In the News

The following news articles have come across my desk recently and I thought they would be of interest to you. If you want more information about a particular story simply click on read more. If you would like to contact me, read my reports, or my archived postings, please click on the following link. Reports from Wayne Gates & Archived Articles

Wayne Gates, President CAW Local 199

Lincoln Humane Society Strike Update

As the strike at the Lincoln Humane Society passes the 80 day mark, Malcolm Allen, Welland M.P. and the executive board of CAW Local 199 attended a Solidarity rally to show their support.

Both sides hope 82-day strike near end Read Article

Education Seminar - Planning For Your Future

This new one-day course, Planning for Your Future helps workers and their families plan for the transition from worker to retiree and emphasizes the importance of advanced planning. The course will cover five main topics; Social and leisure time, what to do with your time. Legal presentation, wills and estate planning. Pensions and benefits, Service Canada presentation about the CPP and OAS. Financial Planning, by FirstOntario Credit Union. Retirees Chapter Activites, overview from the CAW retiree chapter.Download and Print Poster

To register for this course please contact Peter Scott @ 905-682-2611 ext 238 or by e mail caw199wtp@cogeco.net.

GM's Ontario Street Lands cleared for continued industrial use

The city's new official plan is finally about to complete its long journey through the bureaucratic meat-grinder, and unless there's a last-minute dramatic change the GM Ontario St. lands will be locked in for industrial uses only. Read More

Ontario Premier hints at pumping more cash into surging auto sector

Premier Dalton McGuinty is hinting that his cash-strapped government is prepared to invest more money in the auto sector to help it respond to a strong sales recovery. Read More

Cataract Surgery - Shop Around

It's a good idea to shop around for cataract surgeons since some in Ontario charge "predatory" prices for services not covered by OHIP, says a study from St. Michael's Hospital. While OHIP covers the cost of cataract surgery and implantation of an artificial lens, some ophthalmologists charge an extra $358 to $2,790 for special lenses that also correct far-sightedness and astigmatism, according to a study published Tuesday in the journal PLoS ONE Read Article

Auto Jobs in the Community - Media Release

April 18, 2012

As you know, the St. Catharines-Niagara region is a key part of Canada's auto industry, home to General Motors in-house engine and component facilities, and several independent auto parts plants.

With St. Catharines being the home of a major auto assembly plant, our Local is hosting a special Community Town Hall meeting tonight (April 18th) at 6:00 p.m. to inform the public as well as our membrs on the importance of auto jobs in our community of St. Catharines, the threats facing the industry and the CAW's propsal to strengthen auto jobs for future generations.

Wayne Gates, President CAW Local 199 says, "the auto industry supports services that we all depend upon such as; health care, education and social services. We need to continue to support good paying manufacturing jobs in NIagara so our children and grandchildren will be able to live, work and play in Niagara."

There will be presentations by the CAW, including CAW National President, Ken Lewenza and Jim Stanford, CAW Econonomist, followed by a panel of prominent community leaders as our guest speakers.

This event is open to ALL citizens in the region of St. Catharines-Niagara, elected political representatives, and all groups that are touched by the auto industry and our community partners.

For any further information, please call Wayne Gates, President CAW Local 199 at 905-328-9532.

Auto Jobs in the Community

Canada's auto industry has survived years of turmoil, despite downsizing; the industry continues to make a crucial contribution to Canada's productivity, exports and incomes. Yet our auto jobs face increasing threats; from globalization, apathetic governments and corporations that are increasingly becoming more aggressive than ever.

You are invited to attend a special community meeting (Wednesday, April 18th 2012, 6 pm @ the Union Hall) to learn more about; the importance of auto jobs in our community, the threats facing the industry, and the CAW's new proposals to strengthen the auto sector for the future. Download Event Poster

Fill The Jar

According to the recent release of the Federal Budget, the penny will be eliminated from production this fall. Community Care is asking for our pennies to help the community. We have left a jar at the front desk of the Union hall and would appreciate all donations; even your pennies can make a tremendous difference to those in need in our community.

National Day of Mourning

April 28th, On behalf of all workers, the Niagara Regional Council would like to invite you to mourn and remember workers who have been killed, injured or made ill on the job. There are 8 services planned around the community the times and locations are posted in the Events Calendar.

