The 5th Estate does a credible job following the bankruptcy of Edscha with additional commentary from Alumetco (CAW) closure in Brantford.
This is a must watch.
http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/2009-2010/the_education_of_brian_nicholl/
In 2007, the Ontario Liberals refused to help. It's no different in 2009.
The Ontario Liberals turned their backs on saving our jobs, our severance and our termination pay. Since 2007 the former employee of Genfast continue to hold the Federal and Provincial Governments accountable.
Since our closure, the Wage Earner Protection Act has come into law. Too late for Genfast Employees, however, this legislation helps those whose companies have declared bankruptcy or used bankruptcy provisions to continue global operations and avoid their legal obligations in Canada and Ontario.
As long as our governments allow the pillaging of our industrial sector, closures and orchestrated bankruptcies will remain to be a monthly occurance.
There is little indication that the government realizes the technology that is leaving and let alone the jobs that are lost.
Showing posts with label Jobs worth Fighting For. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jobs worth Fighting For. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Brantford District Labour Council
Brantford District Labour Council has a new website.
Check it out here.
http://www.brantfordlabourcouncil.ca/
Check it out here.
http://www.brantfordlabourcouncil.ca/
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Here are the thoughts of my friend Marc Laferriere after dropping into the Steelworker Action Centre on Friday.
http://www.brantmarc.ca/
I was visiting a packed house at the Steelworkers Action Centre BBQ today. I met with and heard some of the concerns of many of the recently and not-so-recently laid off in our community when the news hit. 350 more jobs lost as Raymond Industrial closes.Greg McMillan wrote a spot on piece (See Brantford.com blog)
http://brantford.com/columns.cfm?page=columns§ion=read&titleId=363
that really looks at the effect on the workers and their families. I highly recommend it to get a sense of the human impact this closing had and will continue to have on our community. Here is a small taste:"I am guessing that just about everyone reading this knows of someone affected by the Raymond closing. That’s how much these workers are entrenched in the community...I hazard to guess that not since the major farm equipment manufacturing meltdown have we witnessed anything similar to this. It’s not pleasant to point out, but isn’t it a fact?
"The comments at the BBQ said it all. “I thought this recession was supposed to be over?” said a friend of mine. In Brantford the recession is definitely not over.
Food bank use increased 28% and continues to rise this year.
Local unemployment is at 13% and the national average sits at 8.7%. The gap between the local and national numbers is troubling. Big shiny cheques are delivered on the front pages of our local newspapers while the smaller cheques, the ones our workers used to feed their families are disappearing or moving to other countries. We paid into EI for years just to help us transition out of messes like this one.
It came off your pay cheque every payday. You paid for it, created a surplus for just such an occasion and they took it from you.
Tax cuts are made for businesses with no strings attached. They have used that money to set up shop overseas. We paid for that too.
I would much rather have had the wages that were taken from me go to help out the families of laid off workers. I don’t mind paying taxes if it means sustainable growth and if the money goes to the things we want it to go to like better health care, and a higher quality of life for our communities.
We need a prudent sensible plan. The NDP has one and I would invite you to read our platform on “Creating Jobs and Innovation in a New Energy Economy.”
In it we show how a Green-Collar Jobs fund is a sensible investment for our economy and our environment. How a Job Protection Commissioner is needed to investigate major layoffs and shut downs like the Raymond Plant or the many others that have hit us in the last several years.
It outlines a way to add pro-active measures to provide the right kind of atmosphere for job creation and innovation in all sectors not just for the oil companies and the banks. Sectors based strategies in manufacturing; petro-chemicals; environmental technologies; tool and die; machinery and equipment; tourism; media; telecommunications; and agriculture.Big shiny cheques are nice for those who get them but sustainable, forward thinking strategies are better for everyone.
Thanks Marc
We need a plan, tax cuts and trade agreements aren't plans.
Brian
http://www.brantmarc.ca/
I was visiting a packed house at the Steelworkers Action Centre BBQ today. I met with and heard some of the concerns of many of the recently and not-so-recently laid off in our community when the news hit. 350 more jobs lost as Raymond Industrial closes.Greg McMillan wrote a spot on piece (See Brantford.com blog)
http://brantford.com/columns.cfm?page=columns§ion=read&titleId=363
that really looks at the effect on the workers and their families. I highly recommend it to get a sense of the human impact this closing had and will continue to have on our community. Here is a small taste:"I am guessing that just about everyone reading this knows of someone affected by the Raymond closing. That’s how much these workers are entrenched in the community...I hazard to guess that not since the major farm equipment manufacturing meltdown have we witnessed anything similar to this. It’s not pleasant to point out, but isn’t it a fact?
