To District 6 Local Union Officers and Members United Steelworkers
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
During the Holiday Season, more than ever, our thoughts turn to our families and our friends as we began to think about spending some much needed quality time with our loved ones. 2011 has been a particularly difficult time for all of us. We have devoted much of our time and considerable amount of energy in helping our members defend themselves and their families in these very difficult economic times. Their lives are better and our communities are stronger because of the work that you do and the devotion you have for workers people and their families.
I would like to personally thank each and every one or those for all that you do everyday in keeping our Union strong and effective for the betterent of all USW members.
Best Holiday wishes to you and your family and have a safe Happy Holiday Season.
In Solidarity,
Wayne Fraser
Director
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Appreciation Night-Oct.14/2011
Brampton Battalion Vs Ottawa 67's
Photos
thanks to the participants......
Thursday, October 6, 2011
USW Local 8327 Prostate Cancer Awareness tournament
With all the obstacles that we encountered on October 1/2011, we can honestly hold are heads up high and say it was a success thanks to all the participants (8 TEAMS-Saving 3rd Base, McKesson, Ideal Roofing, Wet Wedgies, Jocks & Jills, E.I Sports, Cuzz we can & the Rookies) and of course we can't forget about our volunteers.
Special thanks goes out to the host of the event (United Steelworkers-Amalgamated Local 8327-Ottawa)
I am pleased to announce that we raised $2,752.50 towards prostate cancer research.
Congradulations to the (Wet Wedgies) A-Pool Champions
Special thanks goes out to the host of the event (United Steelworkers-Amalgamated Local 8327-Ottawa)
I am pleased to announce that we raised $2,752.50 towards prostate cancer research.
Congradulations to the (Wet Wedgies) A-Pool Champions
Congradulations to (Jocks & Jills) B-Pool Champions
In memory of this years event check out the following video
CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY THANKS THE UNITED STEELWORKERS FOR RAISING FUNDS FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Rescheduling National Women's conference
Subject: Rescheduling of Women’s Conference / Report de la Conférence sur la condition féminine
We have made the difficult decision to postpone the National Women's Conference scheduled for November 6-9, 2011 here in Toronto . It seems that due to the number and timing of the provincial elections, and the Local Unions' participation this year in the National Health, Safety & Environment Conference, Federal Election, the International Convention and other events, resources are strained and indications are we will not have the desired level of registration for this conference.
No new dates have been selected yet, but will likely be sometime in 2012. When new dates are confirmed, we will send out a new conference call and registration package in our local union mailing, but we will also email you directly with the new information.
If you have paid your registration fee, you have the option of obtaining a refund (to you or your local union, whoever paid), or simply leaving your registration and payment with us, and we will apply to the conference when it is re-scheduled. If you wish a refund, please simply reply to this email with the statement "Refund please".
***
Nous avons pris la décision difficile de reporter la Conférence nationale sur la condition féminine qui devait avoir lieu du 6 au 9 novembre 2011 ici à Toronto. Il semble qu’en raison du nombre d’élections provinciales à venir et du moment où elles auront lieu, de la participation des sections locales cette année au Congrès national sur la santé, la sécurité et l’environnement, aux élections fédérales, au Congrès international et à d’autres activités, un manque de ressources se fasse sentir et tout indique que nous n’obtiendrons pas le niveau espéré d’inscriptions à la conférence.
Nous n’avons pas encore choisi de nouvelles dates pour la Conférence, mais elle aura probablement lieu dans le courant de 2012. Lorsque nous les aurons confirmées, nous vous enverrons une nouvelle convocation et une trousse d’inscription dans le cadre d’un envoi aux sections locales, et nous vous ferons également parvenir ces informations directement par courriel.
Si vous avez déjà payé vos frais d’inscription, vous avez le choix d'obtenir un remboursement (à vous-même ou à votre section locale, selon qui a payé les frais), ou de tout simplement nous laisser le paiement, que nous appliquerons à la conférence lorsque nous saurons la date exacte à laquelle elle aura lieu. Si vous désirez obtenir un remboursement, veuillez tout simplement répondre au présent courriel en indiquant la mention « Veuillez rembourser ».
