USWA magazine for the United Steelworkers WorkOctober 2015
make history USW@Work October 2015
Official Publication of the United Steelworkers in Canada
y is our chance! Canadians
Leo W. Gerard International President r Now will go to the polls on Ken Neumann National Director for Canada o Monday, October 19.
Stephen Hunt District 3 Director t s This will be the most-expensive
Daniel Roy District 5 Director i election ever and the longest
Marty Warren District 6 Director h campaign since 1872. It will also Stan Johnson Int’l Secretary-Treasurer be one of the most important and
e Thomas M. Conway Int’l Vice-President (Administration) exciting. k Fred Redmond Int’l Vice-President (Human Affairs) a Carol Landry Int’l Vice-President at Large NDP Leads in the Polls Jon Geenen Int’l Vice-President m Tom Mulcair and the New Democrats Gary Beevers Int’l Vice-President S t n have momentum. The NDP can win! We ee ca have the chance in this election to elect Tom lw rs Mulcair as our Prime Minister in the first-ever orke New Democratic federal government, a government on the side of people, communities and workers. We must not waste this opportunity. We must work harder than ever to support and elect the NDP across Canada, for a stronger middle class and a government that’s on our side. Only the NDP can Beat Harper’s Conservatives USW Canadian Leaders: Daniel Roy, Ken Neumann, Stephen Harper and the Conservatives have had their chance. Harper’s Marty Warren, Stephen Hunt Editor and Department Head: Bob Gallagher Conservatives are guilty of fraud and corruption, using the politics of Contributing Editors: Lesley Stodart, Pat Van Horne, fear to distract from their terrible record on jobs Paula Ferreira, Levin Joseph, Frank Linhares, David Cantatore, Ron Palmer and the economy. Stephen Harper’s plan just Designer: Lesley Stodart isn’t working.
Direct inquiries and articles for Steelworkers haven’t forgotten all the Liberal USW@Work to: United Steelworkers Communications and Political Action Department broken promises, never delivering childcare [email protected] while they had the chance over 13 years in government. Or how they eliminated nted w ri it P h the federal minimum wage! The Ink V B i g si r i t w .o e inequality in our country o ww apim l .n b Renewa today is the result of Certified Reg#Sun391
On the cover: NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and USW National Director Ken Neumann at the Labour Day Parade. Printed on USW-produced paper.
uswmetallos @SteelworkersCA Join our online community of activists.
MAIL PUBLICATION AGREEMENT #40006737 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: United Steelworkers Communications Department 234 Eglinton Ave. E., 8th Floor, Toronto, ON M4P 1K7 ELECTION 2015 the cuts and dismantling of social programs done by previous Liberal governments. Election Issues How the parties compare Canadians want change and the NDP is the party that can beat Stephen on our issues p. 4 Harper’s Conservatives. Our union and our members played a key role in the incredible New Democratic Party breakthrough in Alberta in May. Now we can build on that momentum and elect a progressive NDP government in Ottawa that’s on our side. Who Can Win A look at election make history Tom Mulcair’s NDP: Ready for Change possibilities p. 6 Tom Mulcair’s New Democrats are ready. Ready to bring change. The change we need. A national $15-a-day affordable childcare program. A $15 federal minimum wage. Repealing Bill C-51. Abolishing the Senate. Voting Guide What you need to A concrete plan for good jobs for the middle class. Retirement security know to vote p. 6 for seniors. A responsible and sustainable approach to the environment. Calling an inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. Steelworkers Make A Difference Our Next Prime Minister Steelworkers make a difference when we vote. Let’s work harder than The middle-class values of Tom Mulcair p. 8 ever. We are proud of our roots supporting the NDP since its founding in 1961. I’m also proud that we have at least four USW members running for the NDP in this election: ▶▶Erin Weir in Regina–Lewvan Candidate Profiles Meet some of the candidates, ▶▶Amandeep Nijjar in Vancouver South including three Steelworkers! p. 9
▶▶Scott Duvall in Hamilton Mountain ▶▶Claude Gravelle re-election in Nickel Belt Making a Difference Let’s support our NDP candidates across the country. Let’s volunteer, Steelworkers share their motivation for political activism p. 12 donate, organize and mobilize our USW members to get involved in the campaign. For a stronger middle class. For a better Canada. Together, let’s join the Orange Wave. Let’s make history! Leader Profiles In solidarity, Harper, Trudeau, Mulcair: How they compare p. 14
Ken Neumann National Director Connecting at Conferences District 3, District 6 conferences and first-ever Aboriginal workshop p. 16
Choosing Steelworkers American Airlines-US Airways employees choose USW p. 19
Stop The Killing Campaign builds grassroots support p. 20
New Deals, Big Gains New contracts for TWU-USW and members in Quebec p. 22 SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT $15 Federal Minimum Wage 100,000 Low-Income Federal Workers Deserve a Raise No one should work full-time and still provide leadership and build fall below the poverty line. Canadian momentum to increase wages for workers and families deserve fair workers at the provincial level. wages and a decent living. When the NDP proposed a $15 Canadians are working harder than minimum wage in the House of ever and they’re tired of being told to Commons, Liberal Leader Justin settle for less. But that’s the message Trudeau didn’t even show up to from Stephen Harper’s Conservatives vote. Hardly surprising, since it was
