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International Women’s Day March 8, 2020

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Dear members,

International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 is a day dedicated to honouring and celebrating women’s achievements throughout history and to the ongoing efforts toward achieving equality for women in all equity-seeking groups.

IWD was started by working women to call attention to poor pay and working conditions. It grew, and today it is a day to recognize the gains we have made and recommit to action to eliminate the barriers that still exist.

Unifor is encouraging members to use this IWD to call for ratification of International Labour Organization Convention 190 for the elimination of harassment and violence in the world of work. An IWD statement with more information will be emailed in the coming days, along with links to social media shareables for IWD.

Leading up to and on IWD, activists around the world will be marching, dancing, attending meals, and sharing on social media. I encourage you all to find a march or event in your community. You can find a partial list of events Unifor locals and activists will be part of here.

Please also ensure to bring high-visibility Unifor materials including flags and clothing and tag us on Twitter @UnifortheUnion, and on Facebook and Instagram at @UniforCanada so we can share your pictures.

In solidarity,

Naureen Rizvi
Ontario Regional Director

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Black History Month – William Peyton Hubbard

Black History Month in Canada

Black History Month is observed across Canada every February. Black History Month in Canada provides an opportunity to share and learn about the experiences, contributions and achievements of peoples of African ancestry (see Black Canadians). It was initiated in Canada by the Ontario Black History Society and introduced to Parliament in December 1995 by Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected as a member of Parliament. Black History Month was officially observed across Canada for the first time in February 1996 (see also Black History in Canada).

Unifor  1996-O Recognize:

William Peyton Hubbard

Peyton Hubbard

 

In Solidarity,

Equity Committee 1996-O

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Unifor members join thousands of workers across Ontario to protest PC policy conference

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Complaint filed against Bell Canada and Rogers for anti-competitive conduct

On Feb. 21, TekSavvy Solutions Inc. filed a complaint with the Competition Bureau, alleging that internet service providers Bell Canada and Rogers Communications Canada Inc. have engaged in anti-competitive practices such as rate manipulation.

In the complaint, which sought an inquiry and enforcement action by the federal competition commissioner, TekSavvy, a competitor of Bell and Rogers, says the telecommunications companies took advantage of their dominant positions in the wholesale market to drive up costs. In the retail markets, Bell and Rogers targeted competitors using their internet brands, respectively named “Virgin” and “Fido,” to offer retail prices below the wholesale prices in order to exclude retail competitors, the complaint said.

TekSavvy argued that Bell and Rogers had met all three requisites under s. 79(1) of the Competition Act, RSC 1985, c C-34: the two companies jointly dominated the wholesale and retail markets in their incumbent serving territories, they committed anti-competitive acts to the effect of excluding competitors such as TekSavvy, and they substantially lessened and prevented competition in the markets due to their anti-competitive acts.

Read here….

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Bombardier workers urge governments to fund Toronto transit vehicle purchase

Thunder Bay—Workers at Bombardier’s manufacturing facility in Thunder Bay are urging both the Ontario and federal governments to immediately fulfil the City of Toronto’s funding needs for streetcar and subway trains.

“If Toronto’s transit needs are going to be met, on time, then both levels of government must act swiftly to fund the city’s vehicle orders,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Thunder Bay workers’ livelihoods are at stake while the Toronto transit system continues to suffer from significant congestion problems.”

The 2020 Toronto City Council Budget passed on February 19 and includes the city’s portion of funding for its long-term vehicle procurement plans. This plan includes the immediate purchase of 60 streetcars and 80 new much needed subway trains, both built in Thunder Bay. On February 24, Unifor representatives held a positive meeting with Mayor John Tory to discuss shared concerns with securing the remaining funding.

Historically, both the province and federal governments have consistently approved funding for the city’s transit needs in a timely fashion. However, in 2019 both levels of government were slow to deliver funding for transit projects, but quick to trade barbs with who was to blame for delays.

In early February, Bombardier reached a deal with French rail manufacturer Alstom SA to sell its rail division, including its Thunder Bay manufacturing facilities. When working at full capacity, the Bombardier Thunder Bay manufacturing facility employs approximately 1,400 workers.

“Our plant has been around for more than 100 years and though different owners have come and gone we have always produce high quality products,” said Dominic Pasqualino, Unifor Local 1075 President. “All levels of government and all political parties need to move without delay to fund their share of Toronto’s transit needs and keep good jobs in Thunder Bay.”

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.