NEWS AND UPDATES 1999
E-Mail Solidarity Messages To Striking Workers
Messages of solidarity are always welcome by those walking the line.
Since many unions still do not have email we are providing an email address for messages.
We will be glad to fax-forward your message to fellow workers on strike if you email it to:
Please indicate to which local or group of workers it is going to.
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BC Federation of Labour Strikes and Boycotts
CUPE Locals on Strike or Locked Out
New Brunswick Superstores Strike Appeal
UFCW Local 1288P, Real Atlantic Superstores, New Brunswick
BCAA STRIKE
BC PROJECTIONISTS (IATSE 348) STRIKE AT FAMOUS PLAYERS AND CINEPLEX ODEON THEATRES
Send them an EMAIL in Solidarity
Theatres reject binding arbitration to end B.C. projectionists' strike
Famous Players and Cineplex Odeon have rejected binding arbitration as a means of settling a 10-month old strike by British Columbia projectionists. The 60 workers were locked out by the theatre chains in December, 1998.
But expectations aren't high for a quick end to the lockout. Representatives for the union and the two theatre changes say they'll likely discuss the recommendations of an industrial inquiry commissioner who believes binding arbitration is the only way to resolve the impasse. A spokesman for Cineplex Odeon and Famous Players said the chains aren't ruling it out but both sides must agree. The 60 unionized projectionists were locked out last December after refusing demands for a 60 per cent wage rollback over three years -- bringing their pay in line with projectionists elsewhere in Canada.
NOVA SCOTIA MUNICIPAL WORKERS ON STRIKE
NOVA SCOTIA: Civil servants ordered back to work
Inside workers with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality were ordered back to their jobs yesterday after refusing to cross picket lines set up by striking outside workers. The 350 outside workers, including bus drivers, street workers and garbage collectors, began their strike in the morning amid a dispute centred on job security. The Nova Scotia Labour Relations Board later ruled that the actions of the inside workers constituted an illegal work stoppage. They were told to go back to work at their next regularly scheduled shift, starting today. Mayor David Muise has said management staff will tend to any emergencies while the outside workers are on strike.
Municipal workers walk off the job
Bus drivers, street workers and garbage collectors began a strike today in Cape Breton Regional Municipality amid a dispute centred around job security. CUPE negotiators have been seeking assurances from the city that workers won't be replaced through contracting out. Mayor David Muise said management staff will tend to any emergencies. "It's as if we've come up against a brick wall," union spokeswoman Jackie Bramwell said Sunday following a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with city negotiators.
Fired call-centre workers rehired
Two call-centre employees fired this week for taking part in a union organizing drive have been rehired. CUPE negotiator Jackie Bramwell said Friday that Ron Webber and Associates in Sydney changed its position after the union complained to the labour relations board.
STEELWORKERS STRIKE CFM MAJESTIC INC.
Union gets scabs off public property
Until the United Steelworkers intervened, strikebound CFM Majestic Ltd. was allowed to rally scabs in a public baseball field owned by the City of Mississauga on Kennedy Road north of Hwy 401. The 450 workers at CFM, members of the United Steelworkers' Local 4970, have been on strike for a first contract since last Monday (Oct. 18).
Steelworkers turn up the heat at CFM Majestic
fter voting overwhelmingly in favour of a strike last night (October 17), the 450 members of the United Steelworkers Local 4970 set up picket lines at CFM Majestic Inc. as of 12:01 this morning. ``We are prepared to defend our rights on the picket line and wherever CFM products are sold,'' said Steelworkers' Area Coordinator Garnet Penny. CFM Majestic is one of the world's largest gas fireplace and barbecue manufacturers. In the third quarter of 1999, CFM sales and profits are both up (31 per cent and 14 per cent respectively).
Place des Arts strike cripples Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens could be in real trouble if a strike by stage technicians at Place des Arts in Montreal continues. The technicians have been on strike since June. Places des Arts is home to the Montreal Symphony, the Montreal Opera and a resident theatre company but it's Les Grands Ballets that's hurting most.