and Justin Trudeau’s Liberals. Prices are going up while wages stay the same. No one a Liberal government that actually should work full-time and still fall below the poverty line. Unions support advances for workers’ rights that extend to all workers. That’s why we support stronger health eliminated the federal minimum Only Tom Mulcair and the New and safety laws, expanding the Canada Pension Plan/ Quebec Pension Plan (CPP/QPP) and other measures that improve lives for all workers. 343> cope-sepb Make history. Vote NDP. minimum wage and increase it www.usw.ca/election2015 For Stephen Harper, helping the PLEASE POST to $15 by the end of its first term. lowest-paid working families isn’t Restoring the federal minimum federally regulated industries such even on his radar. He’s more interested wage is part of the NDP’s plan to as airports, transportation, banks, in tax giveaways to big corporations fight growing income inequality. broadcasting, telecommunications, and his wealthy supporters. ■ A $15 minimum wage will help tens fisheries and Crown corporations. Issue sheets @ of thousands of working families in A federal minimum wage would www.usw.ca/ election2015 NDP Conservatives Liberals the odds makers say either It’s not simply Tom Mulcair’s strong Without Quebec, British Columbia All Stephen Harper or Tom showing in the polls that suggest he and the industrial heartland of Mulcair will end up Prime Minister will be our next PM. Ontario, Team Red simply isn’t in the after the next election. The fact is, the vast majority of contest of forming government. For the first time in Canadian history, Quebec has solidified Orange, and In the last election, Conservatives this election is not a race between Orange is virtually the only colour in placed first or second in 231 ridings. Team Blue and Team Red. This time, B.C. other than a few disappearing New Democrats came first or good money is on Team Orange. Blue seats. second in 224 ridings. Team Red 4 USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT Affordable, Quality Childcare Good for Families, Good for Our Economy Too many families struggle to The NDP plan will create or maintain find decent childcare, and when one million quality childcare spaces they do, it’s expensive. And they’re across the country and keep costs for tired of broken promises. parents at no more than $15 a day. The Liberals promised national We know it can be done and that childcare in 1991. They had 13 investing in childcare is not only years in power to deliver, but never good for families, as the Quebec came through, recycling the same model shows, it’s good for our promises in election after election. economy. Too many families struggle to find decent childcare, and when they do, it’s expensive. Liberals promised national childcare in 1991 but never delivered during 13 years in power. Stephen Harper promised In the 1980s, the Mulroney 125,000 new spaces, but hasn’t created even one. Our economy grows by $2 for every Affordable, safe quality childcare gives a strong start for our kids and our economy grows by more than $2 for every $1 invested. Quebec has 70,000 more women in the workforce since childcare Conservatives also promised a was introduced. Unions support progressive policies like affordable $1 invested in affordable, quality childcare – for our kids, our families and our economy. Affordable, quality childcare is one election away. Only Tom Mulcair and national childcare program and the NDP will deliver affordable childcare for Canadian families. childcare. It gives a strong start for Make history. Vote NDP. www.usw.ca/election2015 failed to deliver. PLEASE POST our kids and allows more parents, NDP Conservatives Liberals was far behind doing so in only 110 Therefore, there is a path to victory us make that history, and retire ridings. for Stephen Harper if he gets one Stephen Harper forever. If Tom Mulcair has more seats in more seat than Tom Mulcair. With your help, we can Make History! Parliament than Harper after the However, if we can help Mulcair We’re only one election away. ■ election, he will become Prime win more seats than Harper, we can Minister, and Canada will have its make history. first NDP government. You only get a principled Justin Trudeau says after the government by voting for a election he “will work with any party principled party. Only a vote for make history to get good policies.” Tom Mulcair and the NDP can help Conservatives NDP Liberals 2011 Federal Election Results USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca 5 SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT Retirement Security Expanding CPP, Protecting Workers’ Pensions Everyone deserves to retire with Pension Plan. But can he be trusted dignity. However, Canadians aren’t to make good on such promises? saving enough for retirement and Previous Liberal governments, many face a massive drop in income just like the Harper Conservatives, when they retire. More than 11 repeatedly failed workers and million Canadians don’t even have a pensioners by doing nothing workplace pension plan. to protect private pensions in Pension experts, unions, corporate bankruptcy cases. provincial governments and Only Tom Mulcair and the NDP Canadians aren’t saving enough for retirement and many face a 25 per cent drop in income when they retire. More than 11 million seniors’ organizations all support Canadians don’t even have a workplace pension plan. can be trusted to restore the age Pension experts, labour unions, provincial governments and seniors’ organizations all support substantially increasing the Canada/Quebec substantially increasing the Canada/ Pension Plan as the most cost-effective way to help all Canadians of retirement to 65; to boost the retire with dignity. We can double CPP/QPP retirement benefits for the cost of a coffee and donut a day. Only Tom Mulcair and the NDP will restore retirement to age 65 and Quebec Pension Plan as the most strengthen the CPP/QPP. Guaranteed Income Supplement; Make history. Vote NDP. www.usw.ca/election2015 cost-effective way to help all PLEASE POST to expand the Canada and Quebec Canadians retire with dignity. We NDP Conservatives Liberals Election 2015 – Make History! Advance Voting You need identification when you go to vote. Bring one piece If you can, avoid the rush and vote Voting of identification with your photo, early. Advance polls are not as busy name and address, for example, and some of the advance polls are Guide your driver’s licence. Or bring two held over the weekend. Find dates pieces, one with your name, and Online Election Tools and locations for advance voting one with your name and address, on the Elections Canada website Steelworkers make a difference for example, your health card and a www.elections.ca or from links on when we vote! Visit the Steelworkers hydro bill. Visit the Elections Canada our USW Election 2015 website