Thursday, 5 March 2009
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Wall government out of step with Nobel Prize winning economists
A report and article that appears in the March 1, 2009 Wall Street Journal illustrates that the Saskatchewan Party government under the leadership of Premier Brad Wall is clearly out of step with 40 highly respected and accomplished economists, 3 of whom have won the prestigious Nobel Prize for Economics.In short, the article entitled: Economists Debate Pro-Labour Measure reports on a recent statement signed by the 40 economists that was sent to the U.S. Congress calling for passage of the "Employee Free Choice Act". The Employee Free Choice Act is strongly supported by President Barack Obama.
Additional coverage of this significant declaration including the list of endorsing economists has been submitted to the Economic Policy Institute and is posted on their website entitled: Noted economists: The Employee Free Choice Act is needed to restore balance in the labor market.
Amongst the list of notable economists are Nobel Prize winners: Joseph E. Stiglitz, Columbia University (2001 winner); Robert M. Solow, Massachusetts Institute of Technoloy (1987 winner); and Kenneth J. Arrow, Stanford University (1972 winner).
The statement seriously and significantly contradicts suggestions by the Sask. Party government and their corporate backers that various pieces of Saskatchewan's labour legislation were out of balance prior to recent amendments rammed through the legislature by Wall and his team.
A reading of these two articles will reveal the truth -- Saskatchewan's labour legislation prior to the Wall changes were already balanced. But they aren't any more, they are now heavily skewed in favour of the bosses and the corporations.
In addition, the articles make the case that more unionization and strong unions are "a critically important step in rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy by enhancing the voice of working people in the workplace."
Download a PDF version of the Economists' Statement by clicking here.....
Top ten reasons why Canada should cancel Harper's "free trade deal" with Colombia
From the Canadian Labour Congress website:"More labour leaders are killed in Colombia every year than in the rest of the world combined! Trade unionists are terrorized to put a chill on union organizing. This keeps unions weak and wages miserably low. It benefits businesses' bottom line and keeps Colombia attractive for foreign investment.
Who is being targeted? Prime targets are activists who are trying to organize or join a union and bargain collectively, or who are engaged in industrial disputes or in fighting privatization. They are teachers, prison guards, agricultural, food, and health care workers, and others from almost every sector.
Download the full comic here."
Monday, 2 March 2009
Olbermann: Cheney doing the work of terrorists
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Federal budget threatens waterways, students, women, workers
The reason the world is teetering on economic collapse is because of decades of right-wing policies that opened the door to the most rampant display of corporate greed in recent history. One of the biggest culprits of these policies is the wholesale deregulation of many sectors (including the financial sector) and putting the foxes in charge of the hen house.Almost everybody on the planet acknowledges this fact - well except the corporate puppets sitting on the government benches in Ottawa.
There's a great article over on the PublicValues.ca web-site entitled: "Hidden horrors" of federal budget threaten waterways, students, women, workers. Here's an excerpt:
"Hidden horrors" of federal budget threaten waterways, students, women, workers
Conservatives pursue deregulatory agenda by gutting environment assessment
by Ish Theilheimer
OTTAWA, February 26, 2009, PublicValues.ca: It has become clear since the federal budget was introduced that the Conservatives are using it to sneak ideologically-driven measures through Parliament. Opposition MPs have condemned many elements of the omnibus budget bill known as C-10, but the Liberals appear unwilling to press for amendments.
Among the most contentious "hidden horrors" of the budget are the elimination of the right to make human rights complaints in pay equity cases; punitive treatment of public servants, unions and students; and opening Canada's waterways to industrial exploitation without environment assessment." Read more here....
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Playing For Change: Song Around the World "Stand By Me"
"http://playingforchange.com - From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it travelled the globe."
Friday, 27 February 2009
Wall and Harper governments refuse to be open and accountable
In what can only be described as the most secretive and anti-democratic actions a government can take, the federal and provincial governments led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Brad Wall (Sask) have virtually shut down citizen access to public documents."OTTAWA — The federal Information Commissioner is warning that Canadians' ability to get information from their government has reached a dire state.
The Harper Conservatives now routinely delay requests for government documents – a right of Canadians under the law – well beyond the 30 days that the Access to Information Act requires.
Six out of the 10 governments departments reviewed by the commissioner's office received failing grades.
“I do believe that its results provide a grim picture of the federal government's access to information regime,” Information Commissioner Robert Marleau says in a special report to Parliament."
"“Integrity and accountability will be at the forefront of our dealings as a government, and in your work as a Minister of the Crown.”– Premier Brad Wall’s mandate letter to the Hon. Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour, November 7, 2007
“Saskatchewan people expect their government to be open, honest and accountable. A Saskatchewan Party Government will provide Saskatchewan people with more transparency and accountability than any previous government…”– Saskatchewan Party 2007 Election Platform
The above words appear to mean little to the Saskatchewan Party government. For the seventh time since May 2008 the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour (AEEL) has denied access to records under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act in their entirety."