Ken N.
We have made the difficult decision to postpone the National Women's Conference scheduled for November 6-9, 2011 here in Toronto . It seems that due to the number and timing of the provincial elections, and the Local Unions' participation this year in the National Health, Safety & Environment Conference, Federal Election, the International Convention and other events, resources are strained and indications are we will not have the desired level of registration for this conference.
No new dates have been selected yet, but will likely be sometime in 2012. When new dates are confirmed, we will send out a new conference call and registration package in our local union mailing, but we will also email you directly with the new information.
If you have paid your registration fee, you have the option of obtaining a refund (to you or your local union, whoever paid), or simply leaving your registration and payment with us, and we will apply to the conference when it is re-scheduled. If you wish a refund, please simply reply to this email with the statement "Refund please".
***
Nous avons pris la décision difficile de reporter la Conférence nationale sur la condition féminine qui devait avoir lieu du 6 au 9 novembre 2011 ici à Toronto. Il semble qu’en raison du nombre d’élections provinciales à venir et du moment où elles auront lieu, de la participation des sections locales cette année au Congrès national sur la santé, la sécurité et l’environnement, aux élections fédérales, au Congrès international et à d’autres activités, un manque de ressources se fasse sentir et tout indique que nous n’obtiendrons pas le niveau espéré d’inscriptions à la conférence.
Nous n’avons pas encore choisi de nouvelles dates pour la Conférence, mais elle aura probablement lieu dans le courant de 2012. Lorsque nous les aurons confirmées, nous vous enverrons une nouvelle convocation et une trousse d’inscription dans le cadre d’un envoi aux sections locales, et nous vous ferons également parvenir ces informations directement par courriel.
Si vous avez déjà payé vos frais d’inscription, vous avez le choix d'obtenir un remboursement (à vous-même ou à votre section locale, selon qui a payé les frais), ou de tout simplement nous laisser le paiement, que nous appliquerons à la conférence lorsque nous saurons la date exacte à laquelle elle aura lieu. Si vous désirez obtenir un remboursement, veuillez tout simplement répondre au présent courriel en indiquant la mention « Veuillez rembourser ».
Ken N.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Drug Free Workplace
What can you do?
According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology some 3.9 million workers were using at least one illicit drug while working. The impact of your co-worker using drugs is a problem that extends far beyond him or her. In fact, it puts everyone in danger.
Substance abusers are known to have slower reaction speed. They make more mistakes, and they have higher absenteeism.
What can you do if you know a co-worker is abusing substances?
-Talk to your supervisor in conficence about what you know. Don't approach the co-worker yourself.
-If you suspect that the drug deal is in progress, do not intervene on your own. Contact security or notify the police.
Substance abuse on the job is not something to be taken lightly. It can affect lives.
According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology some 3.9 million workers were using at least one illicit drug while working. The impact of your co-worker using drugs is a problem that extends far beyond him or her. In fact, it puts everyone in danger.
Substance abusers are known to have slower reaction speed. They make more mistakes, and they have higher absenteeism.
What can you do if you know a co-worker is abusing substances?
-Talk to your supervisor in conficence about what you know. Don't approach the co-worker yourself.
-If you suspect that the drug deal is in progress, do not intervene on your own. Contact security or notify the police.
Substance abuse on the job is not something to be taken lightly. It can affect lives.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Why Unions matter
The Daily News (Kamloops)
Why unions matter: Unions shelter in an economic storm
Fri Sep 2 2011
Darryl Walker
Over the past year, unions and union members around the world have faced unprecedented challenges from right wing governments and employers who are looking for someone to blame for the most recent economic crisis.
Governments are wrongly pointing the finger at public sector workers, and in response, are cutting public services and public sector jobs, deregulating and privatizing services, attacking workers' pensions and benefits and severely limiting workers' rights, such as the right to free collective bargaining. This along with corporate tax cuts and corporate bailouts is the road map directing right-wing governments to economic recovery.