Vote Election 2015 website for website to see a list of acceptable www.usw.ca/election2015. Steelworkers Vote election materials, identification: www.elections.ca. links to connect to your local NDP campaign, Elections Canada Bring Identification You do not have to be on the information and more. NEW: You can use the Elections voters’ list to vote. You can take Canada website to confirm that you identification with you to the USW Election 2015 website: polling station, register and vote on www.usw.ca/election2015 are registered to vote: www.elections.ca. election day. 6 USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT Repeal C-51 Protecting Our Rights and Freedoms Unions believe in our That’s a false choice – we can constitutional rights, freedom protect both. of association and freedom of But when it came time to defend expression. We have always fought Canadians’ rights and principles, for fundamental human rights and Justin Trudeau and his Liberal MPs freedoms for all. voted yes to C-51. Justin Trudeau Steelworkers, like most Canadians, did not stand up to Stephen Harper. oppose Harper’s secret spy bill, Tom Mulcair and all New C-51, that was rubberstamped by Canadians are angered by Harper’s secret spy bill (C-51), rubber- Democratic MPs voted against stamped by the Liberals, that weakens our fundamental freedoms and hinders our lawful expression. the Liberals and that weakens our Unions believe in our constitutional rights, freedom of association and freedom of expression. We oppose measures that prevent Canadians Harper’s secret spy bill. from voicing their opinions. The price of security should not be our rights and freedoms and hinders our civil rights. Only Tom Mulcair and the NDP voted against Harper’s secret spy bill. Only the NDP have pledged to repeal Bill C-51. And only Tom Mulcair and the NDP lawful expression. Make history. Vote NDP. www.usw.ca/election2015 PLEASE POST have pledged to repeal Bill C-51. Photo: Jeremy Board on Flickr under CC BY 2.0 We oppose measures that prevent NDP Conservatives Liberals Election 2015 – Make History! Election Day: activism for the NDP. Unions can ▶▶Invite your NDP candidate Monday, October 19 no longer make donations to the to a union meeting, event NDP federally, so we encourage our or plant gate. Polls are open for 12 hours on members to volunteer and make Election Day, Monday, October 19. ▶Include information on your individual donations. Bring a friend ▶ local NDP candidate and By law, everyone who is eligible to or co-worker with you and help out USW election issues in your vote must have three consecutive in your local NDP campaign. hours to cast their vote on election newsletters, emails, website ▶Distribute and post day. If your hours of work do not ▶ and Facebook page. Steelworkers Vote election allow for three consecutive hours to posters in your workplace. ▶▶Talk to your friends and family vote, your employer must give you about voting pro-labour. time off. ▶▶Organize Steelworker plant gates to distribute ▶▶Pledge to vote NDP at Help Your NDP Campaign Steelworkers Vote campaign www.usw.ca/election2015. ■ Steelworkers are known for our materials. USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca 7 SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT Closing CEO Tax Loopholes Ending Handouts to Wealthy, Tackling Child Poverty In 1989, the House of Commons Under the NDP plan, every dollar unanimously passed a resolution to generated from closing tax end child poverty in Canada. loopholes for rich executives will For 26 years, successive Liberal and be transferred directly to programs Conservative governments have to help low-income families and failed miserably to address – kids, such as the Working Income let alone eliminate – child Tax Benefit and the National Child poverty. In fact, while Liberals Benefit Supplement. While the middle class feels the squeeze and the rich get and Conservatives have taken richer, growing inequality hurts our economy. More than 25 “This will be a dollar-for-dollar years after Parliament voted to end child poverty, it’s grown worse, with 13.3 per cent of children living in poverty. Strong unions reduce inequality by bargaining better wages turns cutting social programs, the and benefits that help workers and communities. Unions transfer in benefits from those who advocate for higher minimum wages and affordable childcare. Only Tom Mulcair and the NDP will address growing inequality incidence of child poverty in our by closing tax loopholes for CEOs and using the proceeds to need it the least to those who need end child poverty. country has actually become worse. Make history. Vote NDP. it the most,” Tom Mulcair says. www.usw.ca/election2015 PLEASE POST At the same time, Liberal and NDP Conservatives Liberals TomPrincipled. Experienced.Mulcair Our next Prime Minister. Tom Mulcair is generating excitement and momentum for the NDP at Ready for Change rallies in communities across the country. The middle-class values that have guided Tom Mulcair as a father, grandfather and cabinet minister will guide him as Canada’s next Prime Minister. Alongside Jack Layton, Tom was one of the architects of the 2011 ‘orange wave’ that elected 103 NDP MPs. First elected to the House of Commons in 2007, Tom represents the Montreal riding of Outrement. “Our offer to Canadians is clear: A government that stands up for middle-class families – one that ensures young people get the opportunities they need and seniors get the benefits they deserve.” – Tom Mulcair Seen as the best parliamentarian in a generation, Tom Mulcair is ready to replace Stephen Harper as Prime Minister and form the first-ever NDP government. ■ 8 USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT e l p o e the Canada Pension Plan and p Old Age Security and for greater Erin g investments in public transit and n i infrastructure, renewable power and k r sustainable development to create WEIR o good, green jobs. Regina–Lewvan w A r o Prior to joining the Steelworkers, f re Erin worked as an economist s te pe ca with the federal Treasury Board cte vo “Continuing evidence of a weak d ad Secretariat, the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office, Canadian labour market underscores the need as well as the Canadian Labour for public investment in important services and