is simple: Zero workplace accidents," Miller said in an interview.
If that's not the goal, he said, then managers are essentially lining up their workers and asking: "Who volunteers to be hurt?"
Let's hope that since the designation means the city is subject to more intensive and more frequent safety inspections and higher premiums to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) that this shameful situation can be rectified and that employment for the city's workforce will become much safer.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
CN Strike: Tentative Deal Reached
The CBC is reporting that a tentative deal has been reached in the 15 day old CN strike. Federal anti-Labour minister Jean Pierre Blackburn introduced back-to-work legislation on Friday, though it has not yet passed through the house. I can't help but think that the union's position was weakened as a result of the government's intrusion into the free collective bargaining process. The union will be in communication with its members over the next few days to outline the terms of the deal, though the union is encouraging its members to return to the job during the ratification process. Let's hope for the workers sake that a fair deal was had.
Service Employees flex muscles in presidential race
The SEIU, fierce supporters of the Democrats, are flexing their muscles in the democratic race for the presidential nomination. The SEIU is urging Democratic candidates to briefly live and work alongside unionized employees. John Edwards and Hilary Clinton have agreed to challenge, and Barack Obama is expected to follow.
The SEIU has also identified a clear timetable for a complete withdraw from Iraq and increased government intervention and financing of health care as two key issues for the upcoming campaign. In fact, the union, which has often opposed Wal-Mart and funds a Wal-Mart Watch advocacy group, has teamed up with the mega-employer in a health-care coalition. While the two sides are in it for different reasons, any improvements made to American health-care will be helpful to working-class Americans, who find coverage hard to afford, if they can even afford it in the first place.
I really like the idea of politicians living a working-class life, even if its for a brief period. I firmly believe there is a disconnect between politicians and working-class voters, and perhaps this exercise will force politicians to learn what most people face on a day-to-day basis. Of course, this is only a reactionary solution. What we really need are more working-class politicians, and not simply politicians who pretend to relate to the working-class.
The SEIU has also identified a clear timetable for a complete withdraw from Iraq and increased government intervention and financing of health care as two key issues for the upcoming campaign. In fact, the union, which has often opposed Wal-Mart and funds a Wal-Mart Watch advocacy group, has teamed up with the mega-employer in a health-care coalition. While the two sides are in it for different reasons, any improvements made to American health-care will be helpful to working-class Americans, who find coverage hard to afford, if they can even afford it in the first place.
I really like the idea of politicians living a working-class life, even if its for a brief period. I firmly believe there is a disconnect between politicians and working-class voters, and perhaps this exercise will force politicians to learn what most people face on a day-to-day basis. Of course, this is only a reactionary solution. What we really need are more working-class politicians, and not simply politicians who pretend to relate to the working-class.
Sid Ryan Op-Ed Column
I've added Sid Ryan's column to my 'anyone whose anyone reads' list. It's a left-wing op-ed column that routinely is supportive of the interest of working-class people. Sid is the president of CUPE Ontario, and while I have had some disagreements with the direction he has led our union in (ie/ Bill 206= OMERS), he's an activist for strong communities and fiercely opposes neo-liberal and conservative politics. Those are two things I can't complain about. His column appears every other Friday in the Toronto Sun, and besides the sports section, it's the only worthwhile read in that paper.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Public Health Care: Profit is not the Cure
Recently, someone from the Council of Canadians visted my blog. I hope they liked what they saw. I just took a look at their sight, and saw this great link to Profit is not the Cure, a site dedicated to keeping health care 100% public. That's an idea that I obviously support as it keeps money out of the hands of private corporations and ensures equal access to health care, thus preventing the rich from getting better services than everyone else. Have a look at their site, sign the petition, and tell your politicians that 'Health Care is NOT for sale.'
Why I hate neo-Liberalism (and neo-liberals)
Have a look at Globe and Mail reader comments about the pending back-to-work legislation at CN. These people make me sick. Neo-liberalism is a disease, and these people are suffering from it. Here are a sample of what some of these idiots have to say...
Michael H. from Calgary, Canada writes: Unions are the worst thing ever. If you feel you deserve more money, you will earn it like everyone else. No one should be handed out gaurenteed raises. If you feel you are mistreated by an employer, get another job, or go back to school and get a better education. Nothing slows economic progress like Unions, often going against the will of their own workers. If you want a piece of CN profit buy shares in their company, it's that simple.
Alistair McLaughlin from Ottawa, Canada writes: The unions have way too much power at CN and CP. Time for some good old fashioned strike-breaking and union busting. As for the comments that speak of those CN workers who are "slaving away at the shop", give me a break. Nobody, I repeat, NOBODY "slaves away" at the railways. I've been to various CN and CP railyards and shops over the years, and rarely did I see any work being done. Just lots of people standing/sitting around smoking, drinking coffee and complaining. And many of those people are making six figures.
Michael Owens from Calgary, Canada writes: How can a union accuse a corporation about being greedy, when in fact greed is what drives unions?
Gabriel Hall from Calgary, Canada writes: You walk out on your job to protest making over $90k a year and being part of a successful company. You don't realize how good you have it. An average white collar manager only makes $65-ish a year, and there are multitudes of people in this country that live below the poverty line.What are you going to do when your company falters and closes up shop because you caused it's downfall by refusing to work? Which is worse, making $90k a year or putting you and your family at financial risk because you believe you deserve more money for no additional sacrifices? It's a zero sum game, you give, you get.If you are being mistreated show your displeasure with your feet. Bring yoru skills and talent to your company's competitors. Don't make the rest of the population suffer for your petty arguments.
Miguel Du Perron from Ottawa, Canada writes: Send these workers where they belong. Maybe we should do like Ronald Reagan did to all the US air traffic controllers. fire them all and never let them work for the insdustry ever. This culture of entitlement has to stop now. I'm glad that for once the conservatives and Liberals agree to send them back to work.
This is absolutely sickening. The government is once again passing anti-labour legislation that attacks trade union freedoms, and these people are swallowing it up. Perhaps if these people didn't come from a position and power and privilege and saw how the working class were treated on a routine basis, they'd view the situation in a different light. They'd be signing a different tune if they struggled on a daily basis.
Michael H. from Calgary, Canada writes: Unions are the worst thing ever. If you feel you deserve more money, you will earn it like everyone else. No one should be handed out gaurenteed raises. If you feel you are mistreated by an employer, get another job, or go back to school and get a better education. Nothing slows economic progress like Unions, often going against the will of their own workers. If you want a piece of CN profit buy shares in their company, it's that simple.
Alistair McLaughlin from Ottawa, Canada writes: The unions have way too much power at CN and CP. Time for some good old fashioned strike-breaking and union busting. As for the comments that speak of those CN workers who are "slaving away at the shop", give me a break. Nobody, I repeat, NOBODY "slaves away" at the railways. I've been to various CN and CP railyards and shops over the years, and rarely did I see any work being done. Just lots of people standing/sitting around smoking, drinking coffee and complaining. And many of those people are making six figures.
Michael Owens from Calgary, Canada writes: How can a union accuse a corporation about being greedy, when in fact greed is what drives unions?
Gabriel Hall from Calgary, Canada writes: You walk out on your job to protest making over $90k a year and being part of a successful company. You don't realize how good you have it. An average white collar manager only makes $65-ish a year, and there are multitudes of people in this country that live below the poverty line.What are you going to do when your company falters and closes up shop because you caused it's downfall by refusing to work? Which is worse, making $90k a year or putting you and your family at financial risk because you believe you deserve more money for no additional sacrifices? It's a zero sum game, you give, you get.If you are being mistreated show your displeasure with your feet. Bring yoru skills and talent to your company's competitors. Don't make the rest of the population suffer for your petty arguments.
Miguel Du Perron from Ottawa, Canada writes: Send these workers where they belong. Maybe we should do like Ronald Reagan did to all the US air traffic controllers. fire them all and never let them work for the insdustry ever. This culture of entitlement has to stop now. I'm glad that for once the conservatives and Liberals agree to send them back to work.
This is absolutely sickening. The government is once again passing anti-labour legislation that attacks trade union freedoms, and these people are swallowing it up. Perhaps if these people didn't come from a position and power and privilege and saw how the working class were treated on a routine basis, they'd view the situation in a different light. They'd be signing a different tune if they struggled on a daily basis.
Quebec Election 2007- Liberals stalling
The Liberals have been stalling in recent polls and the ADQ are on the rise. While the PQ haven't gained much ground either, the potential vote splitting between the right wing Liberals and the ADQ bodes well for PQ prospects. According to polling data, had an election been called last week, M. Bosclair and the PQ would have won. The surge that the Libeals seemed to have only a few short weeks ago seems to be coming to a grinding halt. In fact, the Liberal campaign is so lackluster at this point in time that party aids are blaming the lack of support at Liberal rallies on a flu pandemic.
Tories table back-to-work legislation
As has been widely rumoured in the past few days, Federal anti-Labour Minister Jean Pierre Blackburn has tabled back-to-work legislation as means to end the ongoing CN strike, which is now in its 14th day.
Here are Mr. Blackburn's comments from earlier today
Wrong. The reason why the workers are on the line is because enough was enough. They had enough with CN's refusal to offer a fair contract. If Mr. Blackburn wants to see this strike over, then he should encourage CN to make a fair offer to their employees. Why is it that workers must be attacked to end the strike? Why not put pressure on ownership? I guess that the bourgeoisie nature of the Tories. This type of legislation is clearly an attack on trade union freedoms and illustrates the government's alignment with big business and their disregard for the working class, and needs no further comment.
However, the question is will this legislation pass? The current minority parliament complicates the situation. The NDP have already rightly indicated they'll vote against it, while the Tories will clearly vote in favour of it. I'm don't foresee this eroding provincial rights, and with the Bloc's current anti-scab legislation still on the table, I'd suspect they vote in favour of it, which would of course leave the Liberals to cast the deciding vote. They've done it enough in the past, and by that I mean routinely voted in favour of back-to-work legislation, as late as 1995...let's see if the parties interests still lie with big business (I'll save you the wait, they do). Just one more assault on trade union freedoms.
Here are Mr. Blackburn's comments from earlier today
“I want to be clear: this government will not allow the CN strike to
continue any longer. It’s already gone on too long. he economy of
Canada, the economic activity of Canada, is going off the rails.
Imagine what could happen to the economy in that length of time. It
could be in chaos by then.Companies are shutting down, one after
another. Workers are losing their jobs. . . . Citizens of our country
aren’t getting the basic necessities of life, food and fuel. Enough’s enough.”
Wrong. The reason why the workers are on the line is because enough was enough. They had enough with CN's refusal to offer a fair contract. If Mr. Blackburn wants to see this strike over, then he should encourage CN to make a fair offer to their employees. Why is it that workers must be attacked to end the strike? Why not put pressure on ownership? I guess that the bourgeoisie nature of the Tories. This type of legislation is clearly an attack on trade union freedoms and illustrates the government's alignment with big business and their disregard for the working class, and needs no further comment.
However, the question is will this legislation pass? The current minority parliament complicates the situation. The NDP have already rightly indicated they'll vote against it, while the Tories will clearly vote in favour of it. I'm don't foresee this eroding provincial rights, and with the Bloc's current anti-scab legislation still on the table, I'd suspect they vote in favour of it, which would of course leave the Liberals to cast the deciding vote. They've done it enough in the past, and by that I mean routinely voted in favour of back-to-work legislation, as late as 1995...let's see if the parties interests still lie with big business (I'll save you the wait, they do). Just one more assault on trade union freedoms.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Back-to-work legislation in Canada
Justin Trudeau to run for office
No real surprise here. We have far too many Trudeau liberals in politics (and they're not just in the Liberal Party either), but now we're cursed with yet another one, who literally, is a Trudeau.