"The comments at the BBQ said it all. “I thought this recession was supposed to be over?” said a friend of mine. In Brantford the recession is definitely not over.
Food bank use increased 28% and continues to rise this year.
Local unemployment is at 13% and the national average sits at 8.7%. The gap between the local and national numbers is troubling. Big shiny cheques are delivered on the front pages of our local newspapers while the smaller cheques, the ones our workers used to feed their families are disappearing or moving to other countries. We paid into EI for years just to help us transition out of messes like this one.
It came off your pay cheque every payday. You paid for it, created a surplus for just such an occasion and they took it from you.
Tax cuts are made for businesses with no strings attached. They have used that money to set up shop overseas. We paid for that too.
I would much rather have had the wages that were taken from me go to help out the families of laid off workers. I don’t mind paying taxes if it means sustainable growth and if the money goes to the things we want it to go to like better health care, and a higher quality of life for our communities.
We need a prudent sensible plan. The NDP has one and I would invite you to read our platform on “Creating Jobs and Innovation in a New Energy Economy.”
In it we show how a Green-Collar Jobs fund is a sensible investment for our economy and our environment. How a Job Protection Commissioner is needed to investigate major layoffs and shut downs like the Raymond Plant or the many others that have hit us in the last several years.
It outlines a way to add pro-active measures to provide the right kind of atmosphere for job creation and innovation in all sectors not just for the oil companies and the banks. Sectors based strategies in manufacturing; petro-chemicals; environmental technologies; tool and die; machinery and equipment; tourism; media; telecommunications; and agriculture.Big shiny cheques are nice for those who get them but sustainable, forward thinking strategies are better for everyone.
Thanks Marc
We need a plan, tax cuts and trade agreements aren't plans.
Brian
Friday, September 18, 2009
Raymond
http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1759761
Raymond Industrial Equipment, a manufacturer of forklifts and related equipment, is closing, putting several hundred people out of work, sources said Friday.
Employees were met by the news of the Elgin Street plant’s closure early Friday morning.
It is expected the plant will move its operations to the U.S. over the next several months. The plant’s parent company, Raymond Corporation, is headquartered in Greene, NY.
Raymond Industrial Equipment, a manufacturer of forklifts and related equipment, is closing, putting several hundred people out of work, sources said Friday.
Employees were met by the news of the Elgin Street plant’s closure early Friday morning.
It is expected the plant will move its operations to the U.S. over the next several months. The plant’s parent company, Raymond Corporation, is headquartered in Greene, NY.
Raymonds to Close
I just got off the phone with a former Genfast Employee who had been working at Raymonds.
They announced their intention to close the operations.
They announced their intention to close the operations.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
E.C.P. Strike One year in the trenches
The E.C.P strike is now over 1 year. On Sunday I spent some time on the line, the date marking 1 full year of picketing. The solidarity on that line is impressive. Good people of good character. No doubt a great workforce that has bonded with each other. I was treated to hamburgs, sausages, cabbages, pie, and more as they reflected 1 year outside the plant during one of the coldest winters and one of the wettest summers. Many many vehicles that drove by, honk their horns in support and people cheered.
But for me, there is something wrong with the entire situation.
The unbalanced nature of our Labour Laws combined with the command of Global, Foreign own companies and the power they wield over Canadian Operations and the governments of Canada and Ontario. Never before have I directly witnessed a strike for so long a period. Now more then ever, I understand the need to rebalance our labour laws and laws on foreign ownership in Canada.
But for me, there is something wrong with the entire situation.
The unbalanced nature of our Labour Laws combined with the command of Global, Foreign own companies and the power they wield over Canadian Operations and the governments of Canada and Ontario. Never before have I directly witnessed a strike for so long a period. Now more then ever, I understand the need to rebalance our labour laws and laws on foreign ownership in Canada.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Meridian Blockade
http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1651572
Deal struck to end CAW blockade
Posted By RICHARD BEALES
Posted 1 hour ago
A deal has been struck to end as early as Tuesday the blockade by workers of Meridian Automotive Sevices Ltd. on Henry Street -- but the company itself is not part of the deal.
The Xerox Corp. instead played the role of key broker during a motion at Superior Court Friday. Xerox, whose equipment and product was blocked inside the plant by workers demanding severance consideration by Meridian, worked two deals during court recesses to pave the way for an end to the impasse.
