April 29, 2010

Show Synopsis

• We start out the show commemorating May Day, by looking into the history of International Workers' Day.
• There will be a May Day Rally in Windsor Ontario, Canada on Saturday May 1st, starting at 4:30PM.  Parade route will start at City Hall Sq. and parade down Ouellette Ave. and arrive at the Windsor Workers' Action Centre.  
• We discuss a new study produced by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives outlining what the 2010 federal budget cuts are doing to undermine workplace safety.  Cutbacks mean less federal inspectors to actually inspect the number of recommended visits. 
• We discuss the Cap on CEO Salaries that the Hospital union is demanding.  Premier Dalton McGuinty says he's powerless to do anything about it.  The NDP say McGuinty has a clear choice: either cap executive salaries or allow further layoffs among front-line health-care workers.  The Ontario Nurses Association says 2,045 nurses have received pink slips in the past 12 months, and its members aren't seeing new jobs created in the community to offset that loss.
• We talk about the fact that the Wall St. Banks who took greedy risks caused this financial crisis and not Public Sector Workers.  The working class will always have to clean up after the ruling class.
• The CAW has an online servey to help people see just how little a person on social assistance actually recieves. 

And here are the stories and links we referenced in our broadcast :

 
May Day - the Real Labor Day
http://flag.blackened.net/daver/anarchism/mayday.html

May Day Rally 2010
http://wwac.ca/mayday/

Federal government undermining workplace safety: study
http://www.policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/news-releases/federal-government-undermining-workplace-safety-study

Hospital union wants cap on CEO salaries
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/04/27/hospital-salaries.html

Guest Post: No Wonder the Eurozone is Imploding
http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2010/04/guest-post-no-wonder-the-eurozone-is-imploding.html

Can YOU Live on Ontario Social Assistance? Do the Math.
http://www.caw.ca/en/8868.htm


WOHIS Health and safety Minute: 

The Ministry of Labour has announced a Safety Blitz targeting new and young worker safety.  In Ontario, any new worker is up to four times more likely to be injured during the first month on the job.  Ministry of Labour inspectors "will check to ensure young and new workers:

1. Are properly oriented, trained and supervised on jobs.

2. Meet minimum age requirements.

3. Are protected by safety measures to prevent injuries.

Particular attention will be focused on workplaces where many young and new workers are employed, including stores, wholesalers, restaurants and vehicle sales.

New workers need special attention to ensure they understand how to do the assigned tasks safely." 

Employers need to take time with their new workers, no matter what age.

This new and young worker safety blitz will start May 1st and run for four months.

For more information on keeping your new workers safe, or any health and safety concern contact WOHIS - Windsor Occupational Health Information SERVICE - at 3129 Marentette Avenue, directly behind Devonshire Mall, or call us at 519-254-5157.

Remember you have the right to a safe and healthy workplace!

Download This Week's Show (Right click and Save-As):

RIGHT CLICK HERE

April 22, 2010

Show Synopsis

• Sears of Canada has locked out 500 of their warehouse employees.  Sears Canada earned more than 240 Million Dollars in the last two years, and they are demanding concessions of their employees, and has locked them out, Fair bargaining indeed.  
• Talk about the need of the Employee Free Choice Act in the USA.  
• I play a youtube video produced by the I.B.E.W. showcasing what happens in a non-union environment during a Union organizing drive. 
• I play a rant by the one and only Lyle Doltser, former Show host of "All in a Day's Work", during a gathering to celebrate 60 years after the Rand formula was passed.  
• The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives have a press release about the proposed Canada-EU trade agreement and what it would mean for procurement rules for local governments.
• The Ontario Federation of Labour is calling for all unionized employees to boycott all London Ontario Shoppers Drug Marts in response to the Corporation's lobbying to sink government reform that would see generic drug prices cut by 50 per cent.

