Saturday, December 26, 2009
AMERICAN POLITICS:
DOMESTIC 'RENDITION' OF IMMIGRANTS IN THE USA:
The following disturbing story about how immigration enforcement (ICE) in the USA often involves what are actually illegal acts comes from The Media Consortium. It came Molly's way via the Care2 website.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Extraordinary [Domestic] Rendition: ICE Perpetuating Human Rights Abuses:
By Nezua, Media Consortium
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an arm of the Department of Homeland Security, apparently isn’t beholden to US or international law. In The Nation, Jacqueline Stevens reveals the “clandestine operations, akin to extraordinary renditions” carried out by ICE.
By Nezua, Media Consortium
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an arm of the Department of Homeland Security, apparently isn’t beholden to US or international law. In The Nation, Jacqueline Stevens reveals the “clandestine operations, akin to extraordinary renditions” carried out by ICE.
Beyond the department’s public list of detention facilities—many of which are already sites of alleged abuse—ICE is also “confining people in 186 unlisted and unmarked subfield offices” around the nation. According to Alison Parker, deputy director of Human Rights Watch, these secret detention centers may violate the UN’s Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the United States is a signatory.
But what’s most appalling is ICE’s assertion that the department is some sort of super-police with powers of rendition. James Pendergraph, former executive director of ICE’s Office of State and Local Coordination, said in late 2008 that “if you don’t have enough evidence to charge someone criminally, but you think he’s illegal, we can make him disappear.” The boldness with which a law official would state such an idea is confounding; the confession, if true, is criminal.
Last week, The Diaspora wrote about the introduction of the CIR ASAP immigration bill by Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL). Freshman Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) is a recent addition to the list of 87 cosponsors on the bill, as The Colorado Independent reported last Wednesday.
This is a positive step forward. The bill will most likely be sponsored in the senate by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY). CIR ASAP establishes a basic layout of progressive immigration reform, but the final bill will probably become more focused on enforcement in Schumer’s hands.
Finally, David Moberg reports on the Obama administration’s controversial use of “audits” to purge employment payrolls of undocumented workers for In These Times. While the audit method is much quieter and less likely to make headlines, it is also ineffective. Not only do audits rely upon “flawed federal databases” to judge who is documented, they also purge immigrants who are “legal.”
As the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Executive Vice-President Eliseo Medina explains, workers fired as a result of ICE probes or audits do find other, lower-paying jobs that offer even less protection to the worker. Ultimately the number of undocumented workers in the US remains the same, and the entire exercise but “a losing game of musical chairs.” Medina stresses that SEIU is not suggesting the law shouldn’t be enforced, simply that it be enforced in a way that works.
This post features links to the best independent, progressive reporting about immigration by membersof The Media Consortium. It is free to reprint. This is a project of The Media Consortium, a network of leading independent media outlets.
Labels: American politics, Care2, immigrants, police state, The Media Consortium
Friday, December 25, 2009
CANADIAN LABOUR-MANITOBA:
TEMBEC LOCKOUT CONTINUES AS WORKERS REJECT OFFER:
The lockout of workers at the Tembec plant in Pine Falls Manitoba seems set to continue into the New Year as workers there have rejected an offer on the part of the company to change their status from "locked out" to "laid off" in return for concessions that would essentially give up all other rights that they are entitled to. Here is how the matter was reported by the Winnipeg Free Press.
◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•
Union rejects layoff offer at Tembec's newsprint mill in Manitoba:
By: THE CANADIAN PRESS
PINE FALLS, Man. - Hundreds of locked-out workers at a Tembec forestry mill in Pine Falls, Man., rejected Wednesday a company proposal to change the terms of their severance and employment security.
By: THE CANADIAN PRESS
PINE FALLS, Man. - Hundreds of locked-out workers at a Tembec forestry mill in Pine Falls, Man., rejected Wednesday a company proposal to change the terms of their severance and employment security.
During a meeting Tuesday with two conciliators from the Manitoba Department of Labour, Tembec had proposed changing the lockout to a layoff, an idea the union supported because it would allow its members to collect Employment Insurance.
However, the union said Tembec's offer was conditional on workers agreeing to defer severance pay and give up their employment security rights unless the operations were running at 100 per cent capacity.
"It is clear Tembec has no interest in ending this dispute because it tabled proposals it surely must have known would be rejected outright by their employees, our members," said United Steelworkers union area supervisor Wayne Skrypnyk.
In all, 280 workers have been on the picket line since September in a dispute over wage cuts, and their union has now applied for provincial arbitration.
The union said the company had been seeking wage and contract concessions that exceed 35 per cent.
Tembec announced earlier this month that it was putting the plant up for sale and was prepared to end the lockout, subject to an agreement on some local issues.
Before it locked out the workers, Tembec said it needed immediate and significant cuts in labour costs at the mill to keep it competitive.
Demand for newsprint has dropped across North America because of the recession and changes in newspapers affected by the migration of news and advertising to the Internet.
Tembec is one of Canada's largest forestry companies, with operations in Quebec and other parts of the country, and in France.
◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•
Meanwhile the United Steel Workers have issued a press release which goes into more detail as to why the workers rejected the offer. It also mentions that the rejection was unanimous. To my knowledge no mass media outlet has picked up on this press release. Here it is from the Canadian Newswire.
◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•◘•
Tembec Denies Pine Falls Workers Severance, EI and Workplace Rights:
WINNIPEG, Dec. 23 /CNW/ - Locked-out members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 3 - 1375, at the Tembec Manitoba Newsprint operations in Powerview-Pine Falls, unanimously rejected a company proposal Tuesday to change the lockout to a layoff if workers agreed to defer severance pay and give up their employment security rights unless the operations were running at 100 per cent capacity.
WINNIPEG, Dec. 23 /CNW/ - Locked-out members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 3 - 1375, at the Tembec Manitoba Newsprint operations in Powerview-Pine Falls, unanimously rejected a company proposal Tuesday to change the lockout to a layoff if workers agreed to defer severance pay and give up their employment security rights unless the operations were running at 100 per cent capacity.
USW negotiators and Tembec met Tuesday with two conciliators from the Manitoba Department of Labour to possibly end the lockout that began September 1, 2009. Two hundred and sixty USW members and 20 members of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union are on the picket line in rejection of wage and contract concessions that exceed 35 per cent.
"It is clear Tembec has no interest in ending this dispute because it tabled proposals it surely must have known would be rejected outright by their employees, our members," said USW area supervisor Wayne Skrypnyk.
The USW has applied to the provincial labour board for Interest Arbitration.
Despite imposing the lockout, earlier this month Tembec admitted to the Manitoba government and the unions that it intends to either sell the newsprint mill or close it down.
"If Tembec agreed to change its lockout to a layoff, our members would be able to collect Employment Insurance," said Skrypnyk. "This would have helped the workers and the community weather the economic storm that has hit the industry."
He added: "Tembec's denial of a workable agreement that would provide workers and their families access to Employment Insurance is heartless, especially at Christmas time."
The USW represents 250,000 workers in all sectors of the Canadian economy.
For further information: Wayne Skrypnyk, USW Area Coordinator, (204) 232-7335
Labels: Canadian labour, Canadian Newswire, labour, lockouts, Manitoba, Pine Falls, Tembec, Tembec lockout, United Steel Workers., Winnipeg Free Press
INTERNATIONAL ANARCHIST MOVEMENT:
ANTI-FASCIST INITIATIVE IN RUSSIA:
The heartland of the ex-Soviet Union is one of the countries of the world where classical fascism (as opposed to what the "left" usually labels as "fascism") is gaining ground. Given the social crisis of a defeated empire that still has delusions of glory this is not unexpected. At the same time opposition is rising against this fascist threat, and anarchists are at the forefront of this opposition. Here, from the A-Infos website is an appeal for solidarity with a Russian anti-fascist initiative that will happen soon in the New Year.
@@@@@@@@@@
Russia, Manifesto of the January 19 Committee, Moscow:
On January 19, 2010, a year to the day from the murders of Stanislav Markelov and Anastasia Baburova, we, the organizers of an antifascist march, call on you to join our campaign against neo-Nazi terrorism.
----
The word fascism has been utterly devalued today. It is hard to find a political movement that avoids branding its opponents as “fascists.” But there are also meaningful interpretations of this term. Many of them have a direct bearing on what is taking place in contemporary Russia.
----
For some people, fascism is the extreme intolerance intrinsic to authoritarian societies. For others, it is an ideology of exploitation and coercion. For still others, it means the use by the authorities of covert paramilitary units for the suppression of democratic movements.
Finally, for some, fascism is a force that murders good people, people like the lawyer Stanislav Markelov and the journalist Nastya Baburova,the young antifascists Fyodor Filatov and Ivan Khutorskoi, the ethnologist Nikolai Girenko, the chess player Sergei Nikolaev from Yakutia, the programmer Bair Sambuev from Buryatia, and hundreds of others. People who define fascism in this way do not divide their enemies into Russians and non-Russians, grown-ups and children, priests and punk rock fans, young activists and defenseless janitors from Central Asia.
It is not a matter of definitions, however. All the murderers come from one and the same environment.
They can be defeated only through a combined effort, only by overcoming the barriers that separate political activists from each other and from people who do not trust politicians and are not involved in the political process. For this purpose we are organizing an antifascist initiative that will unite people of various political persuasions with all those who consider themselves apolitical but who are convinced that the rise of fascism in Russia demands a clear response from society.
The neo-Nazis have changed. They now not only attack marketplaces, they also blow them up – along with railroad tracks, concert halls, churches, cafes, and the entryways of the buildings where their political opponents live. The fascists now not only beat up people on the streets, they also murder them. Neo-Nazi terrorism has become a reality.
If this goes on much longer, Russia will turn into a country wracked by ethnic cleansing and inter-ethnic war. We appeal to everyone who would rather not wait to see this happen. Act now: take a public stance using whatever means you have at your disposal.
We also call on well-known and respected people – scholars, artists, writers, and intellectuals – to support our cause with their good names. We believe that the struggle against the neo-Nazi scourge in Russia must be raised to a new level. It has to become a mass campaign of solidarity that reaches beyond youth subcultures and activist groups. The understandable aversion people feel to politics should not prevent them from recognizing the threat posed by neo-Nazism.
