MANITOBA

NDP Premier pitches in to
save jobs at Tolko mill

THE PAS Steelworkers Local 1-
324 thanked Manitoba Premier
Gary Doer for intervening to

M.
GaryDoer munity. Local 1-
324 presi is Parl
thanked the premier for

“bringing the tools necessary

buildings with lobbyists in the background. scott tunny

€ laciclati
legislative

Forest fatality lobby noted by politicians

CTORIA Veteran trade unionist George
Rogers, a recently retired officer of Port
All

tion bon . Some amend-
ments to the benefits pro-
gram, sc li id

ment in power,” adds Parlow.
“We'd hate to think what the
consequences could have
been for us otherwise.”

try.
He says union lobbyists,
including himself, made their presence
higk ly lL o } | gi ‘J. They visi

Rogers

ited

each and every MLA, Hee) Canines
Ministers, i the

7

policy that may vee contributed to the
increase in deaths. “ on the inside of
the legislature set political action in a
very positive way,” says Rogers. “Usually we
are protesting outside. We still have to do
’ doors teal-

iP
1 ) 1 a j
y ds

NEW COORDINATOR HIRED
National union gets set
to push political action

TO MOVE THE USW’S political action agenda

1

Steve Hunts

Fite political j
has hired a political action coordinator within
th d: His d rtiment. Thi: + 4 ]

Bee. an instrumental role i in

t
to save the mill will be revisit-
ed within the year. “There's a
lot of work that has to be

lone to ensure jobs and com-
munity stability in the future,”

ie says. “Our members and
the ae + Manitoba
depend o

ent of Lisa Blanchette to the
position. Sister Blanchette,
Lo} Led in tt “

national communications
7 department for over 10 years,
brings a wealth of experience
Lisa Blanchette in running ae cam-
pe eet endl communications. The

= Steelworkers’ familie
politically active across oan NORMAN GARCIA

are getting more

Democratic Party. Planning for member-
ship drives is underwa

eral
(September ue! in 2 Quebec City).
Council chair

1 ie

ain tse union affiliation to the Sn

Steelworkers’ cies action pees

34 | JUNE 2006 THE ALLIED WORKER