1 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2016 Prolétaires de tous les pays, unissez-vous! Otatoskewak ota kitaskinahk mamawentotan Workers of all lands, unite! 2016 Federal APRIL 16-30, Budget: new 2016 people's car, no gas? VOL. 24 #7 Page 12
$1.50 Canada Post Publications Mail VOICE Agreement #40011632 We only have one Planet Earth Save it from corporate greed!
Editorial on Page 4
Not just a US movement... Black Lives Matter- Toronto fights racist policing see page 3
4 INSIDE 9 Business as usual? 7 Israeli apartheid... The Tories refused to enforce an Single payer movement The UN Special Rapporteur act of Parliament, then the Liberals on Occupied Palestine has resigned because Israel refused wiped the slate clean for corrupt While the US corporate media to give him access to Pales- criminals by changing the Air focuses on the race for president, a tinians living under military Canada Public Participation Act in determined grassroots struggle for occupation in the West Bank line with the corporate agenda. health care continues to grow. and Gaza Strip. 2 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2016 A political viewpoint from the Manitoba election
By Johan Boyden, Central But unlike the NDP, the six Trump certainly have their Organizer, Communist Party Communist Party candidates in the followers.) of Canada Manitoba election were I already knew that film crews campaigning on a positive message shoot movies at the windy corners Campaigning with our of a pro-people and pro-working of Portage and Main to re-create comrades in the Manitoba election, class alternative agenda – not just wild scenes of rum-running I was struck by the cynicism as fear. gangster-era Chicago. But, to be voters prepared to go to the ballot In the campaign I worked sure, neither interest in the US on April 19 – or not. After all, at closely on the streets with our new elections (even overshadowing our the last election in 2011 which candidates Paula Ducharme and own politics in Canada) nor the returned an NDP majority, only T.J. Petrowski as well as Darrell strong socio-economic links to 56% of Manitobans did find the Rankin, Party leader, and Frank directly south of the border, are time to vote. Komarniski, who are both unique to Winnipeg. By the time this People’s Voice experienced at elections. Reading the federal budget you gets to readers, the election results Not withstanding the usual get the strong impression that, like will be known. Our analysis of the naysayers, once we overcame the the corporate agenda of Harper outcome will appear in a later issue. election angst, we got a very good before Trudeau, the Liberals desire But the voices we heard on the response - whether it was cam- to continue re-orienting the export streets sounded something like paigning among new parents, side of the economy towards the this: “For the first time in thirty students and young workers at “developing nations,” especially five years, I’m not voting”; “I want River and Osborne, or at the the Asia-Pacific region, through Some of the Communist candidates and campaign workers in nothing to do with the election, Indigenous Family Centre across the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or Manitoba's April 19 provincial election. they’re all rubbish”; “I’m not from the Bell Tower in the North TPP. But, at the same time, signing interested, they’re all the same.” End. Voters were happy to talk with the TPP would not be a re- “‘de-Sinicized’ industrial chain” is several billion dollars of “fiscal Even Dave Sauer, President of a working class party that hadn’t orientation away from the United where certain countries provide space,” but scientific advances in the Winnipeg Labour Council, drunk the Neo-liberal Cool Aid. States. raw materials, others countries construction and the post-NAFTA simply appealed to his meeting Wherever we went, however, Chinese economic commen- manufacture goods and, in terms economy means that major that, while he knew of many sisters there was one election that people tator Wu Sike, writing in the world of sales andmarketing, a zero-tariff infrastructure projects don’t hire and brothers in the room who had in Winnipeg were very keen to edition of the Huffington Post, is zone is created. as many workers as they did sixty not got what they wanted from the discuss: the US primaries. (From not the only analyst to describe the On the other hand, Wu Sike years ago. How many jobs will current government, the Tories what I can tell, Hillary would have TPP as “economic NATO” aimed says, unlike previous trade deals, actually be created through the could be much worse. a hard battle to win a Manitoba towards China. He writes how, on the TPP features the opening of mere $11.9 billion spent on “social Sauer was correct, of course. primary – but both Bernie and the one hand, the TPP creates a the financial sector: “the infrastructure”? partnership aims to construct a And, as we learn now from the core financial system that will be Parliamentary Budget Office dominated by the US dollar, so as investigation: are the numbers to guarantee the future position which the budget is based upon for the [US] dollar in the world.” even real? Fund Drive reaches $22,255 Both tactics aim to significantly Meanwhile, people in Manitoba challenge China. are crying out for affordable Another $5273 has arrived from Quebec (27% of their $500 regarding how much of your transfer Interwoven with this mix, and housing, more jobs and higher towards this year’s People’s Voice goal), and $310 from Alberta, is for renewal or donation. If you adding pressing energy, is the wages. Many, it seems, have a Press Fund Drive since our which is 8.8% of their $3500 target. have any questions about e-transfer decline in commodity prices strong gut sense that the Neo- (especially oil and gas) and the liberal Cool Aid has not been previous issue. As of April 11, Our Manitoba readers have been funds, call our office at 604-255- continuing slow growth in the working. No doubt many of the about half-way through our annual working on the April 19 provincial 2041, we’ll be happy to walk you Eurozone. Indeed, the global NDP delegates who recently campaign, we can report a total of election, so the Fund Drive there through the process! economic crisis is key to unlocking gathered in Edmonton felt the same $22,255, or 44.5% of our $50,000 was on hold, but they have raised Some British Columbia readers the logic behind the 2016 federal way, as do supporters of Bernie target. $250 (25% of $1000). Finally, a have been calling our office to ask budget, which runs much deeper Saunders — both north and south We reported last time that the U.S. supporter has sent another about the dates of press fundraisers. than just federal Finance Minister of the border. first region to achieve its target is generous $100 contribution. At this point, we can tell you about Bill Morneau’s favorite quotes by As working class and Newfoundland & Labrador, where As explained in our previous two of our annual events. This year’s the IMF. progressive forces continue to our amazing supporters have now issue, People’s Voice has traditional Pancake Breakfast will For example, take this quote in struggle to forge a way forward in contributed $775, almost double established an e-transfer system be held on Mother’s Day, Sunday, the Budget, from the IMF and G20: the new context of new their $400 goal. Moving into with our credit union, allowing any May 9, from 10 to 11:30 am. The “near term fiscal policy should be governments, “TINA” is a fallacy second place, our Saskatchewan reader with access to Interac price is the same - $12, or $6 for more supportive where appropriate the Communist Party is well suited readers have turned in $720, which banking through your financial children - but the location has and provided there is fiscal space, to combat -- not just in terms of the is 20% over their $600 provincial institution to send us donations or changed. Our BC Press Committee especially through investment that latest economic crisis, but in target. The Nova Scotia/New subscription renewals by email. It’s is hosting the Breakfast at the CSE, boosts both the demand and the regards to the fundamental Brunswick region has raised $400, pretty simple: using your online 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver. Call supply potential of the economy.” problems: capitalism and need for which is 67% of their $600 target, banking arrangement, send funds us at 604-255-2041 with any The Liberals consider that there socialism. ● putting them in third place overall. to
to the PV Fund Drive! One column-inch...... $15 PEOPLE'S One column x 2 inches...... $25 Enclosed please find my donation of $_____ VOICE One column x 3 inches...... $35 to the 2016 People's Voice Press Fund Drive. Two columns x 2 inches...... $45 Two columns x 3 inches...... $60 Name ______Two columns x 4 inches ...... $75 Two columns x 5 inches...... $90 Address ______Three columns x 4 inches...... $110 Two columns x 7 inches...... $130 City/town ______Three columns x 7 inches...... $180 Have you sent Prov. ______Postal Code ______a donation for Send greetings to People's Voice at: Send your contribution to: our 2016 PV 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, V5L 3J1 People's Voice, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 Fund Drive? E-mail: [email protected] 3 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2016 Solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the fight against racist policing in Ontario
PV Ontario Bureau Among the supporters of the eliminated in Ontario in all cases, Tent City was the Communist Party including the deletion of all In recent weeks, public anger of Canada (Ontario), which issued previously recorded data, against racist actions by Toronto a statement of full solidarity with consistent implementation across police and anti-Black racism in the ongoing actions of Black Lives different police boards, and Ontario has resulted in sustained Matter-Toronto and the struggle concrete disciplinary measures for protests by Black Lives Matter- against racist policing and anti- officers who continue to card. Toronto. From March 19 to April Black racism in Ontario. Black Lives Matter – Toronto 4 BLM-TO maintained a Tent City “We salute the recent victories has shown that unity and militancy outside Toronto Police Head- that were a result of a Black Lives can win, even in the face of police quarters in the city’s downtown. Matter-Toronto’s March 19th- repression, cold weather, racist This action was organized in April 4th Tent City outside Police media reports, and intimidation response to a series of racist Headquarters in downtown from the racist far-right. This is a developments that occurred in a Toronto. This bold and necessary struggle that involves broad short space of time. These include action resulted in the reinstatement sections of the Black community the city of Toronto’s move to claw of the full length of Afrofest, which in Toronto, and its allies in the back the Afrofest event from two was previously cut in length due to labour movement, student days to one, the slaying of two anti-Black racism, and some movement, Indigenous organiza- Black community members, and commitments from Toronto City tions and many other progressive the decision by the police Special Hall and the Premier to review the organizations. Investigation Unit to not charge Special Investigation Unit which racism. with consultation from Black The struggle against racism, and the police officers responsible for is supposed to investigate murders, “When murder does occur and communities, and that this results for equality and justice, will the separate murders of Andrew sexual assaults, and assault the perpetrator wears a uniform, in the creation of civilian continue. With increasing and Loku and Jermaine Carby. The resulting in serious injuries the system fails to press charges in controlover police and that police broadening active support, it is a Tent City quickly attracted support perpetrated by the police.” almost all cases, especially if the impunity be ended; struggle that will achieve many and solidarity from a wide range The CPC(O) statement notes victim is a racialized person. This * That “carding” be fully more victories. ● of labour and progressive activists that “Violence by police, including is proven most recently with the and organizations, particularly extreme violence and murder, murders of Jermaine Carby in after Toronto police attempted to continues to be a regular Brampton and Andrew Loku in Covered Bridge workers gain support forcefully disperse the protest. occurrence, especially against Toronto.” As the strike by UFCW Canada Local 1288P members at Covered On April 4, BLM-TO dis- Black, Indigenous and Trans In the statement the CPC(O) Bridge Potato Chips holds strong, thousands of activists from around mantled their Tent City and issued communities across Ontario. The reiterated its demand for real the world are adding their voices to the call for a fair first contract at a 300-hour ultimatum to the immoral lack of support for those civilian control over police in every the snack food processor. The workers at Covered Bridge, located in Toronto police: “We may no longer struggling with mental health also Ontario jurisdiction, and declared Hartland, New Brunswick, went on strike January 5, after the company be present at 40 College, but we claims many lives when desperate its support for the demands of the continued to refuse bargaining for a fair first contract, with a living have not stopped. To Toronto people are shot by police instead movement against racist policing wage and basic workplace rights including seniority. Workers voted Police Services and to those in of receiving the help they need. including: to join the union more than two years ago. Since then, the company power who are not serving the Institutionalized police practices * That the names of the officers has violated the province’s Labour Act five times, and has been people - You are on notice. Your of racist harassment in Ontario, who killed Andrew Loku and ordered to stop intimidating union supporters. anti-blackness has been exposed. especially through “carding” or Andrew Wettlaufer be made A leafleting, web, social media, and radio campaign across the We are not done. You have 300 “street checks”, which Queen’s public, that charges be laid and a Atlantic region has cut into sales, as consumers, retailers, bars, hours to meet the demands of Park has decided to regulate coroner’s inquest take place; restaurants, and campuses refuse to purchase Covered Bridge Potato ?#?BLMTOBLACKCITY? instead of eliminate, making the * That Premier Wynne and Chips until the strike is over. Add your support to the “Campaign for ?