We believe that we have three main tasks today. First, we need to deprive neo-Nazis and racists of the explicit and implicit support they receive from bureaucrats and establishment politicians. Second, we have to drive members of ultra-rightist organizations out of mainstream politics. Third, we must put an end to the practice of using radical right-wing gangs to intimidate and murder social and political activists.
We call on people in various cities and countries to take to the streets on January 19, 2010, and show their solidarity with our cause
German version: http://jan-19.livejournal.com/581.html
Russian version: http://jan-19.livejournal.com/301.html & http://ru.indymedia.org/newswire/display/23144/index.php
Labels: anarchism, anti-fascism, demonstrations, fascism, international anarchist movement, January 19th Committee, Russia, solidarity.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
FROM MOLLYMEW:
THE OLD YEAR WINDS DOWN TO ITS CLOSE. THE NEW YEAR LOOMS IN FRONT, FULL OF PROMISE AND OF CHALLENGE. MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING ALL THE BEST TO ALL MY READERS. MAY THE WORLD CHANGE AT LEAST A LITTLE BIT FOR THE BETTER.
WISHING YOU WELL IN 2010- MOLLYMEW
Labels: blogging, Christmas., holidays, New Year, personal
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
CANADIAN ANARCHIST MOVEMENT-TORONTO:
UPPING THE ANTI NUMBER 9 NOW AVAILABLE:
Issue number 9 of the excellent libertarian socialist journal 'Upping The Anti' is now out. Quite a good magazine. Molly is herself a subscriber, and, of course, you can't get any higher recommendation than that. Here's the details.
@@@@@@@@@@
UTA issue #9 now available + holiday subscription deal!:
Please forward widely
Please forward widely
Dear Friends and Comrades,
We are pleased to announce that the ninth issue of Upping the Anti, a journal of theory and action, is can now be ordered online or purchased at these fine booksellers.
UTA 9 includes:
◘Interviews with Eli Clare and Sherene Razack
◘Ben Saifer on Campus Israel advocacy and the politics of "dialogue"
◘Kate Milley on anti-Native organizing and the "Caledonia Crisis"
◘Chris Hurl and Kevin Walby on the rise and fall of the Canadian Union of Students
◘Roundtables on the ten year of anniversary of the "Battle of Seattle" and anti-Olympics organizing in British Columbia
UTA 9 includes:
◘Interviews with Eli Clare and Sherene Razack
◘Ben Saifer on Campus Israel advocacy and the politics of "dialogue"
◘Kate Milley on anti-Native organizing and the "Caledonia Crisis"
◘Chris Hurl and Kevin Walby on the rise and fall of the Canadian Union of Students
◘Roundtables on the ten year of anniversary of the "Battle of Seattle" and anti-Olympics organizing in British Columbia
Upping the Anti is a radical journal published twice a year by a pan-Canadian collective of activists and organizers. We are dedicated to publishing radical theory and analysis about struggles against capitalism, imperialism and all forms of oppression.
Since our debut in 2005, we’ve published articles by and interviews with renowned activists and intellectuals, including Aijaz Ahmad, Himani Bannerji, Grace Lee Boggs, Ward Churchill, Michael Hardt, John Holloway, Sunera Thobani, Deborah Gould, and Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz.We have covered a wide range of topics including Palestine solidarity activism, the strengths and weaknesses of the contemporary anti-war movement, trans politics and anti-capitalism, Indigenous solidarity, contemporary feminist organizing, activist burnout, the dynamics of the animal liberation movement, and the contradictions and challenges facing student organizing.
This holiday season, give the gift of revolutionary thought to your friends, family, coworkers or comrades. For a limited time, you can get Issues 8, 9 and 10 of Upping the Anti delivered right to your door, or to the door of your choosing for just $25 CAD or $35 USD. Canada - Holiday Promo
Issues 8, 9 and 10 of Upping the Anti delivered right to your door $25.00 - Login or Register to add this to your cart.USA - Holiday Promo Issues 8, 9 and 10 of Upping the Anti delivered right to your door $35.00 - Login or Register to add this to your cart.Order by December 30th and receive 3 issues of Upping the Anti for $25
Issues 8, 9 and 10 of Upping the Anti delivered right to your door $25.00 - Login or Register to add this to your cart.USA - Holiday Promo Issues 8, 9 and 10 of Upping the Anti delivered right to your door $35.00 - Login or Register to add this to your cart.Order by December 30th and receive 3 issues of Upping the Anti for $25
!Happy holidays
The Upping the Anti Editorial Committee
-- UPPING THE ANTI :
-- UPPING THE ANTI :
A Journal of Theory and Action
If the articles in Upping The Anti inspire or enrage you, if they have been useful (or not) in your organizing work, or if you have something to contribute to an argument on our pages, please consider writing us a letter. We print letters up to 1,000 words and reserve to the right to edit for clarity, spelling, and grammar. Email letters to uppingtheanti@gmail.com.
