ILWU Supports Local 40 Hotel Workers in Protest Against Hyatt

Steve Nasby and Jyalmen Sidhho of ILWU Canada together with Mark Keserich of ILWU Local 500 represented the Longshoremen at Local 40′s rally on Thursday July 22nd at 5pm in front of the Hyatt, downtown Vancouver.  The hotel workers’ local was speaking out against the unfair working conditions and practices that the multibillion dollar corporation is putting its workers through.  With our banner lining the streets of Vancouver, ILWU helped send a clear message to the corporation that Unions stick together.

Prince Rupert Fishing Derby!!!

Attention all fishermen!  The Prince Rupert 100 Year Celebration is coming up in September and due to the area’s phenomenal fishing, we are holding a fishing derby!  On Sunday September 5th at 6:00am the boats will be taking off from the Rushbrook Floats.  If you are interested in joining the crew call Steve Nasby at 604-254-8141 or Tom MacDonald 250-624-3558 to reserve your spot.  There are 3 boats with 18 spots available, but  **there are only 10 spots left!** The price is $200 per person and there will be prizes for the biggest salmon and biggest halibut!  Call to reserve your spot early as space is limited and these boats are giving up other charters to accommodate the ILWU in prime fishing season!

ILWU Canada Response to Montreal Lockout

In a statement released by ILWU Canada President, Tom Dufresne, the Maritime Employers Association was urged to end its lockout and get back to negotiations with the unions.

“The ILWU Canada is calling upon the Maritime Employers Association to immediately end its reckless lockout of employees who work at the port of Montreal.

Customers of the port and the national economy will suffer if this dispute drags on.

Meanwhile, employees and their families are bearing the burden of the MEA’s irresponsible decision.

Together with the port of Montreal longshore workers represented by CUPE 375 and the checkers represented by ILA Local 1657, we urge the MEA to end its unjustified lockout and get back to the bargaining table immediately.

On Behalf of the Officers of ILWU Canada

Tom Dufresne”

Local 500 & 502 Joint Meeting

Last Wednesday, July 14th, Locals 500 & 502 had a joint meeting.  Below is a video briefing the content of the meeting, speeches made by Chad O’Neill, Mark Keserich and President of ILWU Canada, Tom Dufresne.  Also, presentations were made to John Jacobs and Fil Briglio for their brave efforts pertaining to the death of our brother Kevin Lowes, and to Manny Buttar for his involvement in the Ballantyne event.

Montreal Lockout – Day 3

Longshoremen working at the Port of Montreal have entered their 3rd day of lockout.  A spokesperson for the employers’ group has said that they are ready to get this issue solved.

For more on this story click here:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/07/21/montreal-port-lockout.html

MUA Insists on Gov’t Safety Legislation After Death of 3rd Waterside Worker This Year

The tragic death of a waterside worker at Appleton Dock has spawned yet another urgent plea by the MUA for legislative action in order to combat the lack of safety on the job.

Click below for the MUA Media Release on the topic:

MUA Media Release – Death at the Docks

900 Longshoremen at Port of Montreal Locked Out Over Labour Dispute

900 Longshoremen have been locked out today after the Maritime Employers Association claimed there was a need to counter workers pressure tactics.

Workers at the port have not had a contract since December of 2008.

For the full story click on the link below:

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20100719/montreal-port-lockout-100719/

Rio Tinto

ILWU Canada has now set up a YouTube account and will be posting videos and clips there for you to view.  Check back periodically for the latest and greatest at http://www.youtube.com/TheILWUCanada

Local 500 Annual Pensioners’ Picnic!

Today marks the arrival of the Annual Pensioners’ Picnic for Local 500.  It will be held at New Brighton Park, home of the Ballantyne memorial rock, from 10am until 5pm.  There will be food and festivities for everyone to indulge in, so come out and enjoy the sun!

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