The truth is, workers have done their part during these difficult economic times. Members of the British Columbia Government Employees Union (BCGEU) who work for the provincial government settled for an agreement with a net zero-and-zero increase. Over the past decade wage increases hovered around 0.15 per cent when you take inflation into account.
Yet despite these sacrifices public sector workers are still being blamed and workers and the public punished with severe cuts to public and community services.
Workers, communities, and unions are fighting back around the world. Last summer saw hundreds of thousands of people all over Europe -- Greece, Spain, France and Italy -- demonstrating, demanding the economic recovery not be on the backs of ordinary people.
Also, in February and March of this year a number of demonstrations bringing out more than 100,000 workers, families, seniors and community groups marched in Wisconsin in response to the draconian measures Governor Scott Walker rammed through the legislature to curtail the power and strength of unions.
People in cities in 50 states across the U.S. protested in solidarity, fearing the attack on unions in their community was merely a matter of time. In London 400,000 people marched in the street on March 26, protesting deep government budget cuts and cuts to public services such as health care and education.
And, at the start of April, British Columbia, Washington State and Oregon labour movements organized a protest at the Peace Arch, at the Canada-U.S. border in solidarity with workers in Wisconsin and around the world demanding an end to the attack on workers' rights.
The collective actions of the labour movement more than one hundred years ago won workers, unionized or not, many basic rights we take for granted -- the eight hour day, health and safety laws, the right to join a union, the right to free collective bargaining, safe and decent working conditions, and a minimum wage. In Canada unions also fought for and won the Canada pension plan for all workers, an insurance system for unemployed workers, and a universal public health care system.
These hard-won rights are now under attack. But we are not going to let them take these rights away. Together we will fight to defend them. Moreover, together unions and the community are fighting to bring an end to corporate tax cuts anddemanding a fair taxation system that will afford quality public services for all.
That's why unions matter.
(c) 2011 The Daily News (Kamloops)
Why unions matter: Unions shelter in an economic storm
Fri Sep 2 2011
Darryl Walker
Over the past year, unions and union members around the world have faced unprecedented challenges from right wing governments and employers who are looking for someone to blame for the most recent economic crisis.
Governments are wrongly pointing the finger at public sector workers, and in response, are cutting public services and public sector jobs, deregulating and privatizing services, attacking workers' pensions and benefits and severely limiting workers' rights, such as the right to free collective bargaining. This along with corporate tax cuts and corporate bailouts is the road map directing right-wing governments to economic recovery.
The truth is, workers have done their part during these difficult economic times. Members of the British Columbia Government Employees Union (BCGEU) who work for the provincial government settled for an agreement with a net zero-and-zero increase. Over the past decade wage increases hovered around 0.15 per cent when you take inflation into account.
Yet despite these sacrifices public sector workers are still being blamed and workers and the public punished with severe cuts to public and community services.
Workers, communities, and unions are fighting back around the world. Last summer saw hundreds of thousands of people all over Europe -- Greece, Spain, France and Italy -- demonstrating, demanding the economic recovery not be on the backs of ordinary people.
Also, in February and March of this year a number of demonstrations bringing out more than 100,000 workers, families, seniors and community groups marched in Wisconsin in response to the draconian measures Governor Scott Walker rammed through the legislature to curtail the power and strength of unions.
People in cities in 50 states across the U.S. protested in solidarity, fearing the attack on unions in their community was merely a matter of time. In London 400,000 people marched in the street on March 26, protesting deep government budget cuts and cuts to public services such as health care and education.
And, at the start of April, British Columbia, Washington State and Oregon labour movements organized a protest at the Peace Arch, at the Canada-U.S. border in solidarity with workers in Wisconsin and around the world demanding an end to the attack on workers' rights.
The collective actions of the labour movement more than one hundred years ago won workers, unionized or not, many basic rights we take for granted -- the eight hour day, health and safety laws, the right to join a union, the right to free collective bargaining, safe and decent working conditions, and a minimum wage. In Canada unions also fought for and won the Canada pension plan for all workers, an insurance system for unemployed workers, and a universal public health care system.