Little Trudeau plans on going through the nomination process to win the Liberal candidacy in the riding of Papineau, which is former cabinet minister Pierre 'the hair' Pettigrew's old riding.
The riding is currently held by Vivian Barbot, who is one of my favorite MPs (likely my favorite). She's a Haitian immigrant, teacher, community activist, member of the Syndicalistes et progressistes pour un Québec libre (in English), and the former president of the Quebec Women's Federation.
Little Trudeau plans on going through the nomination process to win the Liberal candidacy in the riding of Papineau, which is former cabinet minister Pierre 'the hair' Pettigrew's old riding.
The riding is currently held by Vivian Barbot, who is one of my favorite MPs (likely my favorite). She's a Haitian immigrant, teacher, community activist, member of the Syndicalistes et progressistes pour un Québec libre (in English), and the former president of the Quebec Women's Federation.
Electoral Reform in Ontario
Finally the Ontario Citizens Coalition on Electoral Reform gets some publicity. However, I was taken aback by the title of the article, which refers to mixed member proportionality as a "radical voting alternative." Urquhart then contradicts his own point by stating that the MMP system is used in Germany, New Zealand, Mexico, Venezuela and Bolivia and in the regional parliaments of Scotland and Wales. If a system is frequently used elsewhere- and with great success- how then is the system radical? If anything, the antiquated first-past-the-post system is radical, seeing how it is used in only a handful of countries (Canada, U.S.A., Britain are the most notable). At least the coalition and electoral reform received some publicity, though Urquahrt clearly has his reservations. He rightfully concludes by discussing the Liberals ultra-conservative and undemocratic 'super majority,' will will require 60% of voters to endorse the new system. One more reason why I hate the Liberals.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
British Parliament unveils statue of Margaret Thatcher
This story is just gross. Why Britain would chose to honour Thatcher is gross. Well, honouring her in a positive way is gross. A few years back, vandals decapitated a marble statue of 'The Iron Lady.' This one is bronze, so decapitating it won't be easy...
Federal Minimum Wage in Canada
It seems that the proposed reintroduction of federal minimum wage (set at $10/hr) has failed. The New Democrat motion, which was supported by the Liberals (who oddly enough axed the minimum wage in 1996), did not receive enough support, as a combination of Bloc and Conservative MPs voted against it.
While I'm not surprised that the Tories voted against it, I'm a bit disappointed at the Bloc. The Bloc voted against the motion because they feared it would have negative repercussions on provincial rights. This was probably aided by the fact the New Democrats consistently supported this motion because in addition to the need for a strong minimum wage federally, they argued the bill's passage would encourage provinces to make similar increases. The argument of setting an example for the provinces was likely put forward as a partisan tactic for minimum wage campaigns in both Ontario and B.C. (which I support fully) just as much as it was for principled reasons.
I think its clear that federal minimum wage would have been solely for federal employees, and wouldn't have had any real effects on the provinces (specifically Quebec). That being said, I'm disappointed in the Bloc members that voted against this bill. However, I remain supportive of sovereignty. At least the Bloc opposed the bill on some rational principle, unlike the Tories, who opposed it because of Canada's "booming" economy.
While I'm not surprised that the Tories voted against it, I'm a bit disappointed at the Bloc. The Bloc voted against the motion because they feared it would have negative repercussions on provincial rights. This was probably aided by the fact the New Democrats consistently supported this motion because in addition to the need for a strong minimum wage federally, they argued the bill's passage would encourage provinces to make similar increases. The argument of setting an example for the provinces was likely put forward as a partisan tactic for minimum wage campaigns in both Ontario and B.C. (which I support fully) just as much as it was for principled reasons.
I think its clear that federal minimum wage would have been solely for federal employees, and wouldn't have had any real effects on the provinces (specifically Quebec). That being said, I'm disappointed in the Bloc members that voted against this bill. However, I remain supportive of sovereignty. At least the Bloc opposed the bill on some rational principle, unlike the Tories, who opposed it because of Canada's "booming" economy.
Electoral Reform in Ontario
The Ontario Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reform has made the first step to changing our electoral system by voting to look at a mixed member proportional system. Hopefully this system will replace our antiquated first-past-the-post system. Too bad no one is paying attention.
If you're unsure of what the various systems are, perhaps the animated Billy Ballot will be of assistance.
If you're unsure of what the various systems are, perhaps the animated Billy Ballot will be of assistance.
Quebec Election 2007
It's official. Jean Charest has called an election for 26 March 2007. The CBC has created a Quebec Votes 2007 site, which serves as an excellent tool to learn about the parties, platforms, and ridings. And for the Anglophones, the site is all in English, and is one of the few popular resources available on Quebec politics that is not printed in French. Those of us on the left should have a look at Québec Solidaire, a left-wing nationalist party, founded on principles of sovereignty, feminism, social equality, pluralism and ecology. Their platform includes sovereignty, the nationalization of wind energy, higher corporate taxes and massive investment in public transit.
Killing Two Birds with One Stone: Right Wing Federalists
If Chantal Hebert is correct in her analysis, then there are even more reasons to support the Parti Quebecois in the upcoming Quebec national election then what there usually are. Not only will a PQ victory prevent the right wing Parti Liberal from forming government in Quebec City, it also increases the likelihood of the Bloc looking to defeat to the federal Tories, or at least decreases the likelihood they will support them. Conversely, a Parti Liberal victory in Quebec means that in addition to four more years of neo-liberal rule and there not being a referendum, it also means that the Bloc will be less willing to rally its troops for a federal election anytime soon.
It looks like a vote for the PQ will not only hurt right-wing federalists in Quebec City, it will also hurt them in Ottawa. Two evil birds with one sovereignist stone...a vote for the PQ hasn't looked this good a long time.
It looks like a vote for the PQ will not only hurt right-wing federalists in Quebec City, it will also hurt them in Ottawa. Two evil birds with one sovereignist stone...a vote for the PQ hasn't looked this good a long time.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The Only Good Fascist Is A Very Dead Fascist
The Only Good Fascist Is A Very Dead Fascist...True story. A home-made video to the Propagandhi song.
Canadian Labour Law vs. American Unions
Score a victory for Canadian labour law. Not often I'd say that, but at least it trumps international union constitutions. This means that the CN strike is legal.
However, it appears that back-to-work legislation might be around the corner. This is no surprise in the railway sector, as it has been past six times before, most recently in 1995. A minority parliament might be the only thing stopping it. The NDP flatly opposes it, while the Liberals and Bloc have yet to declare the opinions. I'd hope the Bloc would oppose such action, though I'm not sure the Liberals would. Of course, we all know where the Tories stand.
In the meantime, the two sides will meet with Elizabeth MacPherson, the federal government’s chief labour mediator.
However, it appears that back-to-work legislation might be around the corner. This is no surprise in the railway sector, as it has been past six times before, most recently in 1995. A minority parliament might be the only thing stopping it. The NDP flatly opposes it, while the Liberals and Bloc have yet to declare the opinions. I'd hope the Bloc would oppose such action, though I'm not sure the Liberals would. Of course, we all know where the Tories stand.
In the meantime, the two sides will meet with Elizabeth MacPherson, the federal government’s chief labour mediator.
The Social Democracy Hamburger
It seems that Olivia Chow and Jack Layton enjoy their Harvey's hamburgers. It's probably because Harvey's makes your burger just the way you like it (a beautiful thing). I'm not sure exactly what these two take on their burgers, but whatever it is, I suspect they taste a lot like social democracy.
I wonder if Olivia and Jack would like the taste of the socialist burger? Although I guess those ones wouldn't be served up at a fast-food franchise.
I wonder if Olivia and Jack would like the taste of the socialist burger? Although I guess those ones wouldn't be served up at a fast-food franchise.
Monday, February 19, 2007
CN Rail Strike: Teamsters vs. UTU
Unions exist to fight management, and during the course of a strike, allowing workers to win meaningful gains from their employer should be paramount.
Sadly for striking workers at CN Rail, the battle between the Teamsters and the UTU is getting too much attention. UTU has not authorized the Canadian division to strike, and they claim the strike is being used a vehicle to divert member loyalty to the rival Teamsters Union.
I don't know who to believe, but regardless, this bickering should be dealt with only after the striking workers settle. And even if the UTU's claims are indeed correct, failing to authorize the strike and siding with management certainly won't gain them any loyalty from their Canadian workers. No one (except for big business) denies that UTU members deserve a fair contract, so let's worry about that, rather than worrying about which union they are represented by. I've never been a big fan of international unions, at least not a fan of those who fail to provide full autonomy to their Canadian division. Regardless of which union ends up representing these workers in the future, let's ensure they get a fair contract in the meantime.
Solidarity, anyone?
Sadly for striking workers at CN Rail, the battle between the Teamsters and the UTU is getting too much attention. UTU has not authorized the Canadian division to strike, and they claim the strike is being used a vehicle to divert member loyalty to the rival Teamsters Union.
I don't know who to believe, but regardless, this bickering should be dealt with only after the striking workers settle. And even if the UTU's claims are indeed correct, failing to authorize the strike and siding with management certainly won't gain them any loyalty from their Canadian workers. No one (except for big business) denies that UTU members deserve a fair contract, so let's worry about that, rather than worrying about which union they are represented by. I've never been a big fan of international unions, at least not a fan of those who fail to provide full autonomy to their Canadian division. Regardless of which union ends up representing these workers in the future, let's ensure they get a fair contract in the meantime.
Solidarity, anyone?
The NDP and a Federal Minimum Wage in Canada
The federal NDP are planning to bring up a motion that would reinstate the federal minimum wage, which was scraped by the Liberals in 1996. Much like their counterparts in Ontario, the federal NDP are looking to set the minimum wage at $10/hr.
This is of course a great idea, and one that I hope will pass. I suspect the Bloc will be in full support, as will a few welfare Liberals, but I suspect that the bourgeoisie parties will ensure that this doesn't pass.
Regardless, even if it does, it would only apply to industries which are regulated by the federal government, which account for no more than about 10% of the total workforce. The other 90% of the workforce are covered by provincial legislation. This highlights a clear problem with the antiquated federal system and its ability to weakened the power of the state vis-a-vis private corporations.
However, despite the relatively low number of employees covered by federal legislation, many workers employed in the banking, telecommunications, and transportation sectors would certainly benefit from this. While Layton feels that this will set a bar for the provinces to follow, I remain a bit skeptical. Regardless, this is a motion that needs to be passed.
This is of course a great idea, and one that I hope will pass. I suspect the Bloc will be in full support, as will a few welfare Liberals, but I suspect that the bourgeoisie parties will ensure that this doesn't pass.
Regardless, even if it does, it would only apply to industries which are regulated by the federal government, which account for no more than about 10% of the total workforce. The other 90% of the workforce are covered by provincial legislation. This highlights a clear problem with the antiquated federal system and its ability to weakened the power of the state vis-a-vis private corporations.