First, it off ered to pay landlord Brant Business Park $122,000 to secure the release of its property. That offer, representing the amount Xerox owed Meridian for its manufacturing services, was quickly accepted by the landlord's lawyer, who then left the courtroom.
Deal struck to end CAW blockade
Posted By RICHARD BEALES
Posted 1 hour ago
A deal has been struck to end as early as Tuesday the blockade by workers of Meridian Automotive Sevices Ltd. on Henry Street -- but the company itself is not part of the deal.
The Xerox Corp. instead played the role of key broker during a motion at Superior Court Friday. Xerox, whose equipment and product was blocked inside the plant by workers demanding severance consideration by Meridian, worked two deals during court recesses to pave the way for an end to the impasse.
First, it off ered to pay landlord Brant Business Park $122,000 to secure the release of its property. That offer, representing the amount Xerox owed Meridian for its manufacturing services, was quickly accepted by the landlord's lawyer, who then left the courtroom.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Journey For JOBS RALLY MONDAY 4-7
Check out this video.... We didn't get paid...
Sound familiar???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuYOp0B8V4I
Sound familiar???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuYOp0B8V4I
Monday, June 8, 2009
A busy Week.....
This week has been very busy.
The Brant Roundtable on Poverty held two events.
1) The Community Garden. (If you like growing your own things and need land, its free and they have secured a beautiful location at Mohawk and Birketts.
2) The Temporary Employment Agency Workers forum. I was pleased to participate as one of the guest speakers. It was a room full of knowledge and many questions regarding Agency practices where highlighted and addressed.
The Brantford District Labour Council is in full gear organizing the Journey For Jobs. The dates for the Caravan is set in stone, and the bands, the food, and routes are planned. Its going to be alot of fun, to lighten us up under some very difficult circumstances. June 22nd with an overnight at Brant Park then out to the streets and a number of stops around the city before trekking to Simcoe and then to Hamilton for another BBQ and a stop at Confederation Park.
Most of the events, food, and overnights will be free. This is an event for everyone to get out and make some noise and have a good time. Even find a job in the process.
The BrantNDP hosted a free BBQ at Mohawk Park for everyone who showed up to meet the new Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. She is focused on getting people organized to help make their lives better. The more that help, the better off we will be. It was a great time and alot of fun.
And... then.... the USW VS MNP Case at the Labour Relation Board. The case was heard for two days. I had time for Wednesdays opening statements...and there was a group of us that went down to observe.
The USW will be holding an Information Session in Hamilton later this month or first week in July. Updates to follow..
The Brant Roundtable on Poverty held two events.
1) The Community Garden. (If you like growing your own things and need land, its free and they have secured a beautiful location at Mohawk and Birketts.
2) The Temporary Employment Agency Workers forum. I was pleased to participate as one of the guest speakers. It was a room full of knowledge and many questions regarding Agency practices where highlighted and addressed.
The Brantford District Labour Council is in full gear organizing the Journey For Jobs. The dates for the Caravan is set in stone, and the bands, the food, and routes are planned. Its going to be alot of fun, to lighten us up under some very difficult circumstances. June 22nd with an overnight at Brant Park then out to the streets and a number of stops around the city before trekking to Simcoe and then to Hamilton for another BBQ and a stop at Confederation Park.
Most of the events, food, and overnights will be free. This is an event for everyone to get out and make some noise and have a good time. Even find a job in the process.
The BrantNDP hosted a free BBQ at Mohawk Park for everyone who showed up to meet the new Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. She is focused on getting people organized to help make their lives better. The more that help, the better off we will be. It was a great time and alot of fun.
And... then.... the USW VS MNP Case at the Labour Relation Board. The case was heard for two days. I had time for Wednesdays opening statements...and there was a group of us that went down to observe.
The USW will be holding an Information Session in Hamilton later this month or first week in July. Updates to follow..
Thursday, May 21, 2009
JOURNEY FOR JOBS
CALLING ALL WORKERSUNION OR NON UNIONLAID OFF?
JOBLESS?
EI FINISHED? DON'T QUALIFY?
STUCK ON THE TEMP SERVICE MERRY GO ROUND?
IS YOUR COMMUNITY GROUP/SERVICE AGENCY TAXED TO THE LIMIT?
TIRED OF POLITICIANS AVOIDING OUR ISSUES?
STILL WORKING BUT FEAR WHO'S JOB WILL BE NEXT?
WE NEED YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
TENTATIVE DATE JUNE 22nd
JOURNEY THROUGH ONTARIO OR JOIN FOR A DAY
For more information
DON GUEST 519 759 3269
journeyforjobsbrant@ymail.com
JOBLESS?