Striking members of TSO perform at Queen's Park
On Tuesday, November 2, at 12:15 PM, the Main
Legislative Building at Queen's Park will resound with music when members of
the Toronto Symphony Orchestra deliver a reminder to the provincial government
that they have been on strike since September 25. All supporters are welcome.
Under the musical direction of TSO concertmaster Jacques Israelievitch,
the musicians will perform Vivaldi's Four Seasons. A brass ensemble will
perform outside the main entrance at 12-Noon.
SOLIDARITY: MUSIC TO OUR EARS!
Jukka-Pekka Saraste laments lack of arts support
- Jukka-Pekka Saraste, the music
director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra has
spoken out on the current strike by orchestra
musicians.
They want wage parity with musicians in comparable
American orchestras. TSO management says they
don't have the money.
Saraste says many arts groups are in trouble because
public subsidies are generally declining while private
fund-raising gets tougher and tougher. He says the
strike reflects a chronic problem with the funding of the
arts in Canada today: "If society of culture wants to
maintain a first rate arts organization, an orchestra it has
to be prepared to pay for it."
The musicians of the Toronto Symphony and orchestra management have agreed to a formal meeting. It's set for a week from today, November 3rd. The musicians are now into week five of a strike. The Toronto Star reported today that the TSO's music director, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, has been actively working behind the scenes to forge a settlement. Usually, music directors prefer to stay out of the way in disputes between players and management.
Some of the musicians of the National Arts Centre Orchestra will be at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto despite the cancellation of the orchestra's scheduled concert. The NACO players won't be inside the Hall, they'll be walking the picket line alongside the players of the Toronto Symphony --now into week five of their strike. The TSO musicians have already rejected a pay offer that would have put them ahead of NACO and the Montreal Symphony.
The National Arts Centre Orchestra has bailed out of a scheduled concert in Toronto next Tuesday. According to an official statement, the concert is being postponed because of a continuing labour dispute between the musicians of the Toronto Symphony and the orchestra's management.
Volunteer venues scarce for striking TSO
Striking Toronto Symphony Orchestra musicians, who have been walking the pavement for a month now, have been trying to keep in shape by volunteering to play at venues around the city. With few acceptances at upper-scale halls, the musicians claim they're being blocked.
NACO musicians to walk TSO picket line
Some of the musicians of the National Arts Centre Orchestra will be at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto despite the cancellation of the orchestra's scheduled concert. The NACO players won't be inside the Hall, they'll be walking the picket line alongside the players of the Toronto Symphony --now into week five of their strike. The TSO musicians have already rejected a pay offer that would have put them ahead of NACO and the Montreal Symphony.
Strike forces NAC Orchestra to cancel Toronto appearance
The National Arts Centre Orchestra has bailed out of a scheduled concert in Toronto next Tuesday. According to an official statement, the concert is being postponed because of a continuing labour dispute between the musicians of the Toronto Symphony and the orchestra's management.
Toronto Symphony plays for public support
The musicians of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra say they're going to plaster the city of Toronto with 12,000 posters. They say they're also going to play a series of community-service and fund-raising concerts. These moves are aimed at winning public support for the musicians. They went on strike September 25th after contract talks between the musicians association and TSO management broke down.
TSO musicians will donate their time and talent in the fight against hunger
The Musicians of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra are proud to announce their first-ever concert at the Daily Bread Food Bank. This special concert is for the benefit of the volunteers who help sort food on Saturday October 9th at the Daily Bread Food Bank.
TSO and musicians still in deadlock over money
James Taylor with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra concerts cancelled
CAW'S Hargrove urges mayor to help kick start TSO contract talks
Toronto Symphony falls silent: Patrons told to hold onto tickets
Musicians and TSO strike discordant note
Toronto Symphony negotiations hit sour note
Musicians from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra put down their instruments and picked up picket signs Saturday night.