However, despite the relatively low number of employees covered by federal legislation, many workers employed in the banking, telecommunications, and transportation sectors would certainly benefit from this. While Layton feels that this will set a bar for the provinces to follow, I remain a bit skeptical. Regardless, this is a motion that needs to be passed.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Community and Collectivism: Nipigon, Ontario
This roller coaster ride is full of its ups and downs. It represents the power of a community, the triumph of collective action, all of which was unfortunately destroyed by fire. Many people say that the Star is a Toronto-centric paper, and these people have a point. But this story about Nipigon, Ontario gives a hard look at life outside Ontario's capital.
The story began in December 2005, when Oregon based plywood manufacturing giant Columbia Forest Products announced it was selling the Multiply Forest Products plant, the biggest employer in the town of 1,600, and would close the mill if no buyers came forward.
Finally, a group of managers from the mill, all people from Nipigon, contributed their life savings to rescue the company. Howver, they couldn't do it alone, and wanted the employees to have a stake in the company. So they asked the hourly employees – 120 tradesmen and labourers – to contribute 7 per cent of their salaries for one year – to a maximum of $3,000 each – toward modernizing the 50-year-old plant.
The employees agreed, seeing this not only as a way to keep their jobs in Nipigon and continue to make a livelihood for themselves and their families, but to have control over the means of production and have a say in their factory and their destiny. The deal closed on Dec. 22, 2006.
Sadly, earlier this month, fire destroyed the mill, burning it to the ground.
The story focuses on the struggle of the town, and on the prospects for the future.
The story began in December 2005, when Oregon based plywood manufacturing giant Columbia Forest Products announced it was selling the Multiply Forest Products plant, the biggest employer in the town of 1,600, and would close the mill if no buyers came forward.
Finally, a group of managers from the mill, all people from Nipigon, contributed their life savings to rescue the company. Howver, they couldn't do it alone, and wanted the employees to have a stake in the company. So they asked the hourly employees – 120 tradesmen and labourers – to contribute 7 per cent of their salaries for one year – to a maximum of $3,000 each – toward modernizing the 50-year-old plant.
The employees agreed, seeing this not only as a way to keep their jobs in Nipigon and continue to make a livelihood for themselves and their families, but to have control over the means of production and have a say in their factory and their destiny. The deal closed on Dec. 22, 2006.
Sadly, earlier this month, fire destroyed the mill, burning it to the ground.
The story focuses on the struggle of the town, and on the prospects for the future.
Jean Charest unveils Parti Liberal platform
"Never again will Quebecers have a Péquiste government," a defiant Jean Charest said as he unveiled the Parti liberal platform for the upcoming election. Reports suggest that an election could be called as early as this Wednesday.
The Liberal plan includes:
- promises of more personal tax cuts — $250 million over the next five years
- a wait-time guarantee for all surgery within five years
- lifting a 13-year-old freeze on university tuition and increase student fees by $100 a year
If that's the Liberal plan, I think I'll pass. I hope most Quebecois agree with me. Charest seems to disagree, however, stating:
"Quebecers will never return to the days of a Péquiste government, of wasting of public funds...Those days are finished."
Let's hope those days aren't finished. Let's hope they once again dawn on Quebec very soon.
The Liberal plan includes:
- promises of more personal tax cuts — $250 million over the next five years
- a wait-time guarantee for all surgery within five years
- lifting a 13-year-old freeze on university tuition and increase student fees by $100 a year
If that's the Liberal plan, I think I'll pass. I hope most Quebecois agree with me. Charest seems to disagree, however, stating:
"Quebecers will never return to the days of a Péquiste government, of wasting of public funds...Those days are finished."
Let's hope those days aren't finished. Let's hope they once again dawn on Quebec very soon.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Fighting the Budget Cuts at Brock University
In his most recent editorial, Doug Herod, my favorite columnist from the St. Catharines Standard, highlights the pending budget cuts at Brock University. It seems that no matter where university president Jack Lightstone goes, distopia follows along.
Herod juxtaposes the universities willingness to build unecessary infrastructure with the liklihood of cutting the operating budget for teaching in the process. His dry humour is of course present throughout the article.
The full editorial can be found here... CUPE Local 4207, in association with B.L.A.S.T. (Brock Labour and Students Together), has organzied a February 28th rally to send a message to the administration that budget cuts won't be tolerated.
From Herod's editorial...
Herod juxtaposes the universities willingness to build unecessary infrastructure with the liklihood of cutting the operating budget for teaching in the process. His dry humour is of course present throughout the article.
The full editorial can be found here... CUPE Local 4207, in association with B.L.A.S.T. (Brock Labour and Students Together), has organzied a February 28th rally to send a message to the administration that budget cuts won't be tolerated.
From Herod's editorial...
For instance, Dan Crow, president of the union local representing
non-faculty teaching staff, wonders about the wisdom of pursuing "pet projects" while "gutting essential services."
That's because his 900-strong membership, which includes teaching
assistants, part-time instructors and lab demonstrators, believes it's the group most likely to feel the impact of any spending reductions.
Local 4207 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees fears that courses and seminars will be eliminated to meet the desired targets, which means a decreased number of jobs for its members and a heavier workload for those who remain.
The local is planning a Day of Action at the university Feb. 28 with the usual suspects from the organized labour world in attendance in an attempt to rally support against the possible cuts.
Seal Hunt in Canada: Extend the Barrier
The Canadian Sealers Association, an umbrella organization for Canada's sealers, is proposing to greatly extend the barrier between sealers and protesters, which is currently set at 10 metres. The federal government is seeking input on whether to double that barrier to 20 metres, while the Sealers Association is looking to extend that barrier to a mile, or sixteen-hundred metres.
I think that extending the barrier is a great idea. In fact, this is necessary to ensure the safety of the sealers. After all, this terrorist has endorsed assassination as a means to save animal life. The hunt is slated to begin in a few weeks, and there will definitely be numerous posts in the coming weeks. I don't think that these post-materialist celebrities and other misinformed do-gooders should interfere with hard-working people trying to support their families. I wonder Paris Hilton could survive a week living in an economically depressed region of Canada. Judging by her actions on the Simple Life, I don't think she'd survive a day. 'Club sandwiches, not seals...' Get Bent!
I think that extending the barrier is a great idea. In fact, this is necessary to ensure the safety of the sealers. After all, this terrorist has endorsed assassination as a means to save animal life. The hunt is slated to begin in a few weeks, and there will definitely be numerous posts in the coming weeks. I don't think that these post-materialist celebrities and other misinformed do-gooders should interfere with hard-working people trying to support their families. I wonder Paris Hilton could survive a week living in an economically depressed region of Canada. Judging by her actions on the Simple Life, I don't think she'd survive a day. 'Club sandwiches, not seals...' Get Bent!
Socialism vs. Environmentalism
A friend of mine says you can't be a socialist and an environmentalist. While I understand, at one level, what his argument is, I think it may be a bit too simplistic. At very least, I'd propose that you can be an environmentally friendly socialist. Anyways, environmentalism is a politically salient issue that resonates with many Canadians; unfortunately, the same can not be said about socialism. C.A.W. president Buzz Hargrove has recently released a platform that he hopes will promote fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, 'green' automobiles, while at the same time saving domestic jobs. Of course, he doesn't promote socialism in this platform, but he does stand up for unionized workers in the auto industry. The platform contains a number of initiatives for the government, including:
• supporting the principle of mandatory fuel efficiency standards, Hargrove argued for a 25 per cent improvement in fuel economy by 2014. Applying the standards to all vehicle segments from subcompacts to SUVs would ensure that Canadian production wasn’t simply replaced by more imports;
• renewing its automotive fleet. While standards are important, on their own they will not achieve the desired results. Hargrove proposed a new consumer incentive, paid for by governments and industry, that would encourage drivers to replace old cars with new North American produced vehicles that incorporate green auto technologies;
• supporting Canadian production and technologies. The CAW proposed a Green Vehicle Transition fee to be assessed on each manufacturer that sells into our market, based on each company’s total Canadian sales. The fee, set at about $500 per vehicle would be earned back by companies that make Canadian investments in green automotive technologies;
• a comprehensive program. In addition to greater fuel efficiency and new technologies a transportation strategy is needed that increases the use of renewable fuels and reduce the use of vehicles overall. This requires investments in clean and alternative fuels, mass transit, rail, as well as efforts to reduce gridlock.
Hopefully we can keep a strong and vibrant North American auto industry, while at the same helping out the environment. After all, non-unionized import autos are often purchased because of their fuel efficiency vis-a-vis North American autos. Supporting the environment is important, so is supporting people's right to make a living in the auto industry.
• supporting the principle of mandatory fuel efficiency standards, Hargrove argued for a 25 per cent improvement in fuel economy by 2014. Applying the standards to all vehicle segments from subcompacts to SUVs would ensure that Canadian production wasn’t simply replaced by more imports;
• renewing its automotive fleet. While standards are important, on their own they will not achieve the desired results. Hargrove proposed a new consumer incentive, paid for by governments and industry, that would encourage drivers to replace old cars with new North American produced vehicles that incorporate green auto technologies;
• supporting Canadian production and technologies. The CAW proposed a Green Vehicle Transition fee to be assessed on each manufacturer that sells into our market, based on each company’s total Canadian sales. The fee, set at about $500 per vehicle would be earned back by companies that make Canadian investments in green automotive technologies;
• a comprehensive program. In addition to greater fuel efficiency and new technologies a transportation strategy is needed that increases the use of renewable fuels and reduce the use of vehicles overall. This requires investments in clean and alternative fuels, mass transit, rail, as well as efforts to reduce gridlock.
Hopefully we can keep a strong and vibrant North American auto industry, while at the same helping out the environment. After all, non-unionized import autos are often purchased because of their fuel efficiency vis-a-vis North American autos. Supporting the environment is important, so is supporting people's right to make a living in the auto industry.
CUPE staff set to strike
It's an embarrassing situation when the paid staff of trade unions (CSU, ATSU, and COPE) are forced in a position to withhold their employment and hit a picket line. It's even more embarrassing when it's your own union that is facing a strike from it's employees. However, since CUPE national is forcing concessions on it's employees, these employees really ought to stand up to their employer, and if necessary, go on strike. And we need to be clear that just because they work for a union, they are still employees and the union is the employer. It seems to me to be extremely hypocritical for Mr. Moist and M. Generaux at CUPE national to be seeking concessions; these are the exact things they ought to be fighting. I hope that CUPE does the right thing and offers their employees a fair, concession free contract. In the meantime, here's what needs to be overcome....
Key issues outstanding
In addition to pension, we have several issues outstanding, including workload, temps, training, ATSU sabbatical, retiree benefits, process for complaints about staff, and electronic surveillance. The employer is still seeking concessions in some key areas.
Key issues outstanding
In addition to pension, we have several issues outstanding, including workload, temps, training, ATSU sabbatical, retiree benefits, process for complaints about staff, and electronic surveillance. The employer is still seeking concessions in some key areas.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Bob Rae and Bill Clinton: Champions for Youth
Have you ever wanted to hear Bill Clinton and Bob Rae speak together? Click this link, pay $175.00 plus service charges, and make your dreams come true! On April 2007, these two will be main stage at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario. But parents, don't attempt to let these two babysit your kids for the afternoon, the ticket site is clear that CHILDREN UNDER 12 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT!
And remember kids, politics isn't about capitalism vs. communism, it's about choosing which kind of capitalism you'd like. Check the correct box, and capitalism wins! Yay! And when capitalism wins, we all win!
And remember kids, politics isn't about capitalism vs. communism, it's about choosing which kind of capitalism you'd like. Check the correct box, and capitalism wins! Yay! And when capitalism wins, we all win!
