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Fairness?  You Decide.

Back in the 1980s, Conservative Prime Minister Brian Mulroney said it was all about “jobs, jobs, jobs”.  If we just provide the right kind of “climate” for business, they’d crank out so many good jobs that Canadian workers will be able to pick their job and name their price. So first we got the free trade deal with the U.S., then NAFTA, then tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy

International Women's Day 2011: A Call for Dignity in Retirement for Women

Women work hard. And at the end of a lifetime of hard work – paid and unpaid – women deserve to retire in dignity and security. Yet this is not the reality for many Canadian women. Women still earn less than men, and are expected to shoulder unpaid responsibilities at home. Many experience interruptions in their career because of childbearing and caregiving. Many women work in non-standard, poorly-paid jobs, which

How privatization gouges customers at Canada Post

Yes, Virginia, there is postal free enterprise. For Canadians using some franchised postal outlets, it’s appallingly free (and very expensive). Thanks to a very interesting e-mail making the rounds, Canadians are finding out about this price gouging. Most of us get the published Canada Post rates when we go to the Post Office for stamps. But how about those who use franchisees? Here’s one story worth repeating: A customer went

Machinists Expand in Health Care Sector Again!

North Bay, ON – Employees at the Empire Living Centre have become the newest members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. “Our presence in the ‘Gateway City’ has been growing in the last year with the addition of workers at Ontario Patient Transfer and Seymour Doors,” explained IAMAW District Lodge 78 Organizer Scott Jackson. “With the tireless assistance of Ernie Giroux from IAMAW Local Lodge 2412, these

Machinists Ratify Agreement with CBS Outdoor!

Toronto, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 235 have ratified a new collective agreement with CBS Outdoor Signs. The five-year agreement provides wage increases for hourly workers of a $750.00 signing bonus in the first year, $ .50 per hour in the second and third years and $ .55 per hour in the fourth and five year respectively. Piecework employees receive a $750.00 signing bonus in the first year

Machinists Ratify Agreement with Kraft Canada!

Montréal, QC – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2727 have ratified a new collective agreement with Kraft Canada by a margin of 70 per cent. The four –year agreement provides wage increases of $ .75 per hour in the first year retroactive to April 1, 2010, and $ .70 per hour in each of the three remaining years of the agreement. Other agreement highlights include : • Modification for granting vacations

The Quiet Erosion of Canada's Regulation System

In Canada, regulations adopted by every level of government have historically helped to make this one of the safest, most desirable places to raise a family. But a slow, steady, and quiet erosion of regulations by our governments put Canadians’ health, safety and well-being increasingly at risk. This primer on regulation, by the CCPA’s Trish Hennessy, tells the story of Canada’s slippery slide into deregulation. It also provides resource information

Boart Longyear May Implement HPWO in New Deal!

North Bay, ON – The members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2412 have ratified a new collective agreement with Boart Longyear, which includes the possible implementation of the HPWO – High Performance Work Organization programme. “The employer is introducing more rod lines to its North Bay operation and this is tied to having a signed agreement going forward,” explained IAMAW Grand Lodge Representative Colin Cherry. “With the agreement in place, the

New Kingsway Arms Agreement Considered a Gem!

Bowmanville, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1295 employed by Kingsway Arms Incorporated are all smiles after ratifying a new collective agreement. ‘We’re extremely pleased with this agreement which includes the introduction of the IAM Pension Plan as well as improvements in many benefit areas,” explained IAMAW District Lodge 78 Directing Business Representative Paul Mitchell. The three-year agreement provides for wage increases of 1.5 per cent in the first