From bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net Fri Jan 12 15:43:13 2007 From: bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net (bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:43:13 -0800 Subject: [BC_Labour_E-NEWS] B.C. Federation of Labour E-News, January 12, 2007 Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC120637656F15F@bcfednt.bcfed.local> Stories Labour, environment and community groups draft response to provincial government's review of BC's growing log export crisis Jobs, community and sustainability missing from provincial government report Nanaimo-The B.C. Federation of Labour today hosted an all-day meeting including 40 representatives from BC's forest unions, local governments, community groups and environmental organizations to formulate a response to the provincial government's review of BC's growing log export crisis. The meeting focussed on recommendations in a recent report regarding BC's log export regime. "When we're working together -- community, environment and labour -- we know we'll be heard," said Sinclair. "It tells the government and forest corporations, not only are we together, but we're not going away until this crisis is solved." Read more. Lower Mainland mayors join labour call for $10 minimum wage - new poll shows 79.3 percent of British Columbians in support Vancouver - Two Lower Mainland mayors are joining the B.C. Federation of Labour's call for a $10 minimum wage in the wake of new polling that shows 79.3 percent of British Columbians support the change. "A commitment by the Premier to raise the minimum wage to $10 from $8 and eliminate the training wage would be a great Christmas gift to thousands of British Columbians who now live below the poverty line," said B.C. Federation of Labour President, Jim Sinclair. " It's time to share the gains of a strong economy." Sinclair released details of a poll of 601 British Columbians conducted between November 23rd and November 30th that showed 79.3 percent support for a lift in the minimum wage to $10. There was 73.5 percent support for elimination of the training wage. Read more. B.C. government backtracks on commitment to child care Minister ignores advice from own Finance Committee and Progress Board B.C.'s minister responsible for child care has misled parents and ignored advice from it's own agencies in Friday's surprise announcement of funding cuts to child care, said the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) today. "The provincial government told parents and care providers in September that they would maintain child care services until at least the end of the school year, and they've gone back on their word," said BCGEU president George Heyman. "Now the minister says that some of these services will be cut, months earlier than their original funding commitment. Read more from the BCGEU. What's your health care worth? Did you know? * As a percentage of BC's economy, public spending on health care stayed almost the same between 1991 and 2006. * Every thirty seconds, a US citizen goes bankrupt as a result of the health care costs associated with a major illness. * Knee replacement surgery in a public hospital averages $8,000 compared to $14,000 to $18,000 in a private surgical facility. * It's time for a discussion based on useful facts, not hysterical numbers. Click here to learn more. High Rolling CEO's are just the tip of the iceberg High-rolling chief executives are in the news lately. Recently, for instance, Home Depot announced that it has deposed its CEO, Robert Nardelli. The board of the building-products' giant, which after WalMart is the United States' second largest retailer, said it asked for Nardelli's resignation after the company's share price fell by 9-per cent on his watch, compared to a 188-per cent rise for rival Lowe's over the same period.But Nardelli is not going away hungry. His total severance package has been calculated at $210 million US. Recently, Hank McKinnell was bounced as CEO of drug multinational Pfizer after his firm lost $137 million US in share value under his leadership. McKinnell has also landed on his feet, going away with a $210 million US package. Read more from the USW. Climate change and working families' pocketbooks to top NDP priorities in Parliament VANCOUVER - In his opening address at his caucus' winter retreat, NDP leader Jack Layton blasted both the Conservatives and the Liberals for failing on the environment and in protecting hardworking middle-class families. "Working people know that air and water pollution combined with corporate foot dragging and government inaction is leading us to extreme climate change. It's hurting our health and our economy," said Layton. Read more. Steelworkers Thank Thousands who Supported Goodyear Strikers: 86-Day Strike Ends with Settlement Ratification TORONTO - United Steelworkers' (USW) National Director Ken Neumann said Monday that last week's ratification of the continent-wide agreement with Goodyear Tire and Rubber would not have been achieved without the support of thousands of working people, their organizations and others who supported the Goodyear strikers in Canada. "The solidarity and commitment of working people, not just in our union, but across the country, made it possible to settle this 86-day strike," said Neumann. "We have shown that companies that seek to destroy generations of progress for the people who produce the goods that create wealth in North America will be challenged and pushed back." Read more. Events Sustainable Energy Forum Your Vancouver Opposition MLAs Invite You to a Sustainable Energy Forum A discussion of BC Hydro, water rights, energy policy, climate change and coal power. Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Heritage Hall Mezzanine 3102 Main St. Vancouver Learn more. New Westminster Forestry Public Forum Western Forest Products has announced it will close its New Westminster Saw Mill. What does this mean for our community? Wednesday, January 17th 7 - 9 pm Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Avenue, New Westminster Learn more. Basic OHS Course Greater Vancouver Thursday February 15, 2007 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm The goal of this introductory Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) course is to introduce new Committee members and worker representatives to the basic principles of workplace health and safety. Learn more. Advanced OHS Course Greater Vancouver Tuesday February 20, 2007 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm The Advanced OH&S Course has been designed to allow participants to develop the tools, resources and strategies to build on their successes and to tackle the tough OH&S issues at their workplaces. Learn more. Accident Incident Investigations OHS Course Fernie Friday February 23, 2007 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm An accident or near miss incident happens at your workplace. An investigation by the employer and the OH&S Committee must take place. It is your responsibility to gather the facts, objectively assess those facts and arrive at appropriate measures to prevent any further injuries. Learn more. Publications Gordon Campbell's Year: An Unauthorized Annual Report The special year end video message on Premier Campbell's website concluded by saying: "Reach out and help someone who isn't quite as fortunate as you are." That came from the premier who has presided over a doubling in the number of homeless , while welfare rates were frozen, or in some cases cut. That came from the premier who announced rental assistance for low-income workers, but said those on welfare need not apply as they are ineligible. That came from the premier who had to be told by Ted Hughes that his cuts to child protection services were wrong. The written version of the premier's year-end message came in the form of an opinion editorial that described 2006 as the "year of the agreement." That description is bound to evoke memories of 2002, when Campbell presided over the year of the broken contract. Read more at thetyee.ca. cope 15 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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