Happy Valentines Day from Stephen Harper
The prime minister delivers a lovely message to the planet and the poor.
Happy Valentines Day from the NDP
Te New Democrats have been sending valentines wishes to Prime Minister Harper and the Tories. Their card contained the following verse:
"Women's equality is now under threat.
Cuts to Status of Women, is that all we get?
Canadian women fought too hard to go back.
We demand action to get back on track."
And concluded:
"Harper, women deserve equality now."
MP Irene Mathyssen tried to deliver the poem in person at the prime minister's official residence but was stopped by Harper's security force and wasn't allowed on the premises. The guards wouldn't accept the huge heart-shaped box containing the message. Peggy Nash eventually handed the valentine to Harper in the House of Commons.
I wonder if the prime minister will get a more loving valentine from Laureen?
"Women's equality is now under threat.
Cuts to Status of Women, is that all we get?
Canadian women fought too hard to go back.
We demand action to get back on track."
And concluded:
"Harper, women deserve equality now."
MP Irene Mathyssen tried to deliver the poem in person at the prime minister's official residence but was stopped by Harper's security force and wasn't allowed on the premises. The guards wouldn't accept the huge heart-shaped box containing the message. Peggy Nash eventually handed the valentine to Harper in the House of Commons.
I wonder if the prime minister will get a more loving valentine from Laureen?
Liberals: The new Red Tories?
Chantal Hebert recently analyzed Stéphane Dion's characterization of Garth Turner's decision to join the Liberal Party as proof that the Liberals have become the new home of the Red Tories. She rightfully concludes that Dion clearly wasn't accurate in his statement.
Turner is no red-Tory. As Hebert points out, his 1993 federal party P.C. leadership campaign included deep cuts to social programs, sought to reduce old-age security pensions, maternity leave and employment insurance payments, and introduce hospital user fees. He also called for the privatization of Canada Post and the CBC and the elimination of the multiculturalism ministry. Turner himself stated "There are a lot of Conservatives who think the party today is too centrist...Those people are looking for a return to conservative values within the Conservative party. And quite frankly, I'm out to appeal to a number of those people, because I share that belief. It's basically a conservative message. It's just one that they haven't heard from the Conservatives for a while."
While history shows us that Turner certainly isn't a red-Tory, I would in fact propose that the Liberal Party is the party of red-Tories. After all, they're just Tories with red election signs.
Turner is no red-Tory. As Hebert points out, his 1993 federal party P.C. leadership campaign included deep cuts to social programs, sought to reduce old-age security pensions, maternity leave and employment insurance payments, and introduce hospital user fees. He also called for the privatization of Canada Post and the CBC and the elimination of the multiculturalism ministry. Turner himself stated "There are a lot of Conservatives who think the party today is too centrist...Those people are looking for a return to conservative values within the Conservative party. And quite frankly, I'm out to appeal to a number of those people, because I share that belief. It's basically a conservative message. It's just one that they haven't heard from the Conservatives for a while."
While history shows us that Turner certainly isn't a red-Tory, I would in fact propose that the Liberal Party is the party of red-Tories. After all, they're just Tories with red election signs.
G.M. and Oshawa get green
No, G.M. hasn't endorsed a Green Party candidate in Oshawa, but they have announced that the Oshawa facility will begin building hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks during the spring or summer of 2008.
It appears that G.M. has heated up the hybrid rivalry with rival Ford, who earlier announced plans for assembling hybrid versions of the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX cross-over utility vehicles in Oakville by 2010.
This seems to be a smart move. First of all, it keeps unionized jobs in North American auto towns. Fuel efficient vehicles, especially hybrids, are becoming increasingly popular with consumers as they have better fuel economy and reduce emissions. Secondly, the big three have been losing ground to non-unionized, offshore imports, which often have better fuel efficiency than traditional North American vehicles. Hopefully this will allow G.M. and Ford to keep a higher market share and will encourage consumers to buy domestic, which will ultimately help to keep manufacturing jobs in southern Ontario.
It appears that G.M. has heated up the hybrid rivalry with rival Ford, who earlier announced plans for assembling hybrid versions of the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX cross-over utility vehicles in Oakville by 2010.
This seems to be a smart move. First of all, it keeps unionized jobs in North American auto towns. Fuel efficient vehicles, especially hybrids, are becoming increasingly popular with consumers as they have better fuel economy and reduce emissions. Secondly, the big three have been losing ground to non-unionized, offshore imports, which often have better fuel efficiency than traditional North American vehicles. Hopefully this will allow G.M. and Ford to keep a higher market share and will encourage consumers to buy domestic, which will ultimately help to keep manufacturing jobs in southern Ontario.
Snow Day at Brock University
Usually snow days make me happy. Today I'm downright pissed off. Shortly after twelve noon, this message appeared on Brock University's weather update page.
All classes cancelled
Since conditions have deteriorated from when the decision was made earlier this morning and given the winter storm has not abated despite predictions, Brock University has cancelled all classes for the rest of the day and this evening.
Although we expect to be fully operational tomorrow, please check the Brock website for information on classes and activities.
Are you kidding me? Opening the school this morning for classes at 8 a.m. was perhaps one of the most dangerous, irresponsible, and selfish moves I've ever seen on the part of the university. In fact, the weather conditions vastly improved as the day progressed. By noon, the snow had let up considerably, the wind had died down, and the plows had time to clear off most main roads. Why then am I angry?
Well, for the very fact that the greedy administration opened the school at 8 a.m. and expected both students and staff to be present. Early this morning, the snow was coming down something unreal, and the roads were horrendous, unploughed, and slippery, and leaving home was an unnecessary danger. This of course involved staff and students risking their lives to make it to campus. The vast majority of the region was on shut down today, yet Brock seems to 'surgite,' caring not about those who risk their well being to make it onto campus.
So what was the point of closing at noon? The administration knew all along that it was too dangerous to keep the school open all day, but providing they stay open until noon, the get a day's worth of funding from the government. Meanwhile, staff and students bear all the risk. That's absolutely disgusting. I'm ashamed of that institution.
All classes cancelled
Since conditions have deteriorated from when the decision was made earlier this morning and given the winter storm has not abated despite predictions, Brock University has cancelled all classes for the rest of the day and this evening.
Although we expect to be fully operational tomorrow, please check the Brock website for information on classes and activities.
Are you kidding me? Opening the school this morning for classes at 8 a.m. was perhaps one of the most dangerous, irresponsible, and selfish moves I've ever seen on the part of the university. In fact, the weather conditions vastly improved as the day progressed. By noon, the snow had let up considerably, the wind had died down, and the plows had time to clear off most main roads. Why then am I angry?
Well, for the very fact that the greedy administration opened the school at 8 a.m. and expected both students and staff to be present. Early this morning, the snow was coming down something unreal, and the roads were horrendous, unploughed, and slippery, and leaving home was an unnecessary danger. This of course involved staff and students risking their lives to make it to campus. The vast majority of the region was on shut down today, yet Brock seems to 'surgite,' caring not about those who risk their well being to make it onto campus.
So what was the point of closing at noon? The administration knew all along that it was too dangerous to keep the school open all day, but providing they stay open until noon, the get a day's worth of funding from the government. Meanwhile, staff and students bear all the risk. That's absolutely disgusting. I'm ashamed of that institution.
A miraculous return
After disappearing from the blogosphere for a few days, I've finally resurfaced. Over the past few days, I've read both In the Skin of a Lion and No Great Mischief. Both are excellent novels examining, among other things, working class life and the intersection of class and culture. However, The Island Walkers by John Bemrose still remains my favorite working class novel. In fact, it's actually my favorite novel ever, without a doubt. You should read it if you haven't already.
Friday, February 9, 2007
Ontario By-Election 2007: Results and Analysis
First of all, let's take a look at how my predictions went.
1) Burlington- I called Conservatives with 45-49% of the vote. Final result= Conservatives 49%
- no big surprise there. Solid blue riding
2) Markham- I called Liberals with 42-46% of the vote. Final result= Liberals 49.3%
- again not a big surprise with this riding. It's been Liberal for the past few years
This leaves me 2/2 seats, and 1/2 covering the spread
3) York South-Weston- I called Liberals with 39-43% of the vote. Indeed, the Liberals finished with 41.4% of the vote. What I wasn't expecting was for the NDP to take the riding with 43.3% of the vote.
This riding needs some analysis. It's traditionally been an NDP stronghold, having been held by Davis Lewis, Donald MacDonald, and Bob Rae. It's one of the poorest ridings in the provinces, has a strong immigrant workforce, and has a very low rate of home ownership. I predicted the NDP could make a breakthrough here, but expected them to finish a strong second. I must say I'm pleasantly surprised with this result.
This needs to be compared with 2003, in which the Liberals took the riding with 61.56% of the votes and 59% in 1999. The drastic drop of Liberal support is of importance. In fact, when Rae held the riding in 1995, he did so with less votes than what the NDP won it with this time around.
In my earlier post, I identified the need for the NDP to put forward a strong sense of class based politics, and argued that a riding such as York South-Weston was one that they needed to win. A riding of poor, property less, workers is, in my opinion, the NDP's natural working class constituency. There's little doubt that the bourgeoisie parties' decision to vote themselves a handsome raise just prior to christmas and their unwillingness to move the minimum wage to $10/hr surely helped the New Democrats, who were vocal on both issues and took principled positions on each. In fact, the dippers have now won four by-elections. Their recent focus on class issues is a promising sign, although I would suggest that the party must continue to move toward the left in order to become the true party of the working class. The question is how far will a $10 minimum wage and politicians pay raises take them? Far enough to form power? I don't think so.
Congrats to new MPP Paul Ferriera. While I believe that the NDP must continue its push toward working class politics and abandon any notions on neo-liberalism (this includes their leader), I'll give credit where its due. And in York South-Weston, credit is due.
And I'll also give myself some credit for somewhat accurate predictions.
1) Burlington- I called Conservatives with 45-49% of the vote. Final result= Conservatives 49%
- no big surprise there. Solid blue riding
2) Markham- I called Liberals with 42-46% of the vote. Final result= Liberals 49.3%
- again not a big surprise with this riding. It's been Liberal for the past few years
This leaves me 2/2 seats, and 1/2 covering the spread
3) York South-Weston- I called Liberals with 39-43% of the vote. Indeed, the Liberals finished with 41.4% of the vote. What I wasn't expecting was for the NDP to take the riding with 43.3% of the vote.
This riding needs some analysis. It's traditionally been an NDP stronghold, having been held by Davis Lewis, Donald MacDonald, and Bob Rae. It's one of the poorest ridings in the provinces, has a strong immigrant workforce, and has a very low rate of home ownership. I predicted the NDP could make a breakthrough here, but expected them to finish a strong second. I must say I'm pleasantly surprised with this result.
This needs to be compared with 2003, in which the Liberals took the riding with 61.56% of the votes and 59% in 1999. The drastic drop of Liberal support is of importance. In fact, when Rae held the riding in 1995, he did so with less votes than what the NDP won it with this time around.
In my earlier post, I identified the need for the NDP to put forward a strong sense of class based politics, and argued that a riding such as York South-Weston was one that they needed to win. A riding of poor, property less, workers is, in my opinion, the NDP's natural working class constituency. There's little doubt that the bourgeoisie parties' decision to vote themselves a handsome raise just prior to christmas and their unwillingness to move the minimum wage to $10/hr surely helped the New Democrats, who were vocal on both issues and took principled positions on each. In fact, the dippers have now won four by-elections. Their recent focus on class issues is a promising sign, although I would suggest that the party must continue to move toward the left in order to become the true party of the working class. The question is how far will a $10 minimum wage and politicians pay raises take them? Far enough to form power? I don't think so.