These hard-won rights are now under attack. But we are not going to let them take these rights away. Together we will fight to defend them. Moreover, together unions and the community are fighting to bring an end to corporate tax cuts anddemanding a fair taxation system that will afford quality public services for all.
That's why unions matter.
(c) 2011 The Daily News (Kamloops)
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Ontario Place
Special Offer for United Steelworkers
New Rides, New Attractions, More Fun
Ontario Place is pleased to offer the United Steelworkers and their friends and family fantastic discounts for our Toronto Star Play All Day Pass.
GOOD ANY DAY ONLINE (May 21 – Sept 25)
Regular Adult (over 48”) $20.05 ($29.00 regular)
Child (36”- 48”) $10.52 ($15.00 regular)
Senior (65+) $10.52 ($15.00 regular)
PLUS HST (Children under 36” are free)
TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
Go to http://www.ontarioplace.com/
Click on “Corporate On-Line Clients”
Username: 51491
Password: fun
For more information, contact Group Sales at 416-314-9933
New Rides, New Attractions, More Fun
Ontario Place is pleased to offer the United Steelworkers and their friends and family fantastic discounts for our Toronto Star Play All Day Pass.
GOOD ANY DAY ONLINE (May 21 – Sept 25)
Regular Adult (over 48”) $20.05 ($29.00 regular)
Child (36”- 48”) $10.52 ($15.00 regular)
Senior (65+) $10.52 ($15.00 regular)
PLUS HST (Children under 36” are free)
TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
Go to http://www.ontarioplace.com/
Click on “Corporate On-Line Clients”
Username: 51491
Password: fun
For more information, contact Group Sales at 416-314-9933
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Educating Yourself
You can see that to educate your shop or department, you need to explain what the union is all about. That means you have to be able to answer questions about union policies and programs. You have to understand the meaning of unionism yourself.
You get this understanding by attending your local meetings, meetings of committees and special labour rallies. You get it by reading Steel Labor and USW publications. You get it from the USW Leadership program-from Steelworkers' institutes at your State university and from evening classes in your home town. You get it from seeing what the union has done in your shop. You get it from experience in handling members problems.
Your community has a library. Use it often. Ask if the librarian has any good books about Labor movement. Many libraries, you'll find, offer no better views about unions than the worst newspapers. But you can't expect your library to give Labor a square deal if you and other union people don't use it. Many locals have established their own libraries in their local union halls. Perhaps your local can do the same.
While you educate yourself, of course, you educate the membership. When you read a good pamphlet or newspaper article, show it to the workers in your department. Check around to see if they're all getting Steel Labor. Call their attention to union activities and explain why they're important. Recruit workers for any special educational events or social affairs---classes, forums, picnics, dances, political rallies and the like. Hold departmental meetings to let the members know about progress in settling complaints and grievances. Talk union on the lunch hour. Learn how to use the bulletin board--keep it up to date.
Above all, tell the members that the union is the most democratic organization in the world if they take active part in running it. Coax them out to meetings to see for themselves. Ask the members who gripe about union decisions why they don't sound- off at local meetings when decisions are made by majority vote.
Are your local meetings dull? Then take the lead in pepping them up. Movies, speakers, politics, ---these help liven up your local meetings.
You get this understanding by attending your local meetings, meetings of committees and special labour rallies. You get it by reading Steel Labor and USW publications. You get it from the USW Leadership program-from Steelworkers' institutes at your State university and from evening classes in your home town. You get it from seeing what the union has done in your shop. You get it from experience in handling members problems.
Your community has a library. Use it often. Ask if the librarian has any good books about Labor movement. Many libraries, you'll find, offer no better views about unions than the worst newspapers. But you can't expect your library to give Labor a square deal if you and other union people don't use it. Many locals have established their own libraries in their local union halls. Perhaps your local can do the same.
While you educate yourself, of course, you educate the membership. When you read a good pamphlet or newspaper article, show it to the workers in your department. Check around to see if they're all getting Steel Labor. Call their attention to union activities and explain why they're important. Recruit workers for any special educational events or social affairs---classes, forums, picnics, dances, political rallies and the like. Hold departmental meetings to let the members know about progress in settling complaints and grievances. Talk union on the lunch hour. Learn how to use the bulletin board--keep it up to date.
