[BC_Labour_E-NEWS] B.C. Federation of Labour E-news ISSUE #47 - July 21, 2006

Fri Jul 21 17:22:37 PDT 2006

ISSUE #47 - July 21, 2006

B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair, members and volunteers
with B.C. Fed's Young Workers Committee were joined by Doug DePatie and
Chett Crellin, family members of Grant DePatie, the young man killed
last year while working at a Maple Ridge gas station.  

These young workers have been volunteering their time to conduct surveys
of gas station workers, and provide station workers with important
information about workers' rights to a healthy and safe workplace.

FAST FACT
According to WorkSafeBC, a recent random inspection of 366 gas stations
"has resulted in virtually every inspection documenting violations and
issuing orders."

In this issue:

  Stories
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#stories> 

Widespread safety violations underline need for safety crackdown, says
B.C. Federation of Labour
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#Gas_Station_WCB>  

Training tax credit should reimburse apprentice's tuition
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#Training_Tax_Credit> 

Help save Canada's only safe injection site
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#InSite>  

City, CUPE member reach human rights settlement
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#CUPE_Same-Sex_Rights>  

Current Disputes
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#New Page>  

 Coming Events
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#events> 

Pride Weekend
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#Pride Weekend> 

Victoria Labour Council 15th Annual Michael Dunahee Slo-Pitch Tournament
of Hope for Missing Children
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#Victoria_Softball> 

 Publications
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#publications> 

Is this the vision we have for a modern, 21st century forest industry?
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#Raw_Log_Exports> 

 Subscription Information
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#subscribe> 

top
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#top> 

Stories

Widespread safety violations underline need for safety crackdown, says
B.C. Federation of Labour

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Vancouver--Safety violations like those that led to the death of Grant
DePatie, are widespread and underline the need for safety crackdown,
says B.C. Federation of Labour Secretary Treasurer, Angela Schira, after
findings released today by WorkSafeBC.

After pressure from the B.C. Federation of Labour, WorkSafeBC agreed to
step up safety inspections of BC gas stations, conducting 366
inspections in the last three months.  According to WorkSafeBC, this
pressure "has resulted in virtually every inspection documenting
violations and issuing orders."

"These findings confirm what we have been saying all along," said
Schira.  "Gas station workers are at risk and gas companies are not
following the laws in place to protect these workers."

"Not only do employers have a legal responsibility to provide safe
workplaces, WorkSafeBC has a legal responsibility to enforce the rules,"
Schira stated.  "When every inspection shows there's a problem,
education alone isn't enough. There needs to be a crackdown, and gas
stations not complying, should be shut down."

The B.C. Federation of Labour has been lobbying the provincial
government and WorkSafeBC to toughen up rules to protect workers working
alone in gas stations, convenience stores and other late-night retail
occupations.

The Vancouver Police Department recently issued a warning to workers
working alone after a spate of convenience store robberies.  Kelowna
RCMP also announced they will be approaching their City Council to
request a by-law requiring gas stations to have a "pay before you pump"
policy.

Training tax credit should reimburse apprentice's tuition 

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

VANCOUVER - BC's new training tax credit should reimburse an
apprentice's tuition upon completion of inter-provincial certification,
says B.C. Federation of Labour President, Jim Sinclair.

The 2006 budget included a $90 million tax credit for training but
included no details on how it should be utilized.  In the wake of the
Federation's submission on the matter, Taylor's ministry organized a
consultation.

"Tuition fees have increased by 40 percent while support to apprentices
were all but eliminated," said Sinclair.  The focus of any training tax
credit must remain on apprentices.  In addition to tuition
reimbursement, the Federation submission also proposes an apprentice
tool allowance for each year of apprenticeship training.

Sinclair's remarks came after a meeting with Finance Minister Carole
Taylor to outline the Federation's submission to the provincial
government's review of a training tax credit.

The Federation also proposed that, in order to maximize incentive for
apprenticeship completion, the training tax credit must be back-end
loaded for eligible employers.  The proposed tax credit would increase
in each subsequent year of a training program, with the largest amount
claimed following the apprentice achieving trade certification.  

Sinclair stressed that over the long term, rewarding good employers
wouldn't be sufficient.  "It's the old carrot and stick approach.  The
tax credit may be a carrot but where's the stick?" Sinclair asked.

"Employers who don't train should have to contribute to the system.
Poaching skilled workers by the highest bidder might generate some nice
paycheques for the individual worker, but in the long run will only hurt
our economy," said Sinclair.  Sinclair suggested BC consider the
training model used in Quebec where employers must invest one percent of
their payroll in training.