TSO musicians say they'll walk at 7:00pm Today
Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto will be empty this Saturday night unless a last minute deal is reached between the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and its musicians. The players have set a strike deadline of 7:00pm on Saturday.
Toronto Symphony musicians vote to strike
Early this morning CEP workers and Mike Lambert National Representative and Chief Negotiator have occupied the former Gallaher Thorold Paper Mill. On October 15 a reasonable cash bid for the assets of the Mill was rejected by the receiver (Ernst & Young) and The Toronto Dominion Bank. lt is the CEP belief that this group has the financial resources to complete the purchase and operate the mill.
About 35 workers and union officials began occupying the former Gallaher Thorold mill this morning in a bid to save the facility. Receivers and the bank rejected the employees' offer to buy the factory, putting about 300 people out of work at the end of May. "We're prepared to be here as long as it takes to make sure that the bid is accepted and that's when we'll be coming out," said Vic Morden, national representative for the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers. Morden appealed to Ontario Premier Mike Harris to help save the jobs in the community just west of Niagara Falls, Ont.
"The substantial profits announced by Inco Limited for the third quarter of 1999 won't last if management sticks to its current self-destructive course", Steelworkers' Local 6166 President Bob Desjarlais said today. Speaking at the Steelworkers' National Policy Conference on behalf of over 1,000 mine and smelter workers locked out by Inco in Thompson, Manitoba last month, Desjarlais pointed to the massive profits earned by Inco as proof that cooperative efforts with the union at Sudbury and Thompson had been paying off. "Inco asked our members to help them save money to weather the low nickel prices of last winter. Our members in Thompson, as well as in Sudbury, responded by accepting changes that saved the company millions", Desjarlais said. "But now that prices have recovered and profits have returned, Inco has decided to try to push the Steelworkers to the wall. And in the process, the company has destroyed the goodwill and the cooperative spirit that saved the company all that money.
Inco Limited reports third quarter earnings from continuing operations of $12 million (U.S.)
Inco Labor Talks Continue After Request For Mediator
The union representing 1,000 locked-out workers at Inco Ltd's (NYSE:N - news) operations in Thompson, Manitoba, said it would continue to meet with the Canadian nickel miner throughoutthe week in a bid to break a one-month labor dispute. Representatives of the United Steelworkers of America and Toronto-based Inco met again Friday for ``exploratory talks,'' one day after both sides agreed to ask for the intervention of a Manitoba provincial government mediator.
Locked-out Inco workers call latest offer 'insulting'
Inco Workers In Manitoba Reject Contract Offer
Steelworkers look to the future at Inco
After its recent early retirement offer to employees, Inco Ltd. was flooded by 556 applicants from the United Steelworkers Locals 6500 and 6600. ``Neither Inco nor the union were anticipating this much interest in the company's early retirement offer,'' said Steelworkers' Local 6500 Vice-President Dan O'Reilly. ``Even though the company limited the funding for only 320 members, the offer should be extended to all 556 applicants. ``It's an opportunity for the company to reduce costs through attrition, and plan for the future,'' said O'Reilly. ``The union is definitely thinking about it. When you consider the demographics, it makes sense to let these employees retire. The company can rehire behind them if it's required. We already know there will be another wave of retirement in two or three years, when another 1,300 workers become eligible for retirement.''
Inco considers withdrawing $7.5 million annual grant
The city of Thompson is bracing for a financial disaster after mining giant Inco Ltd. announced it may eliminate part or all of a $7.5 million grant it gives the community each year. Residents in this northern Manitoba community have been warned they may be hit with a 140 per cent tax increase to offset the grant loss, which represents about 35 per cent of the city's budget. Thompson Mayor Bill Comaskey said the withdrawal will also affect public services, infrastructure and jobs in the community. Dan McSweeney, a spokesman for Inco said he could not comment on the company's plans until negotiations between the company, its 1,000 locked-out steelworkers and a newly appointed provincial mediator are complete.
