Description: As two of Canada’s largest unions explore a merger, a confidential union report says that labour must become more relevant to Canadians. Source: The Toronto Star Date: 01/26/2012 Link: http://www.thestar.com/article/1121505–unions-must-change-quickly-to-survive-says-secret-report-by-cep-caw Related links: Canada.com story Canadian Business story CTV story The CAW The CEP Questions for discussion: Why do you think these two unions are… Read more »
Posts By: Tom Barrett
Toronto paramedics ask to be declared essential service
Description: About 250 — some reports said 350 — Toronto paramedics held a rally asking that they be declared an essential service. Source: CBC Date: 01/24/2012 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2012/01/24/toronto-paramedics-protest-essential-service.html Related links: CTV story Global Toronto story Canadian Labour Reporter story Press release from the Toronto Paramedic Association The Toronto Paramedic Association City of Toronto Ontario Labour… Read more »
Employers ‘have warmed to work stoppages’
Description: Jim Stanford, an economist with the Canadian Auto Workers union, writes that employers, who once opposed work stoppages, are now eager to lock out unions. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: 01/20/2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/management-has-warmed-to-work-stoppages/article2308417/print/ Related links: Federal government strike and lockout database Major work stoppages in Canada, 2011 Conference Board of Canada expects more… Read more »
Halifax transit workers reject offer
Description: Halifax transit workers have voted nearly unanimously in favour of striking if an agreement with the city cannot be reached by Feb. 2. Source: The Halifax Chronicle Herald Date: 01/23/2012 Link: http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/54722-transit-workers-vote-strike Related links: CBC story Canadian Labour Reporter story Amalgamated Transit Union Local 508 City of Halifax Metro Transit Collective agreement (pdf) Questions… Read more »
Quebec mill closes after union rejects offer
Description: White Birch Paper Co. is shutting its Stadacona paper mill in Quebec City after union members voted to reject a contract offer. Source: CBC Date: 01/13/2012 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2012/01/13/white-birch-quebec.html Related links: Earlier story Canadian Labour Reporter story Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada White Birch Paper Co. Questions for discussion: Why does the employer… Read more »
B.C. liquor store workers offer to work Sundays
Description: As contract negotiations begin, the union representing B.C. government liquor store workers says the government could make millions by opening more stores on Sundays. Source: The Vancouver Sun Date: 01/10/2012 Link: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Union+proposes+Sunday+openings+more+liquor+stores+ahead+talks/5971560/story.html Related links: B.C. government, unionized workers begin negotiations CTV story: labour expert predicts confrontation B.C. government B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union… Read more »
Labour facing tough year
Description: Employers facing tough economic conditions are increasingly taking a tough line with organized labour. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: 01/07/2011 Link: http://investdb1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/GAM.20120107.RBCOVERLABOURCLASHES0107ATL/GIStory/ Related links: Earlier Globe story Caterpillar Inc. Rio Tinto Alcan Canadian Auto Workers Questions for discussion: Summarize Caterpillar Inc.’s actions at its London, Ont. subsidiary. Why do you think the company… Read more »
NDP leadership candidates woo unions
Description: Candidates for the leadership of the New Democratic Party are competing to line up support from unions. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: 01/06/2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/topp-lands-calverts-support-as-ndp-rivals-burnish-union-credentials/article2294036/ Related links: The New Democratic Party The Canadian Labour Congress Brian Topp Thomas Mulcair Paul Dewar Peggy Nash Questions for discussion: Why are NDP leadership candidates seeking union… Read more »
Union decline fuels income inequality
Description: Experts say the weakening of union power has increased income inequality in Canada. Source: The Huffington Post Canada Date: 12/12/2011 Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/12/12/canada-income-inequality-decline-unions-middle-class-jobs_n_1139136.html?ref=canada&ref=canada-business Related links: Dr. Stephanie Ross, York University Dr. Craig Riddell, University of B.C. The Canadian Auto Workers union Conference Board of Canada report on income inequality Poor not so badly off, says… Read more »
Get tough with unions, columnist urges
Description: Howard Levitt, a labour lawyer and columnist for the National Post, urges public sector employers to lock out unions until they capitulate. Source: The National Post Date: 12/07/2011 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2011/12/07/prescription-for-year-of-public-sector-unrest/ Related links: The Conference Board of Canada’s 2012 Industrial Relations Outlook City of Toronto collective agreements Toronto municipal workers’ union, Canadian Union of Public… Read more »
