MONTREAL – Marie Clarke Walker, a Toronto school board worker (Local 4400) was acclaimed executive vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress for a second three-year term at the CLC’s 24th constitutional convention held here June 13-17.
CLC president Ken Georgetti faced a challenge from Carol Wall, a Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union member who won more than a third of the vote.
About 250 CUPE delegates joined debates and passed policy papers on public-private partnerships, workplace training and life-long learning, and a labour agenda for industrial and economic development.
They also adopted an action plan calling for:
- the overturning of the Supreme Court decision in the Chaoulli case that threatens to undermine the Canada Health Act;
- a strategy to assist in organizing Wal-Mart workers;
- the promotion of a national child care program;
- the creation of a national post-secondary education and training act;
- better public pensions;
- partnership agreements to increase aboriginal representation in the workforce;
- support for the “New Deal for Cities and Communities”; efforts to make poverty history; equality rights and international solidarity.
CUPE delegates went to the floor microphones on dozens of resolutions, some falling under the group name “Unions make a difference in the workplace, the community and the world.”
The convention also adopted resolutions on better heath care, child care and infrastructure for our communities among other issues of concern to CUPE members.
CUPE president Paul Moist and others also joined a pay equity rally in support of Bell Canada workers.