Open Letter to the Membership
By Wayne Gates March 28, 2008

Every day when you read a newspaper or watch television, we are constantly faced with bad news. What we hear about is shrinking market share, plant closures, a high flying dollar, free trade agreements and lay offs. We read about employers moving plants, investing in other countries and successfully negotiating concessions. All of these factors are putting considerable strain on the Canadian manufacturing sector and affecting our jobs, our families, and our future. As we move towards negotiations with General Motors in September 2008, there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that we have the most challenging time ahead. There has never been a time in the CAW history when we were being challenged on so many fronts.

The "CAW Manufacturing Matters Campaign" has been successfully drawing media attention to the crisis, and garnering support from some politicians. As more plants close, more jobs are lost, and more families are devastated. We obviously still have a long way to go.

We would like to invite you to participate in the next phase of the Manufacturing Matters Campaign. We need your help, support and input, to help us determine what needs to be done to turn things around. We need to discuss whose support we need, how we can communicate with the community, politicians, and our members to gain their support.

On Saturday April 19th CAW Local 199 has scheduled a "Campaign Workshop" to talk about these issues and determine what we are going to do about it. There has never been a more important time for all levels of leadership, (National and Local) to join with CAW rank and file members, to come together for one cause; saving the Canadian manufacturing sector.

We all have a role to play. Everyone can contribute. Please stand up and say enough is enough! We can all be part of the solution. To register for this vitally important campaign workshop please contact: Peter Scott Chairperson of the education Committee 905-682-2611 ext 238. or by E Mail: Peter Scott

Wayne Gates President

Federal government has tools to solve manufacturing crisis
By Wayne Gates January 30, 2008

Canada's manufacturing sector is in a state of crisis. Over the past five years, the Canadian economy has lost more than 350,000 manufacturing jobs as a result of plant closures and permanent layoffs in communities from coast to coast to coast. At the local level, the St. Catharines-Niagara area has been among the hardest hit.

Since the Canadian dollar began its meteoric rise in 2002, we have seen almost 5,000 jobs lost in workplaces like General Motors, Affinia and Edscha. To put it in relative terms, in 1980 manufacturing accounted for one of every four jobs in our area - today it accounts for one of seven. Hardly a week goes by without another devastating blow to our region's manufacturing sector. Most recently, it was announced the CanGro operation in St. Davids will be closing if a buyer can't be found. This would affect not only hundreds of employees, but also a large number of fruit growers who depend on this company as suppliers. One wonders if and when it will ever end. Manufacturing job losses impact workers directly, but they also have a devastating effect on families and the community as a whole. Over the course of our union's "Manufacturing Matters" campaign, we heard many troubling stories at our community forums. Food banks are struggling to meet demand; local charities and other social service organizations are experiencing a dramatic drop in donations; municipal governments are witnessing a decline in tax revenue from both the workers who are losing their jobs and the businesses that are shutting their doors and businesses are suffering from declining sales as families cope with job losses or face chronic job insecurity.

What has caused our manufacturing sector's woes?

To start with, the Canadian dollar has risen 50 per cent in value since 2002. That means our goods are now more expensive to sell on the global market, a devastating blow to a country so dependent upon the export market. In 1996, Canada enjoyed a $12 billion trade surplus - we exported more goods than we brought in. Just 10 years later, in 2006, we recorded our worst trade deficit of $28 billion. Why has this happened? In pursuit of free trade, the federal government neglected to ensure the trade agreements are fair.

We have given access to our economy to other countries without the same benefits being accorded to Canadian companies.

Instead of trying to rectify this situation, the federal government continues to pursue these agreements, most recently with South Korea. Recent studies suggest we would lose an addition 33,000 manufacturing jobs should this deal be signed. It is clear that when push comes to shove, the federal government will not do what it takes to help protect Canadian workers. So far, their approach to this crisis has centred exclusively on misguided corporate tax cuts and token investment initiatives. The promised $1-billion Community Development Trust Fund, announced last week by the federal government, would only be implemented if the spring budged is passed. It's time our prime minister stopped playing partisan politics at the expense of workers.