Inco, Union Resume Labor Talks In Manitoba
Inco's fight isn't just in Thompson - It's international, says Steelworkers
The combined strength and resources of over 750,000 members will be mobilized now that the United Steelworkers is launching an international corporate campaign against Inco Ltd. The union wants to discuss the current lock out of its 1,000 members of Local 6166 with Inco's Board of Directors, shareholders, customers and other unionized workers.
Inco and striking workers to resume talks
No end in sight for Inco mine lockout
Inco, Union Apart On Deal To Reopen Manitoba Site
Workers vow to continue labor dispute with Inco
Inco employees in Ontario solidly behind locked out workers at Inco's Manitoba Division
Nickel jumps 8% on Inco strike news Manitoba workers reject company's final offer
Inco locks out Manitoba workers, pushes for wage freeze
Labour dispute shuts down Inco plant
Inco Rejects Contract Extension, Workers Locked Out
Nickel jumps 8% on Inco strike news Manitoba workers reject company's final offer
Inco locks out Manitoba workers, pushes for wage freeze
Labour dispute shuts down Inco plant
Inco Rejects Contract Extension, Workers Locked Out
Nickel giants plug away at cost cuts
Inco Ltd. and Falconbridge Ltd. may be earning more money but that doesn't mean they're about to relent from their aggressive cost-cutting and workforce reductions. Inco workers set to strike
Inco Union Set To Strike As Offer Gets Thumbs-Down
The union representing 1,065 workers at Inco Ltd (NYSE:N - news).'s Thompson, Manitoba, operations said Sunday it has recommended members reject the nickel giant's ''unpalatable'' final contract offer. Workers will vote on the offer Wednesday, but local union president Robert Desjarlais said the unanimous thumbs-down of the bargaining committee effectively guarantees that workers will begin striking at midnight Wednesday local time (0100 EDT/0500 GMT Thursday).
Inco workers give strike mandate
Unionized workers at Inco Ltd.'s Manitoba operations have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate, in labour unrest that has helped push nickel prices to their highest level in more than two years. Late Wednesday, members of the United Steelworkers of America Local 6166 in Thompson, Man., voted 98% in favour of a strike mandate. If the 1,065 workers reject the Toronto nickel producer's final offer, the union will be in a legal strike position as of midnight, Sept. 15. Inco's Thompson operations produce about 100 million pounds of nickel annually, about 4.5% of the world's yearly production.
Inco Workers In Manitoba Vote For Strike
A vast majority of unionized workers at Inco Ltd (NYSE:N - news).'s Thompson, Manitoba, operations voted to give their local section of the United Steelworkers of America a strike mandate, the union's local president said early Thursday. Robert Desjarlais of the Steelworkers said the strike mandate was passed with a 98 percent majority. If the 1,065 workers turn down the nickel producer's final offer on September 14, the union will be in a legal strike position as of midnight September 15, Desjarlais added.
AGOGA ON STRIKE AGAINST TRANSPORT CANADA
Underpaid, Understaffed Transport Canada Pilot Inspectors Start Job Action
The pilots in Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), responsible for overseeing of the safety of Canadian aviation, started job action today. The union, officially called the Aircraft Operations Group Association (AOGA), represents 450 pilots who regulate, monitor and assist the aviation industry. The AOGA members also act as accident investigators at TSB, fly helicopters for the Canadian Coast Guard and certify new aircraft prior to use in Canada. They have been attempting to negotiate a contract with Treasury Board for over one year, and have exhausted all normal avenues for a settlement.
Transport Canada pilot inspectors start job action
Transport Canada and Transportation Safety Board pilots responsible for overseeing the safety of Canadian aviation started a work-to-rule job action Sunday after failing to get a new contract, their union spokesman said. The Aircraft Operations Group Association represents Transport Canada's 330 civil aviation inspectors who police the country's 82,500 pilots and set and enforce aviation safety regulations.
Aviation safety picket line holds up Transport Minister
Conciliation talks between Treasury Board and the union representing Transport Canada's Civil Aviation Inspectors broke down on Tuesday. The Conciliator must file her report by September 14. By September 21 the union will be in a strike position.