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
One man supports Women's Equality - another doesn't
U.S. President Barack Obama (shown above) made a very important statement that sets him apart from leaders in some other countries.
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He did this when he signed his first bill into law since taking over the Oval Office. (Shown below).
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Photo: Stephen Crowley/The New York TimesOn Thursday, January 29, 2009 President Obama approved equal-pay legislation when he signed the "Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act" - read the New York Times coverage here....
Canada's Prime Minister, on the other hand, isn't doing so good. The excerpt below is from the Canadian Labour Congress web-site:
"On February 6, 2009, the government tabled legislation that will radically change the rules governing pay equity in the federal public sector.
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The Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act - which has been included as part of the omnibus Budget Implementation Act - will remove the right of public sector workers to file complaints for pay equity with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. It will transform pay equity from a human right to an "equitable compensation issue" that could be traded away at the bargaining table.
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Pay equity is a fundamental human right that must not be taken away at a bargaining table where the federal government historically holds the balance of power. The Harper government has already demonstrated its commitment to legislating wage increases and undermining collective agreements. Now, women's rights will be on the chopping block.
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The Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act will effectively eliminate women's ability to pursue pay equity complaints by forcing them to file complaints as individuals. This bill will also impose a $50,000 fine on any union that encourages or assists their own members in filing a pay equity complaint, leaving women to fight the system unaided. Since no individual can afford to do so, this will clearly be a mockery of justice.
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The Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act won't help the economy or save jobs. Government officials have admitted that there's no proof it will save the government any money. However, it will prevent women in the federal public sector from receiving equal pay for work of equal value. It has no place in the budget."
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Fraser Institute's credibility destroyed by local blogger
Local Saskatchewan based blogger, Joe Kuchta, has just posted an article on his "Owls and Roosters" blog entitled: Fraser Institute: Crown analysis “lacks credibility”; Estey’s TILMA concerns ignored; case for more tax cuts and labour reform weak.Monday, 23 February 2009
You, Me and the SPP
Paul Manly’s latest film ‘You, Me, and the S.P.P: Trading Democracy for Corporate Rule’ is almost ready for a full release. There are preview screenings in the following Saskatchewan communities on the following dates.Prince Albert - March 4th, 7:00 pm at Union Centre 107 - 8th St. East
Regina - March 5th, 7:30 pm at the the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (Albert and College St.)
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Closing our borders to free speech
Closing our borders to free speech
Is the gov’t banning picketing on public property?
Bill 43 was introduced in the fall session by the Saskatchewan Party government. ‘The Trespass to Property Act’ will make trespassing an offence in the province of Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan currently has no anti-trespassing law.
Those found guilty of trespassing under the Act could be arrested by the police and fined up to $2000.
If Bill 43 passes, it will be an offense to be on any “premises” without the consent of the owner. Not only that, the onus will be on the accused to prove that he or she has the consent of the owner to be there.
So why did the government introduce this bill? Justice critic Frank Quennel has asked in the legislature for the rationale behind the bill, but so far no answers have been given.
Some people have suggested that trespassing in farmers’ fields is a problem, for example snowmobilers who cause damage to private property.
Others suggest that owners of strip malls are tired of non-customers loitering in their parking lots.
For these reasons, one might conclude that a ban on trespassing on private property is sensible.
But what about public property?
Bill 43 defines “premises” as “any land or water in the province”. The Act does not apply to vacant Crown agricultural land, Crown resource land, or provincial parks. But what about public space like sidewalks, roadways, highways, and all other publicly owned land? They are not mentioned as exceptions.
Typically union members use public sidewalks, highways, and other common areas such as the steps of the legislature to hold rallies and demonstrations. Could workers be found in violation of bill 43 and subject to stiff fines?
Of course it’s not just the labour movement who hold protests. Farmers’ organizations hold public rallies. And how about anti-poverty organizations and gay pride marches?
People from the left and the right hold pickets on public property. And while not everyone agrees with every political statement, in a democracy, we support one another’s freedom to express ourselves.
Every citizen is guaranteed the freedom of expression under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Did the Saskatchewan Party government intend to create a law that violates a fundamental Charter right?
If there really is a need for the province to ban trespassing on private property, it would be simple to fix the wording of bill 43. Exempt public property from the definition of “premises”. This amendment would reassure citizens that the right to peacefully picket, rally, protest or demonstrate will remain intact.
Bill 43 has passed second reading and expected to come back to the legislature in March.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Beyond Elections - What is Democracy?
