41592 Guardian News Aug05

VOLUME 53 – EDITION NO. 2
WINDSOR, ONTARIO
AUGUST, 2005
GM, Ford and DCX singing
off the same song sheets
By KEN LEWENZA
President, C.A.W. Local 444
C
ordial but blunt! That was
my response to the media
when asked a question relative to the tone and mood of the
initial bargaining session held
between DaimlerChrysler and the
CAW. Mark Gendregske, the lead
negotiator for DaimlerChrysler
Canada was very cordial but his
message was consistent and similar
to the previous opening day
remarks of both General Motors
and Ford received a day or two earlier. He suggested Daimler
Chrysler cannot entertain union
proposals that will increase labour
cost in Canada, further widening
the already uncompetitive gap that
exists between them and the transplant manufacturers owned and
operated by Toyota and Honda in
North America.
He emphasized, as did his counterparts at Ford and General Motors
the challenges facing the industry.
Declining market share, rising
value of the Canadian dollar "currency exchange", rising health care
and energy cost, rising steel prices,
rising gas prices that are driving
consumers away from their bread
and butter products like SUVs and
trucks, globalization, overcapacity
and he put special emphasis on
consumers who are demanding
more for less. Simply put, he
articulated the need to be more productive and efficient concentrating
on the core aspects of vehicle manufacturing stressing the competitive
environment is forcing everyone to
do more for less. He further sug-
gested anything less is just not sustainable.
In response, Buzz stated "we
were in no mood to be lectured by
him or anyone else in the auto
industry who thinks their fortunes
can change by attacking the hard
fought bargained gains of the auto
workers and their retirees". Buzz
was tough on them and rightfully
so, as was the entire CAW
DaimlerChrysler Master Committee who spoke with passion and the
knowledge necessary in protecting
and defending the interest of our
members, their families and the
communities in which we live and
work.
General Motors, Ford and
Daimler Chrysler was told once
again not to underestimate the
determination of our union. We
repeated it would be a mistake on
their part to get their expectations
up too high if they thought we were
going to roll over and surrender the
gains we have achieved and are
presently enjoyed by both our
active and retired membership.
They were told in no uncertain
terms a strike was inevitable if they
maintained their initial position
throughout the course of negotiations. Buzz as well emphasized
. . . cont’d on page 3
INSIDE
GM, Ford, DCX . . .
Ken Lewenza, pg. 1 & 3
Congratulations Labour Centre . . .
Ken Lewenza, pg. 4
4th Anniversary of Sept. 11 . . .
Ken Lewenza, pg. 4
CAW’s Changing Profile. . .
pg. 5
Right to make progress . . .
Buzz Hargrove, pg. 6
Privatizing Health Care. . .
Gary Parent, pg. 7
2005 Bargaining . . .
Mike Vince, pg. 8-9
Buying Domestic right thing . . .
Gary Parent, president of the W.D.L.C., presents Local 444 member Dan
Steinke with the annual Clifton Grant Award honouring his work in the field of
Health and Safety. Dans’s wife Julie and son Dan Jr. look on with pride.
Dave Crosswell, pg. 10
Much to be thankful for . . .
Mike Renaud, pg. 11
Rule Changes in entitlements . . .
Mike Dunning, pg. 12
20 yrs of Skilled Trades progress
John Bettes, pg. 13
Autoliv workers join us . . .
Glen Myers, pg. 14
Border Crossing issue . . .
Ken Bondy, pg. 15-16
Fighting for equality . . .
pg. 17
Labour Day Activities . . .
Bargaining Reports . .
pg. 18
Jack Robinson, pg. 19
New President’s Message . . .
Gary Goulin, pg. 20
Globalization and Free Trade . . .
Members of Parliament Brian Masse and Joe Comartin join with municipal
leaders Eddie Francis and Ken Lewenza Jr. in honouring and recognizing
those workers killed or injured on the job during the ‘Day of Mourning’, sponsored by the Windsor and District Labour Council and organized by Health
and Safety activist Rolly Marentette.
pg. 21-22
General Chemical . . .
John Deneau, pg. 23
Big Three bargaining affects us all
Theresa DaSilva, pg. 24
Corporate Takeovers . . .
Carol Symons, pg. 25-26
Windsor Area Organizing Dept. . . .
Colette Hooson, pg. 26
No Time to Sugar Coat . . .
Andy Robinet, pg. 27
Sault Ste Marie Health Centre . . .
George Johnson, pg. 28
Get Some Class . . .
Len Wallace, pg. 29
Local MPs Report. . .
Joe Comartin & Brian Masse, pg. 30-31
S.W.O.R.C. Report . . .
Ed Rusenstrom, pg. 32
Strong Pensions - Secure Future . .
pg. 33-35
Thank You, Pat Leonard . . .
PAGE 2
pg. 36
NDP Leader Jack Layton receives a resounding ovation from the 2,000 delegates who attended the Canadian Labour Congress Convention for utilizing
the strength of his caucus in advancing the needs and expectations of working families in this Liberal minority government. Minority governments where
the NDP has held or influenced the balance of power has historically been
good legislative times for ordinary Canadians. The NDP deserves credit and
recognition from working Canadians for sticking to very important working
class issues versus playing petty politics during this fragile parliament
GM, Ford, DCX . . .
. . . cont’d from page 1
that the union was not looking for a
fight and our record of responsible
and progressive bargaining is of
public knowledge.
The CAW understands the challenges facing the auto industry and
its importance to the Canadian
economy, both economically and
socially. Make no mistake about it,
if it were not for the persistent
advocacy work we have done as a
Union, the auto industry would not
be getting the political attention it
deserves both provincially and federally and the new investment made
in the last couple years would be
nonexistent.
Therefore, the CAW has been
the driving force taking a back seat
to no one in understanding the
industry, advocating for the industry and through those efforts, fighting like hell to preserve and
enhance the jobs associated with
the auto industry both in assembly
and parts.
Let me conclude by predicting
a "no brainer". Bargaining will be
extremely tough. The economic
and bargaining environment is not
the best. The challenges raised by
the auto industry are real and
nobody is predicting the challenges
are going to go away anytime soon,
but to suggest we can fix the problems plaguing the industry through
collective bargaining is unrealistic
and lacks any meaningful substance.
Surrendering will not improve
the value of our currency.
Throwing in the towel will not
improve the declining market share
and shrinking profits of the Big
Three. Retreating will certainly not
stop the onslaught of imports from
entering our market.
The CAW will continue to
representing the
fight for fair and
The
auto
industry
is
interest of our
balance trade verCanada’s largest manufactursus Free Trade.
members.
ing sector, and still growing.
The CAW will
The chalIn 2004, it represented:
continue to be the
lenges are great,
• 13% of manufacturing GDP
leading advocate
the struggles are
• 168,500 of direct employment
for universal,
constant, but I
• 2.7 million vehicles of production
accessible and
am confident we
• 17% of total NAFTA output
publicly funded
can bargain an
• $113.9 billion in shipments
health care
agreement that
(vehicles, parts)
because it is good
will advance the
• 23 passenger/commercial
social policy supassembly plants
needs of our
•
Home
to
six
global
automakporting the needs
membership and
ers: DaimlerChrysler, Ford,
of all Canadians
position Canada
GM, Honda, Suzuki, Toyota
but it also provides
to be a leader in
• Supply base of more than 900
employers with a
parts plants
building vehicles
Source: Ward’s Automotive
competitive advanand other related
tage. The CAW
assemblies for
will work with the Company as we
years to come. The outstanding
have in the past by providing our
question is whether General
customers with the highest level of
Motors, Ford or DaimlerChrysler
quality we can possibly build into
will test the strength and desires of
the vehicles and parts we assemble
our Union one more time and if
and we will do it in the most effithey do our members as in the past,
cient and productive manner withmust be prepared to accept the
out sacrificing the principle need of
challenge.
President Buzz Hargrove and Secretary-Treasurer Jim O’Neil seen above
acknowledging and thanking the first CAW National Executive Board
Gerry Michaud, Sam Gindin, John Bettes, Ken Ouellette, Roxie Baker,
Phil Bennett, Jerry Flynn, Bob Nickerson, Bob White and John Defalco.
Unfortunately, the former president of Local 444 CAW and the CAW
Council, Ken Gerard passed away but his influence and presence was felt
throughout the 20th anniversary celebrations. The CAW Guardian Board
and its membership thanks and acknowledges the first rank and file driven Executive Board and the successive elected board members for
building a labour organization, a social democratic movement that, under
any measurement used, has meant and in most cases, exceeded the
expectations demanded of our Union and its membership.
Congratulations, – a job well done!
PAGE 3
Congratulations - New Labour Centre
The Guardian Board and its
membership would like to acknowledge and recognize the executive
board, leadership and membership
of Local 195, 2458, 240 and 2027
on their move from their Ottawa
Street location to a facility better
known as the CAW Labour Centre
on Somme Avenue. It is truly a
beautiful facility that provides a
warm and welcome environment
that we are confident will benefit
their members and the community
in general.
Local 195 CAW has a proud
record of accomplishment as it is
the pioneer local union of the
UAW-CAW. Their rich history
will now be shared with Local 240,
2027 and 2458 who have built their
own history based on their struggles and victories of their own past.
Congratulations for adding a
new chapter to your rich history.
Fourth Anniversary - Sept. 11th
Unbelievable! We are quickly
approaching the fourth anniversary
of that senseless and cowardly act
of violence and terrorism that victimized our American friends and
neighbours residing in New York
and Washington. Fresh on our
minds is last month's attack on
London once again killing innocent, hardworking people whose
only crime that particular day was
jumping on a subway going to
work. These are indeed troublesome times.
As predicted, violence is increasing, hatred is mounting and cowardly acts of racism are growing.
So let's take a minute in memory of
those who died in these senseless
acts of violence against mankind
and evaluate the progress or lack of
progress made internationally in
addressing the problems at hand.
Remembering the victims and their
families of these tragic attacks and
others is honourable and respectful
but we must also now reach out to
the victims who lost their lives in
this so-called war against terrorism.
As I write my report, 24 young
U.S. marines lost their lives and the
senseless list of casualties is growing at an alarming rate. Osama Bin
Laden and his growing number of
loyalists, extremists, fundamentalists, and terrorist network or whatever you may want to call them are
still alive and well. They continue
to take credit either directly or indiPAGE 4
rectly for their acts of cruelty.
Their public statement leads you to
believe they are gaining confidence,
not losing it.
The tyrant Saddam Hussein was
captured with little or no resistance
and awaits his judgement, hopefully from the people of Iraq. Since it
has been proven without a shadow
of doubt that Hussein and the country of Iraq was not a safe haven for
weapons of mass destruction (the
so-called reasons for going to war)
very little or no debate is taking
place in United States or abroad. I
would think a debate on the war,
challenging the facts of going to
war, would be healthy in a democratic society and I would further
suggest decisions could be better
evaluated and judged to ensure mistakes of judgement is not repeated.
Four years ago emotions played
a huge role in the hearts and minds
of those who witnessed and felt
these acts of violence and
vengeance. I am more comfortable
today than I ever was in our opposition to war. The pendulum of public opinion has also shifted. Poll
after poll is reporting a majority of
the world's people is opposed to the
war.
History has a way of repeating
itself - the question is can we learn
from that history?
[email protected]
The Casino Windsor expansion and the estimated creation of 7,000 construction jobs related to this development are well underway. The expansion
changes being made to the existing facility are generating some inconveniences for the Local 444 membership, but those inconveniences will be
replaced with enhanced employment opportunities.
The
CAW’s
Changing
Profile
T
HE CAW has experienced
profound change since our
foundation 20 years ago in
terms of the composition of our
membership. Many factors have
contributed to those changes.
Almost 150,000 members have
joined the CAW since 1985 through
the 35 mergers which have
occurred over the past 20 years.
Another 20,000 former SEIU members joined through the Taking
Charge workplace votes in 20002001. Many of these new members
work in sectors which were not represented at all in our union back in
1985. At the same time, incredible
economic changes and corporate
restructuring have also affected our
membership – increasing or
decreasing our membership at various companies and in various
regions. New organizing has added
further to our membership (in both
existing sectors and new industries).
Here are some highlights of our
union’s incredible evolution:
• Our membership has doubled
since our first-ever collective bargaining convention in 1987 –
to265,000 members, the largest
private sector trade union in
Canada.
bership was based in Ontario.
Today, that proportion has
declined to two-thirds. We now
have members in every province
and territory in our country.
• In 1987, almost 90 per cent of
our membership worked in the
manufacturing sector. Today,
manufacturing accounts for just
over half of our membership.
• The auto industry (including
major auto assemblers and the
independent parts sector)
accounted for about 60 per cent
of our members in 1987. Today
the auto industry accounts for 30
per cent of our members. The
CAW’s membership has become
incredibly diversified. This is a
positive feature for our union,
since it makes us less vulnerable
to the ups and downs of any particular industry.
• Nowhere is the incredible pace of
change affecting our union more
visibly than in the listing of the
top ten CAW employers in 1987
versus 2005. In 1987, those top
ten employers accounted for twothirds of our membership.
Today’s top ten accounts for just
30 per cent of our membership.
Here, too, the diversity and
breadth of the CAW has become
one of our key strengths.
By branching into new segments
of the economy, and new regions of
the country, the CAW has remained
a vital force in labour relations, and
indeed in our society as a whole.