#?JermaineCarby? Premier complicit in racial Toronto City Hall make good on Fairness at Covered Bridge” by visiting ufcw.ca/coveredbridge. ● #?AndrewLoku?.” profiling and ongoing systemic their promises to review the SIU, Environmental crisis and the working class The 38th Central Convention of the Communist Party of Canada will be held on the May every day that passes we are 21-23 weekend in Toronto. People’s Voice is reprinting brief excerpts from the Draft acquiring a better understanding Political Resolution for the Convention. We invite readers to read the complete Draft of these laws [of nature] and getting online, at www.communist-party.ca, and to share your views. This issue features to perceive both the more paragraphs dealing with the environmental crisis and the working class. immediate and the more remote consequences of our interference A second key feature of the climate change by improving sustainability, because they realize 3838 with the traditional course of current international situation is infrastructure and techniques); no it is a barrier to maximizing profit nature. In particular, after the the deepening global environ- legal liability for developed and power. On the other hand, the mighty advances made by the mental crisis. In all countries, the countries to pay for loss and working class and peoples of the natural sciences in the present working class and people damage; no full inclusion of human world increasingly recognize that century, we are more than ever in experience the symptoms of rights, particularly those of this corporate agenda is a position to realise, and hence to rapidly approaching environ- Indigenous peoples; and no incompatible with their interests, control, also the more remote mental disaster – carbon emissions, protection from investor-state and they are prepared to mobilize 38th Central natural consequences of at least global warming and climate dispute settlement (ISDS) on a worldwide scale. our day-to-day production change, food scarcities, challenges, which undermine In Canada, the Harper Tories Convention CPC activities.” deforestation, toxic water and climate actions (policies, assumed an outright aggressive As the global environmental lands, fracking-related earth- regulations, legislation) that would view toward the environmental Toronto, Ontario crisis continues to deepen, quakes, threats to biodiversity, impact future corporate profits. movement. This was especially humanity is increasingly faced with melting polar ice caps and sea At the same time, while trade true with respect to the tar sands May 21-23, 2016 a stark choice. We can continue level changes. Tens of millions of trumped action at the COP21 table, and pipelines developments with the current socio-economic refugees and migrants – the highest action trumped legislation on the domestically, and mining interests system that jeopardizes the numbers since the Second World streets of Paris. In defiance of bans internationally. The Tories’ No More movement and the environment in its pursuit of profit. War – are fleeing ecological crises on public demonstrations and a notorious, and repeated, Council of Canadians – who have Or, we can switch course to a new and armed conflicts in Syria, Iraq, state of emergency, thousands of statements that anti-pipeline and been mobilizing against these system that rejects the logic of Afghanistan, Ukraine, sub- protesters gathered to demand a anti-tar sands activists posed destructive projects. Furthermore, capitalist accumulation and Saharan Africa and other areas. halt to climate change. These security and terrorist threats we will step up our efforts to militarism, and instead promotes The 2015 COP21 Climate rallies were matched by more than reveals the depth of the promote the urgent need for public equitable and sustainable Change Conference in Paris was a 2500 demonstrations worldwide, contradiction between the ownership and democratic control development that is in balance with focal point for world attention and including 45,000 people in Syd- corporate drive for profit and of energy resources and industries, the environment. hope that climate change would be ney, Australia, 50,000 in London, environmental sustainability. as outlined in our People’s Energy The struggle for environmental reduced through mutual action of England and 25,000 at the 100% While Justin Trudeau has Plan for Canada. sustainability is urgent and the states of the world. The Possible March in Ottawa. indicated that he wants to consult Although the communist building. It is interconnected with outcome was disappointing – no The COP21 conference and engage Indigenous and movement has not always placed the fight against imperialist legally binding emissions limits; demonstrates two realities of community opponents of the tar the environment as one of its militarism and war. Coming out of no commitments from developed climate change and the overall sands and pipeline projects, he is central issues, the revolutionary this convention, our Party commits countries to adequately fund environmental crisis. On the one very clear that he supports their working class analysis of the to engaging and building this mitigation (reducing greenhouse hand, corporations and imperialist continued development. Our Party environment has continued to struggle in Canada, and projecting gas emissions by renewable energy governments are consistently will continue to support the develop since the earliest days of a transformative, socialist vision and halting deforestation) or working to undermine action for Indigenous and environmental the communist movement. In 1876, into the environmentalist move- adaptation (preparing for future environmental security and organizations – including the Idle Frederick Engels wrote:“With ment. ● 4 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2016 EDITORIALS Earth Day and the working class First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day is officially marked on April 22, although thousands of related global events take place throughout the month. Nearly half a century later, the threat of environmental disaster has become increasingly serious. Carbon emissions have grown rapidly, bringing the consequences of global warming and climate change, rising sea levels, famines, deforestation, and the most rapid loss of species diversity in the history of our planet. Ecological crises are a critical factor in the spread of armed conflicts in many countries, forcing tens of millions of people to become refugees and migrants. But while this crisis is almost universally recognized, the political will to tackle the issue remains severely limited by the power of the transnational energy monopolies. To greenwash their deadly track record, many of these companies donate to Earth Day activities, even as they resist serious action at events such as last December’s COP21 Climate Change Conference. The outcome in Paris fell far short of expectations, with no guarantees for the rights of Indigenous peoples, and no protection from investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) clauses in corporate deals such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Despite the “green” rhetoric, capitalist interests and pro-austerity politicians remain the major roadblock against putting the interests of people and nature ahead of private profits. The corporate agenda, and capitalism itself, are incompatible with the interests of the working class and peoples of the world, who are increasingly taking action to achieve environmental justice and global sustainability. We need a new system, one which rejects the Ecuador’s President demands logic of capitalist accumulation and militarism, and instead promotes equitable and sustainable development in balance with the environment. The environmental movement itself requires a socialist release of all the Panama Papers vision and working class leadership to move towards the sweeping transformation of the global economy which is so desperately The Panama Papers, con- campaign to loosen ALL the According to Correa, the required to save our common future. fidential files from the Panamanian ‘Panama papers,’” Correa tweeted. Ecuadorean journalists involved - law firm Mossack Fonseca, were Correa referenced an all linked to right-wing pub- leaked on April 3, ensnaring high- investigation by the local daily El lications - had the documents for Solidarity with Postal Workers level Latin American politicians Telegrafo, which found that close to a year, and had yet “not in a sprawling tax evasion scandal. prominent figures in Ecuador’s found anything.” It looks like Canada Post and the new Liberal government are Among the politicians imp- opposition, including Guayaquil “They spent almost a year gearing up to take yet another run at the Canadian Union of Postal licated are Argentine President Mayor Jaime Nebot and opposition looking for something against the Workers. We urge full solidarity with CUPW in this critical Mauricio Macri, Mexican legislator Andres Paez, were linked Ecuadorean government and found struggle to defend jobs and public services. President Enrique Peña Nieto, to companies registered in nothing.” Negotiations for a new collective agreement had barely started Peruvian presidential front-runner Panama. Since its release on April 3, the when Canada Post filed for conciliation, preparing to push matters Keiko Fujimori and Brazilian Paez’s brother, Alvaro Paez has allegations of corruption and tax to a head. The union warns that the crown corporation refused to lawmaker Eduardo Cunha, who is 25% of the shares in the evasion have rocked numerous even consider its proposals, instead putting a huge list of concessions leading a fierce attempt to impeach Metrovalores Casa de Valores SA, government and has already forced on the table, including rollbacks on pensions, benefits, job security, President Dilma Rousseff. whose main shareholder incorp- the exit of Iceland’s Prime leave time, vacations, and much more. Rural and suburban mail The set of over 11.5 million orated in Panama. Jose Nebot Minister, Sigmundur Davíð carriers would be denied leave during November and December, documents links the influential Saadi, brother of the long-time Gunnlaugsson. However only a and temp workers face a pay freeze and a cut in vacation pay. politicians in a scam to hide assets Guayaquil Mayor, was president small portion of the 11.5 million Cheaper labour and temp workers would be hired for the parcel in shell companies and offshore and director of Summa Financial documents - 2.6 terabytesworth of delivery business, and mail carriers would be forced to deliver tax havens, further entrenching the Corporation, which was dissolved information drawn from Mossack heavier unaddressed admail pieces in a shorter time. Canada Post region in an ever-growing web of in 2002. Fonseca’s internal database - have even wants to remove the right of mail carriers to have a place to corruption. However the International been released, and only certain wash their hands, use the washroom and get a drink on our meal One of the most shocking Consortium of Investigative publications have been able to breaks. The list goes on and on, ad nauseum. Readers can see the revelations is that U.S. protected Journalists (ICIJ), which lead the access the documents. entire shocking list at the union’s website, www.cupw.ca multinationals and many of their investigation in conjunction with Whistleblowers Wikileaks are But many previous federal governments have tried and failed to allies around the world have select journalists from dozens of among those who have criticized smash the Postal Workers and to impose sweeping concession US$32 trillion in tax havens. The countries, has so far released only the form in which the ICIJ has demands on its members. This attempt will also meet powerful leaked documents identify at least 3 names of Ecuadoreans accused handled the release of information. resistance from one of the most militant and progressive unions in 12 heads of state among 143 of involvement in the scandal: Correa, who is known for his the country, and from its allies in the rest of the labour movement politicians from 50 countries, their current Attorney General, Galo blunt criticism of media bias, called and the general public. PV readers can help by contacting your MPs families and close associates who Chiriboga; former president of the on citizens to demand the release with a resounding demand to force Canada Post to negotiate a fair have been using offshore societies Central Bank of Ecuador, Pedro of the documents. collective agreement, and to restore urban mail delivery put under located in 21 tax havens. Delgado; and Javier Molina, an “Now it’s up to the citizens: the ax by the defeated Tory government. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s Presi- ex-member of the National let’s demand all the information. dent Rafael Correa took to Twitter Intelligence Secretariat. The ‘selective’ fight against on April 10, challenging journalists Marina Walker, coordinator of corruption is just ... more PEOPLE'S VOICE to release all of the documents that research ICIJ said that “all the corruption!,” Correa concluded. link influential people and names” would be published in ISSN number 1198-8657 Published by New Labour Press Ltd. www.telesurtv.net/english/news Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40011632 politicians in a scam to hide assets early May. Days later, ICIJ director Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept., in shell companies and offshore Gerard Ryle told Wired that they People's Voice, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 tax havens. have no plans to release the entire “We must make a global database Mossack Fonseca. Renew Tel: 604.255.2041 Email: [email protected] Volunteers and contributors for this issue: today! Dave Arland, Ed Bil, Johan Boyden, Wally Brooker, Check your label Dave McKee, Liz Rowley, Sam Hammond, Kay Tillow, and our mailers in Vancouver & Toronto. Please check the Editor: Kimball Cariou Business Manager: Hassan Azimikor address label on the Editorial Board: Kimball Cariou, Miguel Figueroa, front page to see if Naomi Rankin, Liz Rowley, Jim Sacouman it’s time to renew. Subscribers who find "2016/04/02" on their LETTERS label, for example, People's Voice welcomes your letters. We reserve the will have their right to edit for length and clarity, and to refuse to print subscriptions expire letters which may be libellous or which contain personal with this issue, attacks. Send your views to: "Letters to the Editor" April 16-30, 2016 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 or [email protected] Don’t miss a People's Voice articles may be reprinted without single copy - permission provided the source is credited. renew today! 5 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2016 Disposable law, disposable workers, disposable morality