"From Venezuela's Communal Councils, to Brazil's Participatory Budgeting, from Constitutional Assemblies to grassroots movements, recuperated factories to cooperatives across the hemisphere. This documentary is a journey, which takes us across the Americas, to attempt to answer one of the most important questions of our time: What is Democracy?"http://www.beyondelections.com/
Fabled Enemies - Jason Bermas
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Jailing Kids for Cash
Hillary Transue was sentenced to three months in juvenile detention. Transue made a web page mocking her assistant principal. (Photo: Niko J. Kallianiotis / The New York Times)"As many as 5,000 children in Pennsylvania have been found guilty, and up to 2,000 of them jailed, by two corrupt judges who received kickbacks from the builders and owners of private prison facilities that benefited. The two judges pleaded guilty in a stunning case of greed and corruption that is still unfolding. Judges Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. and Michael T. Conahan received $2.6 million in kickbacks while imprisoning children who often had no access to a lawyer. The case offers an extraordinary glimpse into the shameful private prison industry that is flourishing in the United States." read more.....
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Equal Pay Day 2008 - ITUC
This is a bit dated (one year) but it's still very relevant, especially given Canadian PM Stephen Harper and his government's contempt for women and pay equity.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Davos: World Unions Call for Action Against Corporate Grand Theft - ITUC
From the website of the International Trade Union Confederation:Davos: World Unions Call for Action Against Corporate Grand Theft
"Davos 30 January 2009: Global trade unions have welcomed the comments by US President Barack Obama over “shameful” bonuses ripped out of failing banks and businesses in recent months, as tens of millions of workers worldwide face loss of their jobs and homes and yet more businesses hit the wall.
Corporate bonuses in the US actually increased by 14% overall in 2008, as top executives in finance and industry, many from companies heading for bankruptcy, rewarded themselves for abject failure and pushed the global economy to the brink of recession.
“Companies receiving public bailouts are inventing the latest financial innovation – recycling taxpayers’ money into company bonuses. This is nothing less than grand corporate grand theft, and sadly it is not limited to the US,” said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder. “Some of the culprits should be behind bars instead of propping up the bars here in Davos. Their actions will further inflame the rage which is mounting all over the world,” he added.
In one of the most outrageous cases, Merrill Lynch bosses gave themselves over US$3 billion as they cleared their desks a few days before the faltering bank was taken over by Bank of America. Bank of America itself has attracted a storm of criticism following exposure of its campaign against proposed improvements on US workers’ rights after receiving a massive government bailout.
Wall Street’s US$18 billion bonuses last year were mirrored in several other countries, especially where governments copied the disastrous US deregulation experiment. This amount alone could have provided two years’ education for the 75 million children around the world who have no school to go to. It would save millions of jobs if put in the pockets of the working people who really create wealth.
“Perhaps most outrageous of all, the very same financiers who created and promoted this failed system seem to still have the inside track advising governments how to come out of the crisis. This will only further inflame the growing anger of ordinary people across the planet – anger which will not go away while working families are paying the price with their jobs and their homes,” said Guy Ryder.
The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 316 affiliated national organisations from 157 countries."
Monday, 16 February 2009
"Pay equity" bill threatens women's rights
"Pay equity" bill threatens women's rights
Changes make it difficult to file complaint, including $50,000 fine for union help.
OTTAWA, February 12, 2009 — The Public Service Alliance of Canada is encouraging opposition members to remove legislation from the budget bill that would prevent women in the federal public sector from demanding equal pay for work of equal value.
The 166,000-member union is concerned that the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act will remove women's ability to file pay equity complaints, making the process even more difficult than the current complaints-based system.
On Thursday, February 12, John Baglow interviewed PSAC President John Gordon for PublicValues.ca about what the alliance views as an attack on rights. A clip of that video is posted here:
The "pay equity" bill is part of the omnibus Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-10), which was tabled on February 7, 2009. PSAC refutes the notion that this legislation is "proactive," given that it ignores the recommendations made in the well-respected 2004 report from the federal Task Force on Pay Equity. The union contends that the new scheme would make a bad system much worse, removing pay equity's status as a human right and opening it up to market forces.
According to PSAC, The Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act undermines pay equity in the following ways:
• It transforms pay equity into an "equitable compensation issue" that must be discussed at the bargaining table — even though fundamental human rights should never be negotiable.
• It makes it more difficult to claim pay equity, by changing the definition of a "female predominant" job group to require that women make up 70 percent of workers in the position.
• It redefines the criteria used to evaluate whether jobs are of "equal" value, leaving pay equity up to the fluctuations of the market.
• It forces individual women to make pay equity claims without any support — in fact it would impose a $50,000 fine on any union for encouraging or assisting their own members in filing a pay equity complaint.
"Pay equity is a fundamental human right that should not be taken away at a bargaining table where the employer historically holds the balance of power," said John Gordon, PSAC National President. "The Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act is a regressive piece of legislation that threatens to widen the income gap between women and men in the federal public sector. We urge the opposition parties to unite to remove The Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act from Bill C-10."
Links and sources The Public Service Alliance of Canada
Posted: February 12, 2009
Public Values (PublicValues.ca) is a project of the Golden Lake Institute and the online publication StraightGoods.ca