Congrats to new MPP Paul Ferriera. While I believe that the NDP must continue its push toward working class politics and abandon any notions on neo-liberalism (this includes their leader), I'll give credit where its due. And in York South-Weston, credit is due.
And I'll also give myself some credit for somewhat accurate predictions.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Working Class Women: Maquiladoras
Recently two Canadian tourists were shot in Mexico. Not surprisingly, this recieved a great deal of media coverage. Sadly, the plight of working class Mexican women at the countless maquiladoras in northern Mexico receives no media attention whatsoever. This video from El Paso alternative punk band At the Drive-In for the song 'Invalid Litter Dept.' sheds light onto their suffering.
George Bush, Black History Month, and White Supremacy
Touche! I don't think I could have phrased this one any better.
Charges laid in OPSEU picket line death
An 22 year old Ajax, Ontario man has been charged in the death of an OPSEU brother who was tragically struck and killed on a picket line in May 2006. Joshua Donnelly, 22, appeared in court today to face charges of criminal negligence causing death and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident after striking and eventually killing John Stammers, a 62 year old college professor.
The police did not lay charges at the time of the incident, but the Stammers family, with the assistance of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, brought the charges forward in a private prosecution. Perhaps justice can now be served. The Stammers family has lost a loved one who was standing up to better his life and his families. Line runners must be held accountable for their crimes. All too often, striking brothers and sisters are not afforded protection while on a picket line.
“Our members on picket lines need the same legal protections afforded to other members of society,” she OPSEU president Leah Casselman. “Tensions may rise but picketers have a legal right to be there and communicate their message to the public. There is no impunity: the law must protect picketers as it protects any citizen.”
The moral of the story? Don't cross a picket line, and respect those on the line.
The police did not lay charges at the time of the incident, but the Stammers family, with the assistance of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, brought the charges forward in a private prosecution. Perhaps justice can now be served. The Stammers family has lost a loved one who was standing up to better his life and his families. Line runners must be held accountable for their crimes. All too often, striking brothers and sisters are not afforded protection while on a picket line.
“Our members on picket lines need the same legal protections afforded to other members of society,” she OPSEU president Leah Casselman. “Tensions may rise but picketers have a legal right to be there and communicate their message to the public. There is no impunity: the law must protect picketers as it protects any citizen.”
The moral of the story? Don't cross a picket line, and respect those on the line.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Ontario By-Elections: Markham, Burlington, and York South-Western
February 8th, 2007 marks the occurrence of three by-elections in Ontario in Markham, York South-Weston, and Burlington. These elections should provide some good insight into the parties strengths and weaknesses heading into this fall's general election. Star columnist Ian Urquhart has provided his insight here.
Burlington is solid blue Tory, and that's going to be a hands down victory. My prediction is 45-49%.
Markham is an affluent 905 riding, and will definitely be taken by one of the bourgeoisie parties, and it will most likely be the Liberals. This riding has been kind to the Grits in the past, and I'm predicting they'll win it again with between 42-46% of the vote.
The most intriguing riding is York South-Weston. Recently it's been very kind to the Liberals (over 61% in the 2003 provincial election), but the NDP have had some success in the past. In fact, both Donald MacDonald, Bob Rae, and David Lewis all once called this riding home. I firmly the believe the NDP need to find a way to reinvigorate class based politics, and there's not a better riding to do in it than York South-Western. First, it's been kind to the New Democrats in the past, so voters are open to the party. Secondly, it has the second lowest household income and the ninth lowest rate of home ownership. A riding of poor and property less workers...this is exactly what the NDP needs to focus on. The people of this riding really are, or at least should be, the NDP's constituency; forget about the move toward neo-liberalism and appeals to the business communities and bourgeoisie. This riding is also dominated by Italian, Portuguese and Spanish labourers. Clearly, the NDP has got to see this riding as place in which they can achieve some success. That being said, I don't see the NDP winning this riding, at least not in this election. I'm predicting the Liberals win with 39-43% of the vote, and the NDP finish a strong(ish) second. But, if the NDP decides to move back to a focus on class based politics, then I think that this is a riding they can take. In fact, one they should take. But a move to class based politics, that's probably unlikely, and that's a shame.
Burlington is solid blue Tory, and that's going to be a hands down victory. My prediction is 45-49%.
Markham is an affluent 905 riding, and will definitely be taken by one of the bourgeoisie parties, and it will most likely be the Liberals. This riding has been kind to the Grits in the past, and I'm predicting they'll win it again with between 42-46% of the vote.
The most intriguing riding is York South-Weston. Recently it's been very kind to the Liberals (over 61% in the 2003 provincial election), but the NDP have had some success in the past. In fact, both Donald MacDonald, Bob Rae, and David Lewis all once called this riding home. I firmly the believe the NDP need to find a way to reinvigorate class based politics, and there's not a better riding to do in it than York South-Western. First, it's been kind to the New Democrats in the past, so voters are open to the party. Secondly, it has the second lowest household income and the ninth lowest rate of home ownership. A riding of poor and property less workers...this is exactly what the NDP needs to focus on. The people of this riding really are, or at least should be, the NDP's constituency; forget about the move toward neo-liberalism and appeals to the business communities and bourgeoisie. This riding is also dominated by Italian, Portuguese and Spanish labourers. Clearly, the NDP has got to see this riding as place in which they can achieve some success. That being said, I don't see the NDP winning this riding, at least not in this election. I'm predicting the Liberals win with 39-43% of the vote, and the NDP finish a strong(ish) second. But, if the NDP decides to move back to a focus on class based politics, then I think that this is a riding they can take. In fact, one they should take. But a move to class based politics, that's probably unlikely, and that's a shame.
Working Class Punk: Dropkick Murphys
"10 Years Of Service"
The status of our future in both past and present time,
is relegated to a member of a higher class than mine.
To determine and direct the lives of family men who bear the burden
of living up to standard that doesn't exist in 1999
[Chorus]
Who's gonna save us from this lonely picket line,
10 years of service but I'm still not worth your time.
Times may be changing but I'll never leave behind the hopes
and thoughts I have of better days for families such as mine.
Because if history repeats itself and time will surely tell.
What goes around is gonna come around and you'll know our pain too well.
[Chorus]
Who's gonna save us from this lonely picket line,
10 years of service but I'm still not worth your time.
And I've seen men give their lives,
and heard the stories that they tell of how they labored
for this company which sold it's soul to hell
[Repeat 1st verse]
[Chorus]
Who's gonna save us from this lonely picket line,
10 years of service but I'm still not worth your time.
And I've seen men give their lives,
and heard the stories that they tell of how they labored
for this company which sold it's soul to hell
Who's gonna save us from this lonely picket line,
10 years of service but I'm still not worth your time.
The CFS stands in solidarity with CUPE
The Canadian Federation of Students standing in solidarity with CUPE employees who are students in post-secondary education institutions across Canada. Shopping at the company store is no fun, and any wage increases CUPE members recieve are simply clawed back as a result of rising tuition costs. Tuition freezes need to be inserted into contracts for university locals.
Tuitition Increases in Canada: CFS Rally
The Canadian Federation of Students is planning major rallies at provincial legislatures across Canada today to protest rising tuition fees and the increasing privatization of university campuses. Both the Canadian Union of Public Employees, who represents thousands of university employees, and Ken Georgetti of the CLC are supporting the CFS.
Hopefully these rallies will be successful and will force governments to add increased financing for post-secondary education, which they've been cutting over the last few decades.
Sadly, this students organization (I hate calling them a students 'union') is not affiliated to the CFS.
Hopefully these rallies will be successful and will force governments to add increased financing for post-secondary education, which they've been cutting over the last few decades.
Sadly, this students organization (I hate calling them a students 'union') is not affiliated to the CFS.
Labour Law Reform in the USA: Employee Free Choice Act
Last night, a bipartisan coalition in the new Congress introduced the Employee Free Choice Act, which if passed,would be the most important piece of labour legislation in the U.S. in the last 50 years, its supporters contend. The Employee Free Choice Act, among other things, would make the process of joining a union easier and more fair by:
- Establishing stronger penalties for violation of employee rights when workers seek to form a union and during first-contract negotiations.
-Providing mediation and arbitration for first-contract disputes.
-Allowing employees to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation.
The current process if broken because if employees present an employer with union authorization cards signed by a majority, the employer can demand a secret ballot election supervised by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); however, this enables employers to intimidate, coerce and harass workers and drag out the process indefinitely. For some horror stories about workers being intimidated and losing their jobs, click here.
This will go a long way in increasing the union density in America, which has now dipped below 12%. Research shows that some 60 million U.S. workers say they would join a union if they could. The Employee Free Choice Act will hopefully make this a reality.
Here are a few scary statistics:
- 51 percent of private-sector employees threaten to shut down partially or totally if the union wins the election.
- 25 percent of private-sector employers fire at least one worker during organizing campaigns.
To conclude, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi:
The right to form unions, the right to quality health care, the right to bargain collectively and the right to safe workplaces are non-negotiable. Too often, American workers face harassment, intimidation and coercion when they try to exercise the right to join a union. The Employee Free Choice Act preserves this fundamental freedom, benefiting all American workers and their families.
Let's hope for the best.
- Establishing stronger penalties for violation of employee rights when workers seek to form a union and during first-contract negotiations.
-Providing mediation and arbitration for first-contract disputes.
-Allowing employees to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation.
The current process if broken because if employees present an employer with union authorization cards signed by a majority, the employer can demand a secret ballot election supervised by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); however, this enables employers to intimidate, coerce and harass workers and drag out the process indefinitely. For some horror stories about workers being intimidated and losing their jobs, click here.
This will go a long way in increasing the union density in America, which has now dipped below 12%. Research shows that some 60 million U.S. workers say they would join a union if they could. The Employee Free Choice Act will hopefully make this a reality.
Here are a few scary statistics:
- 51 percent of private-sector employees threaten to shut down partially or totally if the union wins the election.
- 25 percent of private-sector employers fire at least one worker during organizing campaigns.
To conclude, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi:
The right to form unions, the right to quality health care, the right to bargain collectively and the right to safe workplaces are non-negotiable. Too often, American workers face harassment, intimidation and coercion when they try to exercise the right to join a union. The Employee Free Choice Act preserves this fundamental freedom, benefiting all American workers and their families.
Let's hope for the best.
Sid Ryan on Grills
Sid Ryan speaks about grills on the Michael Coren show. If Lil' Jon were a CUPE member, he would definately endorse Sid. Yeeeeah!
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Floor Crossing- Another Garth Turner quote
Can you smell that? It smells like hypocrisy....
"If you want to be a Liberal, be elected as a Liberal. All those things have honour but the honour is bestowed by the people, not by the individual."
Or in Turner's case, become a Liberal simply by crossing the floor. Luckily for Canadians, we have such an accountable democratic system in place...wait a second, that's not the case at all.
So much floor crossing has happened in recent years that the Tories are just as hypocritical if they call Turner out, as they had no problems accepting Wajid Khan or David Emerson into their fold.
"If you want to be a Liberal, be elected as a Liberal. All those things have honour but the honour is bestowed by the people, not by the individual."