Congress and the International infrastructure to help create jobs.” Trade Union Confederation. A lifelong New Democrat, Erin has – Erin Weir the experience and commitment to be a strong voice for Regina– Lewvan and fight for the issues that Erin Weir is a nationally respected Erin has consistently stood up for matter in his community – good Steelworker economist and media the interests of working people and jobs, quality affordable childcare, commentator often sought out for building stronger communities a cleaner environment and better for his progressive analysis of key He is a fierce advocate for public health care. ■ economic issues. enhancing Employment Insurance, STRONG CANDIDATES MAKING HISTORY • STRONG CANDIDATES MAKING HISTORY Megan Leslie is a passionate s c politician who brings a unique i t i and creative approach to her work Megan l o advocating for fairness for middle- P class families. First elected in 2008, n i she has gained a reputation as LESLIE n a smart, charismatic Member of Halifax e m Parliament, praised for her ability to A o get things done. Ch W am for Megan is a prominent figure within pion I have no interest in being a lawyer the NDP, one of the youngest Deputy Leaders ever! She has and I don’t care about [the status of] being an MP. earned many accolades, including This has not been a life-long ambition of mine – the Best Rookie MP by Maclean’s, the Holly House Heroes Award for life-long ambition is using the law to make Canada a helping the homeless and Best better place for people who are marginalized.” Activist by The Coast newspaper. – Megan Leslie, [Daily Xtra, 2009] Megan proposed a national pharmacare bill that could save in the legal community. workers face. Megan is fighting billions of dollars through bulk Growing up in a middle-class Stephen Harper’s attack on purchasing. She is a vocal activist family in the mining community of workers by advocating for financial for women’s rights and often raises Kirkland Lake, Ont., Megan identifies stability for families and fixing the consciousness about equality issues with the issues and struggles that Employment Insurance system. ■ USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca 9 SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT e g A l a t Tom Mulcair appointed Charmaine i g as the Digital Issues Critic, making Charmaine i D her the youngest full critic ever. One e of her first acts, as a member of the h t Standing Committee on Access to BORG n Information, Privacy and Ethics, was i Terrebonne– s launching a study to investigate the D t e Blainville f h privacy practices of social media e ig nd R companies. in cy g Priva Before being elected as an MP, Charmaine’s Bill C-475 was I was proud to have worked for a union representing designed to protect Canadian citizens by making it mandatory for young casual workers. Today, I am proud to be organizations to report breaches of representing a party that stands alongside workers security that could cause possible harm. The Conservatives voted across the country.” against the bill. – Charmaine Borg Charmaine was a leader in the fight against Bill C-30, which would have In 2011, 21-year-old Charmaine won praise from her constituents allowed for warrantless surveillance Borg became one of the youngest as one of the most determined and online. After months of campaigning, women ever to get elected to the enthusiastic MPs in Parliament. she helped force the Conservative House of Commons. She has since government to scrap the bill. ■ STRONG CANDIDATES MAKING HISTORY • STRONG CANDIDATES MAKING HISTORY s s a l C e l d d He has come to prominence as one i M of the country’s fiercest and most Alexandre e eloquent critics of the Conservative h t government’s destructive attacks BOULERICE d on working people and the labour Rosemont n movement. a La Petite–Patrie s Alexandre also has been a strong S r t e advocate for protecting the rights a rk nd o of pregnant and lactating women, in r W “I’ve always stood up for fairness g Up fo introducing a bill to protect their jobs and benefits when they must and respect. In my union local, I led several battles leave work to protect their health to improve working conditions for workers with or their children’s health. The bill precarious jobs. It makes me proud that, as an MP, I was opposed by Conservatives and Liberals. can defend workers in the House of Commons.” A former journalist, Alexandre was a – Alexandre Boulerice dedicated union activist. He also worked closely with a community group Alexander Boulerice is an Opposition Critic for the Treasury that defends injured workers’ rights. outspoken advocate for workers’ Board and most recently has been The grandson of a Steelworker, rights and the middle class. the Official Opposition’s Labour Alexandre comes by his labour Alexandre has served as Official Critic and Deputy Critic on Ethics. activism honestly. ■ 10 USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT steward to president. Building many lifelong friendships along the way, Scott credits his success to many Scott n o of the “outstanding” education i t programs that are provided by the DUVALL a c Steelworkers. Hamilton u Mountain d In 2006, Scott was elected as a city E n councillor in Hamilton. He has built I o ns ni a reputation as a strong community pire y U “The support of my USW brothers d b leader dedicated to representing and giving a voice to working and sisters has been invaluable in each election people. I’ve fought. We share a commitment to affordable “My experience as President of USW childcare, a national housing strategy, decent pensions Locals 3250 and 5328 has served me well. I will always be indebted to the and good paying jobs in our community.” Steelworkers for the opportunities – Scott Duvall that came my way, giving me the motivation and confidence Scott Duvall’s 30-year career as called Canada Works. He decided to work on behalf of the broader a Steelworker began in the oil to get involved with the union and community,” says Scott. ■ temper of an old Stelco wire mill worked his way up the ranks from STRONG CANDIDATES MAKING HISTORY • STRONG CANDIDATES MAKING HISTORY l e e t S f behind by governments that don’t o listen. n Amandeep a Amandeep is a Woman of Steel! She m works in the finance department o of COPE 378, a union of 12,000 