Labels: anarchism, anarchist magazines, canadian anarchist movement, Toronto, Upping the Anti
CANADIAN LABOUR-TORONTO:
REINSTATE GAETAN HEROUX:
The following appeal for solidarity comes from the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP). The case of the dismissal of Gaetan Heroux has been mentioned before here at Molly's Blog.
&&&&&&&&&&&&
Reinstate Gaetan Heroux: March to Scarborough from Street Health:
Reinstate Gaetan Heroux: March to Scarborough from Street Health Homeless Contingent to walk from downtown east to Neighbourhood Link
Reinstate Gaetan Heroux: March to Scarborough from Street Health Homeless Contingent to walk from downtown east to Neighbourhood Link
-------------------------------
** Sign Petition to Reinstate Gaetan (see below) **
-------------------------------
ACTION: March from Street Health to Neighbourhood Link
DATE: Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
TIME: 9 am
LOCATION: Meet at 338 Dundas Street East (Street Health)Walk approximately two hours to 3036 Danforth Avenue (Neighbourhood Link)
-----------------------------
On December 8th, 2009, much-loved and respected community advocate and activist Gaetan Heroux was fired from his job as a PAID ID worker, by his employer, Neighbourhood Link. Gaetan's dismissal came after he refused to comply with sudden relocation of his office from Street Health, in the downtown east end, to a new location at Victoria Park and Danforth.
The move would have meant Gaetan's work providing identification to poor and homeless people in the downtown east would have been severely compromised, as clients of the PAID Project necessarily require access to workers and their ID at unpredictable times and often on an urgent basis, given the instability of homelessness.
The attempt to move Gaetan came after he spoke up in defence of his colleagues at Street Health, who have been trying to negotiate a fair contract with management for 1.5 years, and have been subject to harassment, threats, and intimidation as a result. The relocation efforts mean that his employer, Neighbourhood Link, in apparent cooperation with Street Health management, is effectively going to deny people access to a service that is essential to their lives. Gaetan would not stand for this and refused to move. He was subsequently fired.
-------------------------
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
COME OUT AND JOIN THE WALK:
Join a community delegation of homeless people and friends, as we walk to Neighbourhood Link from Street Health in the depth of winter. This long journey is the one which will be required of homeless PAID Project clients if management persists with the plan to move services to the Scarborough offices.
When we arrive at Neighbourhood Link, the delegation will requesting a meeting with Executive Director Mary McGowan (a request already sent in writing), to demand the following: 1) respond to the articulated needs of homeless clients and return ID services to the downtown core on a full time basis;
2) reverse the decision to terminate Gaetan Heroux and relocate him back to his office at Street Health.
SIGN THE PETITION:
We will be presenting signatures already collected in support of Gaetan and the return of PAID ID work to the Street Health location. Add your name to this new electronic petition and join all of us in calling for an end to the loss of the heart of Street Health: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/12/petition-in-support-of-gaetan-heroux
------------------------------
Sponsored by Friends of Street Health and the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty
-----------------------------
&&&&&&&&&&&&
THE PETITION:
Please go to the linl above to sign the following petition addressed to Neighbourhood Link management.
&&&&&&&&&&&&
PETITION IN SUPPORT OF GAETAN HEROUX
Target:
Neighbourhood Link 3036 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON
Sponsored by:
Friends of Street Health
PETITION IN SUPPORT OF GAETAN HEROUX'S REINSTATEMENT AS AN ID WORKER IN THE DOWNTOWN EAST END
Target:
Neighbourhood Link 3036 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON
Sponsored by:
Friends of Street Health
PETITION IN SUPPORT OF GAETAN HEROUX'S REINSTATEMENT AS AN ID WORKER IN THE DOWNTOWN EAST END
By firing Gaetan, his employer, Neighbourhood Link, in apparent cooperation with Street Health management, is effectively denying people access to a service that is essential to their lives. What will happen to people who need to access their ID outside of clinic hours? What will happen to people who cannot afford or are literally unable to travel to Scarborough to get their ID? What will happen to people who urgently need their ID to access social assistance or PNA, who need to be within walking distance of the PAID Project in order to meet their basic needs? Will people be provided with the transit fares they cannot afford, in order to travel to Scarborough? How will they access the additional essential support and services they were able to access when they would come to Gaetan in the downtown East end? Please sign the petition to re-instate Gaetan in the downtown East end!
Labels: Canadian labour, demonstrations, Gaetan heroux, labour, OCAP, petitions, solidarity., Toronto
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
CANADIAN LABOUR-MISSISSAUGA:
MISSISSAUGA WORKERS OCCUPY FACTORY:
Here, from the Star is the story of how some workers at a Mississaga air conditioning plant peacefully occupied their workplace the other day. Certainly there should be more of these actions to put pressure on management in these hard times.
LLLLLLLLLLLL
Angry workers occupy plant:
Workers in Mississauga feel `blindsided' after hasty shuttering of M&I
Tony Van Alphen Business Reporter
Angry employees at an idle air conditioning manufacturer in Mississauga occupied the company's plant for more than three hours Monday after they charged management "blindsided" them with an abrupt shutdown and no paycheques for extra work.