Above all, tell the members that the union is the most democratic organization in the world if they take active part in running it. Coax them out to meetings to see for themselves. Ask the members who gripe about union decisions why they don't sound- off at local meetings when decisions are made by majority vote.
Are your local meetings dull? Then take the lead in pepping them up. Movies, speakers, politics, ---these help liven up your local meetings.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
June 1 CAS Mobilizing Event at 1602 Telesat Court (Children’s Aid).
On June 1, 2011 (WEDNESDAY), our Provincial CAS Sector Bargaining Team will be back at the bargaining table in Toronto.
Last week there were AMAZING shows of solidarity within our local , in our Wear Blue campaign, and I want to extend a huge thank you for your support.
On June 1, our local has been asked by the Provincial Discussion Table Bargaining Team (PDT- for the CAS sector), to wear a sticker and to perform a lunch time event.
WE NEED YOUR HELP, we need your support.
Please take and wear a sticker and join us from 12:00 -12:30 p.m.
At this event on June 1, we are asking for members to come and participate or support your LEC and Bargaining Team in the "Workload Structure" which we have been asked to do. It is the intention of the PDT, to send a message to our employer and to the Ministry that:
Vulnerable children shall be considered FIRST when it comes to meeting
the requirements of child protection work
Vulnerable children should never have to wait for service and be placed
further at risk
We have a dangerous situation where workers are being told to meet
required standards as a part of their day to day contact with children
and families and that this takes more time than we are being provided to
perform these duties. The result is less time with the clients and more
focus and pressures on paper work
We have incredibly high numbers of workers out on Long Term Disability,
and the rates of fatigue and burn out are bound to increase. This is not
sustainable, and negatively affects all workers and most importantly the
families and children we service
Over the past 10 years, we have been adapting to constant changes in
standards and accountability measures. These changes have had a longer
term impact on the stability of the workforce
We are currently in talks with the government about these concerns and
are asking the ministry to make a commitment to solve the workload
impasse.
We are asking the government to carry out an independent workload study
in consultation with workers from across the sector and to resource its
findings. An assessment of the workload burden is a fundamental first
step to ensuring sector stability in the future.
In Solidarity,
Chrisy (Groves) Tremblay
President, Local 454
chrisy.tremblay@hotmail.com
Last week there were AMAZING shows of solidarity within our local , in our Wear Blue campaign, and I want to extend a huge thank you for your support.
On June 1, our local has been asked by the Provincial Discussion Table Bargaining Team (PDT- for the CAS sector), to wear a sticker and to perform a lunch time event.
WE NEED YOUR HELP, we need your support.
Please take and wear a sticker and join us from 12:00 -12:30 p.m.
At this event on June 1, we are asking for members to come and participate or support your LEC and Bargaining Team in the "Workload Structure" which we have been asked to do. It is the intention of the PDT, to send a message to our employer and to the Ministry that:
Vulnerable children shall be considered FIRST when it comes to meeting
the requirements of child protection work
Vulnerable children should never have to wait for service and be placed
further at risk
We have a dangerous situation where workers are being told to meet
required standards as a part of their day to day contact with children
and families and that this takes more time than we are being provided to
perform these duties. The result is less time with the clients and more
focus and pressures on paper work
We have incredibly high numbers of workers out on Long Term Disability,
and the rates of fatigue and burn out are bound to increase. This is not
sustainable, and negatively affects all workers and most importantly the
families and children we service
Over the past 10 years, we have been adapting to constant changes in
standards and accountability measures. These changes have had a longer
term impact on the stability of the workforce
We are currently in talks with the government about these concerns and
are asking the ministry to make a commitment to solve the workload
impasse.
We are asking the government to carry out an independent workload study
in consultation with workers from across the sector and to resource its
findings. An assessment of the workload burden is a fundamental first
step to ensuring sector stability in the future.