NIJJAR W Vancouver d workers, where staff is represented South n by the USW. a C t om is “The USW’s leadership development m ti v unity Ac program helped me step forward in “I’m thrilled to bring my union the NDP as the voice for Vancouver activism to the table as an NDP candidate. Under South,” she says. Tom Mulcair’s leadership, our team will defend A mother of two daughters, Amandeep helped improve safety workers, restore a $15 federal minimum wage and in her community by working on protect free and fair collective bargaining.” a campaign for new traffic lights near schools. She is dedicated – Amandeep Nijjar to giving kids across Canada as many opportunities as possible, by fighting for quality health care, USW member Amandeep Nijjar Amandeep is committed to working affordable childcare, accessible is a young leader ready to bring with Tom Mulcair to deliver results post-secondary education and positive change to her community. for families, rather than being left good jobs. ■ USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca 11 SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT USW Activists Making a Difference Shelley Siemens George Gillis Shelley Siemens wants to make a difference. Besides George Gillis thinks being an activist is just plain working on the 2013 B.C. provincial election, where common sense. He has been president of USW Local her candidate Claire Trevena was elected NDP MLA 1105 for eight years and grew up in Hamilton where for the North Island, Shelley herself ran in B.C.’s last being a union member came naturally. municipal election for a council seat in Port Hardy. “Working on NDP campaigns is all part of the same She lost by a mere 52 votes. struggle for fairness and quality of life,” George says, adding that volunteering means doing whatever “Mobilizing also means making sure is required to make sure that New Democrats are elected and that the party is in a position to become people don’t get caught without government. proper identification to vote” “My motivation is simple. Nothing will ever change if I just sit around, watching and griping.” “That won’t happen twice!” warns Shelley. In this federal election she’s doing whatever she “A collective agreement means dignity can to elect NDP candidate Rachel Blaney in North at work, and volunteering for the NDP Island–Powell River, a large area of coastal B.C. and Vancouver Island. Shelley is working evenings and will help secure a future for that to weekends to build support in several communities, continue. No other party does that.” including First Nations. “Mobilizing also means making sure people don’t Sitting around is definitely not what George has been get caught without proper identification to vote,” doing all these years. He has been to the Labour she says. “The Conservatives’ Unfair Elections Act is College of Canada, been part of the Steelworkers’ hurting my community.” Leadership Development Program, was the USW District 6 coordinator for the Canadian Labour Shelley clearly has a lot of energy and has been Congress (CLC) Fairness Works campaign and has using it to build the union as well as growing her been a USW staff representative in Hamilton. political activism. As an aquaculture grader in USW Local 1-1937, Shelley has worked to organize two “I believe working people deserve a fighting chance neighbouring fish plants and is on her local’s Division to have a decent standard of living. A collective 2 executive. agreement means dignity at work, and volunteering for the NDP will help secure a future for that to “I have learned a lot about what it takes to build a continue. No other party does that.” community,” she says. “In my view it takes a strong ■ union and a true partner in politics. That means electing New Democrats.” ■ “We need to be politically active to protect our rights.” 12 USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT USW Activists Making a Difference Fred Girling John Gagnon Fred Girling has been around the block. Lots of them. These days, John Gagnon is working as an organizer He has knocked on doors in numerous campaigns, in New Brunswick for USW District 6. The former was the official agent for NDP candidates and served president of Steelworkers Local 5385 at the now- as president of two USW locals before retiring and closed Brunswick Mine has been an tireless activist taking on the role of secretary-treasurer for SOAR for more than 30 years, both inside the union and in Chapter 3-14, whose members live throughout B.C.’s politics. Lower Mainland. John was instrumental in first electing and re- electing fellow Steelworker Yvon Godin, MP for “I’m more concerned about losing Acadie-Bathurst since 1997. Yvon Godin has now health care than I am about terrorism. retired and John is campaigning for NDP candidate Real terrorism is not having a roof Jason Godin (no relation), the 22-year-old mayor of Maisonnette. John also is working on two other NDP over your head or enough to eat.” campaigns in the province. “I believe in the NDP and the labour movement “Being an activist isn’t about keeping busy in as partners in building a more just and equitable retirement,” says Fred. “The job simply isn’t done. Canada,” says John. “Labour is not some lobby group. We can never sit back and let somebody else do We need to be politically active to protect our rights the work. The struggle to preserve our rights and as workers and citizens.” our communities is never-ending. And I definitely don’t want to trust my retirement to Liberals and “I believe in the NDP and the Conservatives.” labour movement as partners in Fred says he is happy to see more young people getting involved generally as union and political building a more just and equitable activists. Canada.” “Good unionized jobs are getting harder to find and young people are not having good jobs handed to John’s commitment has also led him to be a long- them on a platter. The fight to create an economy time member of the executive of the New Brunswick that works for everyone is a political struggle. Federation of Labour and President of the Bathurst “For me the future is about pension security, not the and District Labour Council. He is also a member of security that the Conservatives are talking about. I’m the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees and more concerned