By Sam Hammond maintenance workers were in holdings moved its maintenance Stephen Harper on the PM’s a bill that modifies the ACPPA Montreal. ACTS subsidiary into membership official visit to Israel. A year later, and eases Air Canada’s obligations William Shakespeare drew The privatization took place in with a group of international Air Canada signed a maintenance in respect to jobs and conditions extensively on a couple of thou- 1989 with the government pre- companies called Airbus MRO deal with Israel Aerospace of work that the airline previously sand years of ruling class mayhem dictably absorbing large debt and Network. This was still under, and Industries, a company wholly had to maintain in Quebec and intrigue and murder for his story selling for a bargain basement in compliance with the ACCPA; owned by the government of Israel. elsewhere in Canada. line in dozens of masterful literary price, but that is another story. the jobs were still protected in The Attorney General of Previously in February, in a works. One can only wonder what Canada and the Official Languages Canada filed a law suit against Air letter to the Minister, Dave Ritchie, he could have done with modern Act was still in force. ACTS was Canada for breaching the ACPPA, Vice President of the Machinists politics. Imagine Shakespeare as still owned by Air Canada but and in February 2013 the Quebec Union had this to say; “This would an observer to the Brian Mulroney/ How we taking part in a consortium. When Superior Court found Air Canada allow Air Canada to circumvent Karlheinz Schreiber handover of the name “Airbus” comes up the guilty of violating the Act. In the recent decision of the Quebec bags of cash money in hotel rooms, see it... image of Mulroney and bags of December 2015 the Quebec Court Court of Appeal on this issue, or the shift of Air Canada cash appropriately flashes on the of Appeal upheld the decision. based only on Air Canada’s vague maintenance jobs to Israel a year screen. The governments of Quebec and promise to have some of its after Stephen Harper (accom- Because of the ACPPA Air Canada ACTS is by 2005 a separate but Manitoba joined in litigation maintenance work performed in panied by an Air Canada CEO) was subject to the Official Lang- wholly owned division of ACE against Air Canada with the two Quebec at some point in the future, made a state visit. Corruption, uages Act in its entirety. The Act Aviation Holdings/Air Canada and Quebec Court decisions under if it proceeds with its order to apparently, is the result of compelled Air Canada not only to a member of a consortium called their belt, but in February 2016 the purchase Bombardier C-Series coincidence and even gov-ernment provide communications and Airbus MRO Network. The stage Quebec government dropped their aircraft.” Absolutely correct, but inquiries have conveniently failed service to the public in both official is set for an end run around litigation when Air Canada ann- correct, militant, vigilant and to find the relationship between the languages, but also to maintain a Parliament and the ACCPA; the ounced it would purchase 45 planes tenacious the Machinists have been hand and the cookie jar. bilingual workplace. In addition, Machinists Union is uneasy and from Bombardier. The Manitoba for decades in defense of their Air Canada has been in and out Air Canada is subject to provisions the corporate chess players are government dropped its litigation members and parliamentary of that cookie jar so many times it that ensure equal opportunities for ready to move some pieces. when Air Canada promised to democracy. is just plain confusing. Trans employment and advancement, as In 2007 ACTS purchases 80% expand jobs in Manitoba. The Tories refuse to enforce an Canada Airlines, TCA, was created well as a requirement that its of the shares of an aircraft Georges Bujold of the Mach- act of Parliament and the Liberals by government request under the workforce reflect the presence of maintenance company called inists Union, with the wisdom decide the violations can be handled management of Canadian National both official language commu- AEROMAN, located in San gained from many battles, warned by conveniently changing the Railways, then a Crown Corp- nities. The importance of this Act Salvador and doing maintenance his members that Air Canada ACPPA to bring it in line with the oration, in 1937. It morphed into to workers, especially to Franco- for TACA Airlines. The Mach- would drag the issue to the corporate agenda. Apparently the Air Canada, still a Crown phone workers, and their unions is inists Union sounds the warning Supreme Court and it could take rule of law is a casual affair for the Corporation, in 1965. It was apparent. bell. This could lead to shipping years for a decision. The question smiling young Trudeau, and the privatized in 1989 under the In 1968, when it was still Air Canada maintenance jobs on everyone’s mind is, what will dispersal of Canadian jobs to El Mulroney government. To set the publicly owned, Air Canada offshore, in violation of ACCPA. the Federal Government do? Will Salvador, Israel and Europe is part stage for this Mulroney in 1986 created Air Canada Technical Within months ACTS is acquired they modify the Act? Well here’s of the new agenda. TPP anyone? fired the entire management team Services (ACTS) a subsidiary by 70% US investors and changes the answer and it didn’t take years. - Sam Hammond is a member and replaced them with his own under the ACPPA to handle its its name to AVEOS. Air Canada On March 24, the Federal Minister of the Communist Party's Central choices. The backroom boys were maintenance. By this time it had acquire a minority interest in of Transport, Marc Garneau, filed Executive Committee. ● now in the parlor, or the cockpit. added maintenance workers in AVEOS and AEROMAN is sepa- The 1988 Air Canada Public Vancouver to its Montreal, Miss- rated into a stand-alone company. Participation Act (ACPPA) set out issauga and Winnipeg facilities. In 2011 about 2600 Air Canada the conditions for the privatization In total more than 4000 highly maintenance workers are of Air Canada. The dirty deed skilled maintenance workers were transferred to AVEOS, despite a couldn’t be done without at least a involved, probably about 3000 of legal challenge by the Machinists modicum of recognition to jobs, them in Montreal and all Union to prevent this transfer. language and national economies. represented by the Machinists Slowly but surely Air Canada The ACPPA ensured that Air Union. By 2003 the new owners, started taking maintenance work Canada would continue to operate venture capitalists and number away from AVEOS and sending it in both French and English by crunching corporate plunder to Germany, China and El making the newly privatized specialists, had managed to drive Salvador. About 90% of AVEOS corporation subject to the Official Air Canada into Bankruptcy work was from Air Canada, and its Languages Act (the OLA). A Protection, which put restructuring disbursement offshore, in direct further provision required Air in the hands of the courts and violation of ACPPA, caused Canada to maintain its head office opened up the opportunity for a AVEOS to file for bankruptcy in in Montréal, and operational cabal to gain control under the 2012 and put 2600 workers on the centres in Winnipeg, Montréal, and umbrella name of Ace Aviation street. In January 2014, the Air Mississauga. The majority of its Holdings. In 2005 Ace Aviation Canada CEO accompanied Gerardo Hernández welcomed to Toronto
Text of greeting delivered by Miguel Figueroa, on behalf of awareness and build support for urgency, to broaden and deepen and thank all those thousands upon the Communist Party of Canada, at an April 3 public meeting this struggle. Most of all, we are our solidarity. We will not be thousands across Canada who in Toronto to welcome Gerardo Hernández, one of the inspired by the Cuban Five deterred. We will never give up helped – by joining local comm- Cuban Five heroes. The event was held at the Steel-workers themselves, by the remarkable this just fight.” ittees, coming out to public rallies, Hall, with over 250 attending. Gerardo was also welcomed courage and grace they have It has been more than 15 months walking on picket lines, writing at events in Montreal and Vancouver in early April. maintained through all they have since the last of the Cuban heroes letters and passing resolutions. endured over their long period of were liberated from their long Here in Toronto, we should Good afternoon everyone. On rather working very hard to see this incarceration. We leave this ordeal, but this victory is still fresh especially thank three activists – behalf of the Communist Party of day. And now you are finally here! Tribunal with a renewed sense of in our minds. We acknowledge three remarkable women – for all Canada, its Central Committee and This moment is sweeter than their work on behalf of the Five: Cuba Bureau, we join in wel- any of us could have imagined. In they are in no particular order coming compañero Gerardo to September 2012, the Friends of because they all worked incredibly Toronto and wish him a most the Cuban Five and other hard for many years – Heide successful and enjoyable visit to organizations collaborated to Trampus, Lisa Makarchuk, and our country. We have waiting a organize a Peoples’ Tribunal & Elizabeth Hill. very long time for this day – and Assembly on the case. Several Together, across Canada and not waiting in a passive sense, but prominent Cuban and other around the world, we helped the international guests participated. Cuban government and people to I would like to share with you a secure this victory, and to force few lines from the Tribunal’s final U.S. imperialism to finally aban- declaration: “Despite all of the don its vicious, unjust and immoral obstacles prolonging the injustice efforts to strangle the Cuban Revo- against the Cuban Five, we are not lution and the principles for which discouraged. We remain steadfast it stands. More work remains in our knowledge of the rightness however – to end the blockade of this cause, convinced that truth completely, and to repatriate and justice will ultimately triumph. Guantanamo to the Cuban people, We draw strength from the but we are confident that these victories – large and small, and are triumphs will come as well. renewed by every solidarity Gerardo Hernández, one of the Cuban Five heroes. at the Long live free, sovereign and Miguel Figueroa initiative which helps spread Steelworkers Hall in Toronto. PV photo by Ed Bil socialist Cuba! ● 6 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2016 Trans-Pacific Partnership: devil is in the details
Commentary by Celia so many concerns among those Club all have opposed Wexler of the Center for who care about the environmental, the TPP, and contend Science & Democracy, public health and safety, and that the treaty fails to posted by the Union of addressing climate change. protect the environ- Concerned Scientists, http:// ment. blog.ucsusa.org Looking under the They argue that hood while the environment Finally, after six years of chapter is big on lofty negotiation, and a final agreement The TPP has been agreed to by goals, and asks mem- reached late last year, the massive the U.S. and Australia, Brunei, ber nations to make Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, efforts to improve trade deal is making the headlines. Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, their protections of endangered public health and safety, worker country. This increase in demand Negotiated in secret, its text Singapore, and Vietnam. Together flora and fauna, it largely fails to and environmental regulations. In could exacerbate the problem of considered classified information these 12 countries comprise 40 impose strong, enforceable theory, this could raise the palm oil plantations that expand that limited access even to percent of the world’s GDP, and environmental requirements. standards of all nations. But when by using fire to clear forests, adding members of Congress, the TPP 30 percent of global trade. Its 30 you read the chapter on regulatory to carbon emissions, and harming largely has been influenced by a chapters detail agreements on The future of science- cooperation, it is clear that better public health. Deforestation also small group of trade advisors, most scores of separate issues, ranging informed regulation standards will not be the goal of contributes to global warming. of whom represent corporations from food safety to protection of such a council. Instead, regulators or business trade groups. endangered species and federal While the TPP will reduce will be asked to assess their rules Investor State Dispute While it has been agreed to by procurement policies. tariffs, this trade negotiation also based on whether they help or the U.S. and 11 Pacific Rim The U.S. Trade Representative is valuable to multinational harm trade, and conform to “good Settlement and climate nations, TPP can’t move forward hailed the agreement because it corporations primarily because it regulatory practices.” change without the approval of Congress. “advances both our interests and promises to eliminate what many “Good regulatory practices” as Members of Congress who support our values abroad.” But the devil members of the public consider defined by the TPP means a The TPP also will permit a the deal, including House Majority in such a wide-ranging treaty is in crucial regulations to protect regulatory process that considers foreign corporation that feels a Leader Paul Ryan, are reluctant to the details, and the details have public health and safety and the the cost of compliance along with state, local or national government bring it up for a vote until they are raised a number of concerns. It is environment, but what businesses the benefits, even though cost- has taken an action that unfairly sure it will pass. Recent polls show not enough to look at individual often consider “trade barriers.” benefit analysis is likely to harms its profitability to bypass public wariness about trade and its chapters of the deal, you have to Business groups have actively exaggerate the costs of domestic courts andsue for benefits. look at those chapters in the context promoted efforts to “harmonize” compliance, since those costs are damages before an international When TPP does come up for a of the entire agreement. regulations, with the aim of provided by regulated industries, tribunal. Since the TPP partners vote, perhaps not until after the Take the TPP’s environmental reducing the cost of compliance. and minimize the value of benefits have 9,000 subsidiaries in the U.S., election, it will pass under a “fast- chapter. A few environmental The TPP creates a regulatory in terms of protecting public health the potential for a trade suit is track” process Congress approved groups, including the World cooperation council that in theory and safety and the environment, quite high. last year. The deal can’t be Wildlife Fund and the Nature will bring together regulators