In Solidarity,
Chrisy (Groves) Tremblay
President, Local 454
chrisy.tremblay@hotmail.com
Monday, April 25, 2011
EVENTS
Don't miss out on this upcoming month's events.......Election, Rally on the Hill, education, other....
Day of Mourning April 28/2011
Please find attached the OFL Day of Mourning Factsheet which shows the statistics of how many workers and their families have suffered throughout the years in Ontario . This is why we continue our struggle in health and safety. Please feel free to circulate and post on your union bulletin boards.
The Day of Mourning is April 28th.
Cliick link : Fact Sheet
http://www.mediafire.com/?vx0vszt4oblw37m
The Day of Mourning is April 28th.
Cliick link : Fact Sheet
http://www.mediafire.com/?vx0vszt4oblw37m
Friday, April 22, 2011
Jack Layton's in town
Good afternoon:
Please find below information on a “leaders tour” event which is coming to our area on Monday April 25th. It is important that Labour attend. The time and location appears below. Thank you.
Jack Layton with
Francoise Boivin - Gatineau
Nycole Turmel - Hull-Aylmer
Paul Dewar - Ottawa Centre
Trevor HachÈ - Ottawa Vanier
Event: Town Hall
Date: April 25, 2011
Doors Open: 5:30PM
Event Start: 6:00PM
Event End: 7:00PM
Location + Address: Ecole Secondaire Du Versant, 808 boul de la CitÈ, Gatineau, QC, J8R 3S8
Please find below information on a “leaders tour” event which is coming to our area on Monday April 25th. It is important that Labour attend. The time and location appears below. Thank you.
Jack Layton with
Francoise Boivin - Gatineau
Nycole Turmel - Hull-Aylmer
Paul Dewar - Ottawa Centre
Trevor HachÈ - Ottawa Vanier
Event: Town Hall
Date: April 25, 2011
Doors Open: 5:30PM
Event Start: 6:00PM
Event End: 7:00PM
Location + Address: Ecole Secondaire Du Versant, 808 boul de la CitÈ, Gatineau, QC, J8R 3S8
Monday, April 4, 2011
Message from Brad Lavigne-NDP
video link-New Democratic Party (NDP) VISION-Jack Layton Campaign
http://www.ndp.ca/campaign-update-brad-lavigne
http://www.ndp.ca/campaign-update-brad-lavigne
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
International Women's Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th across the world.
IWD is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. It is a day when women are recognised for their achievements, regardless of divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.
It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.
In 1910, Clara Zetkin, the leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany tabled the idea of an International Women’s Day at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The proposal received unanimous assent from over one hundred women representing seventeen countries.
The very first International Women’s day was held the following year on March 19th. Meetings and protests were held across Europe with the largest street demonstration attracting 30,000 women. The day sparked great public debate, and advocates drew attention to the absolute necessity of extending the right to vote to women to make parliament more democratic. In 1913, IWD was transferred to March 8th and has been held on this day ever since.
In 1975, during the UN International Year for Women, the United Nations held its first official celebrations International Women’s Day. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed by Member States. In adopting this resolution, the General Assembly recognised the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women’s full and equal participation.
Since those early years, International Women’s Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing international women’s movement, which has been strengthened by four global United Nation’s women’s conferences, has helped make the commemoration a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation in the political and economic arenas. Increasingly, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
UN General Assembly adopted a resolution inviting Member States to proclaim a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace – International Women’s Day – to be observed on any day of the year in accordance with their historical and national traditions. Since then, the United Nations Organisation has observed March 8th as International Women’s Day. The purpose of this day is to recognise the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to strengthening international peace and security.
For the women of the world, the symbolism of International Women’s Day has a wider meaning. It is an occasion to review how far women have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilise for meaningful change.
IWD is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. It is a day when women are recognised for their achievements, regardless of divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.
It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.
In 1910, Clara Zetkin, the leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany tabled the idea of an International Women’s Day at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The proposal received unanimous assent from over one hundred women representing seventeen countries.
The very first International Women’s day was held the following year on March 19th. Meetings and protests were held across Europe with the largest street demonstration attracting 30,000 women. The day sparked great public debate, and advocates drew attention to the absolute necessity of extending the right to vote to women to make parliament more democratic. In 1913, IWD was transferred to March 8th and has been held on this day ever since.
