[BC_Labour_E-NEWS] B.C. Federation of Labour E-News October 20, 2006

[bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net]

E-News October 20, 2006

Stories 

Hundreds rally to highlight Canada's growing forest crisis-B.C.
Federation of Labour makes submission to government review of raw log
exports <http://www.bcfed.com/>  

Vancouver-B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair joined
delegates to the Communication Energy and Paperworkers (CEP) National
Convention at a rally to highlight Canada's growing forest crisis. This
year over 5000 jobs have been lost in the Canadian forest industry, with
almost half that number occurring in the last two weeks.

"Our industry is being hurt from all sides and both the provincial and
federal government's seem to have the blinders on," Sinclair said. From
raw log exports to the softwood sell-out to the growing pine beetle
crisis, BC's forest communities are facing a tough future. Delegates to
the National CEP Convention rally to highlight Canada's growing forestry
crisis

This week the Federation met with Bill Dumont and Don Wright, who were
appointed by the provincial government to review the growing export of
raw logs from BC. "Enough logs to fill 125,000 logging trucks left BC
last year," said Sinclair, "that's the export of 3300 jobs that could
have been created in BC." Download a copy of the Federation's submission
on raw exports. <http://www.bcfed.com/node/440> 

While the Softwood Lumber Agreement was in its early day's of
implementation, Weyerheuser who supported the agreement announced a
two-week closure of their sawmill operations in Kamloops, BC. 175
workers, represented by Local 1-417 of the United Steelworkers have been
laid off, with the company admitting that even more downtime is likely.

Days later, 130 workers, members of Steelworkers Local 1-423, employed
at Tolko Industries' plywood division in Kelowna were informed that
their jobs are being permanently eliminated effective in January 2007. 
<http://www.bcfed.com/node/29> 

Tell your MP to stop the Softwood Sell-out and stand up for BC jobs.
<http://www.usw.ca/program/content/3586.php> 

BC Liberal appointment creates serious setback for labour relations
<http://www.bcfed.com/node/596> 

Vancouver-The BC government's decision to reappoint Brent Mullin as
Chair of the BC Labour Relations Board (LRB) is a serious setback to
constructive labour relations in the province, says Jim Sinclair,
President, B.C. Federation of Labour.

"The provincial government has a long way to go to restore confidence in
the LRB, which, frankly, many on both sides have lost," Sinclair said. 
Read more. <http://www.bcfed.com/node/596> 

Labour leader from Costa Rica visits Vancouver to support RAV line
foreign workers in fight to win first union contract
<http://www.bcfed.com/node/595> 

VANCOUVER - Canadian Labour Congress President, Ken Georgetti, today
welcomed a visit by a top union leader from Costa Rica who is here to
support foreign workers on the Richmond-Airport-Vancouver rapid transit
line attempt to win a first union contract. 

And Georgetti and B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair
warned Canadian employers that organized labour here and around the
world will not allow foreign workers to be exploited with low wages and
poor working conditions while undercutting Canadian labour standards. 
Read more. <http://www.bcfed.com/node/595> 

"Pay before you pump" -important milestone on road to full regulations
for gas station, convenience store workers working alone
<http://www.bcfed.com/node/594> 

Vancouver --Today's announcement by WorkSafeBC that "Pay Before You
Pump" regulations will go to public hearing before the end of the year
are an important milestone in the fight for full protection for those
working alone in gas stations and convenience stores, says B.C.
Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair, and a tribute to the
courage and initiative of the Grant Depatie family. Learn more.
<http://www.bcfed.com/node/594> 

Ferry Workers' Union calls for judicial review following damning
statements from former BC Ferries' safety director
<http://www.bcfmwu.com/> 

Victoria-The BC Ferry and Marine Workers' Union (BCFMWU) has reviewed
Captain Darin Bowland's affidavit regarding safety issues at BC Ferries
and are forwarding it to legal counsel for their input and evaluation. 

Captain Bowland's statements confirm concerns the Union has raised over
the years about operational and occupational health and safety matters
at BC Ferries. (Read Bowland's statement.)
<http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2006/10/19/bc-ferry-uni
on.html>  The Union is supportive of the operational safety policy
review currently being conducted by Mr. George Morfitt and his team. 

The Union encourages the auditor to investigate the statements contained
in the affidavit in the context of the overall operational safety audit.
Further, given the controversy regarding safety at BC Ferries, the
BCFMWU is requesting a judicial review, as per the Nemetz Inquiry, be
convened into the sinking of the MV Queen of the North and a full and
complete audit be conducted into all aspects of the safety management
system at BC Ferries including worker health and safety and
environmental impact issues.