We will need to continue to
“change with the times”, to ensure
that no matter how our economy
evolves in coming years, the CAW
will be there to lead the fight for
working people – no matter where
they work or who they work for.
TOP TEN CAW EMPLOYERS
EMPLOYER
SECTOR
MEMBERS
THEN (1987)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
General Motors
Ford
Chrysler
Northern Telecom
Boeing
McDonnell Douglas
Pratt & Whitney
Air Canada
American Motors
Bendix
Major Auto
Major Auto
Major Auto
Electrical
Aerospace
Aerospace
Aerospace
Air Transport
Major Auto
Auto Parts
39,900
12,900
9,300
5,100
4,600
4,000
3,200
3,100
2,200
2,000
NOW (2005)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
General Motors
Ford
DaimlerChrysler
A&P
Air Canada
Alcan
Canadian National
Casino Windsor
Coast Mountain Bus
Lear
Major Auto
Major Auto
Major Auto
Retail
Air Transport
Aluminum
Rail Transport
Hospitality
Public Transit
Auto Parts
17,100
13,100
11,500
10,700
6,600
4,900
4,800
3,200
3,200
3,100
• In 1987, 80 per cent of our memPAGE 5
CAW members have earned right to make progress
By
BUZZ
HARGROVE
T
he CAW
recently
opened
contract talks
with the Big
Three automakers. And if you listened
to the rantings and ravings of the financial analysts, you’d think we were
preparing ourselves for mutual suicide
We are going to bankrupt the industry, they claimed. We must accept the
realities of globalization. Toronto’s
Dennis Desrosiers – always quick with
a juicy soundbite, even if his facts
aren’t always accurate – likened the
union to a tapeworm, ready to “mindlessly eat its host to death.”
Analysts like these add no value to
the $90 billion per year worth of automotive products that Canadian auto
workers produce each year. And they
add even less value to the public
debate.
Far from trying to destroy Canada’s
crucial auto industry – which is
Canada’s largest export sector – the
CAW and its members have built this
industry. In the first place, we build the
vehicles and parts themselves. I’d like
to see any of these analysts last half a
day on one of our assembly lines. It’s
very demanding, gut-wrenching work,
both physically and mentally,
Auto workers are well paid, by any
measure. But our wages and benefits
are validated by productivity levels
that are among the highest of any
industry in Canada – and significantly
higher than other auto-producing countries.
In 2004, each Canadian auto worker
generated $164,000 worth of valueadded (inflation-adjusted 1997 dollar
terms). That’s 2.4 times the average
productivity for Canada’s economy as
a whole.
Moreover, real productivity in the
auto industry increased by almost 40
per cent (after inflation) between 1997
and 2004: an average annual rate of
PAGE 6
about five per cent per year. Auto productivity grew twice as fast as other
manufacturing industries, and about
four times as fast as the economy as a
whole.
In contrast, CAW Big Three wages
grew (after inflation) by 16 per cent
during this same period (or just over
two per cent per year). In other words,
our real wages grew less than half as
fast as our real productivity. Even when
we include non-wage items (such as
pensions and benefits), the increase in
total compensation for CAW members
has been slower than the growth of real
labour productivity.
On average, Canadian auto assembly plants are the most efficient in
North America. According to the
Harbour Report, Canadian operations
are about five per cent more productive
than in the U.S., and 25 per cent better
than Mexico. GM’s No. 1 car assembly
plant in Oshawa is the most efficient
assembly plant anywhere in North
America, and its No. 2 plant is the
fourth most efficient on the continent.
Its Oshawa truck assembly plant is the
second most efficient truck assembly
plant anywhere in North America.
Ford’s St. Thomas assembly plant is
the most efficient large car assembly
plant on the continent.
Productivity and quality
Canadian assembly operations have
also received numerous quality awards.
GM’s Oshawa car plants were recently
ranked by J.D. Power & Associates as
the highest quality assembly plants on
the continent. Other CAW-represented
operations at GM, Ford and
DaimlerChrysler have also received
J.D. Power and other quality awards.
This superior productivity and quality is no accident. I was utterly offended by one U.S.-based analyst quoted
recently in the Windsor Star, who suggested that this productivity reflected
corporate investment, not the effort and
commitment of Canadian workers.
What an offensive thing to say to the
people who – unlike the analysts –
sweat and toil every day for an honest
living.
The CAW is one of the few unions
in the world for whom “productivity”
is not a dirty word. We have embraced
and promoted productivity initiatives –
so long as they are undertaken in a
high-value, sustainable way (through
investments in capital, skills, and efficiency), not through speed-up or
exploitation. Yes, capital investment
and good management make a big difference. But the hard work of our
members, and the constructive attitude
of their union, are without doubt a
major factor in Canada’s world-beating
automotive success.
In the realm of policy and politics,
too, the CAW has built the Canadian
auto industry. For example, our socialized health care system – itself the
result of years of struggle by the labour
movement – saves the automakers at
least $4 (U.S.) per hour for active
workers, even more for their retirees.
The CAW has been crucial in getting government’s support and the
opposition parties alike to support the
major new investment that have made
such a difference to the Canadian auto
industry. These major new investments
of several billion dollars made by Ford.
GM. International Truck and Toyota
are the best evidence that the CAW is
not pricing Canada out of the market.
Put aside the rhetoric, and what
these talks come down to is an age-old
struggle between business and labour
over how to share the fruits of productivity growth and technological
progress. Our past bargaining gains
have been more than paid for by productivity growth. Suddenly, the companies are saying we can’t share even
though our plants get more productive
every year.
We reject this claim. There’s no
“trickle-down” in our economic system. Workers have always had to fight
for every penny they can get from their
employers, no matter how productive
or efficient they may be. And from the
looks of it, the 2005 auto negotiations
will be no different.
LOCAL 444
Privatizing Health Care
on McGuinty’s Agenda
P
rivatizing our province's Health
Care seems to be on
McGuinty's Agenda
When Mike Harris took power in
Ontario, the provincial government
began the process of transferring our
public health care system from public
control to private control. Under the
Dalton McGuinty's Liberal government, the process of privatization has
continued. The thing that amazes me
is, I don't recall this being part of
their election platform.
The reason I'm saying this is
because, since the Liberals were
elected in 2003, a controversial new
MRI clinic opened in Thunder Bay
and two new public/private hospitals
(P3) are in the works; one in
Brampton and one in Ottawa.
You may ask, "What's wrong
with this?" Quite simply, it flies in
the face of Canada's reputation
around the globe as being different.
Canada's universally accessible, publicly funded health care system prohibits private companies from making
a profit after using public money to
finance their endeavours.
Research has shown that P3 hospitals cost taxpayers more money than
public hospitals and can lead to
reduced staff and services.
According to a major study in the
Canadian Medical Association
Journal, death rates in for-profit hospitals are significantly higher than in
not-for-profit hospitals. A British
Medical Association Journal study
found that hospitals run through public/private partnerships in Britain
experienced a 30 percent cut in bed
capacity and a 20 percent reduction
in staff.
So you have to ask, "Why are
they shifting to a more private health
care delivery service?" That is exactly the question you should be directing at Dwight Duncan, Sandra
Pupatello and Bruce Crozier and I
would encourage you to do so.
You also have to ask why they
de-listed vital preventative services
such as the annual eye exams and
physiotherapy; again, something they
did not campaign on during the last
election. In my opinion this does not
give them the moral right to de-list.
Consequently, I might add, as auto
workers we are affected when these
de-listed items inevitably end up on
the bargaining table.
We must also keep in mind that
the delisting of physio and annual eye
exams goes against the grain of promoting "prevention" – something that
is high on the Liberals’ priority list.
How can they accomplish this measure of prevention when they are
making draconian moves in the opposite direction?
•
•
•
Joe Comartin should
be complimented
– not condemned
On July 8th, the front page of the
Windsor Star published an article on
how the Bishop of the London
Diocese publicly chastised Windsor
Tecumseh MP Joe Comartin and forbade him and his wife from giving
marriage preparation sessions, which
they have been doing for years. In
addition, Joe cannot engage in any
liturgical ministries such as giving
Eucharist or being a reader, all
because he supports Bill C38.
It seems very strange to me that
only the NDP MPs were targeted and
disciplined; yet there were individu-
By
GARY L.
PARENT
Fin.-Secretary,
CAW Local 444
als from other political stripes who
were not treated in the same manner.
It wasn't enough that Bishop Fabro
went public with the chastisement of
Joe in the Windsor Star, he went as
far as drafting a letter which was read
from the pulpit at every church in
Essex County on Sunday, July 10th.
Is it possible the Bishop is letting
his own political stripes influence this
decision, as I have seen no logical
explanation expressed to the contrary?
In my opinion there is no finer
example of an individual, and his
entire family, who have lived their
whole lives expressing the true values
of Roman Catholics; and that isn't by
just going to Mass on Sunday. It is
what they do day in and day out;
especially significant is the contribution the Comartins have made to their
own parish,–Our Lady of the Rosary
As a young Roman Catholic
myself, I was taught by this same
church to always respect everybody
and to make sure they are treated
equally. The actions of Bishop Fabro
and the Roman Catholic Church fly
directly in the face of these teachings.
It is my opinion that if the decision of the Church was indeed not
politically motivated, then the Roman
Catholic Church would have spoken
to the Comartins privately about this
particular issue before going public in
the media and from the pulpit with
their condemnation.
I believe the Church owes an
immediate apology to the Comartins
for the media circus they have created. Furthermore, I believe the duties
they held prior to this controversy
should be reinstated.
PAGE 7
LOCAL 200
By
2005 Bargaining
T
his round of bargaining is
no doubt going to be the
most difficult in recent history if not ever, but our chairs are
up to the challenge! We need our
entire membership to be 100%
strong and stand in Solidarity with
our Bargaining Committee to
ensure we get a fair and just
Collective Agreement.
Those before us and our present
members and the community as a
whole are all depending on us to
get a fair and equitable collective
agreement. Getting a good collective agreement is not going to be
easy. One just needs to look at
what is happening around us.
Most recently G.M. announced
25,000 jobs will be cut in North
America and close plants by 2008.
Visteon, Ford Motor Company and
the U.A.W. have agreed to a memorandum of understanding that 24
Visteon plants will transfer to a
temporary Ford managed business
entity until they can sell those facilities to companies with the expertise to supply Ford parts. Delphi
has similar issues within their organization also. One of the biggest
things talked about is the Health
Care Cost in the U.S. Because of
our Universal Health Care in
Canada we enjoy a substantial
advantage over the U.S.
In Canada it costs the company
approximately $120 U.S. per vehicle for our health care benefits,
whereas in the U.S. it’s $1,500 U.S.
per vehicle for their health care
benefits. We also hear the big corPAGE 8
porations in the U.S. say that they
need some sort of health care relief
either on a universal type of system
as we enjoy or on the backs of
workers! We obviously believe our
system, although not perfect, is a
much better one. We must ensure
and fight every fight to ensure our
health care system doesn’t become
like the U.S. Our health depends
on it but so do our jobs…
PENSIONS
Every six years we bargain our
pension package and we absolutely
believe, based on our history, we
protect our members far better with
a Six Year Agreement vs a Three
Year Pension Agreement like the
company would love to have. In
order to sustain a healthy pension
plan we need active members working. Our top priority in 2005
Bargaining for Local 200 members
MIKE
VINCE
President,
Local 200, CAW
is to get real dialogue going with
the corporation about new product
and investment in Windsor.
Along with new investment
would come new technology which
would see productivity improvements. This local union has a rich
history when it comes to the company putting new investment here
and our members delivering a great
low cost, quality product. We
believe what we do everyday
deserves consideration for new
investment!
Our history also shows that even
during some of our most uncertain
times in our past we have delivered
a great quality product right to the
end! (WEP #2) closed in 1990;
(Plant #1) closed in 1996; both of
these facilities were rebuilt in part
because of our members commitment to building a great quality
. . . cont’d on next page
Local 200 President Mike Vince and Financial-Secretary Dave Crosswell listen
intently to the issues and challenges facing working families in Canada during the CAW Bargaining and Political Action Convention, chaired by National
CAW President Buzz Hargrove.
LOCAL 200
. . . cont’d
product right to the end. Nothing
has changed even the plants now
whose life span is coming to an
end, we continue to build great
quality products. Let’s face it, our
future depends on it.
MARKET SHARE FACTS
In 1965 (Auto Pact) Big Three
domestic-made vehicles held 91%
of the market share in Canada.
Jump ahead to 1995 prior to the
World Trade Organization saying
the Auto Pact was illegal, Big
Three domestic-made vehicles held
72% of Canadian Market Share.
Now in the first Quarter of 2005
Big Three domestic-made vehicles
hold 55% of Canadian Market
Share and shrinking.
We need an Auto Policy put in
place by all levels of government in
Canada to look after Canadian
interests. Another thing both governments and corporations like
Ford, G.M. and Chrysler should
absolutely be up in arms over, is the
fact that countries like Japan export
50% or four million units of their
total sales to the U.S. and Canada,
but yet their government only
allows approximately 3% imports
into their country? What’s wrong
with that picture? We need to stand
up and say, “Open your markets to
our products or yours are NOT
allowed in ours!”