EI FINISHED? DON'T QUALIFY?
STUCK ON THE TEMP SERVICE MERRY GO ROUND?
IS YOUR COMMUNITY GROUP/SERVICE AGENCY TAXED TO THE LIMIT?
TIRED OF POLITICIANS AVOIDING OUR ISSUES?
STILL WORKING BUT FEAR WHO'S JOB WILL BE NEXT?
WE NEED YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
TENTATIVE DATE JUNE 22nd
JOURNEY THROUGH ONTARIO OR JOIN FOR A DAY
For more information
DON GUEST 519 759 3269
journeyforjobsbrant@ymail.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
ECONOMIC TOWN HALL FRIDAY (TOMMORROW) March 20th with Andrea Horwath and Jack Layton
TOWN HALL MEETING
FRIDAY March 20th, 2009
Hosted in the USW Steelworkers Hall
1031 Barton St. East
Hamilton, Ont.
Newly Elected Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, Andrea Horwath and Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton will be present to hear from You and Your Family.
Join the delegation leaving from the Steelworker Action Centre in Brantford, at 11am.
ALL are welcome and encouraged to attend.
FRIDAY March 20th, 2009
Hosted in the USW Steelworkers Hall
1031 Barton St. East
Hamilton, Ont.
Newly Elected Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, Andrea Horwath and Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton will be present to hear from You and Your Family.
Join the delegation leaving from the Steelworker Action Centre in Brantford, at 11am.
ALL are welcome and encouraged to attend.
JOBS FIRST RALLY SATURDAY MARCH 21ST
JOBS FIRST RALLY
"It's time to Protect People"
HAMILTON CONVENTION CENTRE
SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2009
Doors open at NOON
Entertainment provided
RALLY AT 1 PM FOLLOWED by a MARCH!
Bring Flags, Noise Makers, Families and Friends
Organized by the Canadian Labour Congress,The Hamilton & District Labour Council and its affilate
For More information
Contact:Gary Howe 905 547 1417 ext 226
Don Fraser 905 547 2944
"It's time to Protect People"
HAMILTON CONVENTION CENTRE
SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2009
Doors open at NOON
Entertainment provided
RALLY AT 1 PM FOLLOWED by a MARCH!
Bring Flags, Noise Makers, Families and Friends
Organized by the Canadian Labour Congress,The Hamilton & District Labour Council and its affilate
For More information
Contact:Gary Howe 905 547 1417 ext 226
Don Fraser 905 547 2944
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Action Centre Usage RISES DRAMATICALLY
Hello all former USW workers. The Steelworker Action Centre is seeing unprecedented traffic. From other plant closings, walkin traffic and some of us who made it home free are getting caught in the next wave of closures. There may be no escaping what is happening out there. In another note. Alumetco should catch the attention of any former Genfast Worker. Locked out since November and then the company declares Bankruptcy.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Brians Open House
Everyone is invited to my Campaign Office Open House
MONDAY Sept 22 ND
7PM
249 Murray Street
Brantford
Call 519 751 9111
Monday, March 10, 2008
Rally in Hamilton
There is a Rally at the AM CAN Plant
TUESDAY MARCH 11th
10:30 AM
All AM CAN, GENFAST and EASTON COATINGS Personell are welcome to attend.
10 Hillyard
Hamilton Ontario
There is a vehicle leaving from the parking lot near 44 elgin st.
TUESDAY MARCH 11th
10:30 AM
All AM CAN, GENFAST and EASTON COATINGS Personell are welcome to attend.
10 Hillyard
Hamilton Ontario
There is a vehicle leaving from the parking lot near 44 elgin st.
Monday, March 3, 2008
WHo is on your Side
I think this is good reading for anyone from Genfast.
http://hansardindex.ontla.on.ca/hansardeissue/39-1/l006.htm
http://hansardindex.ontla.on.ca/hansardeissue/39-1/l006.htm
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Howard Hampton Coming To Brantford
The Campaign is gathering Momemtum. This is very Clear.
Howard Hampton Will be coming to Brantford,
Thursday October 4th,
2pm at Tim Hortons265 King George Road. (the newer one by Food Basics)
You are all welcome to come and join the campaign.
For more Info Call 519 751 9111 (Brant NDP)
Howard Hampton Will be coming to Brantford,
Thursday October 4th,
2pm at Tim Hortons265 King George Road. (the newer one by Food Basics)
You are all welcome to come and join the campaign.
For more Info Call 519 751 9111 (Brant NDP)
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