Or in Turner's case, become a Liberal simply by crossing the floor. Luckily for Canadians, we have such an accountable democratic system in place...wait a second, that's not the case at all.
So much floor crossing has happened in recent years that the Tories are just as hypocritical if they call Turner out, as they had no problems accepting Wajid Khan or David Emerson into their fold.
The Daily Dissidence vs. Daily Dissidence
Don't be fooled folks, Daily Dissidence isn't affiliated with The Daily Dissidence. A friend of mine was fooled for a minute when logging on to this page, as was I. But these two blog sites do have something in common, like their names suggest both dissent on a daily basis. They say everyone has a twin somewhere in the world, perhaps I've found my e-twin.
Floor Crossing involving Garth Turner!
What? Parliament has hit a new low. Garth Turner will reportedly cross the floor and join the Liberals.
What an absolute hypocrite. I always thought of Turner as scum, but he's made it clear. Let's take a look at Garth Turner, who was vocal about the Tories decision to accept David Emerson.
On MP David Emerson
"I am a democrat who believes everyone in the House of Commons, including the cabinet members who make up the government, should be elected. They should sit in Parliament as they were elected. If they decide to change parties, they should go and get re-elected.
"It would be a great idea for Mr. Emerson to do that, and hopefully he will decide that's the right course of action. Given his new high-profile and powerful position, one would expect voters would be impressed enough to elect him as a Conservative. But maybe not. That's their choice."
Politics is a dirty game, and Turner's a dirty, self serving, individual if these reports are true.
What an absolute hypocrite. I always thought of Turner as scum, but he's made it clear. Let's take a look at Garth Turner, who was vocal about the Tories decision to accept David Emerson.
On MP David Emerson
"I am a democrat who believes everyone in the House of Commons, including the cabinet members who make up the government, should be elected. They should sit in Parliament as they were elected. If they decide to change parties, they should go and get re-elected.
"It would be a great idea for Mr. Emerson to do that, and hopefully he will decide that's the right course of action. Given his new high-profile and powerful position, one would expect voters would be impressed enough to elect him as a Conservative. But maybe not. That's their choice."
Politics is a dirty game, and Turner's a dirty, self serving, individual if these reports are true.
Ontario's Part Time College Faculty looks to unionize
Part time faculty members at Ontario's community colleges are looking to unionize, and receive the same/similar benefits as their unionized, full-time counterparts. The strength of the OPSEU local representing full-timers was illustrated last year, when a province wide strike occur ed. An unnamed labour organization is looking to organize these part-timers.
However, part-time college faculty are legally prevented from collective bargaining (more evidence that the state is not neutral in labour relations) and will need to see laws changed before the drive can begin. It's up to McGuinty's Liberals now....which side are you on boys (and girls), which side are you on?
However, part-time college faculty are legally prevented from collective bargaining (more evidence that the state is not neutral in labour relations) and will need to see laws changed before the drive can begin. It's up to McGuinty's Liberals now....which side are you on boys (and girls), which side are you on?
Lakeport Brewery- Buyout and Union Future?
Labatt Breweries have recently bought out independent Lakeport for a lot of money, I don't recall how much. So far, the 140 Teamsters employed there (and 60 non-union employees) have yet to hear what will happen to their jobs and livelihoods. Lakeport hasn't said anything to the union,and Labatt is legally prevented from doing so as the sale hasn't legally taken place yet.
"(It's) disappointing because I have a very upset, anxious group of employees down there saying, 'What's going to happen to us?'" said Craig McInnes, vice-president of the local.
Let's hope all the best for these workers that are currently left in.the dark.
"(It's) disappointing because I have a very upset, anxious group of employees down there saying, 'What's going to happen to us?'" said Craig McInnes, vice-president of the local.
Let's hope all the best for these workers that are currently left in.the dark.
Rambling Socialist- Have a look at this guy's blog
Have a look at the Rambling Socialist's blog. He's now linked in my 'Anyone whose anyone' column. I figured my anti-Howard Hampton post would be met with a backlash of criticism from partisan New Democrats, but apparently not. The Rambling Socialist agrees that "we're going into the election with a leader who has very little popular support left and will almost certainly resign after the next election. The only bright spot is that we'll gain lots of votes, despite this, but will also miss out on a lot of potential because we have a leader who is getting ready to resign. I think now is the time for us to start looking for a leader of the party who will lead us to the promised land again."
It's been a long time since Ontario New Democrats have had a leader that can lead them to the promised land. Here's to hoping!
It's been a long time since Ontario New Democrats have had a leader that can lead them to the promised land. Here's to hoping!
Monday, February 5, 2007
The NDP, Organized Labour, and one more reason to hate Howard Hampton
I didn't think that it was necessary, or even possible, to lose any more respect for Howie, but the more I find out about this guy, the more respect I lose for him. In fact, he's actually in the negative respect column at the present time, and is unlikely to reverse his fortunes in my books.
Let's go back to the 1991 postal strike when Howie was the Attorney General of Ontario. A CUPW local president and two other union members were accused by Canada Post of violating a court order that restricted picketing around Canada Post's headquarters. Police subsequently failed to lay any charges, and Canada Post pressed for a contempt of court sanction. The judge hearing the case turned the matter over to Hampton.
The government had a clear choice in the matter: they could have chose not to proceed on Canada Post's request because 1) police had simply failed to lay any criminal charges in the matter, or 2) because the actions of the workers were in agreement on public policy grounds with the NDP, as the charges laid stemmed from the usage of scab workers, which the government opposed and was in the process of banning.
Instead of taking up either one of these two arguments, the government caved into pressure and charged the three men. As a result, the CUPW local president served a seventy-day jail term.
And this is the party that claims to put working families first? Ha. Actions speak much louder than words.
Let's go back to the 1991 postal strike when Howie was the Attorney General of Ontario. A CUPW local president and two other union members were accused by Canada Post of violating a court order that restricted picketing around Canada Post's headquarters. Police subsequently failed to lay any charges, and Canada Post pressed for a contempt of court sanction. The judge hearing the case turned the matter over to Hampton.
The government had a clear choice in the matter: they could have chose not to proceed on Canada Post's request because 1) police had simply failed to lay any criminal charges in the matter, or 2) because the actions of the workers were in agreement on public policy grounds with the NDP, as the charges laid stemmed from the usage of scab workers, which the government opposed and was in the process of banning.
Instead of taking up either one of these two arguments, the government caved into pressure and charged the three men. As a result, the CUPW local president served a seventy-day jail term.
And this is the party that claims to put working families first? Ha. Actions speak much louder than words.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Oakville and District Labour Council and COPE 343 strike
The Oakville and District Labour Council has linked my post on the COPE 343 fundraiser to their strike information page. I'll repay that favour, and link you to that page, which contains various links to news stories and updates on the strike (COPE 343 and others). It's great to see that this strike is continuing to make news and recieve support for a variety of people and organizations. Hopefully the pressure will force the employer into making a fair contract offer to their employees. Speaking of pressure, have you signed the petition?
E-petition in support of striking COPE 343 workers
Head on over to LabourStart and sign this petition in support of the striking Credit Union workers. Show your solidarity! They've been out for about four months, and management needs to be sent a strong message.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Minority Government for Ontario
Queen's Park columnist Ian Urquhart has drawn on polling data and predicts that this fall's elections will see a minority government elected in Ontario.
The Angus-Reid poll shows the provincial Conservatives with 34 per cent support, the Liberals with 33 per cent, the New Democrats with 19 per cent support, and the Greens with 11 percent support. As far as leadership goes, the poll says that Conservative Leader John Tory is the public's preferred choice for premier, by a margin of 36 per cent to 26 per cent over the incumbent, Dalton McGuinty, with 38 per cent undecided. That means that absolutely no one thought Howard Hampton would be the best choice, although I suspect that since the NDP has absolutely no chance of forming the government, respondents were asked only to pick between McGuinty or Tory. Interestingly, an 'other' option was not provided. Has the NDP sunk that low that it has managed to become so irrelevant?
The poll also shows that 46 per cent of respondents agreed (and 34 per cent disagreed) with this statement: "If John Tory's PCs were elected into government, they would govern in the same way as Mike Harris' PC government." Apparently Howard Hampton indeed suffers from tunnel vision. Perhaps this is why no one thinks he'll be a good premier- he can't see the truth that's in front of his face.
The Angus-Reid poll shows the provincial Conservatives with 34 per cent support, the Liberals with 33 per cent, the New Democrats with 19 per cent support, and the Greens with 11 percent support. As far as leadership goes, the poll says that Conservative Leader John Tory is the public's preferred choice for premier, by a margin of 36 per cent to 26 per cent over the incumbent, Dalton McGuinty, with 38 per cent undecided. That means that absolutely no one thought Howard Hampton would be the best choice, although I suspect that since the NDP has absolutely no chance of forming the government, respondents were asked only to pick between McGuinty or Tory. Interestingly, an 'other' option was not provided. Has the NDP sunk that low that it has managed to become so irrelevant?
The poll also shows that 46 per cent of respondents agreed (and 34 per cent disagreed) with this statement: "If John Tory's PCs were elected into government, they would govern in the same way as Mike Harris' PC government." Apparently Howard Hampton indeed suffers from tunnel vision. Perhaps this is why no one thinks he'll be a good premier- he can't see the truth that's in front of his face.
Attack of the Anglo-Chauvinists
The Globe and Mail allows it readers to comment on stories, such as this one regarding Andre Bosclair and the Parti quebecois. Of course any time that Quebec nationalism and sovereignty is discussed, the racist anglo-chauvenist pigs come out with guns-a-blazin. Here are a few samples of what Anglo-chauvinism sounds like. If you share similar sentiment, you really ought to be asking yourself if your pig-headed racism is part of the reason why many quebecois don't feel a part of Canada and seek to form a country of their own. This type of uncritical thinking and xenophobic feedback disgusts me.
Asterix M from Canada writes: I think its time that I start my own political party. Bloc Ontario....Why not. We could also complain all the time and try to get more money off the federal gov't. Quebec should realize that the average Canadian does not care anymore if they leave.
T G from Canada writes: All that the PQ is is a bunch of traitors that should be tried for treason.
Randal Oulton from Canada writes: >> He accused the Liberals of caving-in to the federal government's decision to award a $3.4-billion purchase of military transport planes contract to Boeing, without guarantees that Quebec's industry will receive a fair share..'Fair share, of course, being NewSpeak for all of it, LOL
Slippery Slope from Canada writes: Too many morons on here, who see Canada as a economic entity and not a country. We need Quebec and they need us. I think the best thing would be to give Quebec full control over it's taxation and spending. They collect federal taxes and pay for all federal services. But the thing that confuses people is how much Quebec benefits through transfer payments and that somehow they're an economic drain on the rest of Canada. Let's equalize it if it needs equalizing and move on together as one country.
Har Har from Canada writes: Ontario is a vassal of Quebec. We are ordered to send them our hard-earned money and we have zero say in the matter. I love Quebec, the quebecois language and quebecoise culture. I am currently living in Quebec. But I would vote for a Bloc Ontario in a second, and I will love Quebec even more when they stop raping Ontario of it's resources, whether they are part of Canada or not.