Since 2001/2002, the number of provincial training certificates
completed has decreased by 26 percent.  According to the Industry
Training Authority, only 42 percent of those in apprenticeship programs
complete and attain their full credentials.  This compares to a rate of
95 percent for union-sponsored training programs.

Click here
<http://www.bcfed.com/Where+We+Stand/Publications/Archives/Submission_Tr
aining_Tax_Credit.htm>  to download a copy of  the Training Tax Credit
submission.

Help save Canada's only safe injection site

Friday, July 21, 2006

InSite, Canada's only safe injection site is based in Vancouver's
Downtown Eastside.

The site averages 600 visits each day.  Through overdose interventions,
Insite has saved 336 lives; injections that would have otherwise taken
place in unsafe locations like alleys or hotel rooms.

On September 12th, 2006, Insites Health Canada exemption from section 56
of Canada's Controlled Substances Act will expire and InSite will become
illegal.

But you can help change that.  Please urge Prime Minister Stephen Harper
to renew the Health Canada exemption and allow InSite to continue this
valuable and needed work.

Researchers and health professionals, both here in BC and around the
world, have concluded that InSite is making a positive difference.
Despite this evidence and Insite's life-saving interventions and
introduction of people to detox and addiction treatment, Stephen Harper
isn't convinced that this exemption should be granted.

Please take a minute to write or e-mail Prime Minister Stephen Harper to
help keep the Safe Injection Site saving lives in Vancouver's Downtown
Eastside.

For more information visit: http://www.communityinsite.ca/

City, CUPE member reach human rights settlement

Friday, July 14, 2006

KELOWNA-In a pre-emptive move designed to avoid an embarrassing loss,
the City of Kelowna has reached a human rights settlement on same-sex
spousal benefits with a local CUPE member less than a week before her
complaint was to go before the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Meredith Clements, a member of CUPE 338 working at a local RCMP
detachment, first asked her employer for spousal benefits when she was
hired in 1999.  The employer turned her down.  Clements applied again in
2001 and in 2003, and was denied both times.

After BC marriage law changed in the summer of 2003 and benefits were
legally extended to same-sex partners, the union filed a grievance with
the employer on her behalf.  The grievance was settled in the fall of
2004 before the case went to arbitration.  Shortly afterward, Clements
filed a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

To learn more click here. <http://www.cupe.bc.ca/3480> 

Current Disputes

Friday, July 21, 2006

COPE 15/Island Savings Credit Union

On July 15, COPE 15 members who work at Island Savings Credit Union hit
the picket lines after a mediator booked out of negotiations.  Issues of
wages and benefits, staffing and workload issues are central to this
dispute while the employer continues to boast of profits.

COPE 15 is asking Credit Union members to refuse to patronize Island
Savings.  For more information on this dispute, please visit the COPE15
website. <http://cope15.ca/> 

CUPE 774/City of Abbotsford

Members of CUPE 774 representing almost 500 workers employed by the City
of Abbotsford have voted to reject the last offer made by the employer.
After more than a year of bargaining, CUPE members began strike action
June 26, 2006.

Key issues remain wages, length of the contract, and recruitment and
retention of workers.  To find out how you can support these striking
workers visit CUPE 774's website.

UFCW 1518/Extra Foods-Park Royal

UFCW 1518 members have been on strike at Extra Foods 8565 (Park Royal)
since January 13, 2006.
Union members are continuing their leafleting and information campaign
at Westfair's Superstores.  Westfair is the parent company of many Extra
Foods stores as well as the Real Canadian Superstore chain. Westfair
recently announced that it will be closing the Park Royal store for the
duration of the strike. 

For updates on this strike please visit UFCW 1518.

For more information on current disputes, please visit the B.C. Fed
website. <http://www.bcfed.com/BFNews/Current+Disputes/index.htm> 

top
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#top> 

Events

Pride Weekend
Saturday, August 05, 2006

Information	

 The Multi-Union Pride Committee will be participating in several events
on Pride weekend. 

Download the poster below for more information on how you can
participate.
Pride Week Events_2006.pdf
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/rdonlyres/e46nc2fquomgn2gvv44vjb7t6tevgsry4fahf
jopiacl7xjgh7iqq7r5ngru7qfbmsebvdloc5vkad/PrideWeekEvents2006.pdf>  
 <http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/images/clearDot.gif> 	
Location	

Vancouver, BC

 <http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/images/clearDot.gif> 	

Victoria Labour Council 15th Annual Michael Dunahee Slo-Pitch Tournament
of Hope for Missing Children
Saturday, August 12, 2006

Information	

$275 (earlybird) or $325 entrance fee per team

Deadline:  June 22, 2006

Each team must field 10 players.  At least 4 must be women.  Each team
captain must be a union member.  Each team must be sponsored by a union.