The Union has no comment at this time regarding the Divisional Inquiry
into the grounding of the MV Queen of Oak Bay. To learn more contact the
BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union, <http://www.bcfmwu.com/> 
<http://www.bcfmwu.com/> 

Minimum wage increase, income assistance boost
<http://www.bcfed.com/node/592> 

BC's next budget should reduce income inequality and boost BC's energy
capacity, says the B.C. Federation of Labour, with a minimum wage
increase and a return to public power generation.

"BC has the highest poverty rates in the country," said B.C. Federation
of Labour President Jim Sinclair in his Submission to the Finance
Committee of the Legislature, which is conducting pre-budget
consultations. Read more or download a copy of the Federation's
submission. <http://www.bcfed.com/node/592> 

WorkSafeBC premium cut for employers won't do any thing to improve
workers' safety and does nothing to help injured workers
<http://www.bcfed.com/node/585> 

Vancouver - Today's WorkSafeBC premium cut for employers won't do
anything to improve workers' safety and does nothing to help injured
workers, says B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair.

"Last year we recorded the highest number of worker fatalities in 25
years, yet see some of the lowest premium rates for employers. Something
is definitely wrong with this picture," said Sinclair. Read more.
<http://www.bcfed.com/node/585> 

Events

PUBLIC FORUM: Selling Us Down the River - What's at stake by privatizing
BC's Run-of-the-River energy resources? <http://www.bcfed.com/node/579> 

Selling Us Down the River-Hear an overview of how current threats to
public ownership of BC's water will effect you and your community. Learn
about three communities actively fighting large corporations' bids to
control our invaluable natural resource. 

Saturday, October 21 @ 7:30PM, Alice McKay Room, Vancouver Public
Library

Learn more or download the event poster. <http://www.bcfed.com/node/579>


Softwood Agreement--Community Forum <http://www.bcfed.com/node/597> 

Date: Thursday October 26, 2006 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT UNFAIR TRADE WITH THE U.S.? NOT SURE IF IT
AFFECTS YOU ? IT'S NOT TOO LATE !

Come to an Open Community Forum and learn about the Harper/Bush Softwood
Agreement. Learn more. <http://www.bcfed.com/node/597> 

NWDLC 40th Anniversary Celebration <http://www.bcfed.com/node/568> 

Friday October 27, 2006, 6:00 pm 

Operating Engineers Hall - 4333 Ledger Ave, Burnaby

Tickets $100, Featuring Bob Robertson, of "Double Exposure"

Learn more. <http://www.bcfed.com/node/568> 

Health and Safety Education
<http://www.bcfed.com/health_safety/education_resources> 

The Occupational Health and Safety Education Resource Centre provides
health and safety education to throughout British Columbia. This
education allows workers to participate more effectively in health and
safety issues, leading to positive change in the workplace.

Courses are offered throughout the year in communities around British
Columbia. Arrangements can also be made to provide education and
training to joint committees in the workplace. Learn more about upcoming
courses offered in your community.
<http://www.bcfed.com/health_safety/events> 

B.C. Federation of Labour 50th Convention-A proud history. A strong
future. <http://www.bcfed.com/about_us/convention> 

The B.C. Federation of Labour's 50th Annual Convention takes place
November 27 through December 1, 2006 at the Vancouver Convention and
Exhibition Centre. Please check here
<http://www.bcfed.com/about_us/convention>  for resolutions, reports,
news and information related to the Convention.

Publications

The Softwood Hard Sell-Deal a bitter pill for some B.C. lumber firms,
especially 'remanufacturers.'
<http://thetyee.ca/News/2006/10/13/Softwood/> 

Stephen Harper claimed the deal to end the softwood lumber dispute
"quickly won support" in provinces like British Columbia. However, the
Agreement, which came into effect yesterday
<http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2006/10/12/2008704-cp.html> , is
bitterly criticized by some industry executives in BC, especially those
in the business of turning raw logs into the kinds of products that also
create more jobs. 

Comments on the record by execs have been scarce. One central Interior
reporter, who didn't want to be named, used the words "unusually tough"
to describe getting managers and company presidents to comment publicly
on the deal.

But some timber execs have unburdened themselves to union members,
claims Terry Tate, Financial Secretary with the United Steelworkers in
Williams Lake. "They're telling us behind closed doors that this deal is
horrible." Read the rest of this Tyee story.
<http://thetyee.ca/News/2006/10/13/Softwood/> 

cope 15

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