Colleen McIntosh from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: Hello, It's time that the Rest of Canada votes on whether we want Quebec to remain in Canada. Basically, they are robbing us (ROC) blind to pay for their language, culture and entitlements. Personnally, am sick and tired of being stuck with the tab for the French who think they are so hard done by.Time to help them pack their bags...as long as they: pay their debts to Canada, be restored to original land mass, have their own currancy, passports, military and borders.As to the Bloc and all their supporters...they should be tried as traitors to Canada and charged with treason. Canadian taxpapers should not be funding a political movement whose sole mandate is to destroy Canada.My twoonie's worth!
And people wonder why the Quebecois don't feel at home in Canada. With idiots like this, I don't feel at home in Canada either. Randal Oulton should learn the facts. About 2/3rds of Canada's aerospace industry is in Quebec, and that nation was thus looking for about 55-60% of the contract. Har Har needs to learn about equalization payments. Please comment on reality only when you properly know the facts. Slippery Slope, Canada is not a country. It is nothing more than an economic entity. Take of your Team Canada jersey and gain some common sense. Colleen McIntosh and T G are perhaps two of the most disgusting Canadians I've heard from. You should be charged with treason against common sense and for being an intellectual drain on Canada. Colleen should also learn how to spell. Anglo-Chauvinists make me sick!
Asterix M from Canada writes: I think its time that I start my own political party. Bloc Ontario....Why not. We could also complain all the time and try to get more money off the federal gov't. Quebec should realize that the average Canadian does not care anymore if they leave.
T G from Canada writes: All that the PQ is is a bunch of traitors that should be tried for treason.
Randal Oulton from Canada writes: >> He accused the Liberals of caving-in to the federal government's decision to award a $3.4-billion purchase of military transport planes contract to Boeing, without guarantees that Quebec's industry will receive a fair share..'Fair share, of course, being NewSpeak for all of it, LOL
Slippery Slope from Canada writes: Too many morons on here, who see Canada as a economic entity and not a country. We need Quebec and they need us. I think the best thing would be to give Quebec full control over it's taxation and spending. They collect federal taxes and pay for all federal services. But the thing that confuses people is how much Quebec benefits through transfer payments and that somehow they're an economic drain on the rest of Canada. Let's equalize it if it needs equalizing and move on together as one country.
Har Har from Canada writes: Ontario is a vassal of Quebec. We are ordered to send them our hard-earned money and we have zero say in the matter. I love Quebec, the quebecois language and quebecoise culture. I am currently living in Quebec. But I would vote for a Bloc Ontario in a second, and I will love Quebec even more when they stop raping Ontario of it's resources, whether they are part of Canada or not.
Colleen McIntosh from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: Hello, It's time that the Rest of Canada votes on whether we want Quebec to remain in Canada. Basically, they are robbing us (ROC) blind to pay for their language, culture and entitlements. Personnally, am sick and tired of being stuck with the tab for the French who think they are so hard done by.Time to help them pack their bags...as long as they: pay their debts to Canada, be restored to original land mass, have their own currancy, passports, military and borders.As to the Bloc and all their supporters...they should be tried as traitors to Canada and charged with treason. Canadian taxpapers should not be funding a political movement whose sole mandate is to destroy Canada.My twoonie's worth!
And people wonder why the Quebecois don't feel at home in Canada. With idiots like this, I don't feel at home in Canada either. Randal Oulton should learn the facts. About 2/3rds of Canada's aerospace industry is in Quebec, and that nation was thus looking for about 55-60% of the contract. Har Har needs to learn about equalization payments. Please comment on reality only when you properly know the facts. Slippery Slope, Canada is not a country. It is nothing more than an economic entity. Take of your Team Canada jersey and gain some common sense. Colleen McIntosh and T G are perhaps two of the most disgusting Canadians I've heard from. You should be charged with treason against common sense and for being an intellectual drain on Canada. Colleen should also learn how to spell. Anglo-Chauvinists make me sick!
Toward a Sovereign Quebec: Rank-and-file reaffirm support in Bosclair
Embattled sovereignist leader Andre Bosclair received a boost of confidence when rank-and-file members reaffirmed their support in the leader during a weekend party rally. Bosclair has been accused of being too right-wing on many issues, deviating from the party's traditional social democratic values, and alienating the support base of organized labour and other progressive social movements who are generally supportive of the PQ's cause. His recent endorsement of Britain's 'New Labour' Party and its policies was particularly troubling.
However, it seems like Msr. Bosclair got some sense knocked into him in recent days- perhaps amid sliding polls- and has come out in strong favour of traditional PQ values of social democracy and sovereignty.
"What would be the Parti Québécois be without sovereignty, what would the Parti Québécois be without the support of the workers," Mr. Boisclair said while emphasizing the party's defense of women's rights, the environment and social democratic principles. "If we didn't represent each of these elements we wouldn't be the Parti Québécois and Parti Québécois is the party I want to lead into the next election."
"I am convinced we will win the next election and we will achieve sovereignty," he said to cheering party members.
He was also critical of the Parti liberals handling of the Olymel meat packing plant, which saw the loss of 1,100 jobs in Vallée-Jonction.
Providing the the support of progressive minded party members has been consolidated, and at face value at appears it largely has been, the PQ can move ahead with their election platform and push both leftish policies and sovereignty. An election could be called as early as later this month.
However, it seems like Msr. Bosclair got some sense knocked into him in recent days- perhaps amid sliding polls- and has come out in strong favour of traditional PQ values of social democracy and sovereignty.
"What would be the Parti Québécois be without sovereignty, what would the Parti Québécois be without the support of the workers," Mr. Boisclair said while emphasizing the party's defense of women's rights, the environment and social democratic principles. "If we didn't represent each of these elements we wouldn't be the Parti Québécois and Parti Québécois is the party I want to lead into the next election."
"I am convinced we will win the next election and we will achieve sovereignty," he said to cheering party members.
He was also critical of the Parti liberals handling of the Olymel meat packing plant, which saw the loss of 1,100 jobs in Vallée-Jonction.
Providing the the support of progressive minded party members has been consolidated, and at face value at appears it largely has been, the PQ can move ahead with their election platform and push both leftish policies and sovereignty. An election could be called as early as later this month.
COPE 343 Strike Update: Fundraiser a Success
Last night, the St. Catharines and District Labour Council held a fundraiser at the CAW Local 199 hall in St. Catharines, Ontario to support striking workers from COPE Local 343, employed at First Ontario Credit Unions in Hamilton and Stoney Creek, who are now nearing their fifth month on the line. This is an anti-concessions strike, and the employer is seeking...
-THE ELIMINATION OF POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
-THE ELIMINATION OF MONTHLY SICK LEAVE CREDITS AND BANKED SICK LEAVE
-REDUCED VACATION TIME AND ELIMINATION OF VACATION BONUS
-ELIMINATION OF TWO PAID HOLIDAYS
-REDUCTION IN PENSION FOR NEW EMPLOYEES
-THE RIGHT TO DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES
You can read more here. Last evening's event featured speeches from labour historian Brian Palmer (Trent University), SCDLC president Sue Hotte, MPP Andrea Horwath, and OFL president Wayne Samuelson. Many members of COPE also spoke at the event.
I don't know the exact total raised, but the 50/50 raised nearly $400- the winner was a sister from Local 343- and the silent auction would have raised a few hundred dollars as well. I'm wearing a COPE 343 shirt which I won, and ended up outbidding myself after the auction was over to ensure that COPE received a few extra bucks. There were about 300 people in attendance (a rough estimate) as well.
Hopefully COPE 343 will stay strong and fight off the employer and the concessions they are attempting to force on these hard-working brothers and sisters. It is shameful when a credit union- a cooperative that shouldn't be focused on profit- treats its workers with such indignity.
Solidarity forever!
-THE ELIMINATION OF POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
-THE ELIMINATION OF MONTHLY SICK LEAVE CREDITS AND BANKED SICK LEAVE
-REDUCED VACATION TIME AND ELIMINATION OF VACATION BONUS
-ELIMINATION OF TWO PAID HOLIDAYS
-REDUCTION IN PENSION FOR NEW EMPLOYEES
-THE RIGHT TO DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES
You can read more here. Last evening's event featured speeches from labour historian Brian Palmer (Trent University), SCDLC president Sue Hotte, MPP Andrea Horwath, and OFL president Wayne Samuelson. Many members of COPE also spoke at the event.
I don't know the exact total raised, but the 50/50 raised nearly $400- the winner was a sister from Local 343- and the silent auction would have raised a few hundred dollars as well. I'm wearing a COPE 343 shirt which I won, and ended up outbidding myself after the auction was over to ensure that COPE received a few extra bucks. There were about 300 people in attendance (a rough estimate) as well.
Hopefully COPE 343 will stay strong and fight off the employer and the concessions they are attempting to force on these hard-working brothers and sisters. It is shameful when a credit union- a cooperative that shouldn't be focused on profit- treats its workers with such indignity.
Solidarity forever!
Friday, February 2, 2007
Minimum Wage in Canada
The CBC has compiled this analysis of minimum wage in Canada. It examines the historical development of minimum wage in Canada and compares minimum wage between the provincial and territorial jurisdictions within Canada.
Does the minimum wage prevent poverty?
The article notes that....
"Just about everyone agrees that a minimum wage is not a living wage. It's virtually impossible to live independently on $16,000 a year in any major Canadian city. The Vanier Institute of the Family, in its 2005 submission to the Federal Labour Standards Review, said the minimum wage in now "not even close" to being a living wage. "No longer can a minimum wage employee hope to provide for a family," it said. "Even two minimum wages in a household will not protect its children from the short-term and long-term consequences of poverty."
What can we do? I think that is the main question that we can take out of this current debate. Let's look at my home province of Ontario. They're the only jurisdiction in Canada that has age based categories, which allow workers under 18 to be paid less than workers over 18. If I were still under 18, I would bring a challenge forward of age-based discrimination under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I'm not sure if this has been done yet, but I'll encourage my child(ren) to bring one forward if this law isn't changed by the time I become a father. All workers deserve the same protection.
Personally, I believe that an immediate hike to $10/hr is justified. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce disagrees with me. The umbrella organization representing Canada's bourgeoisie argues that a $10/hr minimum wage will urge students to drop out of high school. Of course, no one working a minimum wage job is saving money for college, and they likely couldn't use a wage increase anyways. Hell, let's have forced child labour to teach young people the value of an education. Come on Chamber, just say you need a pool of labour that is as cheap as possible. Your smoke screen lies are sickening. And if someone would like to drop out of high school and work such a job for a certain amount of time, who are you prevent that? I say that and I work in the education field myself and benefit from an increased amount of students graduating from high school. I, however, believe in individual choice. Not to mention, many drop outs are forcd into employment for financial consideration.
I also believe that domestic, in-home, and farm labourers be covered by minimum wage laws. In fact, there isn't a worker in this country who shouldn't fall under the scope of minimum wage law protection.
Does the minimum wage prevent poverty?
The article notes that....
"Just about everyone agrees that a minimum wage is not a living wage. It's virtually impossible to live independently on $16,000 a year in any major Canadian city. The Vanier Institute of the Family, in its 2005 submission to the Federal Labour Standards Review, said the minimum wage in now "not even close" to being a living wage. "No longer can a minimum wage employee hope to provide for a family," it said. "Even two minimum wages in a household will not protect its children from the short-term and long-term consequences of poverty."
What can we do? I think that is the main question that we can take out of this current debate. Let's look at my home province of Ontario. They're the only jurisdiction in Canada that has age based categories, which allow workers under 18 to be paid less than workers over 18. If I were still under 18, I would bring a challenge forward of age-based discrimination under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I'm not sure if this has been done yet, but I'll encourage my child(ren) to bring one forward if this law isn't changed by the time I become a father. All workers deserve the same protection.