Workers in Mississauga feel `blindsided' after hasty shuttering of M&I
Tony Van Alphen Business Reporter
Angry employees at an idle air conditioning manufacturer in Mississauga occupied the company's plant for more than three hours Monday after they charged management "blindsided" them with an abrupt shutdown and no paycheques for extra work.
More than 100 workers mingled peacefully and retrieved belongings including tools at the M&I Air Systems plant in a pressure tactic to get some answers about their missing pay and the plant's future.
Bob Chernecki, a senior official for the Canadian Auto Workers, said management had not responded to union queries since last week, when the company halted operations and told employees to go home.
Chernecki said in an interview that the occupation led to a meeting where management indicated it would inform the union about its financial status, payment to workers and any possible chance of a reopening on Wednesday.
"These workers were blindsided by this corporation just before Christmas," he said.
"It's ridiculous. They received no warning and now face so much uncertainty."
M&I did not return calls for comment about the company's situation.
Chernecki said he expects the U.S.-based company to slip into receivership or fall under bankruptcy court protection during the next few days.
"It doesn't look good," he said.
M&I formed in 1981 and provides air-moving technology and systems for industrial and institutional buildings.
Chernecki said M&I did not provide regular biweekly paycheques on Dec.10, but managers promised they would submit them on the following Monday if employees worked during the same weekend to complete a major air-system project for a customer.
"They didn't get paid on the Monday and on the Tuesday the company called them in at 9 a.m. and told them there was no work and to go home," he added.
The union, which represents about 155 workers at the plant, is seeking wages including overtime for the employees during the past three weeks plus severance and holiday pay.
Furthermore, it wants the company to file employment insurance information with the federal government immediately.
The workers, including some staff with more than 20 years service, negotiated a new three-year contract during the fall that contained small wage increases for lower-paid staff and a $400 lump sum amount for higher-paid employees. The average wage is about $18 an hour.
The CAW and other unions have pushed for stronger legislation to protect workers who are victims of plant closures, including giving them higher standing than other creditors.
Labels: Canadian labour, factory occupations, labour, M and I Air Systems, Mississauga, Ontario
LA POLITIQUE CANADIENNE/CANADIAN POLITICS:
LES RETRAITÉS CONTRE LES TRAVAILLEURS/PENSIONERS VERSUS THE WORKERS ????
Au Québec il ya eu une tentative de la part des retraités de l'Union d'avoir les divers syndicats enregistrés comme «lobbyistes». quand il s'agit de negtiations pension. Il est douteux si un tel déplacement sera de toute bénéficier les retraités d'aujourd'hui au Québec. Il convient également de s'interroger sur les arrière-pensées derrière une telle initiative. Voici le rapport de la Gazette de Montréal.
In Québec there has been a move on the part of union pensioners to have the various unions registered as "lobbyists" when it comes to pension negotiations. It is doubtful if such a move will be of any benefit to present pensioners in Quebec. One also has to wonder about the ulterior motives behind such a move. Here is the report from the Montreal Gazette.
CCCCCCCCCCCCC
Make unions subject to lobby laws: ex-workers:
By KEVIN DOUGHERTY,
The GazetteDecember 19, 2009
Quebec's lobbying commissioner is deliberating on a request by an association of retired public-sector employees that public-sector unions be required to register as lobbyists.
The Association québécoise des retraité(e)s des secteurs public et parapublic wants the unions, whose negotiations are normally exempt from the lobbying law, to register as lobbyists when the talks turn to pension changes.
Luc Vallerand, director-general of the AQRP, said his association wants to use the lobbying law to influence the unions.
"We want to be consulted," he said.
And Vallerand says it is not ethical for the government to negotiate with the common front of 475,000 teachers, hospital workers and civil servants until the unions register as lobbyists.
Under the province's tough 2002 law on lobbying, a lobbyist is anyone who communicates orally or in writing with elected officials or their staff, senior civil servants or government enterprises, such as Hydro-Québec, to influence a decision.
All lobbyists must register with the lobbying commissioner, explaining each mandate they are pursuing.
Marjolaine Perreault, spokesperson for the Secrétariat intersyndical des services publics, the largest group in the common front, representing 300,000 teachers, daycare workers, hospital workers and civil servants, had no comment on the AQRP request.
Mélanie Malenfant of the Quebec Federation of Labour said the QFL is not taking seriously the AQRP's request and considers all issues on the bargaining table, including pensions, as part of the negotiating process.
Jean-Pierre Larche of the Confédération des syndicates nationaux noted that CSN president Claudette Carbonneau is already registered as a lobbyist for issues unrelated to the bargaining table.
"There is nothing to it," Larche said of the AQRP position. "It's a negotiation. It isn't lobbying to influence a minister."
kdougherty@thegazette.canwest.com
CCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Et ice est une opinion anarchiste de la blog Voix de Faits./ And here is an anarchist opinion from the Voix de Faits blog.
CCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Du syndicalisme au lobbyisme:D'après le Devoir, ça grogne du côté du Commissaire au lobbyiste du Québec pour que les syndicats complètent leur étiquette officielle de lobbyiste en chef. Même l'AQRP, l'Association québécoise des retraités des secteurs public et parapublic, attaque les syndicats pour qu'ils s'inscrivent officiellement lors de leur négocation! On savait que l'AQRP a quelques relations nébuleuses avec les grandes centrales syndicales. Rappelons surtout le dossier des retraites où elle plaide pour être à la table de négociation, craignant que ses membres - les retraitées- qui ne sont plus membres des centrales syndicales ne soient pas représentées. Mais là! Tant qu'à moi ça vole bas: pousser pour que les syndicats achoppent leur (dernier!) petit pouvoir de mobilisation et de contestation auprès du gouvernement!
Il est vrai que dans les faits, c'est peut-être seulement un titre de plus, voire une question d'image, puisque les grandes centrales agissent déjà comme des groupes de pression à saveur lobbyiste (d'ailleurs les chef.fes syndicaux sont pour la plupart déjà inscrites). Mais sur le long terme, cette entourloupette légaliste ne servira pas la cause des travailleurs et des travailleuses.
Surtout qu'idéologiquement, on entérine
1) que le gouvernement, en tant que patron, use de son pouvoir législatif pour baîllonner le combat syndical: d'où l'idée que les syndicats doivent inscrire leur négociation dans le registre des lobbyiste puisque la négociation du contrat de travail en lui-même ne requiert pas d'inscription au registre, seulement ce qui est encadré par la loi (les retraites par exemple).
2) que les syndicats sont un parti-pris comme un autre, au même titre qu'une entreprise privée ou qu'une branche d'industrie (le pétrole par exemple?); contrecarrant leur pouvoir de justice sociale pour tous et toutes et leur lutte pour l'amélioration des conditions de vie universelle, les faisant retomber au niveau d'une défense de droit lobbyiste du "plus pour soi, je m'en fiche des autres!".
Même s'il faut admettre que les grandes centrales syndicales négocient souvent lobbyistement, cherchant à protéger les acquis de LEURS travailleurs et travailleuses plutôt qu'à abolir le rapport capital-travail et à travailler pour l'ensemble des travailleurs et travailleuses exploitées, il n'en reste pas moins qu'ils sont un levier important pour la défense de la justice sociale. À ce point tel important que le gouvernement et le patronat ont compris depuis longtemps qu'il valait mieux encadrer leur puissance de frappe avant qu'elle ne porte le coup final.
La négociation des retraites risque d'être un sujet de plus où, sans démonstration collective de l'importance de la liberté syndicale, le dossier risque d'être clos avant même d'avoir instaurer un débat démocratique dans les instances syndicales. Toujours au profit des mêmes; toujours sur le dos de notre liberté à nous et de notre autonomie organisationnelle.
@@@@@@@@@@
And also in English.
@@@@@@@@@@
FROM UNIONISM TO LOBBYISM:
According to Le Devoir, the grumbles to the the Commissioner of Quebec Lobbyists are that the unions adopt the official label of lobbyists. Even AQRP, the Quebec Association of Retired Public and Parastate sectors, demanded that the unions to formally register their lobby business! We knew that AQRP has some nebulous relationships with the major trade unions. Recall especially the issue of pensions where it pleaded to be at the negotiating table, fearing that its members - the retired, who are no longer members of trade unions were not represented. So there! But it appears to me very much a drive for unions give up their (last?) little power to mobilize and challenge the government!
It is true that in practice it may be only a simple title , even a question of image, since larger organizations are already acting as pressure groups lobbying to their tastes (besides the union chiefs are mostly already signed on). But in the long term, these legalistic shenanigans will not serve the cause of working men and women.
Especially ideologically, it confirms
1) the government as a boss, uses its legislative powers to gag the union struggles: hence the idea that unions must register their negotiations in the register of lobbyists as bargaining since the negotiation of work conracts in itself does not require registration, only what is framed by law (eg pensions).
2) that the unions are biased like any other, just like a private company or a branch of industry (oil for example?); Counteracting their power for social justice for all and their struggle to improve living universal conditions , making them fall into a lobbyist defense of "more for itself, I do not care for others!".
Even if we admit that the main trade unions often employ lobbyists, seeking to protect the achievements of their workers rather than abolish the capital-labor relationship and work for all exploited workers , the fact remains that they are an important lever for the defense of social justice. At this point very important as the government and employers have long understood that it was better to regulate their punching power before they deliver the final blow.
The negotiation of pensions may be more a matter of where, without the collective demonstration of the importance of union indpendence, the case may be closed even before a democratic debate in the union bodies. Also always to their own benefit , always on the backs of our freedom and our organizational independence.
Labels: anarchism, anarchist opinion, Canadian labour, Canadian politics, current events, labour, pensions, Quebec, Voix De Faits
CANADIAN POLITICS:
OLYMPIC RESISTANCE SPREADS ACROSS CANADA:
The following is a press release from the Olympic Resistance Network dated yesterday, December 21. It is a summary of some of the protests that have met the Olympic flame in its course across the country.
@@@@@@@@@@
Press Release: Olympic Torch being Disrupted across Canada, Protests today at Six Nations as Olympic Torch shamed:
OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY BEING DISRUPTED ACROSS CANADA!
OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY BEING DISRUPTED ACROSS CANADA!
==> Anti-Olympic Protesters bring their message of resistance across Canada; Olympic Torch shamed.
