Hon. Jack Layton’s Celebration of Life Vancouver Locations

On Saturday, August 27, 2011 there will be two locations in the Lower Mainland to watch the state funeral for the Honourable Jack Layton.                                                                                    

Live Broadcast of the Ceremony begins at 11:00am

Indoor Location

Vancouver Public Library Central Branch – Alice Mackay Room – 3500 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, (near Granville Skytrain Station) – Limited seating - Doors open at 10:15 am

Outdoor Location

Canada Place – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, (near Waterfront Skytrain Station)

Outdoor screens – There will be no seating arrangements - Public gathering begins at 10:00 am

The Family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Broadbent Institute. On line at: www.ndp.ca/inmemory . Or mailed to Broadbent Institute c/o Canada’s New Democrats, 300 – 279 Laurier St. W., Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5J9

Jack Layton – Laying in State in the House of Commons

Jack Layton’s casket, draped with the Canadian flag, lays in state in the House of Commons for public visitation again today. It is estimated that 10,000 people came to pay their respects to the late NDP leader yesterday. Parliament Hill’s doors opened early at 8:30am and stayed open until the last person in line could pay their respects around 10pm.  Layton’s state funeral will begin at 2pm on Saturday at Roy Thomson Hall.

ILWU Canada President, Tom Dufresne, attended the viewing to pay his respects. Below are pictures he has forwarded of the ever increasing line at Parliament Hill. Certainly Jack Layton’s influence on our country can be seen by the number of Canadians that came to pay their respects.

Again, on behalf of the ILWU Canada and its members we wish to send condolences to his friends, family and colleagues at this time.

Jack Layton – Democratic Leader Leaves Hope in Wake of His Passing

Jack Layton passed away in the early hours of Monday morning, losing his fight with cancer. Before his final hours the determined and inspirational NDP Leader drafted a letter to the country he fought for. His words, as with his famous smile, created hope and moved a nation. His last sentiment to all Canadians was this:

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”

The ILWU Canada, on behalf of all its members wishes to send condolences, encouragement and support to his friends, family and colleagues at this time.

The BC Federation of Labour extended their condolences in this News Release.

Click to read Jack Layton’s Last Letter to Canadians.

For more information go to www.ndp.ca

BCFed – Grant’s Law News Release

The BC Federation of Labour released this bulletin regarding Grant’s Law, which is a set of WCB regulations that protect late-night workers. Grant’s Law was developed after Grant DePatie was killed at the age of 24 during a gas-and-dash; he was working alone. This set of regulations has not only required that customers pre-pay for their gas, but also that employees working alone are protected by barriers or locked doors, or that they have a second person working for the 11:00pm – 6:00am shift.

Concern is mounting now that WCB has been said to consider a watering down of these regulations, which would permit employers to ignore the barrier and buddy system requirements without legal ramifications.

Read the news release HERE.

ILWU Canada Shirts On Sale Now!

The ILWU Canada has developed its own Union apparel! Shirts are $30 each for both men’s and women’s. Sizes for men range from medium to XXL, and from small to XL for women. Men’s shirts come in black, tan and white, and women’s shirts come in pink, navy blue, black and white.

Come down to the ILWU Canada office to purchase your Union apparel!

Longshore Workers Killed in Philadelphia, Newark

Last Friday two members of the ILA were killed in work related accidents. Although details of the accidents were not divulged, President of the ILA Harold Daggett said that the deaths of these Brothers will not go in vain, and that they will work to ensure that accidents such as these will not happen again.

For the story put out by The Journal of Commerce click HERE.

NEW!!! – ILWU Canada Vimeo Site

The ILWU Canada has created a Vimeo site to compliment our YouTube page. While YouTube is great for posting short videos and picture slide shows, Vimeo offers the capability of sharing our educational and historical videos that are longer in length. Our Vimeo page is called “The ILWU Canada Video Archive”.

Take a look at what’s new on both YouTube and Vimeo!

Don Garcia Video Available to View

The ILWU Canada has created an educational video about our Brother Don Garcia, and has posted it for viewing. You can see the video by following the link below.

Don Garcia Video

ILWU Local 520 Agreement Reached!

President of Local 520, Gary Tupper, announced this morning that a new Collective Agreement was reached with ratification by 80% of the Membership, and by the Board of Directors of the Pacific Pilotage Authority. Congratulations to everyone at Local 520!

GNT Bulletin

The ITF has issued it’s third issue of the Global Network Terminals bulletin. To view this bulletin click on the link below.

GNT Bulletin – Issue #3