September 17, 2015
2015 Ottawa Labour Day March and Picnic
In an incredible show of support and unity Ottawa’s labour community and their many friends took part in this year’s annual Labour Day March and Picnic. Leaving Ottawa City Hall to McNabb Park many observered one of the largest March turnouts in memory. Carrying several messages the walk was led by Unifor members who currently are locked out by their employer at the Ottawa airport.
At McNabb Park over 5000 people participated in a fun filled day. PIPSC National president Debi Daviau representing the Canadian Labour Congress addressed the gathering on the importance of the upcoming Federal election. Congratulations to PIPSC NCR for winning the ATU 279 Trophy for best float.
2015 Federal Election
In one of the longest election periods ever held Canadians will go to the polls on October 19th to elect a government. Stephen Harper and the Conservatives have made no secret of their disdain for unions since first coming to power. Through back-to-work legislation, anti-union government bills such as C-377 and C-525 and a host of other legislative changes and policies union members and their families have suffered. Now more than ever union members need to be involved in this election. Casting a ballot and volunteering for a candidate will go a long way ensuring we elect a government who wants to work together with us and not against working people. Our Political Action and Municipal Affairs Committee has been hard at work and will be providing further information throughout the campaign. For more info on our issues check out betterchoice.ca
In addition, the Ottawa and District Labour Council and the Canadian Labour Congress are holding canvass nights for NDP candidates in the Ottawa area. The canvasses take place on Tuesday evenings and commenced September 8th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Each Tuesday will see a different riding selected for the canvass. We will also be holding Saturday canvasses. For more info contact the Labour Council.
Ottawa Airport Taxis Locked-Out
On August 11th the Ottawa Airport Authority locked out Airport Taxis at the Ottawa International Airport. The drivers are members of Unifor Local 1688. The attack against the airport drivers by Coventry Connection continues as the imposed doubling of fees paid by drivers was implemented at the airport without discussion or negotiation. All of this in addition to UBER illegally operating in our city. Labour Council reminds our affiliates and friends to support Ottawa’s unionized workforce.
Unifor has requested that anyone flying into the Ottawa airport not use any and all taxis leaving the airport. The union considers all of these drivers scabs. Instead you are asked to use the shuttle, OC Transpo, rent a car, have a friend or coworker pick you up. However, if travelling to the airport from any other area of the city do use BlueLine or Capital taxis.
Canada Post
The loss of door to door mail delivery remains a priority and a Federal election issue not only for CUPW and the broader labour community but for many others. If talking to candidates or attending all candidate debates as we head towwards October 19th please ask them what their position is on the loss of door to door mail delivery.
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This is to inform you that we will be announcing the application process for the CWA Joe Beirne Foundation’s scholarship for the 2018-2019 school year.