==> Six Nations community members declare Olympic Torch will not pass through their territory.
Monday, December 21 2009, Vancouver Unceded Coast Salish Territories-Protesters are bringing their anti-Olympic message with chants of “No Olympics on Stolen Native Land”, “Get your torch off our land, we don’t want your Olympic scam” and “2010 Homes not 2010 Games” across Canada. In many instances, activists have successfully disrupted the Torch Relay, forcing delays and route cancellations, with at least four arrests associated with anti-Torch related actions.
Today, Six Nations community members have declared that the Olympic Torch will not pass through their territory. A Declaration by the Onkwehonwe (people) of the Grand River Territory states “This land is not conquered. We are not Canadian… We hereby affirm our peaceful opposition to the entry and progression of the 2010 Olympic torch into and through our territory.” (Visit: http://6nsolidarity.wordpress.com/ or No2010@peaceculture.org for media interviews). In the coming weeks, dissenters are also expected to converge in Kitchener, Calgary, Edmonton, Stratford, and Guelph.
In Toronto over 250 people took to the streets on December 17, blocking major intersections and forcing the cancellation of the Torch in parts of downtown Toronto. A banner dropped directly across the stage read “Gego Olympics Da-Te-Snoon Nishnaabe-Giing Ga-Gmooding” (“No Olympics on Stolen Native Land” in Anishinaabemowin). (Visit http://torontotorch.blogspot.com/or email torchblock@gmail.com ).
At least four communities in the province of Quebec have opposed the Torch Relay: Sept-Iles, Montreal, Kanahwake First Nations, and Quebec City. In Montreal, over 200 people converged and delayed the relay as well as the main ceremonies and concert. (Visit: http://www.amp-montreal.net/).
On October 30, over 400 people gathered to oppose the Torch Relay launch in Victoria. An Anti-Olympics Festival and Zombie March succeeded in disrupting the relay. Security personnel were forced to extinguish the torch, load it in a van, and reroute it. (Visit http://no2010victoria.net/or no2010victoria@gmail.com ).
Actions have also occurred in cities as diverse as Comox Valley, Kingston, Halifax, Ottawa, and St. John's. With the number of protesters equaling or exceeding spectators, dissatisfaction with the 2010 Winter Olympics is growing across Canada. According to a November 2009 Angus-Reid poll, over 30% of B.C. residents feel the Olympics will have a negative impact and almost 40% of residents support protesters. (sorry, but ????-Molly )
Protesters note that the Olympics are not simply about the athletes; rather the corporate Games are leaving a legacy of displacement, militarization, and repression. Public funds invested by all levels of government are nearing $7 billion. According to the Olympic Resistance Network, “While Olympic corporate sponsors are getting bailed out, Indigenous lands are being stolen, people are becoming homeless, thousands are losing their jobs and access to public services, the environment is being destroyed, and civil liberties are being eroded with almost a billion dollars sunk into surveillance. The negative Olympic legacy is turning into an anti-Olympic legacy of resistance across the country.” Social justice activists also believe that the Olympic Torch is a $25 million propaganda tool for corporate sponsors who have some of the worst social and environmental practices. The Royal Bank of Canada has been under fire for its financing of the environmentally devastating Alberta Tar Sands, while Coca Cola has been responsible for massive depletion of groundwater and toxic waste pollution in India.
– 30 –
For media quotes visit: http://olympicresistance.net/content/media
@@@@@@@@@@
Here, according to the Hamilton Spectator, is what happened on the Six Nations Reserve yesterday.
@@@@@@@@@@
Six Nations protesters detour the Olympic flame:
Barry Gray, the Hamilton Spectator
Change of venue a 'small victory'
December 22, 2009 Danielle Wong
Barry Gray, the Hamilton Spectator
Change of venue a 'small victory'
December 22, 2009 Danielle Wong
The Hamilton Spectator(Dec 22, 2009)
A last-minute detour in the Olympic flame's passage through Six Nations yesterday appeased protesters, but left participants with mixed feelings.
A last-minute detour in the Olympic flame's passage through Six Nations yesterday appeased protesters, but left participants with mixed feelings.
The initial plan to have the 25 torchbearers run through the heart of the reserve had upset some Six Nations people.
They argued the torch represented Ottawa's mistreatment of natives and the environmental destruction caused by Olympic preparations near Vancouver.
Torchbearers and spectators learned yesterday morning the relay would instead be held at the Six Nations bingo hall at Highway 54 and Chiefswood Road, on the reserve's outskirts.
Protesters had positioned themselves to block the torch from coming on to Six Nations land on Highway 54, but backed off when they saw the Olympic caravan take a different route to the hall.
"All the demands were met in not bringing the caravan through (Six Nations) and that's why there was no big demonstration," said protester Skye Williams, 26.
Torchbearer Robert Henry said he would have liked to have carried the torch through Ohsweken, but the event was still positive.
"It's unfortunate we can't go that way, but I think this will still ... be part of history," said the 36-year-old.
The relay began shortly after 5 p.m. outside the bingo hall. More than 200 people gathered outside to watch smoke dances and the First Nations youth choir before cheering on the torchbearers.