CAW Communications - Contact

Contact Newsletter is a CAW National publication that provides up to date information and coverage of stories that are currently in the news. click on the following link to read current news. The page also includes archived headline from the past. To Read more, Click here

Budget Cuts Won't Deliver Economic Progress for Canadians

The Harper government's retirement reforms will cause needless hardship for poor seniors and worsen the growing concern over youth unemployment in Canada, said CAW President Ken Lewenza, following the release of the 2012 federal budget. The budget called for an extension of Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement age requirements to 67, a move Lewenza said is reckless. Link to article

How Much Would YOU Lose from the OAS/GIS Deferral?
National Post
Globe and Mail
Alternative Budget

New Canadian Union

The CAW and CEP and currently exploring the idea of forming a brand new Canadian union,, to revitalize the trade union movement and provide an even stronger voice for working people and social justice issues. The two unions have launched a joint website for to provide current and relevant information to our members about the discussion currently taking place. Link to Press Release Check it out at the following link - New Union Website

New Home For CAW Local 199

Sunday 25th of March. CAW Local 199 held two Special Union Meetings to discuss the future of the Union Hall. The membership was informed that the Local Union had received an offer to purchase the current Union Hall, located at 124 Bunting Road St Catharines. The Executive Board unanimously recommended accepting the offer.

Wayne Gates, President of Local 199, Graham Brown from the CAW National office, and Robert Di Maio Architect made presentations on the proposed new location and building which was followed by a question and answer period. Wayne Gates, said that "This has been an extensive process, we asked for input from our retirees, our members and the National Union, this is a decision that we all took very seriously"

The new hall which will be built on Glendale Avenue will include space for the CAW Regional Office, CAW Retirees Chapter as well as Local 199 offices. The new site also has room to expand if required. At both meetings the membership and retirees overwhelmingly voted in support of the Executive Boards recommendation. The Executive Board expects that work on the new hall will start by the end of 2012 and will move into the new building in 2013. CAW Local 199 and retirees will be renting the current offices and retirement centre until we move into the new hall.

Good News for Niagara Falls Casino Workers

Friday 1:00 pm March 16th 2012, The fate of Casino Niagara has quickly changed in a matter of days. At the start of the week it appeared that an announcement to close Casino Niagara was imminent. Today, Kim Craitor MPP of Niagara Falls and the provinces Tourism Minster announced the Casino will stay open for another 15 years, for the duration of the lease that was just recently renewed. This is very good news, for the workers at Both Niagara Falls Casinos as well as the surrounding community. Unfortunately the OLG plans to close the slots at the Fort Erie race track which employees over 200 local residents. Kim Craitor Casino Announcement

Bluesaganza

The 13th Annual Bluesaganza was held at the Union Hall. The very best blues musicians from across Canada were in attendance this was fantastic evening; Steve Strongman, Johnny Max, David Rotundo, Garth Vogan, Jim Casson, Dave Curry, Mark Lalama. Toby Stewart & Brian Sciver all played at this star studded event. All proceeds went to support AutismOntario Niagara. Bluesaganza Image Gallery

Lincoln Humane Society St. Catharines - CUPE 1287

CUPE local 1287 members employed at the Lincoln County Humane Society in St. Catharines are currently on strike. This small group of workers said all they want to do is to help the animals in need, and work in a fair and equitable workplace. Kevin Strooband, Director of the Lincoln County Humane Society demands include; withdrawing all grievances and arbitration cases in the system, a two tier wage system that will pay new hires less with no benefits. Unfortunately they are using Scab workers to break this legal strike Images From Picket Line

Please read the attached update from the bargaining unit of the workers of the Lincoln County Humane Society. This letter offers insight to the dynamics off the strike. This letter is in response to an article that was in the Standard on March 10th Standard Article
Letter from Union

"Fighting Back Makes a Difference" CAW Local 222

75 years ago on March 2nd 1937, workers in Oshawa signed their Charter and joined the United Auto Workers. On behalf of our members past and present we would like to congratulate Local 222 members and leadership on this special event. Your commitment and contribution to your members and the community you live in should and must be commended.