In 1975, during the UN International Year for Women, the United Nations held its first official celebrations International Women’s Day. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed by Member States. In adopting this resolution, the General Assembly recognised the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women’s full and equal participation.
Since those early years, International Women’s Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing international women’s movement, which has been strengthened by four global United Nation’s women’s conferences, has helped make the commemoration a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation in the political and economic arenas. Increasingly, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
UN General Assembly adopted a resolution inviting Member States to proclaim a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace – International Women’s Day – to be observed on any day of the year in accordance with their historical and national traditions. Since then, the United Nations Organisation has observed March 8th as International Women’s Day. The purpose of this day is to recognise the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to strengthening international peace and security.
For the women of the world, the symbolism of International Women’s Day has a wider meaning. It is an occasion to review how far women have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilise for meaningful change.
Monday, February 28, 2011
RSI DAY
February 28/2011
Today is RSI Day (Repetitive Strain Injuries). Please find the MOL link below which contains a lot of information on RSI injuries and prevention; however we must continue to fight for an enforceable RSI Regulation which would do more to reduce the amount of human suffering that affects thousands of workers across Ontario .
Link
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/topics/pains.php
Today is RSI Day (Repetitive Strain Injuries). Please find the MOL link below which contains a lot of information on RSI injuries and prevention; however we must continue to fight for an enforceable RSI Regulation which would do more to reduce the amount of human suffering that affects thousands of workers across Ontario .
Link
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/topics/pains.php
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
District 6 Injured Workers Assistance Program
Since the launch of the "Injured Workers Assistance Program" in September 2009 were seeing more and more Steelworkers receiving the compensation claims they deserve.
This program provides assistance with compensation claims for workers who are injured on the job or who fall victim to occupational disease.
When the District proposed this program it never imagined it would reach over 5,000 USW members in little over a year. To date the program has helped members win compensation claims worth more than $6 million in total.
Injured Worker's Assistance Program Coordinator Jim Pasel is working hard to roll out the program throughout the District and to get workers compensation team advocates trained and set up. To date, there are nine fully trained Steelworkers who are now helping in their locals each and every day.
On September 8/2010 our local officially joined the injured Worker's Assistance Program. The cost to a local to enrol in the program is only .50 cents per member, per month, which is deducted from the local union dues refunds.
For more information please contact Jim Pasel at 1-877-836-9291, or at injuredsteelworkers@live.ca.
This program provides assistance with compensation claims for workers who are injured on the job or who fall victim to occupational disease.
When the District proposed this program it never imagined it would reach over 5,000 USW members in little over a year. To date the program has helped members win compensation claims worth more than $6 million in total.
Injured Worker's Assistance Program Coordinator Jim Pasel is working hard to roll out the program throughout the District and to get workers compensation team advocates trained and set up. To date, there are nine fully trained Steelworkers who are now helping in their locals each and every day.
On September 8/2010 our local officially joined the injured Worker's Assistance Program. The cost to a local to enrol in the program is only .50 cents per member, per month, which is deducted from the local union dues refunds.
For more information please contact Jim Pasel at 1-877-836-9291, or at injuredsteelworkers@live.ca.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Here are a few common myths and union responses to them.
1.Unions are strike happy
2-Unions were good at one time but they have outlived their usefulness.
3-Unions protect the lazy.....the people who should be fired.
4-Unions are too big and powerful.
5-Unions are always making unreasonable demands
6-The public is not represented in---and is the innocent victim of strikes by workers in the public sector.
Click the link to see the responses.
http://www.mediafire.com/?lvn6bc6t3eh2ot8
2-Unions were good at one time but they have outlived their usefulness.
3-Unions protect the lazy.....the people who should be fired.
4-Unions are too big and powerful.
5-Unions are always making unreasonable demands
6-The public is not represented in---and is the innocent victim of strikes by workers in the public sector.
Click the link to see the responses.
http://www.mediafire.com/?lvn6bc6t3eh2ot8
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