And here are the stories and links we referenced in our broadcast :

Sears Continues Lock Out Of Its Warehouse Employees After Demanding Cuts    
http://www.usw.ca/program/content/6484.php

The Employee Free Choice Act:
http://www.freechoiceact.org/petition/

Workplace Democracy: Corporate Style
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np1qYnApKWo

Proposed Canada-EU trade agreement a threat to procurement and public services: report
http://www.policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/news-releases/proposed-canada-eu-trade-agreement-threat-procurement-and-public-services-rep

OFL calls on unionized workers in London, Ontario NOT to use Shoppers Drug Mart
http://ofl.ca/index.php/news/index_in/ofl_calls_on_unionized_workers_in_london_ontario_not_to_use_shoppers_drug_m/ 


WOHIS Health and safety Minute: 

Ensuring the safety of young and new workers will be the focus of a four month enforcement blitz across Ontario beginning in May 2010.

Health and safety inspectors from the Ministry of Labour will check to ensure young and new workers are properly oriented, trained and supervised on jobs; meet minimum age requirements; and are protected by safety measures to prevent injuries.  Particular attention will be focused on workplaces where many young and new workers are employed, including stores, and restaurants.

According to Ontario's Minister of Labour:  "Young and new workers in Ontario are up to four times more likely to be injured during the first month on the job than at any other time."

Between 2004 and 2009, 27 young workers aged 15-24 were killed and 466 others were critically injured at work.

For more information about the Young workers safety blitz or any health and safety concern at your workplace contact WOHIS - Windsor Occupational Health Information SERVICE - at 3129 Marentette Avenue, directly behind Devonshire Mall, or call us at 519-254-5157.
Remember you have the right to a safe and healthy workplace!

Download This Week's Show (Right click and Save-As):

RIGHT CLICK HERE

April 15, 2010

Show Synopsis

• We talk about a quote by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Jan. 11, 1999 "Human rights commissions, as they are evolving, are an attack on our fundamental freedoms and the basic existence of a democratic society... It is in fact totalitarianism. I find this is very scary stuff."
• International Trade Union Confederation representing 175 million workers in 155 countries, has come out in favour of a Robin Hood tax on every trade in stocks, bonds, currencies and derivatives.  Surprise surprise, Stephen Harper doesn't like this idea.  The leeches of his Class will not like this one bit, not to mention this would be a Global tax on Global trade.  The tea baggers will loose it when they get a hold of this.  Conspiracy theories will fly for sure.
• We call for Don Blankenship to be charged Criminally for the death of 29 miners last week at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine in Montcoal, W.Va.  The S.O.B. knew all about the violations.  Blankenship poured $3 million into the election campaign of a candidate for the West Virginia Supreme Court, in order to replace a sitting judge who he feared would rule against Massey in an appeal against a $50 million judgment. The candidate he backed, Brent Benjamin, won the seat and voted to overturn the judgment. (The U.S. Supreme Court overturned that decision, citing Blankenship's funding of the election, and the case served as the basis of John Grisham's 2008 legal thriller, "The Appeal.")
• Canada needs to do something about our ageing workforce that are going to face serious financial problems when they retire.  A Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report points out that “Only 38% of workers have a workplace pension plan and private savings through RRSPs are woefully inadequate. The average amount held in RRSPs by those aged 55-64 is estimated at about $55,000.”  The report calls for Expanding the CPP.  We talk about the European model where employers pay the premiums of their employees' State Pension Plan.  Workers take their pensions with them regardless of employer.  Sounds good to me!

And here are the stories and links we referenced in our broadcast :

Harper's hitlist: Human rights taken out of commission
http://www.rabble.ca/news/2010/04/harper%E2%80%99s-hitlist-human-rights-taken-out-commission

Global unions back Robin Hood tax on financial transactions; Harper rejects idea
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5h1KL_gcuMnxWbHB0Hz4f1DjPuCHQ

Fatal mining disaster not just tragic, but criminal
http://www.rabble.ca/columnists/2010/04/fatal-mining-disaster-not-just-tragic-criminal

Expanding CPP most effective means of pension reform: report
http://www.policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/news-releases/expanding-cpp-most-effective-means-pension-reform-report


WOHIS Health and safety Minute: 

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning.  Wednesday April 28th is the day set aside to recognize and reflect on the thousands of Ontarians killed annually as a result of work, and hundreds of thousands who suffer work-related injuries and diseases.

