Workers Together
Circulated on behalf of VDLC.
Workers across Canada are feeling the squeeze.
Rent is through the roof, groceries are breaking the bank, and paycheques aren’t stretching like they used to.
Too many workers are struggling – but they’re also fired up. Workers are ready to stand up to wealthy corporations and call out politicians who don’t have workers’ backs.
These are the real stories behind Workers Together. Now we need to make sure all of Canada hears them.
Will you watch this Workers Together video story and share it with one click?
In solidarity,
Vancouver and District Labour Council
Petition for Unite 40 Members at Harrison Hot Springs
Shared on behalf of Unite HERE Local 40
In ongoing efforts to reach a collective agreement at Harrison Hot Springs Hotel please see the attached petition, we are requesting that you distribute and help get as many signatures as possible for Unite Here 40 members.
Thank you for your support
VDLC’s 3rd Annual Webinar: Fighting Racism in our Cities
Fighting Racism in our Cities: the Roles and Responsibilities of Municipal Government
Just a reminder that the VDLC’s 3rd Annual Webinar will take place this Sunday September 15, 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Zoom.
This free webinar is for all workers who want to learn and share ideas about building anti-racist cities and workplaces. It will continue our discussions with labour and anti-racism activists about current civic policies in our cities in consideration of the impact these are having on Indigenous peoples and racialized minorities, to work with our allies to elect city councilors willing to fight racism, and to strengthen the labour movement’s solidarity with anti-racist action.
In this webinar, Am Johal (SFU Office of Community Engagement), Jennifer Reddy (VSB), and Sadie Kuehn (VPD African Descent Advisory Committee) will examine the role of municipal governments in advancing policies that fight racism by addressing poverty, inequality and discrimination.
You can register through our website on our Events page at Fighting Racism in our Cities You’ll receive the zoom link at the time of registration.
We hope you can join us!
Metro Vancouver HandyDART workers on strike
– Circulated on behalf of ATU Local 1724 –
Metro Vancouver HandyDART workers are on strike as of Sept 3, because Transdev, the French multinational contracted by Translink to operate the service, has refused to bargain a fair contract.
A central issue for workers is earning wage parity with HandyDART workers in the Fraser Valley. This is important for riders too, because the low pay at Metro Vancouver HandyDART causes severe turnover and staffing shortages, which in turn cause skyrocketing taxi use, long wait times, and difficulty booking trips. Under the current status quo, HandyDART service levels per senior are less than half of what they were in 2008. Service just can’t keep up with demand, because instead of paying workers fairly, Transdev has chosen to line its corporate pockets.
Transdev’s disregard for the public good is further demonstrated by their lack of urgency in negotiations. Although the Union has said that it is ready to bargain at any time, any place, Transdev announced that it would not be able to meet until September 12.
Send a letter telling Transdev to bargain a fair contract, and urging Translink officials to support workers and riders!
Send your message: http://www.bit.ly/handydartfaircontract
Red Dress Gathering, September 22, 2024
Shared on behalf of HEU/CUPE
Drum Making Workshop
Circulated on behalf of NWDLC
***Drum making workshop***
Due to the high interest in this workshop on June 15th, The NWDLC Indigenous Standing Committee is offering NWDLC delegates another opportunity to participate.
Only ten spots available so space is limited. Led by Indigenous Standing Committee member, Debra Merrier, it will be held in the USW Training Room next to the NWDLC office at 106-3920 Norland Avenue in Burnaby on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10 am – 3 pm. If you interested in participating please email admin@nwdlc.ca with “drum workshop” in the subject line, you will receive a confirmation email. There is no charge and a light lunch will be offered.
There is free parking on the grounds, on transit the venue is accessible by bus and is also a short walk from Canada Way
HANDYDART STRIKE: September 3, 2024
– Circulating on behalf of ATU Local 1724 and HandyDART Workers –
HANDYDART STRIKE DAY 1 KICK-OFF RALLY
Tuesday September 3 at 11:30am at Thornton Park
Directly across from the front entrance of Pacific Station
1150 Station St. Vancouver
Speakers will begin around noon
We are launching our strike with a single picket line and rally to show our unity! We will be joined by rider advocates, community allies, labour leaders from across Canada, and leadership from ATU Canada and ATU International.
Show your solidarity with striking HandyDART workers!
Join us at the picket lines starting September 4. Picket lines run from 5:00am to 9:00pm at the following locations:
- Vancouver: Pacific Central Station, 1150 Station St. Vancouver
- Cloverdale: 17535 55B Ave, Surrey
- Burnaby: 3267 Norland Ave, Burnaby
Go to www.saveourhandydart.ca to sign our petition and take our rider survey!
Community Picnic in the Park for Junior Black Achievement Awards Society
Shared on behalf of the NWDLC and Junior Black Achievement Awards Society
Please join us at Glen Park in Coquitlam, British Columbia, on July 16th, 2023, from 11 am to 3 pm. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with fun activities, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with organizations promoting their initiatives.
The Community Picnic in the Park aims to foster a sense of unity, celebrate the achievements of Black youth, and provide a platform for organizations to showcase their work and engage with the community. JrBAA is happy to partner with several community organizations to showcase their work and highlight their initiatives.
JrBAA extends an open invitation to individuals, groups, and organizations aligned with the mission of supporting and empowering Black youth. Attendees are encouraged to bring their picnic baskets to enjoy a day of networking and camaraderie with friends and family.
For further information on the Community Picnic in the Park or how your organization can participate in this event, connect with JrBAA via email at info@jrbaa.org.
Better the Benefit Campaign
Shared on behalf of the Canadian Labour Congress
This summer, Canada’s unions are amplifying Disability Without Poverty’s Better the Benefit campaign to tell governments they must improve and protect the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).
We are in an affordability crisis. $200.00 per month for so few working-age people with disabilities is unacceptable, and Canada’s unions demand better.
How you can participate
DWP is hosting events across Canada to meet with local elected leaders and build a strong base of support. Here’s how you can join:
– Send a letter to your Member of Parliament using this form
– Circulate and use this poster and fact sheet;
– Track what your provincial leaders are doing about the CDB here;
– Meet and strategize with DWP at their in-person events; and,
– Connect the DWP team with local leaders and allies.
In-Person Events (local)
– Vancouver (August 10 to 12)
Event details will be available throughout the summer on DWP’s social media channels:
Facebook
Instagram
X (formerly known as Twitter)
LinkedIn
You can learn more about Disability Without Poverty and the Better the Benefit campaign here. You can also contact the DWP team directly at hello@disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca.
In solidarity, Lily Chang – Secretary-Treasurer, Canadian Labour Congress
HandyDART Solidarity Rally on June 9, 2024
Shared on behalf of ATU Local 1724
