Events in Hamilton This Weekend

Nancy MacBain Equity, News, Political Action

Hamilton Anarchist Bookfair

Saturday June 4, 2011
10am-5pm
Workers Arts & Heritage Centre (51 Stuart St)

Click here for more information.

Slutwalk Hamilton

Everyone deserves respect, protection and justice when faced with sexualized assault and harassment — no matter how we dress or express ourselves. There is too much evidence showing us that survivors of sexualized assault and harassment – usually women – are not only blamed for the abuse they suffer, but are often viewed as having invited it.  Instead of dignity and a place to heal, survivors are often met with shame, blame and further oppression. No one deserves this.

Join us!
Sunday June 5th
2:00pm
Hamilton City Hall

Click here for more information.

Refuse, Resist, Rebel!

Mary Ellen Campbell Events, General, News, Political Action

May 28th at 8pm
This Ain’t Hollywood
$5 or PWYC – ALL AGES

RESIST against a culture in which rape is far too common – one in three Canadian women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime.
REFUSE to participate in victim blaming and woman hating.
REBEL against the idea that women can’t rock out.

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Building Solidarity From South Africa to Palestine

Nancy MacBain Events, Political Action

A speaking tour featuring Amjad Barham of PFUUPE, Palestine and representative for the newly formed trade union Palestinian Trade Union Coalition for BDS PTUC-BDS and Dr. Atif.A. Kubursi, Professor Emeritus in Economics at McMaster University

Tuesday May 24th, 6pm
BSB room 108
Free event

This speaking tour will be an important opportunity for debate and discussion on the question of how we as trade unionists can stand in solidarity with Palestinians.  As labour activists, union representatives or grassroots union members, we will be discussing a number of key issues such as,

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General Membership Meeting – this Wednesday

Nancy MacBain News

This is a reminder of the General Membership Meeting taking place
Wednesday May 18th
5:30pm (free food at 5:00)
MDCL 3024
Childcare reimbursement is available

Agenda items will include:
– Unit 3 bargaining team elections
– Election of Executive positions
– Election of Bargaining Support Co-Chairs
– Election of Reps to Hamilton and District Labour Council
– Ratification of a summary document of Unit 1 bargaining priorities
– By-law Amendments
– Motion for a committee on political endorsements

Saturday Solidarity with USW 1005

Nancy MacBain News, Political Action

May 14th – 11am – 3pm
USW 1005 Picket Line  (Burlington St – Wilcox Gate)
Meet for the bus at 10:45am – corner of King St E and Bay St

USW Local 1005 have been locked out of their own factory by their Employer, US Steel, since November 7, 2010. Locked out, but not laid off, these workers have not been paid by their employer for almost 5 months now, and US Steel refuses to try to resolve this problem justly or quickly. The Steel Workers continue to picket in front of the factory gates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Join other members of 3906 to show solidarity with lockout Steel Workers!

Thanks to everyone who filled out the Unit 1 Bargaining Survey

Nancy MacBain News, Unit 1, Unit 1 Bargaining

Congratulations to the winners of the draw prizes:
1st place – $150 Fortino’s gift card – Hamid Mousavi
2nd place – $100 Fortino’s gift card – Hindra Hindra
3rd place – $50 Phoenix gift card – Elisabeth Lo

Thanks again to everyone who filled out the survey. This year’s survey had a record response rate from across campus – your participation has been invaluable to the bargaining process.

International Day of Mourning for Killed & Injured Workers – April 28th

Nancy MacBain Health & Safety, News

More than 20 years ago the Canadian Labour Congress declared April 28 a National Day of Mourning for workers who have been killed, suffer disease or injury as a result of work. Every year since, unions, labour councils, families and community partners gather by the thousands to ‘mourn for the dead’. What began through the efforts of Canada’s labour movement is now observed in more than 100 countries. For more information about the Day of Mourning click here.

In Hamilton there will be ceremonies to commemorate the day both on campus and downtown. We encourage all members to attend one of the ceremonies:

City Hall (corner of Main St. & Bay St.) – 10:30am
McMaster (flagpoles in central campus) – 12:30pm

You can also pick up a ribbon to show your support in the CUPE office in Wentworth House B108.

Member Mobilizer Positions

Nancy MacBain News, Unit 1 Bargaining, Unit 3 Bargaining

CUPE 3906 at McMaster University is hiring two Bargaining Support Coordinator positions!  Although they are subject to modification, the various duties of each position are described below.  The contract beings on or about June 1st, 2011.  The rate of pay is $39.40/hour.  The expectation is an average of 5 hours a week (to a maximum of 65 hours), although scheduling is flexible.

The Coordinators will be working with each other, with members of the Local executive, bargaining teams, bargaining support teams, and staff.  Successful applicants will be flexible, independent workers who are self-directed and committed to the work of the Local.  They will also be able to work in busy environments and to coordinate key tasks with others.  Qualified candidates should be familiar with the bargaining process, and experience in member mobilization and bargaining support is an asset.

The posting is open to all members of CUPE 3906.  Applications should include a resumé, cover letter and statement of interest indicating why you are interested in the position, what you would bring to the position, how you understand the union’s work and role in theRead More

All Out to Support USW 1005 in Ottawa on May Day

Nancy MacBain News, Political Action

Free bus to Parliament Hill – May 1st, 2011
Leaves Hamilton at 5:00am – location TBA
Back in Hamilton by midnight
RSVP by noon on April 25th by emailing steelnotsteal@gmail.com

McMaster for Steel calls on Hamilton to go all out for Parliament Hill on May Day where USW 1005, workers from across Canada and their allies will rally at 1:00pm on the eve of a federal elections for a new direction for the economy. The entire city is rallying behind this call because it is about the future of Hamilton and Canada. Read below is the call-out from USW 1005 for more information:

Join Local 1005 USW on Parliament Hill on May First! Break New Ground to Defend the Rights of All! We invite everyone to join us on May First on Parliament Hill to put forward the demands of workers in all sectors of the economy in defense of theRead More