"Over seven decades of fighting back making a difference, for your members and all Canadians"

In Solidarity
Wayne Gates , President
On behalf of CAW Local 199 Membership

Plant Gate Collection ElectroMotive Workers

On Friday, February 17, 2012 there was a plant gate collection at GM for the laid off ElectroMotive workers in London. In January, Caterpillar locked these workers out and demanded a 50% cut in wages to keep the plant open. Subsequently, Caterpillar announced the plant closure and permanently laid off 465 CAW members. The London area has been hit very hard and currently has the second highest rate of unemployment in Canada (9%). Unfortunately, both the Federal and Provincial government has failed to accept any responsibility for this preventable loss of good paying jobs and did not even try to keep these jobs in Canada. At the gate collection we raised $9,836.45 ($8,836.45 at the plant gate and the retirees donated an additional $1,000)

On behalf of the workers at Electromotive thank you all for opening you heart and wallet to help these laid off workers.

Wayne Gates, President and Terry White, GM Unit Chairperson
On behalf of the Executive Board
CAW Local 199

2012 Alzheimer Walkathon

This years Alzheimer Society Walkathon was a great success, CAW Local 199 collected $5,699, finishing first in team pledges helping the society to exceed their campaign goal of $60,000. This success was only possible because of the volunteers who came out to support this event and your generosity. Once again we showed that the members of CAW Local 199 passionately cares about and supports the Citizens of Niagara.

We would like to thank every individual and all the organizations that made a donation; our family, friends and neighbours, CAW 199, Active Members and Retirees, the CAW 199 Community Services Committee, the CAW 199 Recreation Committee, the CAW 199 Retirees Chapter,. Draw prizes were donated by CAW Local 199, The Golden Pheasant (Duck), Heather Grant Massage Therapist, The Den Hair Salon, Smiling Fish Restaurant, Simply Delicious Fruit Bouquets, Collins Nissan and John Bear Buick GMC.

On behalf of the Alzheimer Society Niagara, we would like to thank and congratulate CAW Team members, John Pula, Dave Dean, Karen Courchaine, Tom Balint, Carl Erickson, and Lorie Peacock.

Together you made a difference.

Squeezing the Middle

Sociologists have convincingly documented rising inequality in Canada. A lucky few - large business owners, top executives, highly specialized professionals - have captured the lion's share of the meagre gains generated by our troubled economy. Statistics reveal the top one per cent of Canadians pocketed 31 per cent of all new income generated in 10 years. The bottom 99 per cent had to fight over the rest. Read More

Link to articles by Ken Lewenza

Management has warmed to work stoppages

Business lobbyists used to express grave concern about the economic impact of strikes. Those concerns were always overstated; time lost in work stoppages has declined by 90 per cent from the 1970s. Nevertheless, companies traditionally complain that work stoppages damage sales, productivity and, of course, profits.

Read Article

Education Bursaries

Twenty-five (25) bursaries, valued at $2,000 each, are awarded annually to sons or daughters of CAW members, and CAW members entering their first year of full-time post secondary education, in a Canadian institution. This is an entrance bursary and not renewable for students entering subsequent years of study.

Submissions should include: An official application form signed by a Local Union Officer Letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal or Community Activist Transcript/record of marks(most current record i.e. mid-term report is acceptable) Please note that your grades are only one of several factors that will be considered. A committee appointed by the CAW Council Executive Board and/or CAW National Executive Board will make the selection of candidates, and the decision of the committee is final. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application Deadline: April 30, 2012, postmarked no later than April 16, 2012 More Information

Congratulations

On behalf of the Executive Board of CAW Local 199 and all the elected leadership of this Local Union, I would like to congratulate our members on our 75th Anniversary. It is a truly incredible feeling to have been part of such a long and colourful history of UAW/CAW Local 199. To commemorate our seventy five years serving the community, we have published a 2012 Calendar. The Calendar was mailed to our retirees and handed out in all the units. I would like to thank the sponsors of the Calendar for the congratulatory messages. Anyone who has not received a copy can pick one up at the Union Hall.

Archives

Reports from Wayne Gates & Archived Articles