For every 1% decline of market
share, that equates to the loss of
one Assembly Plant. We cannot
solve the companies’ Market Share
losses at the Bargaining Table (even
if we worked for free). There would
still be market share losses because
of imports! This is one example of
things outside of our control but
certainly could be controlled if governments put their foot down and
said we are not going to continue to
see good paying productive
Canadian jobs slowly being taken
from us. Governments must be far
more accountable to the largest percentage of their constituents and
that’s US!– the “Working Class
People of Canada” and around the
world…we as workers make the
profits as long as corporations don’t
make bad business decisions.
LAYOFF NOTICES
As of the writing of this article
we have 264 Production and 81
Skilled Trades on layoff with
another 400 Production and 63
Skilled Trades on Notice of Layoff.
By August 22, 2005 we could have
as many as 808 members laid off.
This is not only devastating for
our members and their families but
also for those in the Auto Parts
Industry. This will also have a
major impact on our community as
a whole!
Canadian Heavyweight Champion George Chuvalo seen above following
an address to 600 Forster high school students on the issue of drug and
alcohol abuse. Local 200/444 sponsored the event.
PAGE 9
LOCAL 200
Buying Domestic the
right thing to do
PAT LEONARD
After 35 years of dedication to
our Local and community, Brother
Pat Leonard will retire this fall. A
retirement party/roast will be held
on October 22 at the Caboto Club.
Tickets are available at the Local
200 hall. For more information
call Rob Gibson at 256-3453 ext.
222. Thank you Pat for your guidance, support and friendship.
CHANGES TO LOCAL
EXECUTIVE BOARD
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the past Executive
Board members: Gary Boissonneault, Tim Murphy, Jim Whittle,
Herb John, and Frank Morand.
They continue to serve their Union
well and deserve a great deal of
thanks for their contributions. Our
new Executive Board is: Mike
Vince, President, Dave Crosswell,
Financial Secretary, Tom Cochois,
1st Vice President, Dan Cassady,
2nd Vice President, Pat Freeland,
Recording Secretary, Dorothea
Hughes, Marc Renaud, Frank
Kotow, Trustees, Raf Lopez,
Sergeant at Arms, Shane Wark,
Guide, and Cathy Masse and
Richard Harding as Members at
Large.
need to understand that the purchase of an imported vehicle does
not contribute to jobs, schools, hospitals, pensions, etc. Buying an
import creates unemployment!
OUR COMMUNITY
L o c a l 2 0 0 ’s Wo m e n ’s
Committee hosted their 2nd Annual
Yard Sale on Sat. Aug. 13th with
great success. The proceeds went to
the Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation.
Club 200 Youth Activities 10th
Annual Golf Tournament will take
place on September 2nd. The
committee has worked incredibly
hard and believes that this tournament will be more successful than
last year’s which raised over
$40,000 for area youth organiza-
By
DAVE
CROSSWELL
Financial Sec.,
C.A.W. Local 200
tions. Brother Tom Cochois, our
1st Vice President, has organized a
car raffle for a new Mustang rag top
with all proceeds going towards
youth charities. Thank you Tom
and to all the Local activists for
making our community a better
place to live.
SOLIDARITY
Our local is being faced with
more layoffs than we have seen in
recent years. Our proven history
has shown us that by supporting
your Union we will get through
tough times together. The work
ethic of Local 200 members is
proven and known around the
globe, a great reason for future
investment in Windsor. This set of
negotiations will be tough, but
together we will succeed.
BUY DOMESTIC
Our Buy Domestic Campaign
in partnership with Local 444 has
produced a series of television
commercials with the New WI.
They clearly identified the importance of the Domestic Auto
Industry. As Canadians we all
PAGE 10
Local 200 delegates to the Bargaining Convention are seen actively participating in the debate covering a range of issues and resolutions that
are important to the membership, their families and of course, our communities.
LOCAL 195
We have much to
be thankful for
By
MICHAEL P. RENAUD
President, CAW Local 195
O
ur new Labour Centre is
holding its Grand Opening
at a time when local newspapers are full of stories about second quarter losses for GM and Ford
in their North American automotive
assembly plants as well as fierce
competition amongst the parts suppliers. No one seems quite able to
predict good times or bad times for
the thousands of workers in the city
who are represented by the CAW.
Nor is it clear that “prosperity”
for the owners will translate into
better conditions for our brothers
and sisters employed in these facilities. Last month our union celebrated its 20th anniversary and it
was, I believe, important to note
that amidst the pressures, uncertainties and serious problems of the
mid-eighties, many predicted disaster in some form or another when
we formed an independent
Canadian union. The decision,
however, has proven a resounding
success.
CAW Local 195 was the first
chartered local in Canada (UAW in
1936). Next year we will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of that
historic beginning. We have been,
over the last 70 years, through
many good periods and many bad
ones. We were born in the midst of
the Great Depression and at a time
when workers’ rights, including the
right to even form a union, only
found their defense in the collective
sacrifices of working men and
women, often at grave personal loss
and hardship. In the late eighties
our numbers had dropped to 1/3 of
their current levels.
Today, we celebrate our
advances, mindful that our union
has always been tested and proven
its mettle under adversity, when
under attack. It is my hope that this
beautiful new building will, as our
previous facilities have done, serve
the ever-growing needs and
demands of our members who now
number, when we consider our sister locals which have joined this
project (2458, 240 and 2027) a
combined membership of close to
12,000 workers.
We have created unique green
space with over an acre for social
and recreational activities. The
possibilities range from a shaded
and paved pavilion for Bar-B-Qs, to
shuffleboard and beach volleyball
and there is still enough open grass
for a youth soccer pitch or baseball
diamond. It is our hope that our
members’ families will find something for everyone. In the large
meeting hall we are developing the
capacity for our retirees to service
social gatherings as well as large
meetings.
In the final analysis, the building
will be what we, through our own
efforts, choose to make it. Let’s join
together to make it a home for all
our members, their families and
friends!
Mike Renaud, Theresa DaSilva, Carol Symons and Mike Dunning proudly
unveil the CAW Labour Centre facility to the community and their Local
Unions and respective memberships.
PAGE 11
LOCAL 195
Rule Changes in entitlement to S & A
Benefits create Catch 222 loophole
A
n appeal to the denial of
Long-Term Disability benefits to an employee in one of
our plants illustrates the cynical interpretation of LTD and S&A contract
language by the insurance carrier
under our collective agreement. The
case is complicated and the details
are subject to privacy rules, however,
the general conclusion can only be
that a new loophole has been created
which may allow the insurance companies to wiggle out of paying legitimate S & A Long-Term Disability
claims.
The new language in the collective agreement of this plant requires
an employee to be totally disabled.
It reads as follows:
“Restriction or lack of ability
due to an illness or injury which
prevents an Employee from performing the essential duties of
any occupation for which he is
qualified, or may reasonably
become qualified, by training,
education or experience.
“The availability of work will
not be considered by (the insurer)
in assessing the Employee’s
Disability.”
The wording change in the collective agreement from “any occupation
in the place of employment” to “any
occupation” is allowing the insurance
carrier to escape paying benefits.
Even if the employee is deemed permanently unemployable in any occupation, the case becomes a disability
claim under CPP and the insurance
carrier is off the hook as well for all
but a small top up of the CPP compensation difference!
The worker, unable to do the
work in her own plant, was given a
PAGE 12
functional abilities assessment which
concluded she was, however, capable
of being employed as a “glass
process control operator” or a “subway train and light rail transit operator.” On this basis the insurance carrier determined the worker was “not
eligible” for LTD benefits. If this
absurd conclusion was not tragic
enough, the ruling also had the effect
of cutting off all her health benefits
under the collective agreement.
This meant her access to prescription
eye glass coverage, dental care, drug
plan, etc. was simultaneously terminated as well!
The bottom line is that since an
“assessment” determined she can still
work at some bizarre occupation
unrelated to her plant, experience and
training, she is considered to be suitable for “alternate occupations.”
It is an absurd and unacceptable
situation when we consider that our
union has, through countless collective agreements, negotiated terms
By
MIKE
DUNNING
Fin. Secretary,
CAW Local 195
which protect employee income loss
due to sickness or accidents. These
policies include contractual agreements in the event such sickness or
injuries become a long-term disability.
I would like to appeal to our reps
and committeepersons who are
responsible for the securing of benefits for their members to carefully
check any changes or proposed language changes in their S&A policies.
I recently read, line for line, one
of these policies. There were no less
than 24 changes unfavourable to our
members being written into the new
policy!
These insurance companies have an
army of lawyers calculating the
cost/benefit impact of their contracts
and their settlements. We must prevent insurance companies from introducing any changes in these policies
which allow them, by verbal slight of
hand, to damage the legitimate claims
of our members.
Mike Dunning, Mike Renaud and Bob Maurice at CAW 20th Anniversary
Twenty Years of Skilled Trades Progress
By
JOHN
BETTES
CAW National
Skilled Trades
Director
T
he CAW’s founding convention as an independent
Canadian union was enthusiastically supported by the skilled
trades and production workers, in
much the same way that trades and
production solidarity was crucial to
the original formation of the UAW
in the U.S. band Canada. The new
Canadian union maintained the
recognition of trades that had developed in the UAW, including the
right to separate ratification, the
right to skilled trades representation, a skilled trades department
and a skilled trades bargaining conference. However, this was just a
starting point, and in the past 20
years there has been steady
progress for trades.
Our first rounds of bargaining
with the Big Three in 1987 and
1990 established the principle of
special skilled trades wage increases to maintain a differential with
the wage of assemblers. This principle was extended to pensions in
1993. The Skilled Trades Council
which had been maintained in
Canada after it was disbanded in
the U.S. in 1958, gained new recognition under the CAW, and was
enshrined in the constitution.
Beginning in 1994 the President of
the CAW Skilled Trades Council
has been nominated and elected to
the National Executive Board.
Bargaining gains for trades have
included work ownership language
in 1996, and mandatory apprenticeship numbers in 1999 and 2002. In
1999 we also bargained the Skilled
Trades Union Education Program
with the Big Three, and improved it
in 2002.
THE CAW IN
SKILLED TRADES:
Current Profile
In the last 20 years mergers and
organizing have added new trades
groups to the CAW. With these new
members has come a broader
understanding of skilled trades
issues in new sectors and a stronger
presence across the country.
The Guardian Board and its
membership joins with the
CAW Windsor/Essex County
Skilled Trades Council and
delegates in thanking and recognizing John Bettes for the
work he has done in advancing the needs of the skilled
trades section of our Union.
John will be retiring later
this year and we wish him and
his wife Jill, nothing but the
best!
As we have added members in
new sectors the profile of the trades
in the union has changed. Our second largest group of skilled trades,
wasn’t part of the union twenty
years ago when the CAW was
formed. Today the carmen, who
work in the rail sector, top our list
behind electricians. Our fourth
largest group of skilled trades
members are vehicle mechanics.
Looking at sectors there is a
comparable development. Today
skilled trades in the mining and
smelting sector of our union are the
fourth largest grouping of trades.
The number of recognized
trades in the union has grown significantly. In occupational terms
some of these are relatively new to
the union, such as marine engineers, chefs, horticulturists, and
plate workers in mining. Others are
new in the sense that they have
recently joined our union such as
the 1800 skilled trades who work
for Alcan in Quebec.
Alongside our industrial trades
are trades in service occupations. It
all makes for an exciting mix and a
strong union.
In addition to stationary engineers in power plants there are
chief cooks on the ferries that ply
Canada’s waterways. In addition to
journeyworker design engineers in
the offices of aerospace firms are
the skilled trades working with the
medical gas piped into hospital
operating rooms.
There are recognized CAW
skilled trades across Canada in
workplaces as diverse as auto
assembly plants and shipyards, tool
and die shops and mines, hospitals
and auto dealerships, casinos and
railways, aluminum smelters and
ferries. Our skilled trades members
work in every sector of our union
including aerospace, auto parts,
electronics and airlines.
Skilled trades are key to all
these sectors of our economy. It is
technical mastery and shop floor
know-how that turns investment in
new plants and machinery into
effective production. It is the skills
of the workforce that explains the
high quality and productivity of
Canadian industry.
PAGE 13
By
Autoliv workers join us!
Sisters & Brothers:
It is with great pleasure that I
begin my report by congratulating
and welcoming to our Union, some
600 new members who work at
Autoliv in Tilbury.
These new members recently
voted to join our Union and will
become members of Local 1941 in
Tilbury. You have made the right
decision by joining the CAW and
we look forward to working with
you, so that you can achieve the
respect, progress and security that
comes with a properly negotiated
collective agreement.
I would be remiss if I did not
also take this opportunity to congratulate Sister Colette Hooson,
National Organizer and Bro. Chip
Lemay, C.B.O. (Community Based
Organizer) who led the organizing
campaign, along with Local 1941
President, Bro. Rick Garant and his
leadership team. This was a classic
grassroots organizing campaign for
a large group of workers and
requires an enormous amount of
work and dedication in order to
succeed. You can all be very proud
of your efforts on behalf of these
workers and our Union.
New Headquarters for
Locals 195, 2458, 240
and 2027
Here in Windsor, our members
of Locals 195, 2458, 240 and 2027
can also be very proud of their new
local headquarters located at 3400
Somme Avenue. This former
school, completely renovated and
updated, makes for an excellent
labour center, with classrooms,
meeting halls, administration
PAGE 14
offices, plenty of parking and recreation space and no doubt will serve
our members well for many years
to come. Congratulations on a first
rate centre.