CAW LOCAL 599 KIDD CREEK FIRST CONTRACT STRIKE
Falconbridge reports third quarter earnings of $36.6 million
A new local union web site representing Kidd Creek Metallurgical Site Production and Maintenance Workers in Timmins, Ontario. Workers at Falconbridge's Kidd Creek Mine smelter and processor in Timmins, Ontario went on strike this morning in a ``struggle for union recognition,'' said Hemi Mitic, assistant to Canadian Auto Workers president Buzz Hargrove after more than 36 hours of round-the-clock
EMAIL A MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO THE PICKET LINE!
CORRECTION The July 19th CAW LUMA email digest included an incorrect email address for strike support messages to CAW 599 members on strike against Falconbridge's Kidd Creek Mine smelter and processor in Timmins, Ontario. The correct email address is mailto:mailto:[email protected]
KIDD CREEK STRIKE == RealVideo, Text & Pictures ==
For the first time in 30 years the workers at the Kidd Creek Metallurgical Site in Timmins have set up picket lines at the Falconbridge facility. The 750 members of CAW Local 599 went on strike when negotiations for a new contract broke down over seniority and other issues.
Workers vote to continue Kidd Creek strike
More than 700 unionized workers overwhelmingly voted Tuesday to continue a two-week strike at Falconbridge Ltd.'s Kidd Creek metallurgical division in northern Ontario.
Workers strike as TelAv/ISTS tries to bust union
Picket lines will go up at 8 am Thursday, Sept. 9, in front of the Ch�teau Laurier Hotel and at 5 am at the TelAv/ISTS office at 2295 St. Laurent Blvd. Some 40 TelAv/ISTS employees, members of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, are striking for a first collective agreement. The employer is refusing to recognize seniority in the assignment of working hours and wants to reduce wages to just above $8 an hour for some employees. TelAv/ISTS provides technical audio/visual and simultaneous translation services at a variety of meetings and events, including small seminars and large conventions. The company is planning to use replacement workers at hotels across the city, including the Ch�teau Laurier, where clients are hosting events. Though TelAv/ISTS has hundreds of employees across Canada, only Ottawa and Montreal branches are unionized. The more than 60 CEP members in Montreal are now in contract negotiations and could also be on strike very soon.
QUEBEC PUBLIC SECTOR UNIONS PREPARE FOR GENERAL STRIKE
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YARMOUTH HOTEL WORKERS LOCKED OUT
Frustrated workers occupy hotel lobby
YARMOUTH, N.S. (CP) -- Locked-out workers at the Rodd Grand hotel in Yarmouth occupied the lobby for several hours today. More than a dozen workers got by security early this morning. Three chained themselves to a post near the front desk. The employees are angry because they want to form their own union, but the provincial Labour Department has pushed back a vote on the issue until next month.
Scaffolders walk off Nova Chemicals site
More than 150 scaffolders at Nova Chemicals Ltd. illegally walked off the job Wednesday to protest unsafe working conditions.
Toronto Construction trades walk off job over asbestos exposure
OTTAWA CABBIES WILDCAT PROTEST AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY--- AS CLINTON ARRIVES---
Cabbies block Ottawa airport Arrest sparks protest
Hundreds of angry taxi drivers blockaded Ottawa's airport yesterday, just hours before Bill Clinton, the U.S. president, was to arrive for a state visit. Police estimated that 200 taxicabs were involved in the five-hour protest, which began in reaction to the arrest of a cab driver earlier in the day. "Somebody was charged with a traffic offence and their cab was towed away," said Staff Sergeant Sue Postlethwaite, spokeswoman for Ottawa-Carleton police. Taxi drivers claimed that police had pepper-sprayed their fellow driver and drove their vehicles four abreast around the traffic circle leading into the Macdonald-Cartier Airport, all but blocking off traffic in and out.
