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AROUND THE LABOUR MOVEMENT

FTQ to increase labour action

@ The Quebec Federation of Labour and the National Confederation of Unions oppose changes in labour law introduced by Jean Charet’s Liberals. In late November and early December, union members demon- strated against the newly-elected government's attempt to gut public health care service unions and facili- tate contracting out without union succession rights. The Liberals have also infuriated the public by increas- ing day care fees.

Local support CEP strikers against Edmonton TV station Local 1-207 president Mike Pisak said the IWA will be “adopting a striker” for the Christmas holiday as part of the AFL's campaign to assist CEP Local 1900 members who have been on the line since September, 2003 for a first collective agreement at the

independent A-Channel TV station in Edmonton. The commercial broad- caster has been scabbing the opera- tion which was organized in the summer of 2002. “This dispute shows that in Alberta today, workers can join a union and the employer can simply refuse to bargain in good faith,” says Brother Pisak. The AFL is boycotting the channel and is leaflet-

PHOTO BY NORMAN GARCIA

= Many shoppers are concerned about where clothes are made as well as price.

from where consumer products origi- nate and that about two-thirds would avoid purchasing products if they knew they were made under inhumane con- ditions for workers.

But the CLC is careful to point out that that the Ethical Shopping campaign does not call for a boycott of such prod- ucts, unless a boycott is supported by workers affected. In some cases more harm than good can affect workers.

Instead the guide suggests that by being proactive, consumers can have greater impacts and that merchants do listen to their customers. The garment industry often actively works to conceal where and under what conditions their goods are produced. By interacting directly with merchant managers, con- sumers can help flush out the truth.

The guide suggests Canadians sim- ply tell manager that they purchase clothes made under humane conditions and that they should offer proof.

Consumers can ask for the names and addresses of the contractors and subcontractors that produce clothes and attempt to find out if the company has an enforceable code of conduct which it can produce for consumers.

In short, the guide exhorts con- sumers to say what’s on their minds.

David Tones, the IWA’s national sec- retary-treasurer, says that anti-sweat- shop campaigns are becoming more prevalent and that the labour move- ment is not only interesting in promot- ing union-made products, it is taking

CLC promotes Ethical Shopping

BEFORE AND AFTER their Christmas shopping > binges, more and more

Canadians will be asking

on an important role in pushing for bet- ter working conditions around the world. “Labour in Canada is looking outword in an increasingly global econ- omy,” says Brother Tones. “It has decid- ed that it’s sometimes better to use con-

ing businesses that advertise with it.

you can download in PDF form by visit- ing the CLC’s website at www.cle-ctc.ca

In November the CLC launched the consumers guide, in-time for the

Federation rallies support behind IWA coast strikers Delegates to this year's policy convention of the B.C. Federation of Labour rallied

some tough questions Christmas season. “Every day, millions sumer pressure and put pressure on supeatt fort ne WA. about where and under what condi- of people men women and children — politicians than call for boycotts that during its dispute with | tions the apparel they are purchasing is _ work under sweatshop conditions with may have questionable results in the the forest industry on made. Consumer scrutiny is increasing _ low pay, long hours, no benefits and lit. end.” the Coast. They unani-

in Canada as more and more clothing and other items that appear on store shelves are produced in low wage ghet- tos and sweatshops.

And there’s no guarantee that cloth- ing made in Canada is not produced in sweatshops too, points out the CLC.

To tap into growing consumer awareness, the CLC has produced an on-line Ethical Shopping guide which

tle protection from abuse or injury,” says CLC president Ken Georgetti. Choosing to purchase items that are not made under these conditions is perhaps one of the best gifts of solidarity Canadians can offer to sweatshop work- ers in Canada and in other countries.” The Congress points out that a recent poll revealed that 63 per cent of Canadian consumers want to know

The guide also suggest that con- sumers join to leaflet stores and hold strategic rallies around back-to-school and holiday shopping periods. It also recommends support the Ethical Trade Action Group’s campaign demanding that Canada’s Industry Minister adopt new disclosure regulations under the Textile Labelling Act, providing con- sumers the right to know.

BCFED

mously passed a res- olution calling for moral and financial assistance to IWA strikers. Numerous fed affiliates visited picket lines in the Lower Mainland and throughout the province, during the nearly four week dispute. “Once again we thank all the affiliates for their unqual- ified support to our struggle,” says IWA

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secretary-treasurer David Tones.

Local participating in more SFL classes and activities Local 1-184 president Paul Hallen, who is a vice-president of the SFL, says the local is encouraging more members to participate in CLC-SFL educational compo- nents. “Our member- ship is taking an active role in trade (4 union education,” he says. Hallen com- mends members who got out to pro- mote the NDP for its successful re- election on November 5. He says the local is participating in the fed’s labour-to-neighbour follow-up cam- paign, which is designed to make the NDP not lose sight of labour issues. Financial-secretary Harry Groenen, an alternate on the SFL executive, attends campaign meetings.

Fed organizing youth camp The New Brunswick Federation of Labour is already gearing up the organizing of a summer youth camp for next year. It will be the fourth consecutive year of hold the camp, which invites high school students to study labour issues for a two week period. The bilingual camp, which will be held at the University of Moncton, includes participation on subjects such as workers’ rights, health and safety, and the history of the labour move- ment. “Every year it has been full with about 80 kids and next summer should be no exception,” says IWA Local 306 financial secretary John Richard. The Miramichi and District Labour Council usually sponsors a participant to send to Moncton.

Local thanks MEL affiliates IWA Local 324 members locked out for 23 days at Prairie Forest Products in Neepawa got solid sup- port. Local union

@ business agent Ce Chris T. Parlow sends thanks, on p—4 behalf of the work- _—

ers, to MFL affiliate members from the area. At the time the dispute was resolved, a sizeable rally was planned on behalf of the workers who had been locked out on November 3. In other news, Manitoba premier Gary Doer's throne speech mentioned that the NDP will pass new health and safe- ty regulations worked on by the tri- partite Workplace Safety and Health Committee, which Local 830 presi- dent Jack Alexander participated in.

OFL convention talks about joint organizing strategies In late November, affiliates of the Ontario Federation of Labour, met to discussion organiz- ing strategies to increase member- ship, strengthen ane humans rights and OFL/FTO organize in commu- nities. IWA national First Vice President Norm Rivard says that the union took particular interest in dis- cussions on inter-union organizing strategies. “The Fed is realizing what we've been saying for some time — unions have to get together in a con- certed effort to organized in sectors where one union can't do it alone,” he says. “Places like Home Depot, Wal Mart and Canadian Tire have tens of thousands of workers that require rep- resentation but have been intimidated from doing so.” Rivard supports the sectoral approach to joint organizing.

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20 | THE ALLIED WORKER DECEMBER 2003