Labour Day and
Big Three Bargaining
As I write this report (just
before deadline), we are about a
month away from Labour Day and
the close-to-follow Big Three bargaining deadline.
Labour Day of course is an
opportunity to reflect upon the
legacy of contributions made by
working people to our economy,
our communities, and indeed our
way of life in this country. This
legacy of contribution is what has
made Canada and the U.S. the
birthplace of some of the world’s
largest and wealthiest companies.
GLEN
MYERS
CAW Regional
Director
Now many of those same companies (who are now global) would
very much like to walk away from
the costs associated with this legacy, ie. pensions, survivor benefits
and health care costs.
In the case of the Big Three
automakers, the legacy of contribution by North American auto workers put the world on wheels and
allowed these companies to expand
worldwide.
As our Union faces what is sure
to be the most difficult set of Big
Three bargaining we’ve faced in
years. We must be vigilant in making sure that the contracts bargained recognize those contributions rather than walk away from
them. Our great Union will not let
them forget.
In Solidarity!
Hospice needs you to be a Face!
Hospice Village is beginning its
annual “Face to Face” Campaign
August 15th through September 30th.
This
unique
campaign
in
Windsor/Essex County recruits 500
people to ask 10 people for $10. for
the Hospice Village. Every year the
goal is $50,000.
This is the third year of the campaign and one of the organizers, John
Fairley states: “It is the easiest
fundraiser in our area. Everyone
knows 10 people to ask for $10. We
are not asking you to go to a banquet,
eat pasta, run or walk down a street
or sell chocolate bars. Just ask your
friends, family and co-workers for
$10.” Volunteers have put coffee cans
out at their workplaces, had dress
down days and barbecues to raise
money for the Hospice Village
Campaign.
The Hospice Village is an extension
of the services of Hospice of
Windsor/Essex County. Presently there
is one house on the property on
Empress Road in Windsor and there
are three more homes to be built. Two
of these respite homes will each have
four beds and the last home will be a
children’s home.
Today we ask everyone to look for
the opportunity to serve Hospice in
your apartment building, workplace,
neighbourhood and family and be a
part of this year’s campaign.
To be a “Face” in the 2005 “Face to
Face” Campaign, call Hospice for a
campaign kit at 974-7100.
The Windsor-Detroit International
Border Crossing Issue
T
o-date, there has been considerable concern and
debate regarding the best
solution for the present and
impending traffic problems of the
Ambassador Bridge and the surrounding Windsor area.
Soon after the Windsor City
Council and Essex County Council
unveiled the findings of an intensive traffic study by world
renowned traffic guru Sam
Schwartz, the CAW Windsor
Regional Environment Council
made the following statement in the
local media: “The CAW Windsor
Regional Environment Council is in
full support of the Schwartz Report
recommendations provided for the
short term and long term solutions
to Windsor’s Border Crossing issue.
As workers, we understand the
need for a multiple border crossing
solution that will provide effective
access to our tourist industry in
Ontario as well as efficient trade
transportation for our struggling
auto industry.
This plan calls for the development of an intermodal structure of
rail, air, water and land transportation to lessen the burden on our
City Streets and Provincial
Highways.
As environmental health advocates, we agree to this solution,
which will reduce the toxic exposures to diesel exhaust that
envelops our community and
threatens the health of our children
and neighbours.
The Report lays out a plan that
will keep traffic flowing at a steady
pace with minimal impact on natural areas like the Spring Garden and
Ojibway Park.
This is a good plan for Windsor
Truck Traffic at Windsor Border Crossing
By KEN BONDY
President,
Windsor Regional
Environment Council
today and an absolutely necessary
design for our country in the future.
Our position to support the
Schwartz Report has been protested
by some individuals and groups in
this community. In my opinion that
is fine. People should be allowed to
voice their opinions and do so without personal attacks or malice. It is
interesting to note that although
there has been some opposition to
our position, we have received
nothing but endorsement and congratulations from CAW members
for the stand we have taken.
As this debate is certain to continue until a final decision is made,
it is important that CAW members
understand why your Regional
Environment Council as well as the
CAW National Executive Board has
supported the Schwartz Report. As
well, it is important that our members and the surrounding community understand that we support inclusive public consultation and full
environmental assessments before a
new crossing is finalized.
In supporting the Schwartz Plan
the following considerations were
taken into account:
• Ensure the least amount of negative health impact on the citizens
of this community. We understand that someone will always
be effected somewhere by
. . . cont’d on page 18
PAGE 15
Windsor-Detroit
. . . cont’d
Crossing
change. We need a route that
will affect the least amount of
people. The present Huron
Church route to the Ambassador
Bridge slices through an area
surrounded by residential
dwellings and school facilities.
There should be no question that
something must change.
• Keeping international truck traffic off local roadways is paramount to the health and safety of
residents and commuters in the
community. How much more
traffic could the E.C. Row
Expressway or city streets handle? What will the accident statistics look like in ten years?
• The Schwartz Report was developed to anticipate future growth
in trade for Canada, something
important to the entire country.
Although some of the congestion
at the Border has been alleviated
with additional inspection
booths. The important issue to
be addressed is, “What will happen in the future? Will the economy of our city or entire country
suffer, will investment and jobs
be lost if truck traffic congestion
increases in the future?
• We have considered all of these
issues and questions. Therefore,
let me state again that we firmly
believe the Schwartz report provides recommendations that are
sound and credible and deserve
the immediate support of the
federal and provincial government. Full public consultation
and complete environmental
assessments must be part of the
process.
The time to move forward is
now! The health of our children the health of our economy depend
on it!
PAGE 16
Totally SHOCKED!
That’s the way our members
responded when the notifications
were given for a total of 35 job eliminations timed for the end of this year.
It just doesn’t seem possible to wipe
out over 30% of our bargaining unit
just like that. We’re not alone, our
brothers and sisters in security are
under threat and both production and
skilled trades members of Local 444
are constantly being pressured to
reduce numbers.
Once again, the bargaining unit
gets to take the fall when the quick
fix is the answer. We are told on a
regular basis that we have to be more
competitive, that we’re losing ground
to the Japanese and now the Korean
manufacturers. Of course, North
American markets are wide open to
these imports – unfortunately
DaimlerChrysler doesn’t have the
same benefit in those countries.
But instead of addressing that
By GARY TAYLOR
Vice-President
CAW Local 1498
issue and trying to level the playing
field, the answer is to eliminate more
workers.
With national negotiations ramping up, the job security of our members is our most important issue.
Constantly living under the threat of
job eliminations is neither beneficial
to employee or employer.
Bargaining pension improvements
also allows our senior members to
retire and still maintain a decent standard of living while enhancing the
security of the junior people.
It is imperative that our members
get out and support our bargaining
committee and the master bargaining
committee on AUGUST 28, for the
strike vote. We must send a clear
message that we are united in our
fight for job security for all members
covered by the master agreements.
We can send that message with a
100% YES vote.
Big Three Bargaining
This year, follow Big Three Bargaining on the CAW national website.
You can register for the CAW weekly e-bulletin at
www.caw.ca/register.asp or check-in on the CAW web site at
www.caw.cal/index.asp and click on the Big 3 Bargaining 2005 button.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW:
Fighting for Equality
A
S we celebrate our twentieth
anniversary, we can take
pride in knowing that our
union is at the forefront of the struggle for fairness and justice. We can
be immensely proud of the human
rights challenges we have taken on
and the progressive changes that we
have helped create.
Over the last 20 years, we have
seen huge changes in the demographics of the workforce. Women now
make up almost half of the Canadian
workforce and growing numbers of
aboriginal workers and workers of
colour are entering the labour market. Our membership reflects this
diversity. We have seen a dramatic
increase in the number of women and
workers of colour joining the CAW,
both through mergers and new organizing. The number of women mem-
bers in the union, for example, has
more than tripled since our founding
convention in 1985. The sectors we
represent are also much more
diverse, with over two thirds of our
members working in sectors of the
economy outside the auto industry.
Our union embraces this growing
diversity. We have reached out to
women, aboriginal/workers of colour,
LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender members), and youth by
creating space within the union to
encourage their active involvement as
well as influence and leadership. We
have worked hard to ensure that there
are programs and education tools in
place to encourage participation in
the union, such as leadership programs, activist education and conferences. In addition, we have affirma-
tive action positions for women and
aboriginal/workers of colour on our
National Executive Board, CAW
Council and Quebec Council. Many
local unions have also amended their
bylaws to include affirmative action
seats on their executive boards for
women and aboriginal/workers of
colour.
We have also achieved significant
victories at the bargaining table to
advance women’s equality and
human rights. Some of our collective
bargaining achievements include:
anti-discrimination clauses in virtually all our collective agreements;
harassment and complaint procedures; the right to refuse work based
on harassment; harassment prevention training; Women’s Advocates;
observation of one minute of silence
on December 6 of each year (the
anniversary of the Montreal massacre); same-sex benefits and pensions; and leave and benefit provisions for women and equity-seeking
groups.
Women leaders, advocates and
activists have played a very important
and significant role in the history of the
CAW. Their growing presence and participation continues to stengthen our
Union’s desire to make progress for all
working families and those who have no
power, no voice and no strength to challenge the irregularities that still exist in
2005. The Union is a vehicle for change,
progressive change and collectively, the
women in our Union deserve recognition
for playing such an active and vibrant
role in building a Union that is immensely respected nationally and internationally.
PAGE 17
L A B O U R D AY A C T I V I T I E S 2 0 0 5
M o n d a y, S e p t e m b e r 5 t h
Labour Day Festivities across from
Casino at Windsor Festival Plaza
e e
h
t
n
i
l
o
n
i
h
o
J
W
e
h
t
h
t
i
w
!
y
n
l
i
u
F
Fam
Parade
Starts
Here!
CHURCH
PARKING
GORSKI
PARKING
LOT
DROUILLARD ROAD
N E W PA R A D E
ROUTE
RIVERSIDE DRIVE
Our
Lady of
the
Rosary
Church
W.D.L.C. LABOUR DAY PARADE
Parade will start at 10 a.m., with marshalling beginning at 9 a.m. from Our Lady of
the Rosary Church with parking available at either the Gorski Parking Lot just east of
VIA Rail Parking Lot, or at the west side of the Snack Bar at the Festival Plaza
Terrace.
The NEW PARADE ROUTE will have us walking along Riverside Drive. and make
a turn north at Aylmer Ave. into Windsor’s Festival Plaza area.
• OPENING CEREMONIES
– Syd Ryan, C.U.P.E. President
• CHILDREN VILLAGE
ENTERTAINMENT
– Beebo The Clown
– The Mad Scientist
– Rose City Gymnastics
– K C The Clown
– Face Painting
– Air Bounce Dragon
• REFRESHMENT TENT
Must be over 19 with Pict. I.D.
• LABOUR DAY CAR SHOW
• PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Cast Your Ballot!
• SHARE-THE-WEALTH RAFFLE
– Tickets on sale in Tent:
$1.00 each or 6 for $5.00
– First Prize: $1,000.
– 5 Consolation Prizes: $200. ea.
Hot Dogs, Pop and Water will be available while supplies last.
Food items will be for sale from local not-for-profit organization “10 FRIENDS DINER”
PAGE 18
LOCAL 1769
By
Bargaining Reports
W
E are currently in bargaining
at three of the units in our
Local. At the time of writing
this article, a majority of the language
is complete at KUS, Bargaining has
been delayed due to the company being
in negotiations at another facility, but it
is well underway now. These new
members to our Local have been without a contract too long and it will take
their continued support to make
progress and reach an agreement with
improvements and gains they deserve.
The interim committee, Ann Hillier, Joe
Buchenauer and Bob Gubinozki, is
doing an outstanding job at the table.
At SOUTHGATE RESIDENCE,
we are eager to get back to the table to
address the ongoing day to day problems. In the last set of negotiations,
there were numerous delays in bargaining that kept extending the talks to
reach the first collective agreement.
The agreement was made retroactive
back to the date of certification, so it
gives these members an opportunity to
get back to the table after a relatively
short period. We will need to be prepared to press hard to make gains and
reach an agreement without delay. The
committee, Sharon Bento and Holly
O’neil are well prepared. Elections are
being held to fill a vacancy on the committee.
The agreement at PETERSON
SPRING expires December 11th, but
the company requested to open bargaining early. With grievances, arbitrations
and plant floor issues needing to be
resolved, there will be some challenges
to reach an early agreement. We have
informed the company that pensions
with unreduced early provisions will be
a top priority.
The company presented unrealistic
proposals last year seeking amendments to the agreement, then after
numerous meetings, ended the talks
with no explanation. It will take good
faith bargaining to reach an agreement
here. We have long memories.
Elections for a new plant committee
were held at the beginning of summer
at this unit, Congratulations to
Chairperson Art Manchester and
Committeepersons Vickie Necic and
Gary Hrabets.
Local 1769 Website
Local 1769 is finally on the World
JACK
ROBINSON
President,
CAW Local 1769
Wide Web. Our Local’s web page is
now up and running. Gary MacVoy, the
vice president of the Local is the website co-ordinator and will be maintaining it. Anyone wishing to visit our web
page can just go to . . .
www.cawlocal.ca/1769
You will find the lastest news and
information to keep you informed about
your Local.