from which often are much harder to ISDS lawsuits have grown amended, and can be passed with Conservancy, have praised the 12 trade partners to discuss quantify. What is the monetary substantially over the past several just 51 votes in the Senate, escaping TPP’s environmental chapter. strategies to “harmonize” their value of IQ points lost to lead years, and America’s exposure to the threat of a filibuster, which WWF stated that its “conservation poisoning, or a childhood free of suits through the TPP now has would require 60 votes. commitments … could be game asthma attacks? been roughly doubled. Why is TPP getting so much changers.” But WWF went on to “Good regulatory practices” A lawsuit under ISDS doesn’t push-back? The mainstream media say that whether the commitments also means considering alter- force a country to change its laws mostly has termed this a fight worked would depend on going STOP natives to regulation that might be or regulations, but it can have a between labour and business over “beyond good words and friendlier to business, and giving chilling effect. Faced with the jobs, and whether this trade deal intentions in the agreement to regulated industries the oppor- pressure of multi-billion-dollar will be good for workers. But now support and implement effective tunity to comment on proposed damages, countries or state and that the public finally has access to environmental protections as TPP THE rules. Another benchmark for good local governments may think twice the full text of the sprawling requires.” practices is whether a nation before imposing strong protective agreement, more than 5,000 pages However, the BlueGreen periodically reviews existing rules environmental and public health in length, it’s clear that there are Alliance, Natural Resources TPP with an eye to cutting or relaxing standards. When threatened by a other reasons that TPP has raised Defense Council and the Sierra them. lawsuit, they may settle by relaxing This focus on making reg- those standards. ulations work for business raises ISDS also may have a profound serious questions: Will our effect on state and regional science-informed regulations that agreements to address climate Liberals shouldn’t back protect us from tainted food, unsafe change. A foreign corporation that drugs and medical devices, believes its profits have been defective consumer products, and harmed by policies to address Harper’s TPP deal, says CUPE polluted air and water be weakened climate change can bypass and compromised in the future? domestic courts and sue in an If regulators have to consider international three-person ISDS From the Canadian Union The TPP gives new rights to the interferes with their investments the impact of rules on trade, and if tribunal. The judges come from of Public Employees, world’s richest corporations, while – and profits. Under these their approaches are monitored by the arcane world of international https://cupe.ca workers and the environment lose NAFTA-style rules, Canada is an extra-national body, at the very trade, many of them trade lawyers ground. The deal supports already the most-sued developed least, this could delay needed with ties to corporations. The massive Trans-Pacific privatization, will drive down country. regulations, and may discourage Late last year, when the Obama Partnership puts corporations, wages, and increases the cost of “Governments, not strong regulations that benefit the Administration cancelled not Canadians, first and the health care and education. A recent corporations, should set our public. TransCanada’s Keystone XL federal Liberal government study shows Canada will lose at country’s laws and policies. The pipeline project, the company used should not sign it. least 58,000 jobs in the first decade TPP stands in the way of Impact on fossil fuel the North American Free Trade The deal was reached in the under the TPP. immediate and bold action on use Agreement (NAFTA) to sue the dying days of the Harper Independent analysis confirms climate change,” says CUPE U.S. under ISDS, asking for $15 Conservative government and the TPP is not about helping National Secretary-Treasurer The deal opens the door to billion in damages. during a federal election. The Canadian exports – 97 per cent of Charles Fleury. unrestricted exports of natural gas Democratic Senator Barbara full text was only made public in our exports to TPP countries are The Harper government tried from the U.S. to Japan, now the Boxer (CA) has raised concerns November. The new government already duty-free. to buy its way around some of the largest importer of natural gas in that her state’s landmark AB 32 is still analyzing the 6,000-page The TPP extends the length of deal’s consequences, promising the world. Vietnam also is law, which commits the state to text and has yet to carry out an patents on prescription drugs – a billions in compensation for auto interested in natural gas. sharply cutting its carbon pollution, economic impact assessment. So move that could cost our health parts makers, as well as dairy, Canada also will be able to could be sued under ISDS. why the rush to sign? care system up to $630 million a egg and chicken farmers. And export “billions of dollars” worth For Democratic Senator “You or I would never sign a year, and is a major roadblock to a the full social and economic costs of crude oil to the U.S. without Elizabeth Warren, ISDS alone is contract without reading the fine universal national prescription of the TPP are only now being paying duties. This not only reason enough to oppose the TPP. print,” says CUPE National drug program. The TPP’s longer tallied. encourages more use of fossil fuels, The trade deal as drafted, and President Mark Hancock. “But and stricter copyright protections “The TPP is a corporate rights but will make it more difficult for unable to be revised by Congress, that’s exactly what the Liberals could mean higher costs for deal. It rewrites laws and nations to address climate change she writes, will make things “more are about to do. It’s a serious schools, universities and libraries. regulations in the interests of big by transitioning to renewable dangerous for American families.” mistake that will have conse- The TPP’s investor-state dis- business, at the expense of energy and reducing energy Nobel-prize-winning quences for decades to come.” pute settlement (ISDS) system will citizens and the environment,” consumption. economist Joseph Stiglitz agrees. What we already know about let foreign corporations sue says Hancock. “Canada should Malaysia is a party to the TPP, The TPP, he writes, “may turn out the TPP is bad news. governments if a law or regulation not sign this dangerous deal.” ● and it is likely that will encourage to be the worst trade agreement in the export of palm oil from that decades.” ● 7 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2016 The Single Payer Movement in the US is growing
By Kay Tillow vast inequalities persist. African that were not solved by the law Americans are much more likely plague us with differing impacts The private, for-profit insurance to be uninsured and to die younger. on various strata, but leaving no industry controls the health care Undocumented immigrants are one truly protected. system in the United States. That banned from purchasing health While it is true that the ACA fact is at the heart of our high costs insurance in the exchanges. expanded coverage to include an and lack of care. The US is the Women who work for employers additional 18 million people, we only industrialized country that has whose workforce is predominately are still left with 30 million not yet moved to a system of female are still charged higher uninsured. That fact alone causes universal healthcare. That failure prices for health coverage. Insurers 30,000 unnecessary deaths per takes a toll on our health, our lives, who sell on the exchanges can year. Further, because costs of our economy. The US pays over charge up to three times the regular premiums, deductibles, and co- $9,000 per capita annually for premium because of age. The drugs pays have shifted theburden to health care yet the median for the and care crucial to those with patients, 25% of those who have countries that make up the AIDS, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, insurance either delay or forgo Organization of Economic leukemia, cancer, mental health care because of cost. That figure Cooperation and Development is and a host of other problems can goes up to 46% for those with low under $4,000. be priced beyond the reach of incomes. In the US, we pay more but get patients. Discrimination has not In 2003 the Physicians for a less. We rank 19th out of 19 ended. National Health Program pub- countries in preventing deaths due Premiums rise by double digits. lished their proposal for national hospitals, therapies, dental, people should get the care they to causes that were amenable to Deductibles, the amount the patient single payer health care in the eyeglasses, hearing aids, mental need, and that the responsibility medical care. The US does poorly must pay each year before the Journal of the American Medical health, drugs, and long term care rests with the government to assure in life expectancy — 43rd in rank insurer pays, are now in the Association. It was signed by with no co-pays, no premiums, no that happens. The December 2015 among the countries of the world. thousands of dollars. Insurance is 8,000 physicians. That same year deductibles. It would remove the Kaiser poll showed that 58% want Our infant mortality rate puts us at no longer a guarantee against the proposal was introduced as barriers to care, ban for-profit a Medicare for All — an expansion 38th behind all the other wealthy bankruptcy. Doctors and hospitals legislation into the House of insurance companies, hospitals of the country’s single payer nations. The US rate for maternal are off limits in the networks set up Representatives by Rep. John and nursing homes, and use the program for the elderly to mortality is 14 per 100,000 live by the insurers. The insurance Conyers, Jr., Democrat from system’s buying power to force everyone. Over 81% of Democrats births. Canada’s is 7. company determines what doctor Mich-igan. He has reintroduced down drug prices. agree with this. So do 60% of In 2009 as the Obama admin- or hospital a patient can use, and that bill, HR 676, into the House HR 676 has been endorsed by independents and even 30% of 0istration prepared the health care can deny care if it disagrees with every two years since. Subtitled 624 union organizations, including Republicans. The single payer reform bill, the Affordable Care the physician. “Expanded and Improved 44 State AFL-CIO federations, 157 movement seeks to turn popular Act (ACA), single payer activists In December 2015 the Kaiser Medicare for All,” it has 62 out of Central Labour Councils, and will into political reality. organized demonstrations. Tracking Poll reported that 46% 435 representatives signed on as many national unions, locals and Democratic Presidential Thousands protested and held “sit- of the population views the ACA cosponsors. district labour organizations. As a candidate Senator Bernie Sanders’ ins” at insurance companies across as unfavourable while 40% view it The bill guarantees coverage result of this grassroots effort, the support for national single payer the country. Many went to jail. favourably. That is not all for everyone through a publicly national AFL-CIO endorsed HR health care has given the issue new Senator Max Baucus, chair of the attributable to the crazed campaign funded single payer system. All 676 in 2009. media prominence. When Sanders Senate Finance Committee, of misinformation perpetrated by necessary medical care would be The single payer movement speaks of single payer, the crowds ordered the arrest of single payer the right. The very real problems covered including physicians, works to win support from cities, roar their approval. The issue will activists who attempted to speak. counties, state legislatures and not go away. The average annual Single payer was banned from the other political bodies. The Houses cost for family employer-based nation’s discussion. There was of Representatives in Kentucky, health insurance is over $17,500. already a deal in place. Private New York, New Hampshire, and The worker must pay $5,000 of insurance companies would be Maine endorsed HR 676. So did that; about $100 is deducted from assured billions in public money the city councils of Philadelphia, the paycheck each week before he to subsidize the purchase of health Baltimore, Indianapolis, Tusk- or she ever sees it. That just covers care by those who could not afford egee, Louisville and many more. the premium — thousands more it. The drug companies would be There are single payer org- must be paid if anyone in the family guaranteed massive profits in anizations in at least 43 states, really gets sick. return for minor concessions. educating, making public Marcia Angell, MD, former Money flowed, mostly from presentations, speaking on radio editor of the New England Journal foundations, to support those and TV, and protesting. Each year of Medicine, says that under the groups who would stand for health in July, celebrations of the current market-based system, the care reform but against single anniversary of Medicare held in US cannot simultaneously improve payer. The ACA, basically a scores of cities demand to improve care and lower costs. Improving Republican plan originating with it and expand it to everyone. care costs more. Cutting costs cuts the right-wing Heritage Foun- Recently 170 medical students care. To change those dynamics, dation, has mandates to force from 50 schools met in Nashville we must remove the cause of the employers and individuals to buy to promote single payer and to problem — the profit-based insurance. It was passed by the build their organization, Students insurance companies. That will Democrats with no Republican for a National Health Program. allow us to apply the savings to votes. The single payer movement extending care to everyone and Despite passage of the ACA, rests on majority opinion that all improving it for all. ●
"Unpaid, unequal, undervalued" - new report on women’s work and wages