CANADA'S LONGEST MINING STRIKE CONTINUES
Strike continues at gold mine, three years later
It's the longest strike in the history of gold mining in Canada. About 150 workers are on strike, as they have been for more than three years. And, after all that time, there's still no end in sight.
Workers voted Friday to continue the longest strike in Canadian gold-mining history. Of the 150 miners who voted, 77 rejected an offer from Goldcorp Inc. and 44 accepted it. Since the 28 proxy votes cast could not have changed the outcome, they remained sealed. One ballot was spoiled.
Steelworkers reject offer after Goldcorp forces vote
Members of the United Steelworkers Local 950 voted Friday (Oct. 15) to reject Goldcorp Inc.'s latest contract offer. The longest strike in Canadian gold mining history therefore continues. ``The outcome of the vote demonstrates the strength and resolve of our members and their families after three and a half years on the picket line,'' said Steelworkers' Ontario Director Harry Hynd. ``The company forced our members to vote on an offer we hoped they'd reject.'' Members of Local 950 have been on strike since June 23, 1996.
Goldcorp is disappointed that the strike will continue despite our best efforts to reach a resolution. Goldcorp will continue our planning for production start up at the new Red Lake Mine in November 2000.
Goldcorp is disappointed by further legal maneuvering by the Union. Today at 4:30 p.m, Goldcorp received an Unfair Labour Practice charge from the United Steelworkers of America.
Today, Goldcorp requested that the Minister of Labour hold a supervised vote for its employees on the Company's offer to settle the strike at its Red Lake Mine.
Goldcorp proposal no deal for striking Steelworkers
After more than three years on strike, the president of the United Steelworkers' Local 950 says an unusual offer by Goldcorp Inc. is playing on workers' deep desire to end the dispute, but is nothing more than an attempt to pay the workers to disappear. Dwight Globush says the proposal, which asks members of Local 950 to quit and accept a severance package, is an attack on the dignity of workers who have suffered through the longest strike in Canadian gold mining history.
Yesterday, Goldcorp tabled a comprehensive offer to settle the labour dispute with its Union at the Red Lake Mine. We are disappointed to report that the Union Bargaining Committee has left the table and talks have stopped.
Talks collapse in longest mine strike
The latest attempt to end Canada's longest mine strike has collapsed. Goldcorp Inc.(G.A, G.B) said Wednesday that United Steelworkers of America Local 950 has rejected its proposal to end the walkout which began June 23rd, 1996 at its Red Lake mine in northwestern Ontario.
Offer to end Red Lake gold strike
Two hundred gold miners in Red Lake, Ontario have a new offer to end the longest strike in the history of gold mining in Canada.
New talks aim to end Canada's longest mine strike
Mine strikers take case to Goldcorp annual meeting
The strikers, who are also shareholders, and other union officials attended Goldcorp's annual meeting Wednesday in Toronto.
Despair growing after three years on strike: Striking steelworkers to again attend Goldcorp AGM
Talks between the City of Toronto and CUPE Local 79, representing 10,000 full-time and 10,000 part-time technical, professional, support, clerical and recreation workers, have made little headway after several months of bargaining, says Anne Dubas, Local 79 president.
-Contrary to its own mission statement, the Good Shepherd Ministries of Toronto refuses to pay just wages and has stalled negotiations at the Good Shepherd Centre, Barrett House and St. Joseph's Residence. "For two years we have been trying to negotiate our first collective agreement with the employer, the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd," says Rick Alexander, president of CUPE Local 3798.3, representing kitchen aides, janitors, support workers, clerical, maintenance and other staff at the Good Shepherd's shelter, aids hospice and residence. "They have consistently stalled at the table, refusing to move on key issues like benefits, job security and wages."
EASTERN ONTARIO PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES POISED FOR STRIKE
Nurses from Eastern Ontario Public Health Unit could stage legal strike after employer rejects deal
The Eastern Ontario Public Health Unit has refused to ratify the settlement reached during conciliation talks with the Ontario Nurses' Association, meaning that approximately 63 public health nurses could hit the picket line as soon as Tuesday. Despite the Memorandum of Settlement reached on September 30, the employer has informed the public health nurses, members of ONA Local 42, that the two sides did not actually come to an agreement on the same issues.
