By James Wilt The Winnipeg Labour Council (WLC) has been stagnating for decades. The WLC has a storied history of radical union activism, including playing a key role in the legendary Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. But in recent years the WLC settled for a corridor politics approach, opting to hang around City Hall, getting Continue readingAn interview with Basia Sokal, the new Winnipeg Labour Council president
Manitoba
By David Camfield The University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) went on strike on November 1 and returned to work with a new contract on November 22. UMFA is the union for around 1200 workers: people classified as professors, most librarians, and instructors (teaching staff whose contracts are open-ended or longer than a year; teachers Continue readingSolid strike wins gains at the University of Manitoba
By Scott Price A major crisis is facing the labour movement and the left in Manitoba. Within the first six months of the Progressive Conservative provincial government’s four year mandate labour laws have been rolled back, cuts to civil service are being made and crucial jobs in Manitoba’s north could disappear. A consultant firm (KPMGLLP) Continue readingManitoba labour under Pallister’s boot
By Scott Price 1200 professors, instructors and librarians at the University of Manitoba are on strike. Picket Lines started at 7am on November 1 after talks between the university administration and University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) broke down. Picket lines are at four locations. Three around the Fort Garry campus area in south Winnipeg Continue readingUnderstanding the University of Manitoba Strike
By Matthew Brett Brian Pallister’s Bill 7 was introduced in the Legislative Assembly on June 15, aiming to amend the union certification system currently in place in Manitoba. A recent case in Edmonton makes very clear that this legislative change will put employees at risk while strengthening corporations and management. Give unionization “a great deal Continue readingManitoba’s Bill 7 is an attack on union rights
By Lynne Fernandez This fall Winnipeg City Council will determine the future of waste and recycling collection in our city. Current contracts with Emterra Environmental and Progressive Waste Services will expire in 2017. At least eight private companies have expressed interest in putting forward a proposal, and it will be up to council to select Continue readingWinnipeg should consider benefits of in-house waste collection
By Scott Price Seventeen years of NDP governance in Manitoba has come to an end. The Progressive Conservatives, lead by Brian Pallister, have won an unprecedented victory capturing 40 seats and 53% of the popular vote. The Manitoba NDP have been reduced to 14 seats with only 2 (Flin Flon and The Pas) outside of Continue readingPCs win: What now for Labour in Manitoba?
By Scott Price The 2015 Canadian federal election is approaching its last days. Although the NDP has seen its support wane, the election will most likely be a close one. In Manitoba and Winnipeg the municipal, federal and upcoming provincial elections could signal the start of a longer process of reevaluation and retooling for both the Continue readingIn Manitoba labour movement in the middle of the election cycle storm
by Scott Price On May 12 at noon members of ATU 1505, the union that represents Winnipeg public transit workers, held a rally at city hall calling on the city to give them a fair deal. ATU 1505 has been in a contract dispute with the city since the union members rejected the city’s offer Continue readingWinnipeg transit workers to City: Fix it, fund it, make it fair
Tim Hortons vs. Workers in Winnipeg by Doug Nesbitt Less than a month ago, several workers at four Tim Hortons stores in Winnipeg began talking union. Management quickly learned of the union activities and, following a captive audience meeting, fired one of the women workers in touch with organizers from Workers United. The union responded Continue readingRoll Up The Boss To Win