Description: The Canadian labour movement is “rebranding” itself with an ad campaign. Source: Metro Date: 12/30/2014 Link: http://metronews.ca/news/toronto/1249288/a-kinder-softer-canadian-labour-movement/ Related links: The Canadian Labour Congress The Fairness Works campaign The CLC on YouTube The TAXI ad agency Earlier update Questions for discussion: Consult your text: what is the role of the Canadian Labour Congress? Have you… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Chapter 1 – Introduction
Ontario can’t afford public sector increases, Wynne says
Description: Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says the province doesn’t have the money for public sector wage and benefit increases. Source: The Ottawa Sun Date: 12/27/2014 Link: http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/12/27/wynne-to-unions-no-money-for-wage-hikes Related links: CBC story Canadian Press story about Nova Scotia public sector bargaining Halifax Chronicle-Herald story The Ontario Public Service Employees Union Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Office of… Read more »
Senate passes flawed labour relations bill
Description: The Senate has passed a bill related to public-sector union certification, even though the bill contains mistakes. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: 12/16/2014 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/senators-to-vote-on-conservatives-union-bill-despite-error-in-legislation/article22102064/ Related links: Ottawa Citizen story Bill C-525 CUPE “fact sheet” on Bill C-525 Canadian LabourWatch Association Questions for discussion: What would Bill C-525 do? What do unions say… Read more »
Quebec municipal workers hold one-day strike
Description: Municipal workers in Quebec walked off the job for one day to protest provincial government plans to restructure their pensions. Source: CBC Date: 11/26/2014 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-municipal-workers-in-1-day-strike-to-protest-pension-reform-plan-1.2850168 Related links: Montreal Gazette story Earlier story Story about amendments to Bill 3 Bill 3 Questions for discussion What is the Coalition syndicale pour la libre négociation? What is… Read more »
BC Federation of Labour elects new leader
Description: Irene Lanzinger, the former head of the B.C. teachers union, has narrowly defeated Canadian Labour Congress official Amber Hockin to become the first female head of the B.C. Labour Federation. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: 11/27/2014 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/new-bc-labour-head-will-try-to-find-commom-ground-with-liberals/article21822722/ Related links: Irene Lanzinger Amber Hockin The B.C. Federation of Labour CBC story Former federation… Read more »
Unions join coalition for increased minimum wage
Description: As union power wanes in the United States, Los Angeles unions representing hotel workers are joining with other activist groups to lobby for an increased minimum wage. Source: The New York Times Date: 11/22/2014 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/business/how-a-coalition-pushed-for-a-hotel-workers-minimum-wage.html?_r=0 Related links: LAANE Hotel Association of Los Angeles Minimum wage rates in Canada Earlier update Vancouver mayor urges… Read more »
Steelworkers appear to be leaving Ontario Federation of Labour
Description: The Ontario Federation of Labour may be forced to lay off some of its staff after reports that the United Steelworkers Union may be withdrawing funding or leaving the federation. Source: The Toronto Star Date: 10/20/2014 Link: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/10/20/ofl_facing_cuts_as_steelworkers_apparently_yank_funding.html Related links: Sun News Network story Letter obtained by the Sun News Network 2013 story on the… Read more »
Postal unions challenge home mail delivery decision
Description: The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is going to court to challenge Canada Post’s plans to phase out home mail delivery in urban centres. Source: CBC Date: 10/16/2014 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-post-court-challenge-launched-to-save-home-mail-delivery-1.2800697 Related links: Canadian Union of Postal Workers The CUPW “Save Canada Post” campaign Edmonton Sun story News story: Canada Post plans to phase out… Read more »
Air Canada pilots ratify 10-year agreement
Description: Air Canada pilots have ratified a 10-year collective agreement that the airline describes as a “landmark” deal. Source: Canadian Press – Canadian Labour Reporter Date: 10/31/2014 Link: http://www.labour-reporter.com/articleview/22657-air-canada-pilots-vote-84-per-cent-in-favour-of-a-10-year-contract Related links: Earlier Financial Post story Air Canada media release Union statement Earlier update Air Canada Pilots Association Air Canada Questions for discussion: Ten-year collective agreements… Read more »
Pensions key issue in Saskatoon transit lockout
Description: The Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board has halted the City of Saskatoon’s plans to change its transit workers’ pension plan. Source: Global News Date: 09/26/2014 Link: http://globalnews.ca/news/1585324/labour-board-to-rule-on-legality-of-saskatoon-transit-lockout/ Related links: Earlier story Story about pension plan Saskatoon Transit City news release Amalgamated Transit Union, local 615 Video from union president Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board Questions for… Read more »