 <http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/images/clearDot.gif> 	
Location	

Topaz Park (corner of Blanshard & Finlayson streets) Victoria

 <http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/images/clearDot.gif> 	
Notes	

Colin Graham 250-384-8331 vlc at telus.net 	

top
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#top> 

Publications

Is this the vision we have for a modern, 21st century forest industry?	

7/17/2006	

Why are people in Port Alberni willing to push a 227 kilogram log down
the Island to Victoria to draw attention to the record level of log
exports?  For the same reason a recent poll showed over half of Port
Alberni citizens believe their families may be forced to leave their
community if raw log exports continue.

Since 1891, BC has had laws restricting forest companies' ability to
export raw logs.  This policy has been reiterated by successive
governments, keenly aware of British Columbians' desire to maximize the
benefit of our forest resource. Before he was elected Premier, then
Opposition Leader Gordon Campbell said in a radio interview, "we're not
in favour of raw log exports.  We don't want to export logs and export
jobs along with them."

But yesterday's political rhetoric doesn't match today's reality.  In
the last ten years raw log exports have tripled, reaching almost seven
percent of the annual allowable cut.  The B.C. Federation of Labour
estimates that 3,300 jobs in the forest sector were lost to log exports
in 2005 alone.

In direct income to workers, the export of jobs from British Columbia
costs $250 million annually in lost earnings to workers living in forest
communities.  Using traditional economic models, for every job created
in the direct resource industry, an additional 2.5 jobs are created
among suppliers and in the service sector.  That amounts to a loss of an
additional $625 million from British Columbia's economy.

Some industry analysts initially predicted that the dramatic rise of
exports could be attributed to the pine beetle crisis in BC's interior.
However, figures from the Ministry of Forests, show that's far from the
case.  In 2005, the majority of logs exported were high value species,
not beetle-infected pine. Most of these species originate on the coast.

Some forest companies defend the practice as almost an inevitable
evolution of the coastal forest industry restructuring.  The B.C. Fed
estimates 27 mills closed at a cost of 13,000 jobs between 1997 and
2004.  Coastal mills made up the large majority of those closed.  Not
all of those mills closed because they were old or inefficient.  (In
fact, compared to our American neighbours BC has an incredibly
productive saw-milling sector; just look at the ongoing trade battle
over softwood lumber.)  Reliable fibre supply that mills need to operate
has continued to erode while log exports have continued to gather steam.

Former Western Forest Products CEO Rick Doman described it best:  "we'll
be creating forest jobs in other countries and losing jobs here where
workers actually get fair wages.  They call it restructuring of Coastal
BC but I call it the destruction of Coastal BC." 

And it's not just sawmill companies that are impacted.  With the
continued climb of raw log exports pulp mills face disappearing chip
supplies and small remanufacturers are struggling as well.

Forest unions, the B.C.Fed, and local labour councils are visiting with
city councils around the province.  We're asking local councils to
support a moratorium on raw log exports and take this issue to the Union
of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) this October.  After meeting a
delegation from Port Alberni, Minister of Forests Rich Coleman agreed to
review the matter. 

A simple question should guide that review:  is this the vision we have
for a modern, 21st century forest industry?

Are we content to simply remain hewers of wood?  Or should we drive for
a developed forest sector full of value-added opportunities and the best
of sustainable harvesting practices? 

And if this is the best we can do in one of the most mature industries,
what does this say for other sectors of the BC economy?  Putting an end
to raw log exports would provide the first clear signal in some time
that resource communities can look forward to a positive future.

top
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#top> 

Subscription Information

Send a message to BCFED
<mailto:bcfed at bcfed.com?subject=Unsubscribe-E-NEWS>  to unsubscribe or
suspend your subscription while on vacation or change your password.

To get helpful information, send a message to:
BC_Labour_Enews-request <mailto:BC_Labour_Enews-request at bcfed.net>  with
"Help" in the subject line.

cope 15

TO CONTACT THE FEDERATION, send an email to bcfed at bcfed.com

top
<http://www.bcfed.com/NR/exeres/F3F280CE-1FCF-47F2-B32F-4EDD4C12D63A,A91
7458F-F364-4CF2-B94F-66B5531BE481,frameless.htm#top> 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: winmail.dat
Type: application/ms-tnef
Size: 204388 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://bcfed.net/pipermail/bc_labour_enews/attachments/20060721/66fe556a/attachment.bin>