Tony DeSantis from Community Living - Essex County was a guest speaker
at a recent membership meeting where members were given an overview of
the agency. Local 1769 will again be a sponsor this fall at the Ruthven Apple
Festival that benefits this agency .
Local 1769 leadership Jack Robinson, Hartley Jordan and Gary Pillon
represent their Local Union at the Bargaining Convention.
PAGE 19
LOCAL 2098
By
GARY
GOULIN
New President’s Message
Greetings;
My name is Gary Goulin. I have
been an employee with the company for 36 years,–starting out with
Calvert of Canada Ltd. back in
1969, then Seagram’s, and now
Diageo. I started like all the other
people working part time on
Christmas rush. I worked my way
up the ladder and, 30 plus years
later, became a mechanic.
I didn’t like the way things
were being done so I got involved
with the Union and ran for vicepresident and three weeks later was
handed the presidency. Wow, what
a job! I have got my hands full, but
with the help of the Union people, I
am sure we will get the job done.
Enough about me, let’s look at
what is being done around the
plant.
1. Installation of new Dump and
Fill equipment in the Maturing
Department. It will be totally
automated and a new in-line
blending system is being
installed.
2. Installation of new air compressors in the Power House.
3. Installaton of new accumulation conveyors in the Case
Bond warehouse.
4. Equipment from the Montreal
plant is finally coming in after
waiting three years.
5. Line #6 in Bottling is being set
up for Texas Mickeys (3 litre
bottles). Not m inis as
promised.
With all this going on there is
plenty of overtime. Everyone is
back from layoff which only took
PAGE 20
an extra four months and now we
are getting some new hires.
The implementation of the new
contract has been a struggle. Lots
of grey areas still have to be trashed
out and with the company playing
hard ball, things are going extremely slow.
I am having to learn fast, and
President
CAW Local 2098
yes, I am making some mistakes
but I think we are moving ahead
one little step at a time. But, like I
said earlier, with the help of everyone at the plant, we can make this
Union strong again!
In Solidarity!
WDLC President Gary Parent presents Ian Naisbitt with the Annual Community Education
Advocacy Award. This award is presented to a person who excels in advancing public education thereby enhancing the learning opportunities of students.
Councillors Ken Lewenza and Randy Voakes representing their respective communities of Windsor/Essex, join with the Windsor District Labour Council Communty Forum
in advocating for the needs of their constituents.
GM to buy Indian
auto parts worth
$1 billion by 2008
Reproduced from The Detroit News
(Associated Press)
NEW DELHI — General Motors
Corp. plans to buy $1 billion worth
of automobile parts from India each
year by 2008 as part of cost-cutting
efforts at the world’s biggest
automaker, a senior executive at its
local subsidiary said Friday.
GM currently buys about $120
million in parts from India, and the
plan to increase those purchases
should result in major savings for
the car maker, said P. Balendran,
vice president of General Motors
India.
“Auto parts in India cost 25-30
percent less than in North America
or Europe,” Balendran was quoted
as saying by Dow Jones
Newswires. “They are also around
15 percent cheaper than South
Korea and Mexico, but the quality
is on a par.”
GM India Ltd. is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Detroit-based GM.
GM currently buys auto parts,
such as castings and forgings, from
around 110 suppliers in India, Dow
Jones reported.
GM is among several auto makers – including Ford Motor Co.,
DaimlerChrysler AG, Volkswagen
AG, Volvo AB and Mitsubishi
Motors Corp. – sourcing auto parts
from low-cost countries like India
because of tough competition and
rising costs of raw materials.
The Automotive Component
Manufacturers’ Association, a leading Indian trade body, has forecast
that auto parts exports from the
country will grow to $2.7 billion by
2010 from the current levels of over
$1 billion.
THE CAW’s STANCE:
Globalization and Free Trade
EVERY YEAR of additional
that it is increasingly irrelevant as
experience reveals the failure of
the global economy continues to
free trade to usher in the productiviunfold in often-surprising ways. It
ty, investment, and prosperity that
can’t solve disputes. It hasn’t ushwere promised by its architects
ered in prosperity for any of its
back in the great free trade debates
member countries, which all face
of the 1980s. The fight against
deep structural problems. And it
Canada/U.S. free trade was one of
has done nothing to enhance the
the most important struggles our
economic position of North
independent union has undertaken,
America in the face of the growing
led by our founding President, Bob
economic clout of China. For
White. Since then, unfortunately,
example, Mexico had hoped that
our concerns about the deal have
NAFTA would spark a wave of
proven valid – not just in terms of
incoming foreign investment from
lost jobs and plant
multi-national corclosures, but also
“Job
export
is
good”porations seeking
in the deteriorating
Minister
cheap labour; in
structural perforOTTAWA - The federal Liberals
reality, however,
mance of Canada’s
won’t weep for Canadian jobs lost
that investment
economy.
to cheaper labour markets in China
now mostly heads
and
India,”
says
Trade
Minister
Jim
Under NAFTA
Peterson. Business should feel free
to China.
we are being
to send work offshore to wherever it
The CAW conpushed to become
can be done most cheaply, to help
boost
their
bottom
lines,
Peterson
tinues to express
a supplier of naturtold a national gathering of the
its fundamental
al resources (espeCanadian Manufacturers and
opposition to the
cially energy) to
Exporters. “In doing so. you’re not
going to hear from our government
free-trade model
the continental
cries of ‘outsourcing’, cries of ‘off
enunciated in
e c o n o m y. O u r
shoring’, or of ‘protectionism’,”
deals like NAFTA
value-added indusPeterson said recently. (Windsor
Star, 2-19-05)
a n d t h e Wo r l d
tries are suffering.
Trade OrganizaMeanwhile, the
tion (the global body which overpromise of Brian Mulroney that the
turned the Canada-U.S. Auto Pact
FTA would guarantee our access to
in 2001). Our government must act
the U.S. market has become a cruel
forcefully to protect our national
joke, given continuing U.S. protececonomic interests (through restrictionism in disputes such as softtions on imports from offending
wood lumber or beef. Even some of
countries or corporations, or by
the original free trade negotiators
attaching conditions to incoming
(like Mark Ritchie) now publicly
foreign investment), whether or not
acknowledge that the deal has
those measures contravene the
failed in its original goal.
legalities of the free-trade deals.
Unfortunately, most of these anaUltimately, NAFTA and the WTO
lysts propose still-deeper ties to the
must be abolished and replaced
U.S. (like a customs union or a
with more mutual and democratic
common security perimeter), that
institutions to manage intemational
would only make matters worse.
If anything, NAFTA is proving
. . . cont’d on next page
PAGE 21
Globalization
. . . cont’d
economic linkages in the interests
of all countries.
One interesting and challenging
new feature of the global economy
has been the growing trend of private companies to locate more work
in low-cost overseas locations, even
in some relatively “high-skill” technical or service industries. For
example, tens of thousands of positions in computer, telecommunications, and related service industries
have been relocated from North
America to low-cost jurisdictions
such as India or China in recent
years, facilitated by technological
developments such as high-speed
internet connections and lower
long-distance telephone costs.
This trend has been called “offshoring” or “outsourcing” by many
commentators. lts effects are very
similar to the same global pressures
that have been hurting workers in
manufacturing for decades. With
their jobs threatened by low-cost
foreign suppliers, workers are hardpressed to maintain their current
wages and benefits.
This “offshoring” disproves the
traditional claim that Canadians can
protect their jobs in the global
economy if we “invest” in our
skills. Indian and Chinese workers
are just as capable at learning
advanced technologies as
Canadians are, and our skills alone
will never protect us in a businessdominated global economy. The
only thing that can protect us are
trade and investment rules which
ensure that each country or region
receives a fair share of investment
and jobs in high-value industries.
This will require a complete rejection of the free trade model that
governments have followed for
most of the last two decades.
PAGE 22
LOCAL 444 member Don Milner and his wife Jamie seen
above with Buzz Hargrove, addresses the 1,000 delegates and
friends who attended the Collective Bargaining and Political
Action Convention held last month.
The Guardian Board reminds its membership that on June
24/02, Don Milner was viciously struck down by a senseless act
of violence when a van owned and operated by London
Protection International hired by Navistar accelerated through
the crowd of CAW members leaving him with a shattered pelvis,
damaged bladder and a broken left shoulder. Close to death,
Don fought back and survived. He and and his family continue to
inspire our union recognizing the courage and sacrifices that he
has had to endure over the last three years is nothing short of
miraculous. The CAW has established the Don Milner Courage
Award that will be presented from time to time to CAW members
nominated by their peers who have shown an act or acts of
exemplary courage.
Don Milner’s struggles are far from over but his address to
the Convention delegates was truly an incredible accomplishment and one that each and every delegate appreciated and
respected.
Brother Milner would love to hear from his friends and colleagues in the CAW, so please, feel free to e-mail him at
[email protected]
LOCAL 89
By
General Chemical
workers deserve better
T
HE future of this company
remains as clear as mud,
and it remains under bankruptcy protection under the company’s creditors arrangement act.
On Friday, July 29, 2005, they
went back to court and were granted an extension of the CCAA
Protection until the end of August.
We continue to work with Bob
Chernecki, the CAW Legal Dept.,
the CAW Pension Dept. and Debbie
Fields to get answers on what the
future holds in terms of pensions,
benefits and jobs. We were
informed quite some time ago, following the bidding process that
there was one bidder interested in
purchasing and running the plant to
produce calcium chloride.
Bob Chernecki, Debbie Fields,
Brian Gillis and I, met in Toronto
with the new potential owners in
mid-May. We were informed during
this meeting of their intentions for
the future of the plant, should this
deal all come together. We were
cautioned that for this sale to go
through, many issues would have to
be overcome. They told us that
dealing with the collective agreement, while very important, is just
one piece of the puzzle. They need
to work out issues with many other
agencies such as the Ministry of the
Environment, Honeywell, the shipping company, as well as the
provider of feedstock needed to run
the plant for obvious reasons.
The best scenario would be for
this plant to get sold and to start up
again. The frustration and anxiety
for our membership grows every
passing day as extension after
extension is granted. We are not
privy to any information on why
the delays, and keep being told it is
in the courts’ hands.
This membership has been out
of work and searching for an
answer for seven months now and
are sick and tired of the little information that is available. We deserve
better!
One fact I can state for sure is
that it is high time that our government enact laws and create legislation that put working people at the
top of the list in getting what they
are legally entitled to in these situations.
When looking back over the last
few years and seeing how this company used loopholes and tax breaks
to spin off different parts of their
business and sell off assets, and at
the end of the day, leaves this plant
standing alone in Canada. One can
only wonder if the position we are
in today, wasn’t planned. When a
company can run a profitable business across our border and get away
with screwing Canadian workers
out of pensions, benefits and severances through bankruptcy, it is high
time for change.
I will state without reservations
that, with the help of Bob
Chernecki, the CAW Legal Dept
and the CAW Pension Dept., and
any other resources at our disposal,
we will push to bring this situation
to a close and get the answers that
this membership is so entitled to as
JOHN
DENEAU
President,
C.A.W. Local 89
quickly as possible.
I will close by offering my sincerest thanks to our entire membership for their patience, understanding and support during these very
difficult times. I would also like to
extend our thanks to the many people from other Locals who have
made numerous calls offering assistance and words of encouragement.
Elections
Elections for all Local 89
Executive positions as well as plant
positions at Precision Plastics and
Amherst Quarries were held this
past June. I’d like to congratulate
everyone who was elected or
acclaimed to office and wish them,
on behalf of our entire membership,
the best of luck in their new positions. I look forward to working
together over the next three years. I
would especially like to thank those
not returning to office, for their past
years of dedicated service and wish
them the best in their future
endeavours.
I hope everyone has enjoyed a
safe summer and I remind everyone
to come out and take part in this
year’s Labour Day Parade.
Amherst Quarries
The quarry remains fairly busy
and there are currently no seniority
people on layoff. In office for a second three-year term is Willard
Holden as Plant Chair as well as
Charles Beaudoin as Committee. . . cont’d on next page
PAGE 23
LOCAL 240
LOCAL 89
Big Three Bargaining
affects us all
A
S the sign reads “Automotive Capital of Canada”,
we realize this bargaining
year can and will affect our members more now than ever.
The auto industry support services that everyone depends on;
health care, education, as well as a
host of community services such as
United Way, Women Shelters and
Food banks. It is not only critical
for the economy of Windsor and
Essex but also, Ontario and the rest
of Canada. The spin off of jobs
affects every sector of the economy.
Some of our units are already feeling the impact due to the uncertainty down the road.
Pensions are a major issue with
all our members of the union. Our
older workers need to know their
pensions are secure as well as our
younger workers need faith that the
pension system will still exist by
By
THERESA
DA SILVA
President,
C.A.W. Local 240
the time they retire. We must continue to protect the current pensions
of our retirees and their spouses.
In solidarity, CAW Local 240
members are in full support of our
sisters and brothers of the Big
Three during this extremely tough
set of negotiations and we all need
to work together to help get the
industry back in gear. Good Luck!
Remember to always:
1. Shop Wisely
2. Shop Union
3. Shop CAW
. . . cont’d from previous page
person. There are currently no outstanding grievance at this facility.
Honeywell
After several long days in negotiations I’m happy to report that a
tentative agreement was reached on
June 30, 2005. The current collective agreement was set to expire on
August 1, 2005.