Women are unpaid, under- than women. of women’s work will have a nearly twice as many hours of are paid $25,252 per year. valued and unequal, says a new Brittany Lambert, Policy transformative impact on our unpaid work each day as do men. The report offers a number of report published by Oxfam Advisor for Oxfam Canada, said: economy,” McInturff added. In spite of high levels of solutions to help make women Canada and the Canadian Centre “Women make up some of the Oxfam Canada and the CCPA’s education among girls and women, count, including a shift towards for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). poorest and lowest paid workers research shows that women the wage gap in Canada is getting policies that support better wages The recovery that followed in the global economy. And as our continue to bear the burden of un- bigger, not smaller. In 2009, and access to employment for the 2008 financial crisis has not report shows, women are doing paid work. In low and middle- women earned 74.4% of what men women, better financial support benefited everyone equally. To more and more work to grow income countries, women spend earned, in 2011 it was 72%. The of public services – like health respond to increasingly slow countries’ economies without three times as many hours as men gap is worse for marginalized and child care – to reduce the growth today, we need to seeing equal benefits.” on unpaid care work each day. The women, including Aboriginal and care burden on women, and a understand how inequality is Kate McInturff, Senior Resear- situation in Canada is only slightly racialized women. greater focus by governments to putting the brakes on our cher at the CCPA, said: “Social better, with women performing The industries women find prioritize women’s rights. economy. “Making Women inequality has become a perverse themselves working in are Lambert said: “Women’s Count” looks at how women in benefit in our upside down world undervalued. For example, in rights must be at the center of Canada and around the world – where the fact that women are Canada, truck drivers - the majority economic development – are affected by rising inequality, paid less than men is good for of whom are men – are paid an whether in Canada or the global including the burden of unpaid profits. It’s clear from our research average of $45,417 per year, while south. In 2016, it’s time to level work, the undervaluing of work that global economic growth is not Early Childhood Educators - the the playing field and make in predominantly female fields, leading to gender equality. majority of whom are women – women count.” ● and the unspoken social norms “In a world where so many that see men offered higher women are still left behind, See http://oxfam.ca/sites/default/files/making-women- wages and rates of promotion addressing the unequal economics count-report-2016.pdf 8 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2016 Global class struggle
secretary general of KMU-SMR, workers already enjoy the benefits workers, professionals, scientists, Bahrain teacher to urge the Department of Labour of union contracts. freelancers andfarmers, and Labour unrest in leader free after 5 and Employment (DOLE) to encouraging young people into Gulf states intervene to prevent any harm from Teachers strike exile. years in prison happening to the workers, who are In Thessaloniki, the second At a recent event to showcase striking to demand the in Argentina largest city of Greece, a large rally how the United Arab Emirates On April 4, Mahdi Abu Dheeb, reinstatement of 52 of their by unions and left organizations (UAE) is trying to make labour leader of the Bahrain Teachers colleagues at the banana plantation Teachers from public and was reinforced with the arrival of laws more understandable, Association, was finally released who were illegally dismissed. private schools in Argentina held dozens of migrants from a nearby workers instead discussed from prison. He had been held in Olalo took the DOLE to task for a national strike on April 4, their refugee camp, demanding the unscrupulous bosses, abuses and detention since 2011, when he was doing nothing when the military first since Mauricio Macri became opening of borders. poor conditions rampant across sentenced to prison for calling for tried to intervene and mounted a president in December, to protest the Gulf Arab states. a teachers’ strike in support of the government’s failure to comply Strike at Peru Wearing handed-out white democratic reforms. with agreements reached with baseball caps reading “I (heart) The international community teachers’ unions in February copper mine UAE,” workers praised the has closely monitored Abu regarding salaries and working translation of labour laws, but Dheeb’s case, and decried the conditions. Workers at Freeport- complained about stagnant wages blatant disregard for human and The demonstrators gathered McMoRan’s Cerro Verde copper and being suckered by agents into trade union rights by Bahraini early in the morning and marched mine in Peru began a 48-hour strike jobs they didn’t want. authorities. Education Inter- to the Ministry of Education in on April 8 to protest the near “The companies are gaining. national, the umbrella federation Buenos Aires. Across the country, disappearance of their profit- They are making all the profits. of teachers’ unions, has worked college professors from all national sharing bonus this year. What about the labourers?’’ asked with a large coalition of affiliates universities joined the strike to The Arizona-based company, Adnan Chaudhry, of Pakistan, who and civil society organisations to demand the government begin which owns a majority stake in works in human resources at a ensure his release. salary negotiations and talks on the mine, has informed workers copper manufacturing plant. “The Amnesty International started other work-related issues. they are scheduled to receive an managers are up, up, up and the a Twitter Countdown to raise The Education Workers’ average bonus of $146 (483 soles) labourers are down, down, down.’’ awareness about his impending Confederation and the Union of this year based on 2015 profits, Gulf nations long have relied liberation. One of EI’s affiliates in Private School Teachers, the down from about $9,090 (30,000 on migrant labour to build oil- the UK, NASUWT, launched an vilification campaign against the unions that bring together soles) in 2014. The union said it funded skylines, drive taxis and online campaign, and another UK KMU during the certification elementary and high school would stop all activities for an clean hotel rooms. In the UAE, a affiliate, the NUT, had keynote election won by the Musahamat teachers in Argentina, also initial period of 48 hours, which federation of seven emirates on speaker Jeremy Corbyn and (Farm 2) Workers Labour Union, protested against massive layoffs would then be extended to 72 the Arabian Peninsula, foreign conference delegates at their an affiliate of the National in the public sector. hours and finally moved into an workers vastly outnumber locals. annual conference show their Federation of Labour Unions. María Laura Torre, secretary indefinite strike until its demands On April 6, Emirati officials concern. Many other EI affiliates “By being silent, (DOLE) is of the Education Workers’ are heard. gathered before several hundred around the world, especially of being complicit in the apparent Confederation, said that the While Freeport has reacted to workers at a model residential countries which have diplomatic campaign to silence the workers in observance of the national strike low copper prices by making camp on the outskirts of Abu representations in Bahrain (e.g. Pantukan by any means possible, was very high and that the call had several cutbacks at existing Dhabi, the capital. They answered the United States), expressed their including murder,” Olalo said, proved very successful. operations, the company has gone questions from workers as solidarity and appealed to Bahraini adding that the management of the The 24-hour strike also called ahead with a $4.6 billion expansion politicians moved through the authorities over the years. banana plantation and the Army’s on the government to continue of its Cerro Verde open pit mine, crowd, trailed by television EI General Secretary Fred van 46th Infantry Battalion were investigations into the 2007 killing which has been in production since cameras. But even here, with Leeuwen welcomed Abu Dheeb’s continuing the campaign against of Carlos Fuentealba, a chemistry the mid-1800s. The project would security guards holding trays full release. “Mahdi didn’t commit any the union. professor. triple capacity at the concentrator of expensive chocolates, taxi crimes. He called for quality public “Teaches from across the plant to 360,000 tonnes per day drivers discussed how their education for all and asked for the Workers organize country will strike and we will and it is set to catapult Cerro Verde housing didn’t allow them to cook unions to be involved in the rally this April 4 in light of the lack to the top three global copper meals. Others talked about being reforms. He fought for freedom of at Trump hotel of compliance by the government operations by 2017. in small rooms split in two, with speech and freedom of assembly,” regarding agreements already Mining investments in Peru, 10 men sleeping inside at a time. he said. “In our view, the Overruling objections filed by signed, against impunity in Carlos which drove economic growth Gulf Arab nations have come authorities’ harsh reaction and Donald Trump’s corporation, the Fuentealba’s case and to reject the during the past decade, have fallen under increasing scrutiny over their Mahdi’s long imprisonment were National Labour Relations Board criminalization of social protest,” dramatically in the past two years treatment of low-paid workers. not justified. We do hope that this has officially certified a union for the Confederation of Education as anti-mining sentiment grows Unions are not allowed and strikes is a sign that trade union rights and more than 500 workers at the Sector Workers of Argentina said stronger. It is estimated that about are illegal in the UAE, though quality education can become a Trump International Hotel just off in a statement. $22 billion worth of projects have protests sometimes occur. reality for all in Bahrain. EI will the Las Vegas strip. The workers, been cancelled or delayed in Peru, Hundreds of migrants staged a rare continue to monitor the human who voted to unionize last Anti-austerity the world’s No 3 copper producer, protest last November near the rights situation in the country December, are now demanding where mining accounts for about airport hosting theopening day of closely.” immediate contract negotiations. rallies in Greece 60% of export earnings. the biennial Dubai Airshow. Yet management has indicatedthey Gunfire aimed at will appeal the NLRB decision, in Thousands of people marched keeping with longstanding efforts on April 7 in major Greek cities to strikers camp to prevent the employees from protest against a new package of Join the Communist organizing. austerity measures which cuts Party of Canada On April 2, gunmen opened As soon as a majority of the 523 supplementary pensions ands hike fire on a camp set up by agricultural workers in Trump’s hotel voted to taxes for self-employed and The Communist Party of Canada, formed in 1921, has a proud history of workers in preparation for their unionize with the Culinary workers. The marches were held fighting for jobs, equality, peace, Canadian independence, and socialism. strike in Pantukan town, Workers Union on December 5, in the framework of a 24-hour The CPC does much more than run candidates in elections. We think the Compostela Valley, Philippines. management tried to have the strike in the public sector called by fight against big business and its parties is a year-round job, so our The Kilusang Mayo Uno Southern results thrown out, claiming that the main trade union ADEDY, and members are active across the country, to build our party and to help Mindanao Region said the workers were intimidated by the other professional groups also strengthen people’s movements on a wide range of issues. All our policies shooting followed an attempt to union into voting yes. After weeks joined. and leadership are set democratically by our members. To find out more burn down the camp set up by the of reviewing their claims, a local In Athens, demonstrators about Canada’s party of socialism, contact the nearest CPC office. workers of Musahamat Farm 2, NLRB officer sided with the marched through the streets to Central Committee CPC who had voted to go on strike on workers in February, saying Trump Parliament, where they demanded March 28. None of the three union 290A Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON, M4K 1N6 management provided an end to austerity policies, 416-469-2446
By Zoltan Zigedy, March 31, super-majority in the legislative the future. In a not-too-subtle American and as President of the the long-standing policy of 2016, mltoday.com branch demonstrates both a slug- reminder — direct enough for even United States. That was because defeating the revolution. But as like caution and a shallowness of the planners and speech writers in of the freedoms that were afforded one its leaders and staunchest US President Barack Obama conviction, a less flattering part of the State Department — Fidel in the United States that we were defenders, he makes his position came to Havana with a cautiously his legacy. quotes Antonio Maceo, Afro- able to bring about change.”) clear: “No one should be under the crafted, calculated message to the To the Cuban people, Obama Cuban leader of the mambises Fidel reminded the US illusion that the people of this people of the world, the people of brought to Havana a caricature of [guerrilla fighters] in the liberation President that the revolutionary dignified and selfless country will the US, and the people of Cuba. past relations and the attitude of a struggle against Spain: “Whoever government “swept away racial renounce the glory, the rights, or To the people of the world, friendly big brother. He made his attempts to appropriate Cuba will discrimination” in Cuba and the spiritual wealth they have Obama was signaling, on his part, point of selling market reforms, reap only the dust of its soil persistently fought manifestations gained with the development of a new posture towards the Republic outside investors, and Western- drenched in blood, if he does not of racism. Unlike in the US, the education, science, and culture... of Cuba. His expressed desire to style “democracy,” wrapping it perish in the struggle.” Fidel offers Cuban people fought racism along We do not need the Empire to give remove the blockade and to open with a ribbon of smarmy good- “brother Obama” a history lesson with their government, not against us anything.” up relations must be taken at face neighborliness. While the Western in the long and relentless effort to the government’s promotion of it; Cubans should be filled with value and welcomed. How far he media and liberals saw this as a overthrow the Cuban revolution where racism persists in Cuba, it is pride that they enjoy the wisdom intends to pursue this goal and moment of Obama’s greatness and by its “neighbour” to the North. in spite of the government, not and vigilance of one of the last with how much energy is to Nor will he allow the because of it. century’s greatest revolutionary be seen. That it is