So, what can be done? Here are a few suggestions:

Intervene to bring the value of our dollar back to sustainable levels by encouraging the Bank of Canada to cut interest rates further.

Use public funds to purchase goods made in Canada by enacting a "Buy Canadian" policy for public procurement. This should apply for all levels of government.

Make significant direct investments in key manufacturing industries and sites to rebuild communities struggling with manufacturing job losses. Develop tighter controls for the purchase of Canadian companies by foreign investors.

Create a new AutoPact to ensure foreign imports are tied directly to investment and jobs in Canada.

This is critical for our future and that of our children and grandchildren.

Our Job, Our Communities, and our Future:
Stop Canada /Korea Trade Agreement: November 5th 2007

On Monday October 22, I traveled to Ottawa as part of a CAW Lobby group which included our National President Buzz Hargrove to meet with the N.D.P., Bloc., Liberal and Conservative auto caucus to get their party’s support to stop a Canada-Korea Trade Agreement.

We also held a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 23 which also included St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan. Mayor McMullan spoke about St. Catharines City Council passing a resolution in support of our union position to not support a Korea Trade Agreement.

The mayor was very clear in saying the Canadian government should stop the free trade negotiations with Korea, and any further trade expansion must be based on principles of balanced, fair trade. I would like to thank Mayor Brian McMullan for coming to Ottawa and participating in our press conference.

Manufacturing is already in crisis why would Ottawa make things worse?

Canada has lost 300,000 manufacturing jobs since 2002, 5,000 jobs lost right here in the Niagara Region, thanks to the soaring loonie and a flood of imports. Communities which depend on manufacturing are looking to Ottawa for leadership yet, what is the response??

Trade Minister David Emerson is rushing through a flawed free trade deal with Korea. Why? Because he thinks Canada should sign more trade deals.

Canada’s manufacturing trade deficit has grown six-fold in just three years to 28 billion in 2006. Korea alone accounts for 1/8 of that deficit. Tens of thousands more manufacturing jobs in high tech industries like electronics, auto and machinery will inevitably be lost under a FTA with Korea. Canada’s currency is up 15% against Korea’s dollar this year alone. We’ve already given Korean products a 15% head start in our market. Why would we make things even worse?

This is a terrible time for a terrible deal Nobody has all the answers for how to save Canadian manufacturing. But we do know what will make it worse. Korea is a manufacturing powerhouse giving Korea even more access to our markets, with no strings attached, will worsen our deficit and destroy thousands more jobs.

The Harper government should stop the FTA negotiations with Korea now. We need a level playing field in trade and a strategy to save Canadian jobs not a desperate deal that will make matters worse.

Score Card:

Korea sold 130,000 vehicles in Canada in 2005.
Canada sold 400 vehicles in Korea in 2005.

Is this fair trade? I think not.

Bargaining:

Over the last couple of months we were successful in negotiating new 3 year collective agreements at Ed Lear Ford and Tora Investment Inc.

Some highlights of Ed Learn Ford agreement were:

• Improved maximum dispensing fee
• Improve new hires co-pay
• Increased Life Insurance
• Increased weekly indemnity
• Improved wages 5.5% over 3 years
• Improved bereavement

The bargaining committee wants to thank the membership for their support during this round of bargaining and for their 91% ratification vote. I would like to thank Mike Menicanin and the Ed Learn in-plant committee for all their hard work during these tough negotiations.

Tora Investments Inc.

We are happy to report the bargaining committee was successful in negotiating a new 3 year collective agreement. We had many tough meetings and a lengthy delay as a result of the employer’s layoff announcement in March. The Local would like to thank the membership who took this employer on strike for about 24 hours for their solidarity.

Tora Highlights:

• Improved recognition and scope article
• Improved grievance procedure
• Improved bereavement leave
• Improvement in wages
• Benefit improvements
• Reduced pay grid

The bargaining committee would like to thank National Rep. Steve Farkas who made a decision to complete the bargaining at Tora along with his new job as a National Director working in the Kitchener Cambridge area. The Local would also like to thank Chairperson John Hibben and Committeeperson Evelyn Sacco, Adrianna Ruscitti and Howard Hines for their support and long hours during this round of bargaining.