In Windsor on Wednesday April 28th at 5:30 p.m. we will gather at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church hall with a Procession to Coventry Gardens at 6 p.m.   This year's ceremony includes tree planting and dove release.  Everyone is invited!

WOHIS is anxious about the new legislation effective June 15, 2010 - Bill 168 - an Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters.  This law will finally allow most workers the right to refuse work if violence is likely to endanger the worker. 

For more information about the National Day of Mourning or any health and safety concern at your workplace contact WOHIS - Windsor Occupational Health Information SERVICE - at 3129 Marentette Avenue, directly behind Devonshire Mall, or call us at 519-254-5157.

Remember you have the right to a safe and healthy workplace!

Download This Week's Show (Right click and Save-As):

RIGHT CLICK HERE

April 8, 2010

Our show this week centered around :

• We start the show with an analysis of the recent tragedy in China where at least 12  Coal Miners died.  China's mining industry is the deadliest in the world, 2631 Coal Miners died in China last year alone.  So there really is a high cost for low prices.  
• We discuss the Terrible mining accident in West Virginia, and the list of safety violations that the mine was already facing before this latest explosion.  SHAME!
• We talk about a Letter of the Day from the Sudbury Star written by a Vale-Inco worker on strike.  The letter explains why he's still holding strong after over 8 months on strike.  
• We call out Windsor Star columnist Chris Vander Doelan for his supposed fair and balanced opinions.  
• A group of labour activists met Tuesday night at the Caboto Club to discuss the announcement of privatizing public daycare, garbage collection and provincial offences enforcement.  CUPE reminded us that municipal elections are approaching and we need to remember which councillors supported the outsourcing of these public sector jobs.  
• we announce that the International Longshore and Warehouse Union has elected 2 Women to Senior Roles.  A great show of progressive stride for the ILWU.
• The SEIU aided a grassroots movement to crackdown on runaway hospital  CEO's pay. Click on the story link below and read the article to sign up to take part in a rally in your area.

And here are the stories and links to them that we referenced in our broadcast :

Rescuers in fading bid to save 26 from China mine
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jtv5g3SogRCpX-mQE8lqlqDkRVYQD9EUJ1883

AFL-CIO rips company that owns site of deadly mine blast
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/90845-afl-cio-rips-company-that-owns-site-of-deadly-mine-blast

Why I'm still on strike after more than 8 months
http://www.thesudburystar.com/PrintArticle.aspx?e=2519530

Chris Vander Doelen: CUPE girds for battle
http://www.windsorstar.com/news/Chris+Vander+Doelen+CUPE+girds+battle/2775947/story.html

Windsor labour community calls for unity, decries privatization
http://www.windsorstar.com/business/Windsor+labour+community+calls+unity+decries+privatization/2771185/story.html

Women elected to dockers' union roles
http://www.itfglobal.org/news-online/index.cfm/newsdetail/4347

SEIU strikes blow on executive pay
http://www.seiu.ca/2010/04/seiu-strikes-blow-on-executive-pay.php


WOHIS Health and safety Minute: 
Bill 168, An Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to
violence and harassment in the workplace will officially come into force on June 15, 2010. Representing the most significant change to the Act in almost two decades, the new law sets forth significant obligations for employers. Employers will be required to develop a comprehensive policy and program on workplace violence and harassment.

The Workers Health & Safety Centre will make a special  3 hour presentation aimed at meeting the information needs of worker representatives.

This free 3-hour presentation will include the following:

·        An overview of Bill 168,

·        An overview of what management will need to do to comply with Bill 168,

·        What evidence of compliance should be observable by workers; and

·        How worker rights are affected.

If you plan to attend this presentation on May 6th at CAW Local 200/444 Hall,
pre-registration is required.