The agreement was taken to the
membership in July and ratified by
77%. Improvements were made in
language, pensions and benefits as
well as a 3% wage increase plus
COLA in each year of the threeyear agreement.
The Committee, Chair Randy
Johnson, along with committee
members Mike Collarossi and
Gunther Reuper, as well as staff
rep. Debbie Fields, worked tirelessly during the negotiation process
and should be congratulated on an
excellent job. Honeywell continues
to run maximum production and
there are no seniority employees on
layoff.
Precision Plastics
Recipient of Len Campbell 2005 Bursary Winner, Renee Gee is presented a
cheque by Local 240 executive: President Theresa DaSilva, Financial
Secretary Ian Craigmyle, Vice President Jim Angus, Recording Secretary
Debbie Brown and Trustee Sandi Duby.
PAGE 24
Nine people have attained
seniority since my last article and
there is no one on layoff at this
time. The afternoon shift continues
to be cancelled one shift a week,
usually Friday, due to the slowdown at General Motors.
There is the potential for some
new work to be performed in the
plant for Ford, and hopefully this
work will pan out and get the entire
plant back to five days per week.
Employees have just recently
returned from a two-week summer
shutdown.
LOCAL 2027
Corporate takeovers,
mergers and buyouts
C
orporate takeovers, mergers
and buyouts are a sign of
the times and unfortunately,
we at Hiram Walker are not
immune to them. These past few
months the members of Local 2027
are facing this fate, along with a
great deal of uncertainty concerning the future of our Walkerville
plant. This anxiety is due to the
recent takeover/sale of Allied
Domecq/Hiram Walker by Pernod
Ricard, a French based company
and Fortune Brands, an American
based company. Our current management has told us the new owners
have made a commitment to honor
all existing contract obligations, but
since it’s still unclear which company actually owns us this assurance
falls a bit short.
At this time we know Pernod
Ricard owns Malibu rum and
Fortune Brands owns Canadian
Club whiskey but it’s still unclear
who owns the Windsor assets. Fear
of the unknown can be, and is very
unsettling to what is for the most
part a high seniority, established
workforce whose livelihoods
depend on the continued production
and bottling of distilled spirits in
Windsor.
When the time comes for the
new owners to make their decisions, they’ll see that the Windsor
site with the recent investments of
over 25 million dollars by Allied
Domecq, has a state of the art distillery, a state of the art bottling
facility and a state of the art workforce (conscientious and hardworking). Hopefully, whichever
company gets us they’ll accept the
status quo, build on it and expand
from there. The union executive is
making every effort to maintain a
positive attitude throughout this
whole ordeal. Unfortunately for us,
it’s a long process dealing with
shareholders from two companies
and affected governments, so it’s
quite possible we won’t know our
fate anytime soon.
Just for the record, our past and
present negotiating committees
along with our membership have
successfully bargained collective
agreements without work stoppages
or labour disputes for over 25 years
which I’m confident, will be seen
by the new owners as an advantage.
In the meantime, in spite of all
this corporate reshuffling, on the
shop floor it’s business as usual.
We’ve recently held our executive
board elections and along with a
few other positions, I was
acclaimed as president. Thank you
to the membership for this vote of
confidence. We sincerely appreciate
your support. Congratulations to
the newly elected board, ... you are
cordially invited to join us in our
on-going, never-ending tug-of-war,
battle with the company.
Due to retirements and a hiring
freeze, the company is operating
with a shortage of workers; frustration and exhaustion best describe
the atmosphere in the plant right
now. Management is trying to
maintain production levels but they
don’t have the staff to support these
numbers, resulting in confusion and
seniority violations, which in turn
is creating numerous problems for
the union.
Our membership numbers have
been teetering around 230 for the
By
CAROL
SYMONS
President,
CAW Local 2027
last couple of years. As per our collective agreement quite a few of our
sons and daughters have been hired
as summer students this year. In
response to the company’s request
that student language be written
into the contract, we were able to
negotiate a clause that sees preference to our union members’ children being hired, along with a no
lay-off guarantee for all seniority
employees for the remainder of the
calendar year in which the students
have worked. The amount of time
students can work and the number
hired is also limited so as not to
infringe on our full time workers
rights.
We still have some major challenges ahead of us, as the company
is always trying to change the rules
halfway through the game. We
believe the time for making
changes is at the bargaining table,
not six months after a new contract
has been signed; this underhanded
practice by the company is nothing
new to our membership. We’ll continue to challenge them on these
forced changes until we reach and
achieve what we believe to be the
true intent of what was bargained in
our recent collective agreement.
•
•
•
This year marks the Twentieth
Anniversary (1985-2005) of the
CAW as an independent union and
I can say without hesitation, I’m
proud to be a member of this great
organization. My thanks and congratulations go out to all the retired
and current CAW members on this
remarkable milestone. This is an
. . . cont’d on next page
PAGE 25
LOCAL 2027
WINDSOR AREA
. . . cont’d
Organizing Department
The last 12 months have been
extremely busy for the organizing department in Windsor.
There are numerous workplaces with ongoing drives, and
we field calls daily from workers
wanting to become part of CAW.
The following is a list of new
members of the CAW, who have
joined our union over the past
year.
• Tilbury Cement in Windsor,
25 workers are now members of CAW Local 195
• Heron Terrace Nursing
Home in Windsor, 145 workers are now members of
CAW Local 2458
• Richmond Terrace Nursing
staff in Amherstburg, 13
workers are now members of
CAW Local 2458
• TKO Fabco in Ridgetown,
250 workers are now members of CAW Local 127
• TKO Fabco in Dresden, 200
workers are now members of
CAW Local 127
• Laidlaw Bus drivers in
Chatham, 125 workers are
now members of CAW Local
127
• KUS Canada in Leamington,
150 workers are now members of CAW Local 1769
• Autoliv Canada in Tilbury,
610 workers are now members of CAW Local 1941
We all welcome these new
members into the CAW Family.
Many workers across our community are in need of representation from CAW and live in fear
of exercising their legal right to
join a union. If you have family
or friends who want to join
CAW, please call our office –
519 974 5342 x 229 or e-mail
[email protected] and we will
try our utmost to help them out.
Thank you to all Locals who
have helped in organizing these
workers, and a special thanks to
Chip Lemay from Local 444 for
all of his assistance over the last
year
COLETTE HOOSON
National Organizer
Raising the Community Standard of Living
Shop wisely – Shop Union – Shop CAW
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Bay
Sears
Freeds of Windsor
Coulter Furniture
Windsor Star
CAA (Canadian Automobile Association
Hiram Walker (Spirits)
Diageo (Seagram’s Crown Royal)
Pinnacle Chrysler (Only fully unionized
dealership in Windsor)
• Windsor Hilton
• Radison
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Casino Windsor
DaimlerChrysler
Ford
General Motors
Rose City Ford Service
Motor City Credit Union
Performance Ford Service
Travelodge Hotel
Veteran Cab
Jamieson Laboratories (Vitamins in stores)
Tilbury Cement
Windsor Salt
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the membership and their families for
patronizing the facilities we serve and buying the products we build. Buying CAW unionized products re-enforces our commitment to our community.
Thank you!
PAGE 26
excerpt taken from the document,
Twenty Years of Fighting Back,
The CAW Makes a Difference:
“In these difficult times working
people sometimes forget our incredible achievements in building
unions like the CAW working class
organizations to not only defend us,
and defend others but to build a
vision of a different future. Twenty
years later the dream is undiminished. We have built an incredible
organization. The CAW is a powerful force. Despite all the power that
capital has, we have limited,
restrained and at times derailed
their project. But we have done
more then that. We have improved
the working and living conditions of
our members and their families as
well as their communities. We have
struggled for a society, which is
more democratic and inclusive, and
in the process we have become
stronger and more confident in our
capacities to shape the future.
Today we are at another critical
moment. A time where the strength
of our union, the depth of our commitments, our willingness and
capacity to act will be more decisive
than ever. As we continue to build
our union’s strengths we remember
our past by shaping the future.”
This is just one of the many
insights written throughout the document that reaffirms, in those few
words what, for me the CAW is all
about.
•
•
•
In closing, congratulations again
to the National Executive Board
and all CAW members past and
present on the twentieth anniversary of our union. With the continued loyalty and commitment of the
entire CAW membership I believe
the next twenty years will be even
better.
P.S. – Come out and join us for
the Labour Day Parade on Mon.
Sept. 5 .
In Solidarity!
LOCAL 1498
By
No Time to Sugar Coat!
A
s I sit here today looking
for a way to inform the
members of CAW Local
1498 of the current status that faces
them today, as well as raise the
level of information to all other
Local Unions who subscribe to the
Guardian, I’m faced with the realization that there is no way to
‘ease’ into the situation that is currently present.
The following is the Report that
I just made to the DaimlerChrysler
Master Bargaining Committee, in
July 2005.
Report to DaimlerChrysler
Master Bargaining Committee
CAW Local 1498 Membership
O&C
88
Eng.
23
Total
111
(38% reduction in last 5 years)
Job Loss Notification
for Dec. 2005
Production Control (28 SBU)
6 Jobs (incl. Tool Stores) (note:
since Jan. 2005 there have been six
newly created supervisory positions–previously, contract workers–apparently at the expense of
Salaried Bargaining Unit headcount
• Hourly Payroll (13 SBU)
9 Jobs (may incl. 3 from
Brampton)
• French Translation (1 SBU)
1 Job (the entire dept already
sub-contracted out)
• Accounting (10 SBU)
10 Jobs (the entire of 2 depts.)
• Accounts Payable (9 SBU)
9 Jobs (the entire dept.)
(A TOTAL OF 35 JOBS FOR
THE END OF THIS YEAR) (this
ANDY
ROBINET
President,
CAW Local 1498
is a 40% reduction of the O & C
membership)
We just lost the last 2 SBU
members in the Sales Prog. Dept. in
June, where they actually created 2
Non-SBU positions at the same
time they eliminated us.
We received Job Loss Notification last year for the 2 SBU jobs
remaining in the LAB at the
Windsor Assy Plant (the last Lab at
DCX) but were able to save those
jobs for now.
We believe that there is a plan to
either outsource or send our work
to the U.S., for every SBU job
remaining:
– our Parts Dept (13 SBU jobs)
currently run by a U.S. manager
could go to the U.S. with the
flick of a switch
– our Customs’ Dept (8 SBU jobs)
could go to a Customs’
Brokerage House
– the Production Control Dept (28
SBU jobs) is already moving
towards control by A.T. Kearney
and TDS.
– our SBU Engineers (currently at
23) have been threatened with
cuts for years even while there
are UAW engs. and sub-contract
engs working right in the plant
THE NET EFFECT OF
THESE ACTIONS IS THE
COMPLETE ANNIHILATION
OF OUR BARGAINING UNIT.
We are asking for the full support of the Chrysler Council and
the Master Bargaining Committee
In Solidarity!
When the Company Labour
Relations officer sits across the
table from us, while we try to save
the remaining jobs in the
Bargaining Unit by giving solid
economic reasoning for keeping
them, and his response is that the
SBU will never get another job
added because we make too much
On Aug. 28th, we will all be
headed to a Local Union meeting to
make a statement of support for the
National Bargaining Committee in
their attempt to bring back a contract that we can all live with, for
another 3 years. Please attend, ask
questions of concern, and show
your overwhelming support.
money, have too much vacation, are
not flexible in working overtime
and basically cannot be pushed
around like contract workers, it is
very apparent that the Company
means to bust this Union.
I met with the Executive Board
of our Local and the Reps. for all
areas to discuss our current and
future situation and we are united
in our resolve that if the Company
continues their course of action, we
will be on strike to save Local
1498.
On Aug. 22nd, the Master
Bargaining Committee heads to
Toronto to begin National
Bargaining on a contract due to
expire on Sept. 20, 2005. Although
many issues are important (i.e.
Pensions, Wages, Benefits,
Working Conditions etc.), Job
Security has to be the main concern
for all of us. We must all understand the issues and those of other
Local Unions, as never before. The
need for support by our members
and other Locals is critical.
PAGE 27
HEALTH CENTRE
Sault
Ste
Marie
GROUP HEALTH CENTRE
(GHC) is truly a model to be proud
of. It delivers exceptional quality
care by the Algoma District
Medical Group. In 1960 a group of
50 original canvassers went doorto-door soliciting a $135.00 donation from 6,000 steelworkers to
build the original Group Health
Centre. The diligence of the founding group, combined with a number
of physicians willing to practice in
a setting which had not yet received
the general approval of organized
medicare, permitted an idea to grow
into a reality.
More recently, as head of the
“Future of Health in Canada”
Commission, Roy Romanow visited this facility and described GHC
as Canada’s best kept secret‚ and its
facility, and its integrated health
care system as the most advanced
seen to date‚.
By 1962, $675,000 had been
raised from individual steelworkers
and the first building was erected.
This is a membership-based health
centre which was funded before
there was even a public health system in Canada. Members are loyal
and tend to continue to receive all
their health care in the one stop
shopping‚ facility. When new
equipment is needed, the community holds fundraiser events to provide the funds.
