Premiers’ new deal fails to protect public services
Canada’s premiers and territorial leaders reached an agreement on labour mobility at the Council of the Federation conference this week in Québec City.
The agreement includes a tribunal mechanism to resolve internal trade disputes, coupled with up to
$5 million in penalties for governments that fail to comply with the terms of the agreement.
This agreement penalizes provinces who wish to strengthen credentials and standards, while empowering corporations and investors to sue provincial and municipal governments.
The premiers’ new deal fails to protect public services and maintain quality regulation standards.
Moist answers questions many Canadians are thinking
In a series of short videos launched on cupe.ca, CUPE National President Paul Moist discusses a number of issues that are on the minds of members across the country.
Watch Moist comment on a strong federal vision, the economic challenges facing working Canadians, the myths surrounding so-called public-private partnerships, and the Trade and Investment Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA).
The video series links directly to a letter that viewers can send automatically to their premier demanding action or expressing concerns that affect the well-being of all Canadians.
CUPE scrutinizes Air Canada actions
Air Canada has refused to release a study justifying the necessity of laying off 630 flight attendants and closing bases in Winnipeg and Halifax.
CUPE National President Paul Moist denounced Air Canada for showing “flagrant disrespect”.
“In addition to causing upheaval in the lives of flight attendants and their families, it is affecting the economies of several regions – all the while showing neither sufficient justification nor good will towards mitigating the damage,” said Moist.
Lesley Swann, president of CUPE’s Air Canada component, urges Air Canada to validate its decisions and to provide adequate voluntary separation packages.
“Why get rid of young flight attendants who want to stay and keep older flight attendants who want to leave?”
Moist flew to Halifax last Monday, June 14 to address 150 Air Canada flight attendants at a rally and news conference at the Halifax Airport.
Moist declared the union’s full support. Flight attendants also heard from Local President Lisa Vivian Anthony and Nova Scotia NDP leader Darrell Dexter who called on the Premier to speak critically about the proposed cuts.
In a letter to Moist, Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly pledged his support for CUPE’s campaign against the layoffs.
On July 28, a cross country national rally will be held in each city where Air Canada maintains a base: Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver. Check www.cupe.ca for details on the rallies.
Canadian and Colombian unions unite in defense of public services
The leaders of four major Canadian public sector unions will visit Colombia July 18-25. The Frontlines Leaders Tour is part of a strategy of public sector unions to defend quality public services at home and around the world.
CUPE National President Paul Moist will join leaders from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the National Union of Public and General Employees.
The tour will strengthen solidarity ties among Colombian counterpart organizations as leaders and discuss the role of public sector unions in defending public services against privatization and corporate globalization policies.
The visit will also allow the leaders to discuss the Colombian government’s human rights record and concerns about the recent free trade agreement with Canada.
CUPE to host Colombian activist
Colombian union activist Maria Fernanda Bolanos will visit Canada at the end of this month as a guest of CUPE. Bolanos’ union, SINTRAEMSIRVA, has fought boldly against privatization and threats to jobs and benefits.
Bolanos, a mentor and leader of various union committees, will meet with union members in Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Colombia, and Manitoba.
:te/cope 491