Ontario Nurses' Association members from Eastern Counties Health Unit poised for legal strike action
Public health nurses from the Eastern Counties Health Unit have voted in favour of strike action if a tentative agreement is not reached during conciliation talks tomorrow. Approximately 63 public health nurses, members of Local 42 of the Ontario Nurses' Association, are in a legal strike position as of October 2 if conciliation fails. Contract negotiations began on February 22, 1999, but broke down this past June 28 when the two sides failed to reach agreement on a number of key issues.
OPSEU
OPSEU: We have set a strike deadline
To all members working for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario: We have set Oct. 31 as our strike deadline if we cannot achieve a decent settlement before that time.
OPSEU: Strike vote called for Sept. 13-16 against Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
ONTARIO PARAMEDICS TALKS BREAK DOWN
ONTARIO: Paramedics leave bargaining table
Union breaks talks with government over paramedics
Contract talks have broken down between the Ontario government and the union that represents 1,400 paramedics across the province. Talks will go to conciliation after the Ontario Public Service Employees Union said Thursday it has walked away from the table, unhappy with the government's offer of a 4.3 per cent wage increase over three years. The two sides had only been at the bargaining table for 10 days, said Management Board spokeswoman Hilary Stauth.
OPSEU PREPARES FOR METRO TORONTO EMPLOYEES STRIKE
OPSEU: MTHA Officers - Strike Vote called Strike vote called for Sept. 30
Your OPSEU bargaining team for the MTHA Officers unit (covering such positions as CPOs, Security Officers, Parking Enforcement Officers, and Dispatch) has called a strike vote for Sept. 30. Talks bogged down Sept. 17 when management negotiators refused to make any meaningful moves from their earlier position. Your team now believes that only a strong strike vote will provide the leverage we need to get us the fair contract that members have demanded.
OPSEU:Alcohol and Gaming Commission Strike Vote Called
Staff who administer provincial low-cost housing in Calgary voted last
night to go on strike to support their wage demands at the bargaining
table.
A substantial majority of the members of Local 061/003, who turned up
at the Calgary Office of The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees,
voted to give their bargaining team the support it needs to convince the
Calgary Housing Authority that they intended to back up the position they
have taken in bargaining.
Union Insulted by Government 1% Offer The Head of Alberta's largest public sector union says the provincial
government's opening contract offer is nothing less than "insulting."
About 18,000 General Service employees, members of the Alberta Union
of Provincial Employees, were offered a one per cent pay raise for the
coming year plus a variable bonus on September 30th, the first bargaining
meeting for their Wage Reopener, according to AUPE President Dan
MacLennan.
REPORTS ON VANCOUVER DOCKERS AND TRUCKERS STRUGGLES
ITF warns against union-busting in Vancouver
The International Transport Workers� Federation (ITF) has today warned Canadian logistics
company, Sultrans Ltd, that it will step up the pressure in support of its affiliate, the
International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), if legal action against ILWU
members scheduled for next week, goes ahead.
The court action is the latest stage in a year-long dispute between the ILWU and Sultrans
Ltd - represented in discussions by the British Columbia Maritime Employers� Association
(BCMEA) - over the imposition of a collective agreement which threatens the job security of
ILWU longshore workers and allows companies which operate anti-union policies to expand
their port operations.
The truckers are threatening to walk again only a few weeks after ending
a several week strike that almost closed the port. This time the
truckers are upset that some companies are not required to pay the rate
agreed to during negotiations. According to the truckers the port
agreed there would be a fair pay policy imposed on all companies serving
the port. The truckers say there are several companies paying well
below the rate. These companies never agreed to the rate but the
truckers understanding was then they would not be able ot sever the
port.
Also the Longshoremen are a step closer to having their own strike.