about losing health care than I am is on the board of directors of the Chaleur Region about terrorism. Real terrorism is not having a roof Homeless Shelter. ■ over your head or enough to eat.” ■ “We need to be politically active to protect our rights.” USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca 13 SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT THE LEADERS We can’t risk more damage with Stephen Harper’s failed policies. Canada is slipping: increased inequality, a disgraceful environmental record and a faltering economy. Today, 200,000 more Canadians are out of work than before the recession. As prime minister, Stephen Harper has the worst job-creation record since the Second World War and the worst economic-growth record since the Great Depression. Under Harper, the government has run eight straight deficits and added $150 billion to the national debt. Stephen Harper Harper shut down Parliament a record four times to avoid scandal and duck the issues. He dissolved Lack of judgment has plagued Justin Trudeau since becoming Liberal leader in 2013. Trudeau voted for Harper’s secret-spy Bill C-51 and kicked Liberal senators out of his caucus while proposing to keep the Senate. Trudeau’s Liberals voted with Stephen Harper’s Conservatives to defeat numerous bills and motions that would have supported workers including supporting Conservative back-to-work legislation for Air Canada and Canada Post workers in 2011. Justin Trudeau NDP Leader Tom Mulcair is principled, experienced and ready to replace Stephen Harper and bring change to Ottawa. Mulcair is gaining the trust and support of Canadians with his concrete proposals to help families get ahead. The second eldest of 10 children, Mulcair was raised on middle-class values. As a teenager, he went to work to help his family make ends meet. Mulcair has consistently stood up for workers, Tom Mulcair opposing Harper’s anti-worker laws and instead 14 USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT • SPECIAL ELECTION 2015 SUPPLEMENT This election is about leadership. Which of the three main party leaders will best represent the interests of workers, middle-class Canadians and chart a path for good jobs and putting our economy back on track? Parliament six weeks early when he called the longest ĥĥ Raised retirement age from 65 to 67 election since 1872. ĥĥ Bad for workers, bad for the economy ■ ĥĥ Direct attacks on labour and unions with Bill C-377 and Bill C-525 ĥĥ Fraud and corruption convictions including a “I ask whether the creation former MP and a party operative sentenced to jail of economic growth, and ĥĥ Ongoing Senate scandal therefore jobs, really is the ĥĥ Anti-democratic: buried legislation and stifled number one policy priority debate with 700-page omnibus bills for everyone.” ĥĥ Instead of helping middle-class families make Stephen Harper World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland, 2012 ends meet, tax breaks for the wealthy Trudeau hasn’t lived up to expectations. Unsure of his promised national childcare program and failed priorities, Trudeau is not up to defeating Stephen Harper. to do so ĥĥ Voted with Stephen Harper’s Conservatives to ĥĥ Liberals eliminated the federal minimum wage pass secret-spy Bill C-51 in 1996 and under Trudeau’s plan, no one gets a ĥĥ Voted against interim measures to clean up raise ■ spending and partisanship in the Senate ĥĥ Liberal legacy of cuts to social programs, Employment Insurance (EI) “Perhaps it was naive.” – Justin Trudeau on voting ĥĥ Liberals had 13 years in power to introduce a with Stephen Harper to pass Bill C-51 proposed ways to build a stronger middle class. ĥĥ $15-a-day national childcare program He has integrity. Mulcair resigned as Environment ĥĥ Will restore retirement age to 65 Minister in the Quebec government over a matter of principle. ĥĥ Will call an inquiry into murdered and missing Mulcair has stood up to Stephen Harper, holding indigenous women and girls his feet to the fire over the Senate scandal. As Prime ĥĥ Will repeal Bill C-51 ■ Minister, Mulcair will be on our side, fighting for workers and middle-class families. ĥĥ Most effective parliamentarian in a generation “A stronger labour movement ĥĥ Concrete plan for good jobs and kick-starting the means a stronger Canada.” economy – Tom Mulcair at the 2014 Canadian Labour Congress Convention ĥĥ $15 minimum wage USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca 15 August gathering in Sault The Ste. Marie was one of the largest District 6 conferences ever. More than 400 delegates made the trek to the Sault, where the week was like no other in Steelworkers history. District 6 Director Marty Warren was determined that delegates would not just sit in a conference room for five days listening to a parade of speakers. Instead, the conference included a full day of community work, in which delegates painted, repaired, did landscaping, served food, handed out school supplies and backpacks and gave back to the community. The week-long conference also included a partnership with two local USW District 6 Director with Steelworkers at the community day in Sault Ste. Marie. First Nations, Batchewana and Garden Building Strength Through Understanding In July, a National Workshop for and to make meaningful status communities from across Aboriginal Steelworkers fulfilled improvements that respect Canada. They shared insights, ideas a resolution to the 2013 National traditions and aspirations. and goals for the future of the Policy Conference to improve More than 60 participants to the union, of their relationships with representation of our Aboriginal Winnipeg event were from First non-Aboriginal Steelworkers and members, to build solidarity with Nations, Métis, Innu, Inuit and non- much more. ■ Aboriginal groups and communities 16 USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca River, which is expected to continue into the future. Steelworkers Urge Alberta to Warren praised the work of the conference planning committee, especially local union leaders and staff in Sault Ste. Marie, who Stop the Killing organized the charitable venues, got donations of materials for the jobs that were done and put together a free barbeque, entertainment and fireworks on the last day of the conference. “We know what it means to belong to a