- 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!
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!
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