PAGE 28
By GEORGE JOHNSON
This group covering the Algoma
District, is a partnership of over 70
physicians, 40 registered nurses and
100 registered practical nurses who
all work together at GHC, as well
as 50 professional health care
providers such as a dieticians,
oncologists, psychologists, optomologists, opticians, diagnostic
imaging technicians, audiologists,
diabetes advisors, laboratory technicians – you get the idea..
The centre books over 500,000
appointments per year, all handled
by 10 staff. The GHC boasts a
major computer system that tracks
all clinical activity on a patient, for
visits to physicians, allied
providers, clinics, labs, etc. The
system aids the medical staff in
managing chronic diseases and
doing valuable research. Last year
there were 58,000 patients passing
through the doors for service. GHC
physicians do less administration
work than physicians in any other
health organization, because they
are supported by 300 staff who provide the administration function.
Consequently doctors are spending
more of the work hours tending to
patients instead of paperwork.
Sound good? What do you
think?
This list provides data on the
quality and dependability of auto
companies and their products. As
you can see, North American
products are now equal or surpassing many of the foreign
owned and produced vehicles.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lexus - 139 PP100 *
Porsche - 149 PP100 *
Lincoln - 151 PP100
Buick - 163 PP100
Cadillac - 175 PP100
Infiniti - 178 PP100 *
Toyota - 194 PP100 *
Mercury - 195 PP100
Honda - 201 PP100 *
Acura - 203 PP100 *
BMW - 225 PP100 *
Ford - 231 PP100
Chevrolet - 232 PP100
Chrysler - 235 PP100
• Industry Average: 237 PP100
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Saturn - 240 PP100
Oldsmobile - 242 PP100
GMC - 245 PP100
Pontiac - 245 PP100
Mazda - 252 PP100 *
Hyundai - 260 PP100 *
Subaru - 260 PP100 *
Volvo - 268 PP100 *
Jaguar - 268 PP100 *
Dodge - 273 PP100
Nissan - 275 PP100 *
Mitsubishi - 278 PP100 *
Mercedes-Benz - 283 PP100 *
Saab - 286 PP100 *
Jeep - 289 PP100
Suzuki - 292 PP100 *
Audi - 312 PP100 *
Daewoo - 318 PP100 *
Isuzu - 331 PP100 *
Volkswagen - 335 PP100 *
Mini - 383 PP100 *
Land Rover - 395 PP100 *
Kia - 397 PP100 *
Source: J.D. Power and Associates July - 2005
Vehicle Dependability Study.
Established 1952
INC. OF WINDSOR, ONT.
The Directors are:
Local 89–John Deneau, John Vanderham
Local 195–Mike Renaud, Mike Dunning
Local 200–Mike Vince, Pat Leonard
Local 240–Theresa Da Silva, Ian Craigmyle
Local 444–Ken Lewenza, Gary Parent
Local 1498–Andy Robinet, Gisele Palenchar
Local 1769–Jack Robinson, Michele Grubb
Local 2027–Carol Symons, Darryl McLean
Local 2098–Gary Goulin, Mike Purdie Jr.
FINE TOUCH
GRAPHICS
BORDER PRESS
INC.
The Guardian, 1855 Turner Road, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 3K2
Telephone (519) 258-6400, Fax 258-0424. Address changes should be directed to your Local Union Office
Get Some
CLASS!
Len Wallace
O
kay, you’re working shifts, come home from
work, deal with kids, pay bills, go shopping,
make supper and try and get some rest. And
here I am trying to convince you to take classes at the
University of Windsor. Yeh, right. As if you had time.
Actually, the possibility exists.
Think about it. Have you or your spouse ever considered taking university courses to complete or continue education? Maybe you’d like to complete a university degree or supplement the one you have. Maybe
you’ve gone to the CAW PEL courses and want more,
but the pressures of time, location or shift work make it
difficult.
Consider this – the Partial Distance courses offered
by the Labour Studies program at the University of
Windsor. These courses are easily available to workers
on shifts.
These courses provide a combination of class room
instruction and learning via the Internet. A good number of CAW members have taken advantage and benefited from the program.
Most universities demand taking 3 hours of classroom instruction each week. With the Partial Distance
courses in Labour Studies it is much more flexible.
Instead of a three hour class once a week this is what
you get:
• Reduced class time. You attend a 1 1/2 hour class
once a week. The class is delivered twice a day.
Depending on your shift schedule you have the
option of taking the class in either a morning or an
evening session.
• The additional 1 1/2 hours per week are conducted
on your own time with discussion, web chat, readings and instruction using the Internet.
• A number of courses will be offered in community
settings such locations outside the University of
Windsor campus.
What Does Labour Studies Offer?
Courses are offered in summer, fall and winter sessions and include:
• WORKER HEALTH & SAFETY
• LABOUR LAW
• LABOUR & SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
• WORKING FOR A LIVING
• WORK & OCCUPATIONS
I have taught the sessional Worker Health & Safety
course. It goes beyond dry theory, health and safety
mechanics, WHMIS training. With this course you get
a new perspective on the historical struggle for worker’s rights and worker movements, how the law is
framed and who benefits, health and safety struggles
across the world, the culture of work, women’s health
and safety issues, industrial and nonindustrial workplaces, the politics of power, control and wealth in
society.
The Benefits:
Why take these courses?
•
•
•
•
•
You can supplement your educational background
You can work to get a Certificate in Labour Studies
Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Labour Studies
Augment a previous degree
Add skills for career development
What is even better is that the CAW team has
negotiated educational benefits for you. Check with
your union rep. Your employer pays.
Making Contact
We will be glad to talk to you about the possibilities. Please, feel free to contact Alan Hall, Director of
the Program at 519 253-3000 Ext. 5109 or email him at
[email protected].
The Mail Box . . .
Ken Lewenza, President
The Guardian
Dear Ken,
On behalf of the Executive and General
Membership of CAW Local 1769 we would like to
take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your donation towards the recent “Polar Bear Dip” benefiting
ChildCan and the Youth & Family Resource Network
of Essex County.
With your support and the support of other Locals
in our area and through pledges collected by our challengers who participated, $9334.00 was raised for
these two charities through CAW Local 1769 pledges.
Again, thank you for your generosity and your
support in making our challenge and this 5th Annual
Polar Bear Dip a total success.
In solidarity
CAW Local 1769
Jack Robinson, President
Michele Grubb, Financial Sec.
PAGE 29
Joe Comartin,
M.P., Windsor-Tecumseh
Greetings,
The last several months
have been extremely busy in
parliament. In addition to my
responsibilities as the NDP critic for Justice, Public Safety and
Emergency Preparedness and Great Lakes Ecosystems,
I’m also our Deputy House Leader. As such I was
actively involved in helping ensure that the budget legislation was passed. C-48, a better balanced budget that
NDP leader Jack Layton negotiated is proof that this
minority parliament can work for people. The Budget
will see money go to worker training postsecondary
education affordable housing and environmental priorities. With more of the gas tax being directed toward
municipalities, improvements can be made to public
transit to help fight smog and for vital infrastructure
projects. That means in Windsor upgrades can be made
to our roads, sewers and Windsor transit will be able to
make investments for better service.
During the course of the last session of parliament,
I worked hard on the Justice Committee to strengthen
legislation relating to the Criminal Code. As a result of
this work, the so-called “Homolka Amendment”,
which allowed for law enforcement agencies to gather
DNA from those convicted of one sexual offence and
United Way
Your Support – Your Community.
United Way/Centraide of Windsor-Essex County thanks CAW members and retirees for their generous contributions to the 2004 campaign.
Your generous donations are at work every day in our community, helping to improve the quality of life for children and youth, families and
individuals, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
United Way/Centraide member agencies provide essential programs
and services that help one in three residents of Windsor-Essex County
each year.
Here is another example of your dollars at work…
The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) has
been a United Way member agency since 1980. Their mission is to
improve the quality of life for physically, mentally, emotionally, and
behaviourally challenged individuals through equine related therapy.
Through their services, over 150 special needs people receive therapy
each week. 80% of these clients are children with developmental, emotional or physical disabilities. The remaining 20% are adults with similar challenges.
James, a nine year old boy with Autism, came to WETRA with his
PAGE 30
one murder offence before the date of the law coming
in to force, was added to Bill C-13 (An Act to amend
the Criminal Code, the DNA Identification Act and the
National Defence Act). This Act has now become law
as of June of this year.
I also supported amendments introduced in
Committee to Bill C-2, the child pornography legislation, to raise the age of consent. Regrettably, however,
both the Liberals and the Bloc Quebecois voted against
raising the age of consent and defeated the amendments. Despite the failure of the age of consent amendments, Bill C-2, which was passed by the House June
9th, contains a number of improvements which will
strengthen sections of the Criminal Code dealing with
the exploitation of children. In addition, major amendments to the Evidence Act will dramatically improve
protection for child witnesses in court. This will prevent children from being further victimized by the
court process.
At home in Windsor, Brian Masse and I are working
extensively on the issue of cross border traffic which
continues to occupy much of our time and have been
pushing for a speedy and comprehensive community
based solution to the problem.
Finally, my colleagues and I are also working with
the CAW and industry representatives to pressure the
federal government to develop a meaningful auto policy which will help ensure long-term employment in the
region.
Every Day
parents seeking equine therapy. However, it quickly became apparent
that James would have to learn how to control his outbursts, screaming
and throwing himself on the ground, before being able to ride. Due to
his strong desire to ride a horse, James was able to calm down enough
to put on a helmet and brush his pony. The next step of getting James
on the horse was a struggle. When the pony was brought into the arena,
he charged at it and tried to climb on. He again was asked to co-operate,
and again was able to follow instructions and control his behaviour,
allowing him to successfully mount the pony and ride around the arena.
Since that first visit, James has learned to brush his pony and help
with saddling, as well as using verbal commands to tell the pony when
to walk on and whoa. He participates in games that require him to interact with his volunteers and instructors. His verbalization skills are
greatly improved and his parents have noticed tremendous changes in
his behaviour at home.
For more information about how to donate to or volunteer with
United Way, please contact 258-3033 or visit
www.weareunited.com.
When we work together, it all adds up!
Brian Masse
M.P., Windsor-West
Dear Friends,
In June of this year, I
introduced two motions into
the House of Commons.
One calls for the creation of a
Public Border Authority and
the other calls for any future
international crossing to be
publicly owned. Both of these motions were submitted after many months of consultation with constituents and other local stakeholders.
Why should we think about public ownership
and a public authority in Windsor? Because the
people of our community deserve a say in what happens in our community and not just at a couple of
meetings and they deserve a governing body that is
local, transparent and accountable in the long-term.
Why would public ownership and a public
authority be important to the auto industry? The
auto industry is responsible for 23% of Ontario’s
GDP and 140,000 jobs. One in six vehicles built in
North America are built in Ontario, many in our own
community. Not only do border delays negatively
impact the “just in time” logistics system given that
throughout the building and sale process the average
vehicle crosses the border seven times, but a recent
report highlighted that additional reporting, compliance and delay costs are adding about $800 to the
cost of each vehicle. GM’s boss has called for a border mediator and many others are looking for a
“champion” to solve the issues at the WindsorDetroit crossing. A public authority would be a permanent, local, publicly accountable champion.
The Windsor-Detroit area is the only one in
southwestern Ontario, a province that sees 60% of
Canada’s trade with the U.S., not to have a public
border authority, commission or crown corporation
to assist in traffic management, infrastructure maintenance and public interest.
Border authorities can assist in traffic management and act in the short term to shift traffic patterns. They can have the responsibility, and
resources, to achieve other community goals related
to quality of life issues as well as infrastructure
maintenance. And perhaps equally important, they
can have direct control over access, safety, quality
and pricing.
Over the past few months in casual conversations,
going door-to-door and with a survey there appears
to be a significant amount of support in our community for public ownership and a public authority.
No new international crossing has been built
since 1987 when it was determined that customs services would be the responsibility of the owner or
operator. All existing structures were “grandfathered” and continue to receive that service at the
cost of Canadian taxpayers although the owner or
operator still collects the tolls. This year at the
Ambassador Bridge the Canadian Border Services
Agency is spending over $13 million, while the
Ambassador Bridge collects the tolls. Estimates of
annual tolls levied based on the tonnage that crosses
the Bridge annually is over $25 million.
Any new bridge or crossing if privately built, in
an area like Windsor where there will be “competing” facilities will be at a sincere disadvantage at
having to provide for that service at their own cost.
The Detroit-Windsor truck ferry could rapidly
increase capacity and take up to 1000 trucks off the
streets, but because it has to provide customs services at its own expense not only is its service more
expensive (competitive disadvantage) but it cannot
afford to expand from the 160 trucks daily that it ferries across the Detroit River.
Public ownership would mean that cost recovery
would work better in that tolls could be collected
that could then be used to cover the expense of customs services in a publicly accountable manner. In
Windsor this will be crucial to ensure that a new
crossing actually gets trucks off the streets.
There is precedence for this. Take for example
the Blue Water Bridge Act of 1964 which created a
public authority with power to “levy tolls to meet the
costs of operating and maintaining” the bridge that
was to be built. The Authority was created because
it was deemed to be appropriate that an international
bridge be operated on a joint international basis by a
public authority by Act of Parliament.
Public ownership can be more cost-effective, it is
certainly true that the toll rates for cars on the
Ambassador Bridge are on average 37% higher than
all other publicly owned bridges in Ontario. Even
if we look at the Tunnel, the private company that
operates from the U.S. side charges 1.25 more per
car than from the Canadian side.