community,” said Warren. “Solidarity is about more than collective bargaining. Those of us who belong to a union like the Steelworkers – Rachel Notley, now Alberta’s NDP Premier, we are the lucky ones. We want to give back with USW District 3 Director Stephen Hunt to communities that support us when we find at the District 3 Conference in Edmonton. ourselves in struggles for our rights. This was part of that. Together with political change, recent USW events celebrated the which we fight for to improve the lives of Three union’s diversity and community everyone, showing solidarity with our friends and involvement, as well as welcoming a new provincial neighbours in need is just as important.” ■ premier, whose resume includes membership in the USW. More than 250 Steelworkers in Western Canada took part in the District 3 Conference held in Edmonton in April. District 3 Director Stephen Hunt challenged delegates “I wanted to come to continue the pressure on all levels of government to Stop the Killing, Enforce the Law. This ongoing national to this workshop to campaign aims to change the dismal workplace death be more educated and injury record through better enforcement and about the union. prosecution under changes to the Criminal Code that I was surprised to the union fought for and won back in 2003-04. see the vast area Along with continuing the struggle to understand and put an end to the exploitation of non-citizen workers covered.” under the completely flawed Temporary Foreign Workers Program, conference delegates were encouraged to get – Jocelyn Dunstan Highland Valley Copper signatures added to a petition for a public inquiry into (Local 7619) haul truck two deadly sawmill explosions in B.C. The petition can be operator signed online at www.usw.ca/inquiry. Conference organizers were more than pleasantly surprised to discover that their chosen venue, Edmonton, would be celebrating the first-ever election of an NDP government, after a lifetime of Conservative rule in the province. The new NDP premier, Rachel Notley, was on hand to meet delegates and remind them that she was a USW member when she worked as a Labour Relations Officer for the United Nurses of Alberta. Local 2009 activist Doug Tingley was awarded for his outstanding service to his local, the NDP, and for fundraising to support victims of disasters in the Philippines and Pakistan. ■ USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca 17 USW National Women’s Conference November 1- 4, 2015 Vancouver Register today at www.usw.ca/women2015 Join your Women of Steel colleagues from across Canada as we build on our remarkable achievements and set an ambitious agenda for activism. In our workplaces and our communities, Women of Steel are leaders in moving the equality agenda forward. Registration: $345 www.usw.ca/women2015 ACTION! For an end to violence For good jobs For leadership 18 USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca American Airlines–US Airways Employees Choose Steelworkers American Airlines-US Airways under the American Airlines banner, employees in Montreal, Ottawa and are members of USW Local 1976. Toronto have chosen the United They work in customer service, at Steelworkers, rather than Unifor, as ticket counters, airport kiosks and in their union. baggage handling. In a vote mandated by the Canada “We are delighted and honoured Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), that these hard-working employees over 68% of the airlines’ employees have overwhelmingly chosen favoured the Steelworkers to the Steelworkers as their union,” represent them in their workplaces. said USW National Director Ken The CIRB ordered the vote following Neumann. the American Airlines-US Airways “We welcome these new members merger. Prior to the vote, the and we will continue to provide the Steelworkers represented 112 best representation to ensure all our US Airways employees while 120 members work in safe conditions, American Airlines employees were are paid a good wage with decent members of Unifor. benefits and are treated fairly and The employees, who now work respectfully at work.” ■ USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca 19 USW Campaign Gains Momentum Ahead of Election Support is building across awareness of our campaign and the authorities is finger pointing Canada for the United Steelworkers obtaining commitments of support. and excuse making. The recent campaign to enforce a law that Now as the most important federal sawmill explosions in northern B.C. holds corporations criminally election in our lifetime approaches, that claimed four lives and injured accountable where negligence our members will make the health countless others serve as a solemn leads to workplace death. and safety of workers an election reminder of how much further we Stop The Killing, Enforce The Law issue. Too many families have have to go. demands that provincial and federal needlessly lost loves ones, too many Steelworkers believe that every politicians make good on their lives have been changed forever worker who goes to work deserves commitments by taking proactive and too many support groups have to come home and during this steps to improve the health and been born out of tragedy. election, we’re working harder than safety of workers and enforce the Still today, approximately 1,000 ever to elect a NDP government Westray Law. Canadians die at work each year that shares that belief. ■ USW activists have gone and too often the response from community by community to build grassroots, local support for the campaign – and the results speak for themselves. From small towns in the interior of British Columbia to big cities like Toronto, over 50 municipal councils have endorsed our union’s campaign. Following up on this work, the USW recently attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference in Edmonton, attended by mayors and councillors from across the country. USW activists were at the FCM conference to put workers’ health and safety front and centre. Steelworkers spoke to hundreds of locally elected officials, raising their 20 USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca of the Steelworkers’ At the TWU, USW National Local 1944 collective agreement for over 500 One largest – and newest Bargaining Convention in September members of Unit 60 