TORONTO, May 11, 2016 /CNW/ – ATU Canada labour leaders across the GTA are expressing their disappointment over not being invited or included in the recently announced Metrolinx meeting that took place in Toronto on April 27th 2016.
Toronto City TV reported that a meeting with Metrolinx and TTC senior management staff had taken place on that day.
Privatization is not just a whim of this or the last Government, it is an essential element in institutionalising the neo-liberal state. There is so much wrong with privatization and outsourcing it’s hard to know where to begin. It’s bad for the workforce, it’s bad for the tax payer and it’s bad for the end user of services, that’s all of us!
Once a service is privatised then it is effectively handed over lock, stock and barrel to a private company that hides behind contract law making it difficult to sanction or even influence.
The privatization of public services and utilities has been tried and failed. It is now leading to an increasing number of decisions, mainly at a local level, to bring services back under public control. Bringing back and “Building Public Power”.
The truth is that the ‘fault’ lies with those who chose privatization rather than public service and that there is a great deal that can be done where there is the political will to do it.
So the London and District Labour Council would invite all of you, the Members and Affiliates and family, friends and the general public to attend this upcoming Forum for “Defending Public Services – Building Public Power”.
Good afternoon all,
ATU member Sister Margaret Gilbert President of local 1582 Niagara Falls, ON is under siege by her Employer and City Council. She and the local representatives have been subjected to unspeakable treatment during multiple meetings over the past two (2) years and have now filed an Unfair Labour Practice against the Employer. Margaret has most recently been issued a five (5) day suspension and most recently been told that she cannot enter transit property. These actions are a clear attempt to undermine her as the local`s president and a clear violation of their Collective Agreement.
In addition to this she has been denied the ability to address City Council on two (2) different occasions. On these dates Margret has tried to speak to council with regard to the cutting of service that directly impacts the citizens of Niagara Falls. She is not only representing her local she is attempting to address Council as a taxpaying citizen of the city. Council has taking the position that they may deny the very people that elected them to their positions the right to speak. This in itself is a travesty to the office to which they were elected and should be ashamed of themselves.
ATU Canada is calling for all the Ontario Locals to lend their support at a Rally to be held at Niagara Falls City Hall on Tuesday June14, 2016 at 03:00pm. We will be demanding that the Employer practice Anti-workplace bullying and that City Council promote the freedom to speak at council meetings for all residents. Niagara Council will be hold its City Council meeting at 05:00pm on June 14th.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact myself or Margaret Gilbert at atulocal1582@gmail.com or 1-905-651-0944
I remain yours in solidarity,
Paul Thorp
President
Amalgamated Transit Union Canada
(ATU Canada)
Bus. 416-679-8846
It is with great sadness to inform you of the passing of Port Alberni, BC. Local 1747 President Lawrence MacDonald “MAC”. You will be greatly missed. Service will be held on June 12th at the Chapel of Memories in Port Alberni.
The union representing transit drivers will hold a rally in Kelowna Wednesday to back demands for safer working conditions.
The Amalgamated Transit Union Canada, in a news release sent out Friday, said assaults on transit drivers are unacceptable, citing four Kelowna cases on one day, two weeks ago.
KELOWNA–Bus drivers from across Canada banded together with Kelowna drivers to call for a stop to bus driver assaults.
The Amalgamated Transit Union Canada is holding its annual general meeting in Kelowna, and on Wednesday, members took the opportunity to rally together, in light of recent assaults against Kelowna transit workers.
On May 20, four separate attacks on Kelowna bus drivers happened in one day.
“We want to make sure that our members are able to go to work every day and not fear that they are going to be assaulted in any way,” says Paul Thorp, ATU Canada President.
ATU Canada would like to extend its sincerest condolences to the individuals and families affected by the senseless shooting that took place on June 12th in Orlando, Florida.
ATU Canada promotes the acceptance and respect of all, regardless of race, religious belief or sexual orientation. We will continue to do our part in eliminating the barrier that divides us.
BURNABY, B.C.—The federal government has taken a major step in its ambitious infrastructure program by signing a funding agreement with British Columbia to move the first block of cash in its multibillion-dollar plan.
Prime Minister Trudeau says Ottawa will invest $460 million in British Columbia to help pay for upgrades to existing transit infrastructure including renovations to aging transit stations and building new bus lanes.
Management and the union representing transit workers in Niagara Falls have resolved several issues that have been dogging their relationship, according to both sides.
Calgary city council and the union representing transit workers have come to an understanding over 80 potential job cuts within the service.