Our friends on the other side of the border also
think a public authority is important. Steve
Tobocman, Detroit State Representative has, with his
colleague Kathleen Law, introduced a Bill to create a
Public Border Authority. Privately-owned infrastructure has a horrible track record in Ontario –
look at Highway 407. Privatizing public infrastructure costs more with less accountability.
We need a new border crossing but I believe we
also need to ensure that that crossing is publicly
owned and accountable to the people of our community.
PAGE 31
S.W.O.R.C. REPORT
By
ED
RUSENSTROM
Regional Golf Qualifier - May 29
Women’s Flite – Gross
1. Gail Precop
Local 444
2. Heather Brunelle Local 200
Net
1. Melody Loignon Local 444
2. Sue McKinnon
Local 444
Men’s C Flite – Gross
1. Fabian Pope
2. Lloyd Phillips
Net
1. Rob McGuffin
2. Lary Chicilo
Men’s A Flite – Gross
1. Scott Baker
2. Wes Stewart
Net
1. Ray Rodgers
2. Ron McDermott
Men’s B Flite – Gross
1. Steve Breault
2. Pat Dibley
Net
1. Elmer Carmichael
2. Justin St. Pierre
Men’s D Flite – Gross
1. Jeff Lamont
Local 1941
2. Brian Drouillard Local 200
Net
1. Clayt Spaks
Local 580
2. Joe Zajac
Local 200
Local 444
Local 444
Local 444
Local 444
Local 444
Local 195
Local 444
Local 195
Local 200
Local 444
Local 444
Local 200
Congratulations to the low
rounds of the day, on the Women ‘s
side, Gail Precop of Local 444 shot
an 88, and on the Men’s side, Scott
Baker of Local 444 shot a 70.
Calling All Seniors and Retirees
54 years + (54 if 55 in 2006)
Windsor-Essex County Senior Games
Fishing Derby May 22
The day was sunny and bright
and spirits were eager for the
Annual B ud Jimmerfield Memorial
Fishing Derby. Once again it was
hosted by the A.M.A. Sportsmen
Club in Amherstburg. A total of
160 entries were received for the
May 22 event. This was the largest
number of participants in the history of the derby.
SPECIAL PRIZE WINNERS
Perch
1. Robert Dotto, Local 444
13”
2. Alex Tavolieri, Local 444 121/4
3. Brian Harkins, Local 1973 12”
Pickerel
1. Jesse Nowak, Local 2027
2. B. J. Wilder, Local 240
3. Bob Meloche, Local 89
29”
283/4
281/4
HOCKEY LEAGUE
2005-2006
PLACE: South Windsor Arena
TIME: Thursday mornings (9 am first
game) October 6th to end of
March
PLAY: Games 11/2 hours each
COST: Depends on number of players. currently have six teams,
just enough to pay for ice time.
MAKE UP: Open to all players 54 yrs
and older. We have players in
TO
their 60s and 70s. Goalies
needed (league picks up the
goalie costs). Must be a resident of Essex County. Teams to
be picked according to A, B, C,
players to make each team
equal in talent.
PLAY: Get your name in as soon
as possible to contacts listed
below. Deadline is September
15th.
• A Three Day Tournament will take place during the Season •
If you have any questions, please contact the following as soon as possible
TOM MARION – 966-2564
JIM WHITE – 969-4194
JOHN BARETTE – 727-6592
LARRY MULVILLE – 972-3084
This is a Top Notch League - The Price is Right – See You on the Ice!
PAGE 32
Special mention should be given
to the A.M.A. Sportsmen Club,
Amherstburg, Canadian Tire, the
National CAW and CAW Windsor
area Locals.
I would also like to thank the
S.W.O.R.C representatives who
donated their time and energy for
our members’ enjoyment.
Have a terrific summer with lots
of fishing! I hope to see you all,
once again on the long weekend
next year for the derby.
In Solidarity,
Mal McIntosh
SWORC Fishing Director
Strong Pensions – Secure Future
T
H E C AW NAT I O NA L
UNION and Politics
Committee along with
their subordinate committees
within the Local Union structure’s Campaign on Pension
Reform is beginning to build the
steam necessary to succeed in
our efforts to enhance, secure
and protect them, not just for
existing pensioners and seniors,
but obviously for future generations who will require the
income security needed to cope
with the economic needs of all
C a n a d i a n s . T h e C AW ’ s
Canadian Pension Charter is now
getting the recognition it
deserves and most local unions
throughout the country have
introduced it through their communiques and have further
enhanced its effectiveness by
posting them in each respective
Union Hall and workplace we
represent. The Union in Politics
Committee of each local union
are being asked to give presenta-
tions to municipal councils and
school boards seeking their support in lobbying the provincial
and federal governments to make
the necessary legislative changes
required and requested. We
anticipate this initiative will be
done by the end of this year.
Pension security is not something that will be won overnight.
We need to educate our membership; we need to engage the general public on th need; and we
need enhanced and growing participation by our members in
playing an active and crucial role
in lobbying and pressuring government to respond favourably.
The National Union has put a
significant amount of time, energy and finances in researching
the material needed to win the
At their best, unions are in
the vanguard of challenging
the status quo and driving
social change.
–Sam Gindin
confidence of Canadians and
pension information has been
provided to every local union in
the country. The latest correspondence sent to each local
union covers three crucial areas
of our Pension Campaign entitled:
1. A Canadian Pension primer
2. Amazing Pension Facts.
3. Our Vision for a Strong
Pension System.
This edition of The Guardian
will cover #1 and both #2 and #3
will be shared in future editions.
The Guardian Board leadership and its membership representing Locals 89, 195, 200, 240,
444, 1498, 1769, 2027 and 2098
are encouraged to support this
political campaign enhancing,
preserving and protecting the
pension benefits earned and
deserved by our seniors and
retirees.
CAW Retirees demonstrate, seeking the support of the active membership
PAGE 33
Strong Pensions – Secure Future
Fact Sheet #1: A Canadian Pension Primer
mium rates (9.9%), the CPP will
be financially secure right through
the coming retirement of Canada’s
baby-boomers. Compared to private pension funds, the CPP is
completely secure.
overall pension system.
Public Pensions in Canada
Three Tiers
• Canada’s pension system relies
on three major components:
1. Public pensions, which are available to virtually all workers.
2. Employer pension plans (called
“Registered Pension Plans,” or
RPPs), which are provided to
about 40% of workers.
3. Individual savings (including taxassisted
savings
through
“Registered Retirement Savings
Plans,” or RRSPs), which depend
on workers having spare cash to
invest.
• There are three major types of public
pensions currently offered in Canada:
1. The Canada Pension Plan (and
the separate Quebec Pension
Plan): Almost all workers pay into
the CPP/QPP. Premiums equal
9.9% of earnings up to a maximum pensionable ceiling (currently $41,000, roughly equal to the
average industrial wage), -split 5050 between workers and employers. Pensions replace about 25% of
pensionable earnings, and are fully
indexed to inflation; the current
maximum pension is $829 per
month. Disability and survivor
pensions are also available; a
“drop-out” clause compensates for
some years out of the labour force.
Studies project that at current pre-
2. Old Age Security (OAS): This is
a universal pension paid to most
Canadians over 65 (reduced for
those who lived less than 40 of
their adult years in Canada, and
unavailable to anyone who lived
less than 10 adult years here). The
OAS pension is gradually “clawed
back” for those retirees who make
over $60,000 per year. The current
maximum benefit is $472 per
month, fully indexed to inflation.
3.
• Public pensions are the most universal
(covering almost all workers), the
most portable (you keep your benefits
even if you switch jobs), and the most
secure. They are also the
most efficient, since their
Canadian Pension Timeline
administration costs are
1887: Pension Fund Societies Act: first legislation
much lower than private
governing employer pension plans.
plans.
1927: Old Age Pension Act: federal government
• Workers with bargaining
agrees to co-pay with prov inces a means-tested oldpower have been able to
age pension to Brtish subjects 70 yrs. or older.
force their employers to pay
1952: Old Age Security: first direct federal-funded
additional pension benefits
pension; means test eliminated.
on top of the public system.
1957: RRSPs: introduced to subsidize personal
retirement saving.
• A pension system that
depends heavily on individ1965: OAS Retirement Age reduced to 65.
ual savings will never offer
1966: Canada/Quebec Pension Plan founded.
adequate protection to the
1967: GIS implemented.
vast majority of workers.
1972: Indexation for OAS benefits introduced, fol• As a union, we aim to
lowed in 1974 for CPP and GIS.
strengthen and expand the
1977: Tighter Canadian residency requirements
public pension system; prointroduced for OAs and GIS.
tect employer pension plans
1987: Early retirement option introduced in CPP.
where they exist; challenge
1989: OAS clawback introduced.
more employers to provide
1998: New CPP premium schedule introduced.
pensions to their workers;
2000: Same-sex couples are entitled to full
and reduce the importance of
CPP/OAS benefits.
individual savings in the
PAGE 34
Guaranteed Income Supplement
(GIS): This is a means-tested pension which supplements the
incomes of retirees who have little
or no income other than the OAS.
For unattached seniors, the
maximum GIS is $561 (less
for married seniors). The
GIS is reduced by $1 for
each $2 of income for unattached seniors ($1 for $4 for
married).
Employer Pension
Plans
• There are two broad types of
employer plan:
1. Defined benefit (DB) pensions, in which employers
guarantee a specified pension benefit to workers after
they retire.
2. Defined contribution (DC)
plans, sometimes called
“money purchase plans,” in
which the employer contributes a certain amount
annually to each worker’s
personal account; the pen-
sion benefits which are ultimately
paid out depend on many factors
(including stock market performance), and are not guaranteed by
the employer.
• Employers generally prefer DC-type
pension plans, for two main reasons:
1. All the financial risk is borne by
the individual workers; if stock
markets perform poorly, it doesn’t
matter to the employer.
2. Administration costs are usually
lower than for DB plans.
the system doesn’t always work.
That’s why the CAW is calling for a
public pension guarantee fund as a
backstop for pension plans when
companies are in trouble (similar to
the deposit insurance system that
guarantees Canada’s banking system).
Building on Success
• Canada’s public pensions are an
incredible success story. They have
reduced the incidence of poverty
among elderly Canadians (they are
now less likely to be poor than work-
ing-age Canadians or children).
Preserving and expanding this system
to keep pace with changes in the
workplace is a key goal of our pension campaign.
• Nevertheless, many Canadians still
fall through the cracks of our system.
The public system must be strengthened to eliminate senior poverty.
Funding for existing DB pensions
must be stabilized. And more
employers must be forced to contribute to the retirement income of
their employees.
• For similar reasons, unions are fighting hard to preserve the DB system:
workers shouldn’t have to gamble in
order to enjoy a secure retirement.
The “investment risk” (from stock
market fluctuations) and the “annuity
risk” (from interest rate fluctuations)
should be borne by employers.
The DB Funding Crisis
• Since 2000, many DB pension plans
have experienced funding deficits meaning they do not have enough
assets right now to guarantee future
pensions. These deficits arose partly
because of the downturn in stock
markets after the “dot-com” craze of
the 1990s, and partly because of very
low interest rates (which make it
more expensive to pay for future pensions).
• In most cases, there’s no need to panic
over these deficits. They will gradually be reduced through a combination
of increased employer contributions
to the plans, a rebound in stock markets, and rising interest rates. But in
cases where a company may go out
of business, then a pension deficit can
result immediately in reduced or even
eliminated pension benefits (for both
current employees and retirees).
• Government regulators are supposed
to oversee DB pension plans to
ensure that sufficient funds are available to cover promised pensions - but
PAGE 35
Thank
You . . .
PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NO.40930011
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:
CIRCULATION DEPT.
866 WALKER RD., WINDSOR, ON N8Y 2N5
RECYCLED
PAPER
Pat Leonard
O
N behalf of the CAW Guardian Board and affiliated Local Unions, I want to thank and acknowledge
PAT LEONARD for his leadership, commitment
and dedication for serving and representing our combined
membership with great pride and dignity.
Pat’s heart and work ethic was very much concentrated
in representing the better interest of Local 200 CAW but
he knew and understood the responsibility that comes with
leadership and expanded his role by exercising his influence in building a community based on compassion, generosity and through those tireless efforts provided a hand
of friendship and solidarity to those most vulnerable in
society.
Pat, always a staunch supporter of the United Way, led
the United Way Board of Directors by assuming the role of
president and stayed on the Board for the maximum term
limits allowed under this citizen serving community organization.
Pat’s leadership ability helped develop Club 200 where
tens of thousands of dollars have been donated to several
worthwhile community projects designed to assist organizations benefiting children. He leaves behind a legacy of
volunteerism recognized by the many friends and volunteers he has worked with for the betterment of society as a
whole.
Pat is a true friend and a trusted colleague and we wish
him and his wife Linda every success for a healthy funfilled retirement recognizing that his 35 year history with
the UAW/CAW has been a journey we very much appreciate and acknowledge.
On a personal note, it has been an absolute pleasure to
work co-operatively with Pat in representing the needs and
desires of Local 200/444 members as we have combined
our energies and thought process in building a Union Hall
that puts the needs of our members and community in the
forefront of every decision made at 1855 Turner Road.
THANK YOU!
Ken Lewenza, President
The Guardian Board
PAGE 36