part of a neighbour to the north to Fidel, with a Marxist dedication leaders. We should all be carefully cultivated “Obama Fidel reminded the US President shrug off the Cold War as to historical context, under- appreciative of the exceptional Doctrine” blossoming in the that the revolutionary government merely a past misunder- standably views US overtures with commitment to truth and principle last year of his Presidency “swept away racial discrim- standing. He reminds Obama some skepticism, doubting that the of this warrior for socialism and should be apparent. ination” in Cuba and persistently that the Cold War battle lines changes mark an epiphany from peace. ● In his confessional series in Africa divided colonialism of interviews with Jeffrey fought manifestations of racism. and apartheid from African Goldberg for The Atlantic, Unlike in the US, the Cuban liberation. Without he makes his posture towards people fought racism along with embarrassing Obama with the Latin American anti- their government, not against the fact that the US stood with imperialism clear: “When I government’s promotion of it; those opposing African came into office, at the first liberation, Fidel revisited Summit of the Americas that where racism persists in Cuba, it Cuba’s intense, principled I attended, Hugo Chávez— is in spite of the government, not and long support for Africa’s the late anti-American because of it. freedom. Venezuelan dictator—was In contrast to the still the dominant figure in the magnanimity, one man saw it truncated, simplistic, and self- conversation,” he said. “We made differently. Charged with protect- serving account of the struggle for a very strategic decision early on, ing Cuban sovereignty and dignity racial equality in the US offered which was, rather than blow him for the last fifty-six years, Fidel by Obama (“But people organized; up as this 10-foot giant adversary, Castro Ruz wrote from retirement, they protested; they debated these to right-size the problem and say, reminding the world thatwhile issues; they challenged ‘We don’t like what’s going on in Cuba seeks normal country-to- government officials. And because Venezuela, but it’s not a threat to country relations with the US, it of those protests, and because of the United States.’ ” neither forgets nor forgives the those debates, and because of President Obama at a ceremony in Havana's Revolution Square Obama said that to achieve this transgressions of the past. popular mobilization, I’m able to during his historic trip to Cuba, with the iconic image of Che rebalancing, the U.S. had to absorb Nor does it trust the promises of stand here today as an African- Guevara in the background. the diatribes and insults of superannuated Castro manqués. “When I saw Chávez, I shook his UN Special Rapporteur on Occupied Palestine resigns hand and he handed me a Marxist critique of the U.S.–Latin America Cast Lead, its massive attack on truthful reporting on the Bennis, both of whom possess the relationship,” Obama recalled. Commentary by Richard Falk, who held the post of Gaza at the end of 2008. Palestinian ordeal under credentials, motivation and “And I had to sit there and listen to At the time I responded to media occupation, and by his principled strength of character to become an Ortega”—Daniel Ortega, the UN Special Rapporteur on Occupied Palestine for six inquiries by saying that I was resignation Wibisono doesn’t effective Special Rapporteur. The radical leftist president of Nica- shocked, but not surprised. allow Israel to get away with Palestinians deserve nothing less. ragua—”make an hour-long rant years, completing his second term in June 2014 Shocked because the evidence was neutering the position of Special When I met with Wibisono in against the United States. But us overwhelming and the other three Rapporteur. Geneva shortly after his being there, not taking all that stuff Makarim Wibisono, the UN distinguished members of the UN It is worth recalling that when appointment as Special Rapporteur seriously—because it really wasn’t Special Rapporteur on Occupied fact-finding commission stuck by Wibisono was selected as my was announced, he told me a threat to us”—helped neutralize Palestine, has resigned his position. the finding. Yet I was not surprised successor, several more qualified confidently that he had been the region’s anti-Americanism. The prominent Indonesian because I knew Goldstone – a candidates were passed over. assured that if he accepted the If we substitute “anti-imper- diplomat says that he could not former judge of the South African Although the selection guidelines appointment the Israeli ialism” for “anti-Americanism” fulfil his mandate because Israel constitutional court – to be a man stress expert knowledge of the government would allow him (tellingly, Obama doesn’t count has adamantly refused to give him of strong ambition and weak subject matter of the mandate, entry, a reassurance that he Latin America as America), we access to the Palestinian people character, a terrible mix for public Wibisono apparently gained the repeated in his resignation can see that the Obama Doctrine is living under its military occupation figures who wander into upper hand along with the acqui- announcement. On his side, he a more clever and, therefore, more in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. controversial territory. escence of Israel and the United pledged objectivity and balance, insidious policy to maintain US “Unfortunately, my efforts to help In Wibisono’s case I am States precisely because of his lack and an absence of preconceptions. dominance in the region; overt improve the lives of Palestinian surprised, but not shocked. of any relevant background. I warned him then that even tolerance coupled with covert victims of violations under the Surprised because he should have I can only hope that now the someone who leaned far to the intervention promises more Israeli occupation have been known from the outset that he was UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Israeli side politically would find success than an earlier strategy of frustrated every step of the way,” faced with a dilemma between will redeem its mistake by reviving it impossible to avoid reaching the saber-rattling and brute force. Wibisono explains. doing the job properly of reporting the candidacies of Professor To the people of the US, Obama His resignation reminds me in a on Israel’s crimes and human rights Christine Chinkin and Phyllis see PALESTINE, page 10 was underscoring what he hopes strange way of Richard abuses and gaining Israel’s to be perceived as his foreign Goldstone’s retraction a few years cooperation in the course of policy legacy, an opening to Cuba ago of the main finding in the UN- gathering this evidence. Not Massive rise in homophobic that will stand with Nixon’s commissioned Goldstone report, shocked, indeed grateful, as it rapprochement with the Peoples that Israel intentionally targeted illuminates the difficulty killings since Honduras coup Republic of China and Reagan’s civilians in the course of Operation confronting anyone charged with overtures to Gorbachev’s USSR. A report issued on April 6 reveals how LGBT campaigners in Like Reagan’s move, Obama’s Honduras have risked torture, prison and assassination since the US- Cuba trip was a charm offensive backed 2009 coup. meant to sell the image of a benign The British-based Index on Censorship used data gathered from super power putting aside long- local NGOs. It said 215 LGBT people were murdered between 2009, standing differences in order to when left-wing president Manuel Zelaya was ousted by a military “open up” opportunities for coup, and 2015, with 37 deaths in 2015 alone. By contrast, just 20 business and bring Cuba back into gay or transgender people were murdered between 1994 and 2009. the Western fold. Honduran gay rights activist Donny Reyes said: “I’ve suffered But unlike his predecessors, torture and sexual violence because of my activism, and I’ve survived Obama presses his initiative late many assassination attempts.” in his term, leaving the heavy lifting In another development on the same day, President Juan Orlando to those who will follow. The fact Hernandez said several top police officials had been suspended over that he never tackled the Helms- the killings of three drugs prosecutors. Audio recordings indicate Burton Act early in his service that assassins were paid about $20,000 to kill Julian Aristides (and a host of other promises and Gonzalez in 2009. expectations) when he inherited a Makarim Wibisono 10 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2016
Robeson fought Jim Crow, lynching, and McCarthyism
Paul Robeson: The Artist as most famous living Negro...” The close to U.S. Black communists Communists; no, far from that. I though his “voice continued to Revolutionary, by Gerald Worker in 1964 would proclaim like Ben Davis and William L. will defend them as they defended resonate abroad.” In fact, argues Horne, Pluto Press, 2016, 174 Robeson “the best known Patterson - and while he never us, the Negro people. And I stand Horne, “...Robeson’s consistent pages. Review by Tony American in the world,” though he shied away from supporting the firm and immovable by the side...” internationalism, his maniacal Pecinovsky, peoplesworld.org would ultimately also become “the CPUSA - he repeatedly denied of the arrested CPUSA leaders. study of languages and cultures most blacklisted performer in membership, though “his closeness “Their struggle is our struggle.” was redeemed...when a great wave Gerald Horne has made an America...,” as Pete Seeger, the to London comrades raises Though he was at times an of humanity demanded that his amazing contribution to African well-known folk singer, told his questions - rarely asked, hardly extremely wealthy man - making right to travel be restored.” American radical history with the fellow performer. The attempted isolation of newly published biography Paul As a political biography, Horne Robeson wasn’t just about Robeson: The Artist as Revo- does a great job connecting silencing him as an African lutionary. Robeson’s internationalism with American man who embodied the Though not as widely known as the emerging socialist camp - and challenge to domestic Jim Crow, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or the concomitant rise of Communist racism and international Malcolm X - at least, not among Parties - as the Rutgers educated colonialism. It was also about most white activists - it is sportsman, actor and activists’ silencing the domestic communist- impossible, as Horne argues, to thirst for language, enabled him led Left, dismantling a long fought understand their lives without first “to communicate more effectively for and hard won Red-Black understanding Paul Robeson’s. with diverse audiences” around alliance and the organizations “Like Malcolm, he [Robeson] the world. which this alliance birthed. For, as was a militant: a turning point in Robeson intently “deepen[ed] the Party-led Civil Rights Congress his dramatic fall was when he his knowledge of languages,” and CAA were being destroyed - confronted President Harry S. which “introduced him to the unity answered definitively - as to $100,000-plus a year in the late as other organizations, especially Truman face-to-face in the White of humankind and thus dovetailed whether he was ever a member of 1940’s - he was also always broke, those tied to Dr. King filled the House, berating him because of with his developing socialist the party in Great Britain, more of as he donated considerable income vacuum - it became increasingly the lynching of African beliefs...” Horne writes. a likelihood than U.S. and time to working class and apparent that they “did not have Americans...” Arguably a product of his times, membership.” revolutionary movements, often the international ties of the CRC, Additionally, Robeson, who Robeson was a man one generation Gus Hall, the CPUSA’s long- singing and/or performing for free nor the global reach of the CAA, lived abroad for years, “developed removed from slavery who grew time chair, would later claim in 1998 or donating the proceeds to which amounted to a net loss for a global appeal that dwarfed what up in a country practising its own that Robeson was in fact a member progressive political causes. One African-Americans and their the Muslim Minister only sought form of racist apartheid known as of the Communist Party, USA. He example was the Council on allies,” writes Horne. to accomplish in the final months Jim Crow. As a Black man who told attendees at a Robeson African Affairs (CAA), “the In a relatively short book, Horne of his life.” eventually became a world- centennial tribute in that year, “My vanguard organization in the U.S. has captured the essence of Paul Further, “Like Dr. King he had renowned actor and artist, early in own most precious moments with campaigning against colonialism,” Robeson as both a domestic leader a mass appeal among African his career Robeson’s “groping as Paul were when I met with him to headed by W.E.B. Du Bois and for African American equality, as Americans. But, unlike the Nobel an actor in his attempt to grasp the accept his dues and renew his yearly W. Alphaeus Hunton. well as an international icon Laureate, Robeson was not only an lineaments of Othello was of a membership in the CPUSA. I and As McCarthyism enveloped the promoting decolonization and artist whose performance stirred piece with his groping as a black other Communistleaders, like Henry United States, Robeson’s passport socialism. I hope a new generation emotions and fealty worldwide, he man seeking to grasp the Winston...met with Paul to brief him was confiscated, eliminating his of activists - Black and white - was also allied with a then rising lineaments of capitalism, on politics and Party policies and to ability to travel and earn a living, read Horne’s insightful book. ● socialist left and allied trade colonialism and white supremacy.” discuss his work and struggles.” Gerald Horne has written books on a wide range of unions...providing this performer Seeking to make a living as an Regardless of Robeson’s actual with a reach that even Dr. King at actor, it was in London where membership status, he unabash- neglected but by no means marginal or minor episodes his height found difficult to match,” Robeson got his first big break - edly supported communists - even of world history. He writes about topics he perceives as writes Horne. and began his life-long relationship at the height of McCarthyism, misrepresented struggles for justice, in particular Time magazine in 1943, would with communism. For as Horne telling a crowd of 5,000 in Harlem communist struggles and struggles against imperialism, claim Robeson was “probably the writes, while Robeson was very in June 1949, “...I’m not afraid of colonialism, fascism and racism. UN Palestine Rapporteur resigns...