They have asked for the federal mediator to book out of talks which
would clear the way to a full strike next month. Over the last year the
Longshoremen have held rotating work action including refusing to work
on some days and picketing on other days. Could be long hot winter at
the port.
Kent
sept 22, 1999
GRAIN SERVICE UNION VOTE TO STRIKE
Threatened grain strike worries farmers A labour dispute that threatens to shut down 400 grain elevators in Alberta and
Manitoba comes at the worst possible time for beleaguered prairie farmers.
About 850 unionized Agricore Co-operative workers in the two provinces were in a
legal strike-lockout position, effective Thursday. On Sept. 28, Grain Services
Union workers voted 78 per cent in favour of a strike. GSU represents about 375
grain elevator operators in Alberta who have been without a contract since last
year as well as 450 full- and part-time elevator and agro-centre workers in
Manitoba.
Negotiations between Agricore -- the corporate entity formed last year through the
merger of the Manitoba Pool Elevators and the Alberta Wheat Pool -- and the
GSU are set to resume Nov. 1 but the two sides "are miles apart," GSU general
secretary Hugh Wagner said Thursday.
Unionized grain workers in Alberta and Manitoba have
rejected a contract offer by Agricore Co-operative Ltd. and approved strike
action.
Members of the Grain Services Union voted 78 per cent in favour of strike
action in meetings held across the two provinces last week, the union said
from Regina on Monday. Canada's second largest grain company could be hit by a labor walkout this
fall.
About 850 employees of Agricore, including workers at grain elevators and
farm supply depots, are holding a strike vote this week.
If the vote is favorable, said a spokesperson for the Grain Services Union,
then the company and farmers can expect to see picket lines thrown up at
Agricore facilities as soon as it's legally possible.
MANITOBA: River Cabaret Workers Vote for Strike
Company's wage offer amounts to a wage cut
Teachers seek 11 per cent wage hike Nova Scotia's 10,000 teachers are asking the province
for an 11 per cent hike in pay and limits to their working hours.
The teachers' union has started contract talks with the province and a
Halifax newspaper has obtained a union bargaining document.
HALIFAX JOURNALISTS VOTE TO STRIKE
Halifax Chronicle-Herald journalists
vote to strike Almost 100 per cent of journalists and newsroom support staff
at Nova Scotia's largest newspaper have voted in favour of a strike, their union
announced Monday. The members of the Halifax Typographical Union have been
troubled by the slow pace of negotiations for a first contract at the Halifax
Chronicle-Herald and its afternoon sister publication, the Mail-Star, said union
president Rick Conrad. The union was also critical of the newspaper's
"unrealistically low initial salary proposal."
CAPE BRETON MUNICIPAL WORKERS PREPARE FOR STRIKE
Municipality makes final offer The Cape Breton Regional Municipality has put
what it calls its final contract offer on the table for 350 outside workers.
The proposal will go to a vote Sunday evening in Sydney.
CUPE negotiator Jackie Bramwell said Thursday the membership will be
advised to turn the deal down.
NOVA SCOTIA MILL STRIKE Unionized workers at Nova Scotia's Bowater
Mersey pulp mill have voted in favour of striking.
The contract covering 450 workers in three union locals expired a year and
a half ago.
CUPE OFFICE WORKERS VOTE TO STRIKE
Two woman-union may strike against 1,900-member CUPE local The smallest union in the province may be forced
to go on strike against the largest Nova Scotia local of the Canadian Union of
Public Employees (CUPE).
Two women employed by the 1,900-member Nova Scotia Highway Workers Union
(Local 1867 CUPE) in its office in Bedford are seeking wages and benefits
equivalent to staff doing similar jobs with other unions and labour
organizations in this area. The pay rates have not been increased for 10
years.
WESTERN CANADA
CALGARY HOUSING STAFF VOTE TO STRIKE
Calgary Housing Staff Vote for a Strike
ATLANTIC CANADA
NOVA SCOTIA TEACHERS BEGIN BARGAINING
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