Organizing

Your CAW Local 199 Executive Board passed at the September membership meeting has made a decision to work with your CAW National Organizing Department to start organizing workplaces in the Niagara Region. Sister Elizabeth Ferretti who works at First Ontario has been cleared for up to 6 months to work on organizing.

If any active or retired member knows of any workplace which might be interested in joining the CAW please call our Union Hall at (905) 682-2611 and ask to speak to Elizabeth Ferretti.

Retired Workers Chapter

On Wednesday October 17/07 the Retirees Chapter held their elections for their new Executive Board. The Local union would like to congratulate the newly elected retiree’s executive board. The newly elected members are:

Barbara Abrams	Chairperson
Roger Pelletier	Vice Chairperson
Bill Orr	Recording Secretary
Nick Collini	Treasurer
Henry Wiebe	Sgt. At Arms

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the past executive board for the great job they did on behalf of our retirees. I would also like to thank Bob Chapman for all his hard work and dedication the last 3 years as chairperson of our Retiree Chapter.

In Closing: The Christmas season is upon us and we hope you are enjoying yourself with family and friends.

Please! Don’t Drink and Drive.

Dear FirstOntario Credit Union Members: October, 15th 2007

Dear FirstOntario Credit Union Members:

On behalf of our sisters in COPE local 343, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support during our lengthy strike at FirstOntario Credit Union. As you are aware, the strike ended on July 9, 2007 with a return to work of all but seven of the striking employees. Despite the clear direction of the members at the Annual General Meeting in May to reinstate the seven terminated employees, the Credit Union Board of Directors refused to do so. The outstanding issues in this dispute have been referred to binding arbitration for resolve.

I am writing to you regarding the current election for four members to the Board of Directors of FirstOntario Credit Union. We believe that the Board of Directors of our Credit Union should reflect the views and principles of the members of their credit union. This credit union, like many others, was founded by working people.

I believe that the following four candidates for election to the Board of Directors understand the principles and philosophies that this credit union was built upon and will represent the Credit Union members effectively. Please cast your ballot in support of the following candidates:

	Tom Atterton
	Ron Fleet
	Lawrence (Trent) Jarvis
	Irene Lowell

You must vote for four candidates or your ballot will not be counted. Ballots are accepted until Thursday, Novembers 15th 2007.

I would also like to remind everyone that the next Annual General Meeting of FirstOntario Credit Union is scheduled for Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at Chandelier Place, 660 Barton Street, Stoney Creek.

Thank you for your support.

In Solidarity

Wayne Gates, President
CAW Local 199

I am excited and proud to welcome you to our new website. We have spent considerable time and resources developing the site, utilizing new technology to improve communication with our members.

If you look around the home page you will see that there are four main menus. Along the top of the screen you will find a red and grey menu with information about our local union, its long and colourful history, our structure, our various committees, and the Units that we represent.

On the left side of your screen is the Action Menu. This menu includes a phone directory that contains an interactive list of phone numbers and contact information for our elected reps and others who can provide help for specific needs. There is also a section that provides comprehensive information on how to sign up for Employment Insurance, details on booking the CAW hall for a function, and current listings about upcoming events that we are involved in. The Action Menu also has an in-depth link on how to join a union, who to contact, and the benefits of being a member. This menu includes information about volunteering in the community and how to get involved.

The Issues menu provides you with information about the issues and campaigns that affect workers in the region. It provides you with up-to-date information on these important issues and the position that our union is taking on them.

On the right hand side of the screen is the Service Menu. It explains the services and benefits available to members of the union and some of the bargaining highlights from past rounds of negotiations. Another important feature of this menu is that you can also download frequently used forms and information.

This website is designed as a toolbox and pipeline to communicate with our members. We hope it will also attract new members to the CAW. As you move around the website and visit some of the pages, it will quickly become apparent that being a member of a progressive and active union like CAW has numerous advantages.

We welcome and encourage you to submit your articles and photographs to help keep the website fresh and up-to-date. After all it belongs to you!

"A union not only helps the workers and retirees they represent but also benefits the community in which we live"

Wayne Gates
President CAW Local 199