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The CLC is providing a unique opportunity for pension activists from all sectors of the Canadian labour movement to share experiences and learn from one another at its Pension Conference scheduled for February 4, 5 and 6, 2001 in Ottawa. The conference is a must-attend for CUPE pension activists trustees, committee members and activists who want to learn more about good pensions. In plenary sessions and concurrent workshops, participants will look at how pension funds are invested, how to fight for equity issues in our workplace pensions, how to improve pension wages, the future of Canadas public pension system and much more.

The CAW is still under full sanctions at the CLC and the CLC officers and executive are continuing to do what we can to put an end to this grave situation. At the beginning of December, a letter went to CAW president Buzz Hargrove signed by all members of the Executive Council. The letter states clearly our view that the CAW should be a full participant in the important work of the CLC and urges the CAW to reconsider its decision not to ratify an agreement negotiated in November between the CAW and SEIU with the help of the CLC. Efforts had been ongoing over the last number of months to assist the two unions to come to an agreement to resolve the raiding dispute. The agreement included lifting trusteeships for the locals affected; it set out a future process for voting on representation for the affected union members; former local executive members would be eligible to run for election; and outstanding staff issues are in the process of being resolved. As the CLC Executive stated in its letter:

Brother Hargrove, we believe the appropriate place for the CAW to be is in the CLC. Then we can engage in debates on these issues and ultimately let the decisions be made by the activists who attend the Convention from our local unions.

Working people on many fronts: at the worksite, in the political arena and at the bargaining table, are facing a coordinated attack by corporations and right-wing politicians. The need for working people, through the CLC, Federations and Labour Councils to be united has never been greater or more necessary.