continued from page 9 relationship” between Israel and behaviour that flaunts international the United States to react harshly, law is so manifest and reliable conclusion that Israel was guilty of including by launching a information easily available that I severe violations of international continuous defamatory campaign found it possible to compile reports humanitarian law and of human that seeks by all means to discredit that covered the main elements of rights standards, and this kind of your voice and will mount the Palestinian ordeal. Of course, honesty was sure to anger the inflammatory accusations of anti- direct contact with people living Israelis. Semitism and, in my case, of being under occupation would I also told him that he was a ”’self-hating Jew”. haveadded a dimension of making a big mistake if he thought What both shocked and validation and witnessing, as well he could please both sides, given surprised me was the willingness as giving some tangible expression the reality of prolonged denial of of both the UN Secretary-General of UN concern for the abuses being fundamental Palestinian rights. At and US diplomatic representatives committed under conditions of an the time he smiled, apparently (Susan Rice, Samantha Power) at untenably prolonged occupation feeling confident that his diplo- the UN to bend in Israel’s direction with no end in sight. matic skills would allow him to and join the chorus making these Until the day that Palestinian please the Israelis even while he irresponsible denunciations self-determination arrives, the least was compiling reports detailing focused on a demand for my that the UN can do is to keep open their criminality. He told me that resignation. this window of observation and he was seeking to do what I did but Palestinian woman defies Israeli soldiers. Although periodically tempted appraisal. After all, it is the UN to do so more effectively by to resign, I am glad that I didn’t. that undertook back in 1947 to securing Israel’s cooperation, and scope was risky, and also that the foreign ministries around the world Given the pro-Israel bias of the find a solution to the Israel/ thus short-circuiting their objec- overwhelming evidence of the most authoritative account mainstream media in the United Palestinian struggle that tions. It was then my turn to smile. Palestinian victimisation resulting available of the daily realities States and Europe, it is particularly acknowledged the equal claims of It is correct that the mandate from the occupation resulted from facing the Palestinian people. Also important, however embattled the both peoples. Although such an itself is vulnerable to criticism as it Israel’s policies and practices. important is the ability to shift the position, to preserve this source of approach was colonialist and does not include an assessment of Hence, it was argued by several discourse in more illuminating truth telling, and not to give in to interventionist in 1947, it has the responsibility of Palestinian delegations at the HRC that directions instead of limiting the pressures mounted. plausibility in 2016 given the administering authorities for attention to the Palestinian discussion to ‘the occupation’, My hope is that the HRC will developments in the intervening violations of human rights, and violations would be diversionary address issues of de facto learn from the Wibisono years. only looks at Israeli violations. I and give Israel a way to deflect annexation, ethnic cleansing and experience and appoint someone The UN may not be guilty in tried, unsuccessfully, to persuade criticism directed at the apartheid, as well as give some who can both stand the heat and relation to what went wrong, but it the HRC to have the mandate occupation. support within the UN for such report the realities for what they certainly has failed to discharge enlarged to encompass wrongdoing What I discovered during my civil society initiatives as the are. It is hampering the per- its responsibilities with regard to by the Palestinian Authority and six years as Special Rapporteur is boycott, divestment and sanctions formance of a Special Rapporteur Palestinian fundamental rights. Hamas. that you can make a difference, but (BDS) movement and the Freedom to be denied Israeli cooperation Until these rights are realised, the The arguments against doing so only if you are willing to put up Flotilla. with official UN functions, which UN should give this remnant of were that it had been difficult to get with the heat. By so doing, you have to expect is itself a violation of Israel’s the colonial era as much attention agreement to establish the mandate, You can make a difference in ultra-Zionist organisations and obligations as a member of the as possible. ● and opening up the issue of its several ways. Above all, by giving those managing the “special UN. At the same time, Israel’s - Third World Resurgence 11 • PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2016 CODIR calls for press freedom in Iran What'sWhat's LeftLeft The UK-based Committee for of Culture and Education during that, “The journalists will be freed the Defence of the Iranian People’s former President Khatami’s in no time.”Almost six months Kamloops, BC $12 (children $6), proceeds to Rights (CODIR), has called for administration. later, they are still in detention and People’s Voice Fund Drive, for urgent action to defend press Ehsan Mazandarani is the the authorities have not agreed to No to the TPP, speaker Liz info call BC Press Committee, freedom in the Islamic Republic managing editor of the newspaper their release on bail. Rowley, CPC leader, 7 pm, 604-255-2041. of Iran. In particular, CODIR is Farhikhtegan. With 36 journalists and citizen Monday, April 18, TRU Inter- concerned about the fate of Afrin Afarin Chitsaz regularly writes journalists incarcerated, Iran is one national Building, Room IB Toronto, ON Chitsaz, a journalist who was editorials on foreign policy for the of the world’s five biggest prisons 1020. Organized by Kamloops Club CPC. May Day Celebration, Satur- detained in November 2015. newspaper ‘Iran’ and her columns for media activists. In the World day, April 30, 7-11 pm (doors Sources close to Chitsaz are have been carried by the official Press Freedom rankings in 2015, Victoria, BC 6:30), Steelworkers Hall, 25 concerned that she has not been Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran was ranked 173 out of180 Cecil Street. Free, food and able to appoint a defence lawyer. IRNA. countries in terms of its treatment No to the TPP, speaker Liz childcare provided, great There has been no news from her, Mazandarani, Asadi and of the press. Rowley, CPC leader, 5 pm, April cultural program and speakers, although it is known she is being Safrzaei were tried in late March CODIR Assistant General 21, organized by Scotty Neish organized by United May Day held in Tehran’s notorious Evin on charges of “propaganda against Secretary, Jamshid Ahmadi, Club CPC, info 604-254-9836. Committee. Prison. It is also not clear what the the regime, insulting the leader stressed the significance of the Earth Walk for Peace and the “Honouring our labour charges are against her and whether and gathering and colluding with international community Planet, Sat. April 23, starts a date has been set for trial. intent to harm national security” continuing to support the campaign roots”, secular community 11:45 am from Legislature, walk Passover Seyder with music Chitsaz is one of five journalists and are now waiting the ruling of for human rights in Iran. to Centennial Square. arrested in November last year. the court on their sentences. “The detention of these and full-course dinner, Sunday, May Day March, Sunday, May Three others, Isa Saharkhiz, Ehsan In addition, Saharkhiz has been journalists is symptomatic of the May 1, 4 pm, at Sala Caboto, Mazandarani and Saman accused of “spreading falsified fate of many fighting for freedom 1, gather 11 am at Centennial Villa Colombo, 40 Playfair Ave. Square, march to Fernwood Safarzaei, were arrested along information and insulting the head of expression inside Iran,” said (south of Lawrence, west of Community Centre, 1240 with Chitsaz on November 2, 2015, of the judiciary”, but the date of Ahmadi. “Thousands of trade Dufferin). Sponsored by United by Iranian Revolutionary Guards his court hearing has not been unionists and political activists are Gladstone Ave. Jewish Peoples Order-Toronto and Winchevsky School, 416- Intelligence Agency. Davoud specified. Due to frequent seizures often detained without charge or Vancouver, BC Asadi is the other journalist Saharkhiz was transferred from for alleged ‘crimes’ which cannot 789-5502 for reservations & arrested around that time. prison to hospital where he is now be justified on any basis according Canada-Cuba Friendship information. Isa Saharkhiz is an Iranian detained. to the laws of natural justice. The Association Vancouver, Communist Party Conven- journalist, political figure, and Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the imprisonment of these journalists AGM, 2 pm, Sunday, April 17, tion Banquet, Sat., May 21, former head of the press Supreme National Security symbolises the attitude of the at Chilean Housing Co-op, 3390 doors 6 pm, Casa da Madeira department at the Iranian Ministry Council claimed last November Islamic Republic to free speech.” School Ave. For information, Community Centre, 1621 Human rights have not been on call 604-940-0420. Dupont (near Dundas). Dinner, the agenda with the Iranian regime Black Lives Matter-Vancouver, cultural program, tribute to In Memoriam – Howard Kaplan in the discussions around its rally at Art Gallery, 12 noon, outgoing CPC leader Miguel nuclear programme, which Sunday, April 17. Figueroa. For tickets & info, The Central and Ontario Committees of the Communist Party of 416-469-2446. resulted in sanctions being lifted NO to the TPP, hear Comm- Canada mourn the passing of Howard Kaplan, on April 11, 2016. recently. CODIR has expressed unist Party leader Liz Rowley, Howard was diagnosed in November 2015 with an autoimmune disorder Brampton, ON concern that this may be taken as Wed., April 20, 7:30 pm, Centre and had been hospitalized since the beginning of March while awaiting carte blanche by the regime to act for Socialist Education, 706 2nd Annual May Day Cele- an organ transplant. as it pleases on the domestic front, Clark Drive. For details of BC bration, Sunday, May 1, 12:30– Howard was the public school trustee for Ward 5 in the Toronto as long as it fulfils its international tour events, ph. 604-254-9836. 3:30 pm, Chinguacousy Ski Hill- District School Board. He was first elected in 2010 and was reelected obligations. Chalet, Lower Lounge Hall, Left Film Night, Sunday, April in 2014 by a landslide, winning every poll in the ward. Howard “CODIR will continue its 9050 Bramalea Rd. Join 24, 7 pm,“PRIDE,” at the CSE, consistently and passionately defended equity and special education campaigning for human and Brampton May Day Committee 706 Clark Drive. For info, 604- programs, fought against cuts to teachers and education workers, democratic rights in Iran and it is for revolutionary speeches, pressed for a needs-based funding model in Ontario and advocated for here that we focus our attention,” 255-2041. poetry and songs. Organized/ a single, secular public school system. He understood the key role that continued Jamshid Ahmadi. “We May Day March, Sunday, May Endorsed by: Rationalist school trustees play in public education, and often spoke of the need to welcome the lifting of sanctions 1, starts 1:30 pm from 14th & Society; GTA West Club CPC; protect and extend local democracy in the face of attacks by neoliberal and reduction of tensions between Commercial, 2 pm rally and Indo-Canadian Workers and austerity policies. Iran and the rest of the world and info tables at Grandview Park Association; Committee of A long-time member of the Communist Party, Howard was a member in particular theUS and the EU. (1200 block Commercial). Progressive Pakistani Cana- of the Parkdale Club, was elected to the Ontario Provincial Committee However this should not be at the Organized by Vancouver & dians; Kalma da Kafila; for several years and was active on the Party’s Public Education expense of liberty for Iranian District Labour Council. Progressive Nepalese in Commission. human rights campaigners, Mother’s Day Pancake America; Punjabi Sabhyachar In addition to his work in public education, Howard was a strong democrats and peace activists.” Manch; Senior Citizens’ Club- supporter of Cuba solidarity, peace and disarmament, LGBTiQ equality, Breakfast, 10-11:30 am, CODIR has emphasised that Sunday, May 9, 706 Clark Drive, Brampton. and trade unions. He was very well informed about international issues, human rights violations are part of and was always eager to discuss politics and different movements for a coordinated policy of the Islamic social progress. Republic, to maximise pressure We express our deep sympathy to Howard’s family, including his upon human rights and trade union People's Voice deadlines partner Jo Anne, his children and his grandchildren. A celebration of activists, their colleagues and Howard’s life will be held at a date to be announced. ● ● family members. May 1-15 issue: Thursday, April 21 May 16-31 issue: Thursday, May 5 Send submissions to PV Editorial Office, Jim Bridgewood 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, V5L 3J1 Following a brave struggle for independent labour political Jim was also an active member
