Young Workers Conference – Application Deadline Extension

Due to the disruption at the office, we are extending the deadline for applications to June 30, 2013. For more information on how to get your application in during the office closure please see the bulletin below.

YoungWorkers-AppExt-May2013

Ports of Auckland Dispute Update

MUNZ has decided not to proceed with the injunction against Ports of Auckland as they have come to an agreement about the employment of stevedores. They will be discussing the issues and resuming bargaining for three days, starting the 4th of June. Read more about all the details of dispute, and what is to come by clicking the on the link below.

Ports of Auckland Dispute Update

***BC ELECTION DAY – MAY 14, 2013***

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

We are facing one of the most important elections here in BC in many years. The disgraced BC Liberals are trying to hold onto power by running one of the most negative campaigns in BC history. They have tried to turn this into a referendum on the popularity of leaders and have continually attacked Adrian Dix and the New Democrats although their own record in office is one of the worst ever.

The New Democrats will bring balance back to the government of BC. It is time that ordinary people were listened to again. There is more at stake here than the Liberals phony argument about the economy and the balanced budget and debt.

Just remember this government has been in power for twelve years and has run up the most provincial debt in the history of this province and we have lost 30,000 jobs since they launched their Jobs Program. The only reason the budget is balanced is because they say so, it has nothing to do with the true state of our finances.

You may have seen the Premier on TV last week with the President of the BCMEA. If you did not see it the BCMEA has endorsed the Liberals!

Please make sure you get out and vote Tuesday.

ILWU Canada Officers

Retirement Party for Tom Dufresne and Al LeMonnier Rescheduled

Due to the state of the Maritime Labour Centre the retirement party that was scheduled for May 11th to honour Tom Dufresne and Al LeMonnier will be rescheduled after summer. More information about the details of the rescheduling will be provided when we receive them.

Update on the state of the ILWU Canada Office

Recently the Maritime Labour Centre experienced a fire that has affected all of the offices in the building. We have received some information on the state ILWU Canada office and the Maritime Labour Centre. Our office is now cleaned up and ready to go, but we can not get back in yet. In fact our whole side of the building upstairs is ready to go. The problem is that a firewall needs to be built to separate it from the rest of the building and after that the City needs to do an inspection and issue an Occupancy Permit. Once this is done we will be back. The server is up and running in the office and both myself and staff member Lise are accessing it. All phone calls to the office are being forwarded to the Secretary Treasurer’s cell phone. We are attempting to carry on as best we can in a bad situation. As more information comes up we will pass it on.

In Solidarity,

Jyalmen Sidhho

Secretary Treasurer

Update on MUNZ

For the full update on the Maritime Union of New Zealand’s struggle, click on the link below.

MUNZ Update

Update on the Port of Hong Kong

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

PORT OF HONG KONG

After 40 days the strike at the Port of Hong Kong is over.

Workers from the Union of Hong Kong Dockers (UHKD) have accepted a new wage deal and been promised ongoing dialogue on issues of health and safety and dignity at work. They have also been assured there will be no retaliation against workers involved in industrial action.

We hope this signals an era of positive and open relations with contractors, Hong Kong International Terminals (HIT) and ultimately, port operator Hutchison Port Holdings.

This victory could not have been achieved without your solidarity. Over 8500 letters of protest were sent to HIT as well as thousands of messages of support to UHKD. Solidarity missions by the MUA, FNV and ILWU have helped to secure a positive resolution to this dispute.

The ITF Dockers’ Section thank you for your overwhelming display of solidarity, showing once again that if we stand together we are strong.

In Solidarity

Sharon James 

Secretary, Dockers Section

World Dockers Back Recognition of London Gateway Port Workers

The ITF is in strong support for the recognition of Unite, which is the country’s largest union. Unite will represent workers in the London Gateway. For more information and to read the full article click on the link below.

London Gateway Port Workers

Solidarity With US Dockers Locked Out by Mitsui

The ITF is asking for your support for Dockers locked out for 6 weeks by their employer, Mitsui-United Grain, at the Port of Vancouver in Washington, USA. This is being seen as an attempt to avoid negotiations for a new collective agreement, as the existing agreement has expired. View the ITF Action Alert below and send a protest letter in support.

ITF Action Alert – Dockers Locked Out by Mitsui

Solidarity With Hong Kong Dock Workers

Dock workers at the Port of Hong Kong are facing a direct attack on their basic right to strike. Hong Kong International Terminals, (HIT), has banned them from taking full industrial action having been granted a court injunction against them. Please view the links below and send them your support. Join the more than 1700 people who have voiced their protest already and defend our sisters’ and brothers’ basic right to strike.

Solidarity with Hong Kong Dock Workers

Defend the Right to Strike