ILWU Members Join Teachers in Rally to Support Advocacy Against Bill-22

ILWU members and pensioners alike joined thousands of teachers and other supporters for a rally in Victoria to speak out against government legislated contracts and the imposition of Bill-22. BC Teachers walked off the job for three days in a mandated strike that has drawn support from the public and many other unions.

On March 6th an enormous crowd of people gathered to hear speeches from the President of the BC Federation of Labour, Jim Sinclair, NDP Opposition Leader, Adrian Dix and of course President of the BC Teachers Federation, Susan Lambert. Although the massive crowds showed support for teachers and the eradication of Bill-22, Prime Minister Christy Clark said later that the rally will not change the outcome.

The ILWU Canada continues to support the BCTF in their ongoing dispute.

Gary Moorman, Local 500 member supporting BC Teachers at the rally on the lawn of the Legislature March 6th, 2012.

Maritime Union of New Zealand Facing Management’s Contracting Out Proposal

Workers absolutely gutted with contracting out proposal

Ports of Auckland workers are absolutely gutted that management are pushing ahead with their contracting out proposal, and are calling on Aucklanders to join their public rally this Saturday to make a stand for secure jobs for workers.

Ports of Auckland will this morning announce that they are going ahead with a proposal to make 300 workers redundant and contract out their work.

Workers are devastated by the move, Maritime Union National President Garry Parsloe said this morning.

“Port management wants to take away job security from 300 ordinary working families.”

“There is no basis for this proposal.  We’re already providing flexibility and have offered even more in negotiations with the Ports.

“This announcement flies in the face of public opinion, who have made it clear to us over recent weeks that they want a sustainable Ports of Auckland, with secure jobs for its workforce.”

“We call on Mayor Len Brown to not let this happen on his watch in his time as leader of this city and owner of this Port. 

“His legacy cannot be that he stood by while these workers were treated in this way.”

Garry Parsloe said that New Zealanders had deep concerns about casualisation and the impact this was having on families.

“We don’t accept that our jobs should be casualised.  We cannot let Ports of Auckland get away with this move.  This is by no means the end of our campaign for secure work,” Garry Parsloe said.

Members of the public who want to make a stand for secure jobs and a sustainable port are invited to join Ports of Auckland workers with music, food and entertainment at Britomart this Saturday at 4pm.

For more information about MUNZ and the struggle with the Ports of Auckland, go to http://www.munz.org.nz.

International Women’s Day 2012

In celebration of International Women’s Day today, the VDLC and BC Federation of Labour are holding a family friendly event on Saturday, March 10th. This will be a family event that is free to attend, and men and children are welcome. Come celebrate the 101st International Women’s Day!

 

Saturday, March 10th

W2 Atrium @ 111 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

From 2pm – 5pm