Personally, I believe that an immediate hike to $10/hr is justified. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce disagrees with me. The umbrella organization representing Canada's bourgeoisie argues that a $10/hr minimum wage will urge students to drop out of high school. Of course, no one working a minimum wage job is saving money for college, and they likely couldn't use a wage increase anyways. Hell, let's have forced child labour to teach young people the value of an education. Come on Chamber, just say you need a pool of labour that is as cheap as possible. Your smoke screen lies are sickening. And if someone would like to drop out of high school and work such a job for a certain amount of time, who are you prevent that? I say that and I work in the education field myself and benefit from an increased amount of students graduating from high school. I, however, believe in individual choice. Not to mention, many drop outs are forcd into employment for financial consideration.
I also believe that domestic, in-home, and farm labourers be covered by minimum wage laws. In fact, there isn't a worker in this country who shouldn't fall under the scope of minimum wage law protection.
Legislate Against Pregnancy?
Bread and Roses have launched this fictitious campaign to legislate against pregnancy in response to the anti-choice crowd that wants to legislate against abortion. Great idea! I think it's hilarious, but some disagree. You know, the 'social conservative' type. Yuck!
The Bread and Roses campaign notes...
Many aren't informed about the dangers of pregnancy and suffer physical and psychological damage. The risks of post partum depression is high.
Many go into it at an extremely young age and have thoughtless adults assuring them that they are making the right choice.
Many have pregnancy thrust upon them. Rates of death also known as maternal morbidity are between 4&5 per 100,000 births. While this may seem low these deaths could have been avoided if we had laws against pregnancy.
Many women regret their decision to continue their pregnancy for the rest of their lives. Causing them guilt and depression.
Some babies are born so young they require intensive medical treatments women considering pregnancy should be shown all the horrific things that can happen to them and their babies should they continue in their selfish quest to have children.
Best of luck with said campaign.... :)
The Bread and Roses campaign notes...
Many aren't informed about the dangers of pregnancy and suffer physical and psychological damage. The risks of post partum depression is high.
Many go into it at an extremely young age and have thoughtless adults assuring them that they are making the right choice.
Many have pregnancy thrust upon them. Rates of death also known as maternal morbidity are between 4&5 per 100,000 births. While this may seem low these deaths could have been avoided if we had laws against pregnancy.
Many women regret their decision to continue their pregnancy for the rest of their lives. Causing them guilt and depression.
Some babies are born so young they require intensive medical treatments women considering pregnancy should be shown all the horrific things that can happen to them and their babies should they continue in their selfish quest to have children.
Best of luck with said campaign.... :)
Abortion: A Jewish Conspiracy?
I'm a staunch pro-choicer, and I firmly believe in the need to expand abortion services to ensure that absolutely nothing comes between a woman and her body. As such, I've received quite a bit of flack from the anti-choice crowd. I've heard all the usual rhetoric: that abortion is murder (which it's not), that the unborn have rights (which they don't), or that fathers have rights in cases of pregnancy (again, no dice). One argument that I've yet to hear is that abortion is a Jewish conspiracy as another way that they can get rid of 'White People' and to regain their heritage from god. I'm serious, some wackos actually believe this. That's got to be the biggest load of racist garbage that I've ever heard. These patriarchs and misogynists, also state that...
American men don't ask much of their women. They know that men constitute 95% of our ponderous prison population and women only 5%, even though women are 59 times more likely to murder their children than fathers--but they do nothing...they know that women pilots are four times more likely than men pilots to crash--but they do nothing...they know that women own 65% of the wealth in the nation even though men earn 43% more than women...all they ask is that married women bear their husband's children!
Stand up to patriarchy, stand up to misogyny, and stand up to this overt sexism and racism!
American men don't ask much of their women. They know that men constitute 95% of our ponderous prison population and women only 5%, even though women are 59 times more likely to murder their children than fathers--but they do nothing...they know that women pilots are four times more likely than men pilots to crash--but they do nothing...they know that women own 65% of the wealth in the nation even though men earn 43% more than women...all they ask is that married women bear their husband's children!
Stand up to patriarchy, stand up to misogyny, and stand up to this overt sexism and racism!
Classified: Atlantic Canadian Hip Hop
Animated music video for the song 'Maritimes,' by Nova Scotian emcee Classfied. The song and video focus on the working class nature of the 'Halifamous' music scene and life on Canada's east coast.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Two dogs named Kyoto
Looks like Stephane Dion isn't the only Liberal to name his dog Kyoto, as former Environment Minister David Anderson named his dog Kyoto back in 2002.
In other dog related news, I plan on naming my new dog Peter MacKay.
In other dog related news, I plan on naming my new dog Peter MacKay.
British Civil Service Union vs. "New Labour"
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS)- the union representing most of Great Britain's civil service-held a one day, counrty wide strike, affecting 200 government departments, agencies and non departmental public bodies. The strike was part of a campaign over the government’s programme to axe 100,000 civil and public service jobs, drive down pay and its dogmatic insistence to outsource and privatise services. Keep in mind this is a 'labour government' that is attempting to work/is working against the interests of the working class, a class that they are supposed to represent. A full list of services affected by the strike can be found here.
British folk singer Billy Bragg was correct when he asked if he should start voting green for his children, or red for his class. Look at this political compass, and see how the British Greens stack up against 'New Labour.' It's even scarier to look at the increasingly right wing movement of New Labour; they're now nearly as right wing and authoritarian as the Tories.
Now wonder many progressive labour forces close to the Quebec soverignity movement have been critical of PQ leader Andre Bosclair's support of New Labour and its policies. Perhaps the future for that nation's working class is Quebec Solidaire.
British folk singer Billy Bragg was correct when he asked if he should start voting green for his children, or red for his class. Look at this political compass, and see how the British Greens stack up against 'New Labour.' It's even scarier to look at the increasingly right wing movement of New Labour; they're now nearly as right wing and authoritarian as the Tories.
Now wonder many progressive labour forces close to the Quebec soverignity movement have been critical of PQ leader Andre Bosclair's support of New Labour and its policies. Perhaps the future for that nation's working class is Quebec Solidaire.
Cheri DiNovo: A Profile
The Star recently profiled Toronto-HighPark MPP Cheri DiNovo in an article entitled "Street Kid to Crusader." I've put a link to the story because DiNovo is leading the fight for a $10/hr. minimum wage, which is something I strongly support, and her site contains a number of links to newsarticles on that subject. DiNovo is also a former United Church Minister- and performed the first legalized same-sex marriage in North America. My favorite quote from the article was...
When she first told friends she was going to run in the by-election – prompted by education minister Gerard Kennedy's departure to run for the federal Liberal leadership – some warned her about "all the blood and guts and gore and lying of politics."
"And that's different from organized religion in what way exactly?" DiNovo asked.
Touche!
When she first told friends she was going to run in the by-election – prompted by education minister Gerard Kennedy's departure to run for the federal Liberal leadership – some warned her about "all the blood and guts and gore and lying of politics."
"And that's different from organized religion in what way exactly?" DiNovo asked.
Touche!
The CLC, Ken Georgetti, and the working class
I used this post to comment on CLC president Ken Georgetti's criticism of this Canadian Federation of Independent Business release, which is highly critical 0f meaningful public sector pensions. I commended Georgetti for standing up to the CFIB and for his support of strong pensions for public sector workers, but I am forced to question the word usage that he employed in this instance. From Georgetti, I quote...
“Instead of looking for a rising tide that raises all boats, the CFIB is trying to sink the modest middle-class prospects that public employees have worked hard to achieve.”
Modest middle-class prospects? What's that supposed to mean? Does Georgetti not realize that what makes workers different from the 'little bourgeoisie' represented by the CFIB is the relationship to management, ownsership, production, and distribution? I'm sure that Georgetti is aware of these distinctions, but why, I ask, did he employ the term "middle-class" to describe public sector workers. Public sector workers, like their private sector counterparts, are working class. What is middle-class anyways? A capitalist conception used to erode class distinctions by associating class with income, instead of with relationship to management, ownership, and production.
For clarification purposes, public-sector workers are members of the working class, let's not forget about that important point. They sell their labour for wages, even if it is to the government. Let's hope that Georgetti keeps that in mind in the future and is aware that the constituency he represents is working class.
“Instead of looking for a rising tide that raises all boats, the CFIB is trying to sink the modest middle-class prospects that public employees have worked hard to achieve.”
Modest middle-class prospects? What's that supposed to mean? Does Georgetti not realize that what makes workers different from the 'little bourgeoisie' represented by the CFIB is the relationship to management, ownsership, production, and distribution? I'm sure that Georgetti is aware of these distinctions, but why, I ask, did he employ the term "middle-class" to describe public sector workers. Public sector workers, like their private sector counterparts, are working class. What is middle-class anyways? A capitalist conception used to erode class distinctions by associating class with income, instead of with relationship to management, ownership, and production.
For clarification purposes, public-sector workers are members of the working class, let's not forget about that important point. They sell their labour for wages, even if it is to the government. Let's hope that Georgetti keeps that in mind in the future and is aware that the constituency he represents is working class.
Striking Credit Union Workers: COPE 343 Fundraiser
Please attend this important event and share solidarity with the stiking sisters and brothers in COPE 343.
For Immediate Release:
The St. Catharines & District Labour Council will hold a mammoth fundraiser for the members of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees (COPE) Local 343 who are now into the 15th week of an anti-concessions strike against the First Ontario Credit Union in Hamilton and Stoney Creek.
The event will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, February 2 at the CAW Local 199 Hall, 124 Bunting Rd. in St. Catharines.
An impressive list of speakers will appear at the event including Hamilton East MPP Andrea Horvath, Ontario Federation of Labour President Wayne Samuelson. COPE National President Jerri New and Trent University Professor Bryan Palmer.
All of the speakers will be available for interviews with representatives of the media who are strongly encouraged to attend.
Persons wishing to learn more about this event are encouraged to contact either
Bruce Allen at (905) 682-2611 or
Sue Hotte at (905) 932-1646.
For Immediate Release:
The St. Catharines & District Labour Council will hold a mammoth fundraiser for the members of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees (COPE) Local 343 who are now into the 15th week of an anti-concessions strike against the First Ontario Credit Union in Hamilton and Stoney Creek.
The event will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, February 2 at the CAW Local 199 Hall, 124 Bunting Rd. in St. Catharines.
An impressive list of speakers will appear at the event including Hamilton East MPP Andrea Horvath, Ontario Federation of Labour President Wayne Samuelson. COPE National President Jerri New and Trent University Professor Bryan Palmer.
All of the speakers will be available for interviews with representatives of the media who are strongly encouraged to attend.
Persons wishing to learn more about this event are encouraged to contact either
Bruce Allen at (905) 682-2611 or
Sue Hotte at (905) 932-1646.
Go ahead, sleep on the job
If napping at work on company time is good enough for the French minister of health, it's good enough for me. Additionally, like many European countries, the French already enjoy a 35 hour work week. If we can't gain the ability to nap at work, we should at least be looking at reducing the work week. Actually, I think I'd prefer a reduced work week. This was recently discussed in a labour studies class of mine, and I was rather surprised at the fact that not many people placed much importance or reducing the work week, or even thought it to be an important issue. If only I brought up napping at work in that class...
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