of TWU, USW – locals is entering an important in Montreal, delegates discussed National Local 1944 who work at round of collective bargaining this bargaining priorities and provided Shaw Cable in B.C.’s Lower Mainland. fall with telecommunications giant feedback to their bargaining “Our bargaining committee Telus. committee. Prior to the convention, members worked extremely hard Over 10,000 members of TWU, USW the CATs reached out to the entire and were committed to a respectful National Local 1944 are seeking membership with informative and transparent process. They a new collective agreement with pamphlets and a bargaining survey, achieved a collective agreement Telus. The existing contract, which giving all members an opportunity that benefits the members and is expires Dec. 31, covers over 4,300 to provide input. reflective of their priorities,” says members in British Columbia, 2,900 In August, this commitment to Tamara Marshall, Local Union in Alberta, 1,200 in Ontario and membership engagement and Representative for Unit 60. ■ 1,600 in Quebec. participation resulted in a new TWU, USW National Local 1944 members work as technicians, engineers, tradespersons and in a wide array of clerical and administrative jobs in sales, customer support and customer service at Telus. “Good bargaining is always based on active engagement of members,” says Lee Riggs, TWU, USW Local 1944 President. “We are building excitement and solidarity within our membership and we’ll be using new methods to communicate with our members throughout the bargaining process.” This past spring close to 300 rank- and-file members working for Telus took part in the USW’s Building FAIR DEAL TWU, USW Local 1944 Telus Bargaining Committee (left to right): Front row: Steve Kiernan, Local 1944 President Power training program. USW Lee Riggs, Denise Chisholm; middle row: Guy Mousseau, Communications Action Teams Local Union Representative Jenn Bucholtz; back row: (CATs) are now set up in Telus @ Greg Kadey, Lance Trevison, Candace Knoll, Maxime workplaces across the country. TELUS Deveau, Steve McWhirter, Ivor Labrador. Let’s Connect on Twitter! Get regular updates from your union about issues that matter to you. Connect with strong voices online. United Steelworkers @SteelworkersCA Follow @SteelworkersCA, @MetallosCA, @Metallos QC, @USWDistrict6, @USW_District_3, @Steelworkers to stay connected with your union. #canlab www.twitter.com/SteelworkersCA 21 New Steelworkers Make Big Gains at Comfort Inn Newly organized Steelworkers at Comfort Inn hotels in five Quebec communities have overwhelmingly ratified their first collective agreements, achieving significant improvements in wages and other areas. The hotel workers in Sept-Îles, Baie-Comeau, Chicoutimi, Rimouski and Rouyn-Noranda negotiated similar agreements that provide total wage increases of 10% including an immediate six-per-cent raise. Other improvements include increased vacation entitlement and the creation of a new registered retirement plan with employer contributions equivalent to 4% of workers’ wages. The new Steelworkers have already begun to reap the benefits of USW membership and collective bargaining, said Kory Labonté, Bargaining Unit President for the Comfort Inn workers in Rouyn- Noranda. “After we joined the union, it soon became clear that our efforts were well worth it. We all stand together, New Steelworkers at five Comfort Inn like one big family,” she said. ■ hotels in Quebec have made big gains in their first contract. bargaining table for the Unique USW members, who work as airport security screeners Deal for and training officers. Montreal The Steelworkers’ new collective agreement Airport with Securitas Transport Aviation Security Security entrenches rest breaks and forces the employer Officers to pay workers sums of Making the employer up to $150 when breaks pay for withholding are denied. rest breaks is a unique The three-year agreement improvement in a also provides total wage new contract for 700 increases of 6.45%, a Steelworkers at Montreal’s signing bonus and Dorval airport. increased vacation Quebec The employer’s past failures entitlement including six to ensure rest breaks weeks of vacation after 15 was a major issue at the years of service. ■ Taxi Workers Stage Day of Action 22 USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca “It’s time to recognize the profession and modernize the industry to better respond to the public’s needs and help ensure that those who work in the industry can make a decent living.” Benoit Jugand RTAM spokesperson Thousands of taxi workers industry groups including the association and a code of conduct demonstrated in communities Regroupement des travailleurs for taxi workers and owners, across Quebec in August, protesting autonomes Métallos (RTAM), a improvements in training and against Uber’s ‘black market’ service workers’ association affiliated testing, a vehicle assessment and calling on Liberal Premier with the Steelworkers in Quebec. program, improved technology Philippe Couillard’s government to More than 22,000 Quebec families and a more flexible fare system for clarify its position on the issue. depend on the taxi industry for their rural areas. The demonstrations sprung up soon livelihoods. “It’s time to recognize the profession after Couillard suggested he was and modernize the industry to open to legalizing Uber, angering Taxi workers recommend better respond to the public’s taxi workers affected by the industry modernization needs and help ensure that those unregulated American company’s With Quebec reviewing its taxi who work in the industry can unfair competition. legislation for the first time since make a decent living,” said RTAM The widespread protests drew 2001, the RTAM has submitted spokesperson Benoit Jugand. ■ a quick response from Quebec’s a brief to the government with government, with Transportation several recommendations to Minister Robert Poëti making a improve services and modernize the statement on the same day. Poëti industry. reaffirmed his view that Uber’s The RTAM’s brief to the government services are illegal and that the calls for the creation of a company is engaging in unfair professional competition. The public protests were organized by Quebec Taxi Workers Stage Day of Action USW@WORK • October 2015 • www.usw.ca 23