Statement by the Central election, and maybe not then either. should have – doubled the term care; in until after the next election. Executive Committee, This budget can’t deliver what’s corporate tax rate in 2016 and then - to expand universal social pro- The budget also makes changes Communist Party of Canada urgently needed, because the doubled it again in 2018, restored grams and establish a universally to EI, reducing the wait time to one government has not addressed the the capital tax and capital gains at accessible, affordable, quality week from two, and expanding the The 2016 federal budget pro- revenue side of the budget, at the 100% of realized and unrealized public childcare system; number of weeks for benefits to poses to make good on the slew of heart of which is the issue of gains, introduced wealth and - to make post-secondary edu- between 5 and 20 additional weeks. Liberal election promises that corporate taxation and progressive inheritance taxes on estates over cation universally accessible by But it only applies in some parts of resulted in a Liberal majority last taxation based on ability to pay. $1 million, reversed corporate tax eliminating tuition fees, abolishing the country, and not anywhere in fall. Without a substan- student debt, and Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nova Fed up with the Tories, Cana- tial corporate tax adequately Scotia, which held the largest dians chose the Liberals as the increase, the only Despite the media hype, this budget is no New funding post- protests against Tory cuts to EI preferred vehicle to drive the way to finance Deal. Medicare has been virtually by-passed, with secondary last year. And it will only help Tories out and move the country investment is to transfers to provinces pegged at 3%.. It does not education; 50,000 people, when 60% of the away from a decade of austerity, privatize public come close to meeting the needs of more than a - to scrap corp- 1.4 million unemployed have been war and corruption, to the ‘sunny assets and services, million people on waiting lists for affordable social orate trade deals excluded from collecting any ways’ agenda of jobs, prosperity, cut public sector like CETA and benefits. Further, the budget democracy, and action on climate jobs and wages, housing across Canada... The investments for TPP in favour of removes $6.9 billion from the EI change. and/or to increase Indigenous peoples and communities are likewise mutually bene- fund to be used to fund other parts This budget does move away the deficit and the inadequate to meet the crisis situation... ficial trade with of the budget. But this money is from the Tories’ draconian aus- debt. In Ontario, all countries; insured deferred earnings that terity policies, but it provides the Wynn Liberals have done all cuts, collected billions in deferred - to cut the military budget by 75% belong to the workers who nowhere near the funding required three, after winning the 2014 corporate taxes, and closed and redirect those funds to civilian contributed to the fund. The to reverse a decade of catastrophic provincial election on a platform corporate tax loopholes like the spending including for refugees government has no right to cuts, guts and losses. Nor will it of massive spending on infra- one on CEO stock options (worth and immigrants; ‘remove’ it. provide the funding needed to structure and transit, and creation $1 billion annually to the federal - to close the tarsands and Funds for aging infrastructure address the critical issues of of a new public pension plan. treasury) which the government guarantee tarsands workers new – long overdue, including for expanding universal social pro- The Tories’ trickle down has declined to close (or collect) green jobs and equivalent wages housing and municipal transit - are grams such as Medicare and the economics resulted in massive tax in this budget. in a publicly owned energy and likewise back-ended, with the Canada Pension Plan, or create cuts and super-profits for the This is why the banks and resource sector; largest part held back until after programs such as a universally corporations, and vanishing social corporate Canada like this budget. - to provide the more than $6 billion the next election. In the meantime, accessible, affordable, quality programs, falling wages and For them, nothing much changes. promised (and urgently needed) some funds for water and sewage public childcare program prom- declining living standards for That’s because the government to Indigenous Peoples for health, system repairs and replacements ised by the Liberals in 1993. Nor working people and the unem- has decided that the cost of this education, housing, jobs, will be available, though the federal will it address the crisis of ployed. It’s also resulted in smaller budget will be paid for by the preservation of culture and requirement that funds for public economic and social conditions government with small public public, by working people and the language, and to establish nation transit must be used for P3 projects on and off reserve for First Nations treasuries. unemployed, and not by Big to nation relations with the and other Indigenous Peoples, who To deliver the agenda that Business – now or in the future. Canadian government. will not see the largest part of the Canadians voted for and expect, And that’s also why the Instead of this kind of fun- funds allocated before the next the government would have – and expenditures in this budget are so damental change, the 2016 budget small, relative to the expenditures will deliver some patch-work of that need to be made: public investment and funding in Poverty increasing among seniors - to create good jobs and raise some sectors, with the largest wages, pensions and living number of dollars promised set A report from the Broadbent Institute reveals that poverty rates for standards; aside for delivery after the next Canadian seniors are on the rise. The report points to a worrisome - to develop an industrial strategy election. trend of increasing poverty among Canadian seniors, with 2013 data for Canada and protect and expand Despite the government and showing one in nine seniors lives below the poverty line. value added manufacturing and media hype, this budget is no New According to the report, poverty rates varied substantially by secondary industry; Deal. gender and marital status; with single women 30% more likely to - to build 500,000 units of Medicare has been virtually by- experience poverty in their older age. The authors of the report affordable social housing across passed in this budget, with transfers predict that without government action, the trend is likely to continue Canada, for rent and for sale, on an to provinces pegged at 3%; exactly – if not worsen. emergency basis; half of the minimum requested One of the reasons the report gives for senior poverty is the lack - to expand EI to cover all the and required by the provinces. of an employer pension in some cases, particularly among those who unemployed, including first time Promises to renew the federal earned average incomes throughout their working lives. The author, job seekers, for the duration of provincial health accord, providing statistician Richard Shillington, found that half of Canadian couples unemployment, at 90% of previous stable funding for healthcare, are – for private companies and banks between the ages of 55 and 64 have no employer pension. Many of earnings; barely men-tioned in the budget, in other words - remains. these couples have little to fall back on in retirement – with about half - to introduce a Guaranteed Annual leaving the door open for more The investments for Indigenous of families without an employer-pension having virtually no savings. Living Income; privatization. peoples and communities are “A substantial proportion of middle-income Canadians without - to introduce progressive taxation The Canada Child Benefit will likewise inadequate to meet the an employer pension plan will face a dramatic drop in living based on ability to pay that puts provide some funds for low- crisis situation that exists. The standards during their retirement years. There is an urgent need to the load on the corporations and income families with children, who funds being delivered for water address this situation,” concludes Shillington. “[The results of the the wealthy; need help with childcare and who and sewage treatment, publicand study] suggests an important role for incentives to expand workplace - to restore universality and expand are food insecure. But the program secondary education, and for the pensions, and to enhance benefits of the Canada Pension Plan.” Medicare to include pharmacare, is means-tested, is not universal, Inquiry into Missing and Murdered - http://www.ufcw.ca vision and dental care and long and will not lift millions of children Women is a very small down and their families out of poverty. payment on what has been Restoring the pension age to 65 promised, what is needed, and what from 67 and an increase in benefits has been taken from Indigenous NEWS FOR PEOPLE, to the poorest seniors collecting Peoples in lost lives, lost culture, GIS will not alter the deep poverty and lost children, youth, and NOT FOR PROFITS! in which seniors collecting the GIS women. will continue to live. It won’t Now that the budget is on the Every issue of PEOPLE’S VOICE change the reality where many table, the labour and people’s gives you the latest on the people’s seniors have to choose between movements must mobilize to hold fightback from coast to coast. food and prescription drugs on a the Liberals’ feet to the fire, to: Whether it’s the fightback against daily basis. - deliver this budget in 4 years, not neoliberalism and austerity, While the budget puts some 10 solidarity with Cuba or workers’ VVOICOICEE funds towards affordable housing - double the corporate tax rate, struggles around the world, we’ve and homelessness, it does not come rescind corporate tax cuts, restore q $30 for 1 year q $50 for 2 years close to meeting the needs of more the capital tax and capital gains got the news the corporate media q Low income special rate: $15 for 1 year than a million people on waiting taxes at 100% of the gain, introduce won’t print. q Outside Canada: $45 US or $50 Cnd for 1 year lists for affordable social housing wealth and inheritance taxes on across Canada. As a result, most estates over $1 million, and collect And we do more than that–we Name ______of the funds allocated will go to deferred and unpaid corporate report and analyze events from a repair existing housing and provide taxes, and revolutionary perspective, helping Address ______more shelters for the homeless. - cut the arms budget by 75% and to build the movements for justice Urgent and necessary, but redirect it to civilian spending inadequate on its own. Funding That would gas in the tank. That and equality, and eventually for a ______Postal Code______for new social housing won’t kick would be a New Deal for Canada. ● socialist Canada. Read the paper Send to: People’s Voice, that fights for working people–on 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 every page—in every issue! 416-7/16 www.communist-party.ca