The presentation runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

***

Pocket Ontario OH&S Act & Regulations 2010 - Consolidated Edition have arrived and are now available at WOHIS!



Included in this edition, is the anticipated addition regarding Violence and
Harassment, to come into force on June 15th, 2010.

***



For more information about this or any health and safety concern at your workplace contact WOHIS - Windsor Occupational Health Information SERVICE - at 3129 Marentette Avenue, directly behind Devonshire Mall, or call us at 519-254-5157.

Remember you have the right to a safe and healthy workplace!

Download This Week's Show (Right click and Save-As):

RIGHT CLICK HERE

April 1, 2010

Our show this week centered around :

• We start the show discussing a protest at THE Esquimalt Graving Docks in British Columbia, where the Iron Workers local 97 are protesting the use of offshore workers unloading a crane that was built offshore, and will be used to unload offshore goods.  A slippery slope indeed.  
• Jessica and Paul have a discussion about the fact that the workers are not at fault here, they are only doing what any working class person does, survive.
• We also have a look at the new evolutions of capitalism, what workers will be facing in the not so far future.
• Vale-Inco is facing municipal charges over zoning issues with housing their Scabs in their Copper Cliff operations, it's illegal because it is in an industrial zone.  This is an important show of support from the municipal government and the community of  Sudbury.  This shows not only the workers on strike but to Vale-Inco to show that if Vale chooses to continues this strike, that the people of Sudbury will find ways to make Vale-Inco uncomfortable.
• The Ontario Nurses' Association has thrown in their support for the United Steel Workers on Strike against Vale-Inco.  They have an online form to send Vale CEO Roger Agnellis your feelings about the strike.  Let him have it!
• Capitalism's destructive cycles always seem to boom and bust, constantly needing some sort of Bail Out in order to continue.  We discuss this dynamic.
• An we end with the Public Sector Workers holding the bag, being the last workers to have any semblance of the old union wages, being under attack by the right wing of our government demanding that they must come down to the private sector.  They always want workers to come down to the lowest common denominator, when we should be asking, "why are we not making the wages of public sector workers?"  They have only gotten wage increases equal to inflation, meaning what their wage in the 70's bought them the  same lifestyle they have today.  They have tricked the Private sector into believing their lies that CEOs and Executive members need to make their REDICULOUS salaries at the expense of the workers.  The public’s  employees are being asked to make a contribution of $750 million towards a $3.6-billion tax cut for large corporations. 

And here are the stories and links to them that we referenced in our broadcast :

UNION PROTESTS FOREIGN WORK AT GRAVING DOCKS
http://www.cfax1070.com/newsstory.php?newsId=13021

Vale Inco to face charges over housing of replacement workers in Sudbury
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iklKpSgPoP6LrNQtXYeDsG42KEqQ

ONA members rally for striking Steelworkers
http://www.ona.org/news_details.html?article_id=230

Public sector workers paying for corporate tax cuts
http://www.nupge.ca/content/public-sector-workers-paying-corporate-tax-cuts


WOHIS Health and safety Minute: 
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning.  Wednesday April 28th is the day set aside to recognize and reflect on the thousands of Ontarians killed annually as a result of work, and hundreds of thousands who suffer work-related injuries and diseases.

In Windsor on Wednesday April 28th at 5:30 p.m. we will gather at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church hall with a Procession to Coventry Gardens at 6 p.m.   This year's ceremony includes tree planting and dove release.  Everyone is invited!

WOHIS is anxious about the new legislation effective June 15, 2010 - Bill 168 - an Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters.  This law will finally allow most workers the right to refuse work if violence is likely to endanger the worker. 

For more information about the National Day of Mourning or any health and safety concern at your workplace contact WOHIS - Windsor Occupational Health Information Service - at 3129 Marentette Avenue, directly behind Devonshire Mall, or call us at 519-254-5157.


Remember you have the right to a safe and healthy workplace!

Download This Week's Show (Right click and Save-As):

RIGHT CLICK HERE