Torchbearer Jason Johnson said last night's event was an opportunity to encourage young people and he was shocked when he got the call that he would be running.
"Big events like these don't often make their way this far," he said.
There was a different atmosphere earlier when a small group of protesters showed up at the Six Nations Community Centre on Fourth Line after a press conference.
They held signs saying "No Olympics on stolen native land" and "No torch means no trespassing."
There was no consensus among the Haudenosaunee Confederacy to bring the Olympic torch to their land, said the demonstration's spokesperson Melissa Elliott, 19.
The change in venue was a "small victory" for those protesting the Olympics, she said.
But Lana Isaacs, who came out to support the torchbearers, said she would have liked to see the torch go through the reserve.
"We have elders at the Iroquoia lodge who could see (the relay) out the window," she said, adding there were others who could not get to the bingo hall.
"They're missing it and it is sad. And it is too bad."
Band council chief Bill Montour said they switched routes because the bingo hall was more "central" and the initial plan was "becoming a logistic nightmare."
"This event is not a political event.
"It's for this community."
Labels: 2010 Winter Olympics, aboriginal, anti-olympics, current events, demonstrations, Hamilton Spectator, Olympic Resistance Network, olympics, Ontario, protests, Six nations, sports
Monday, December 21, 2009
CANADIAN LABOUR-MOOSE JAW:
UFCW SOLIDARITY WITH LOCKED OUT WORKERS IN MOOSE JAW:
Looks like it's "celebrating the donations" time here at Molly's Blog. Following the previous article here's another good news story as the UFCW from across the continent have raised $86,000 as a donation for workers locked out by XL Beef in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. Yeah, I know it's not the centre of the universe, just as here in Manitoba the plight of workers locked out by Tembec in Pine Falls hardly blips onto the world screen. Multiply these isolated incidents in out of the way places to what they actually are, however, and you see a vicious pattern of managerial assault on ordinary workers.
The following is a "good news story", just as the previous 'Operation Christmas Cheer' reported here at Molly's Blog is such a thing. I suppose, however, that I have to get my "grouch" in. It has been some time since the UFCW asked the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour to support a boycott of XL Beef. The SFL spokesman came out with a disparaging statement about the idea, and since that time little has been heard about it. Can anyone say "death by neglect" ? It seems as if the UFCW Union is unwilling to publicly challenge the SFL about their lack of action. Too bad. This is one of the many instances that point to the need for independent voices, not just in Canada's unions but amongst "the left" in general, voices that are not mouthpieces for this or that organization. Too much get swept under the carpet. The SFL should be challenged to say whether it is or is not willing to support such a boycott and to give its reasons if not. My own opinion, for what it is worth is that, given the fact that XL Beef is marketed internationally, that the UFCW should go ahead with a boycott whether they have the support of the SFL or not.
OK, enough preaching. Here's the story from the Moose Jaw Times.
◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘◘
UFCW stands behind local XL Beef employees:
$86,000 US.
That’s how much United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) from across North America gave local XL Beef employees currently on lock out on Friday.
$86,000 US.
That’s how much United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) from across North America gave local XL Beef employees currently on lock out on Friday.
“It may seem at times this is a fight you’re taking on by yourself, but you’re not by yourself,” UFCW vice president and food processing and packing director Mark Lauritsen told about 60 local workers, who were picketing across the road from XL Beef plant.
Lauritsen said the fight was important not just in Moose Jaw, but to anyone who works in the beef-packing industry in Canada and the U.S.
Lauritsen then presented UFCW Local 1400 president Norm Neault with an envelope containing $86,000, which the union collected from its members in from both countries following a recent sector meeting.
Labels: Canadian labour, labour, lockouts, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, SFL, solidarity., UFCW, XL Beef
CANADIAN LABOUR-SUDBURY:
HEALTH CARE WORKERS SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH VALE INCO STRIKERS:
The strike against Vale Inco in Ontario and Newfoundland goes on into the holiday season. The community of Sudbury and many other labour groups continue to stand solidly behind the strikers. This strike is a critical test of strength. Will the multinationals be able to dictate whatever they want in Canada- backed up by their Conservative Party friends ? Or will they be forced to see reason and bargain fairly ? Out Sudbury way health care workers represented by Local 659 of the Ontario Public Service Employees' Union (OPSEU) have come to the aid of their fellow workers during the Christmas season. The following is from the strike support site Fair Deal Now. For more on this story see also the website of the OPSEU.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Sudbury Health Care Workers Back Vale Inco Strikers:
‘Time for us and other members of the community to show our support.’ – Yves Shank, OPSEU Local 659
Sudbury, 21 Dec, 2009 – Sudbury area health care workers have made a $5,000 contribution to striking employees of the Vale Inco mining giant.
‘Time for us and other members of the community to show our support.’ – Yves Shank, OPSEU Local 659
Sudbury, 21 Dec, 2009 – Sudbury area health care workers have made a $5,000 contribution to striking employees of the Vale Inco mining giant.
The Vale Inco employees, members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6500, have been off work since July, fighting massive cutback demands by the Brazilian-owned corporation. The company is demanding rollbacks despite Sudbury being its most profitable mining operation.
The health care workers are members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE). They work at the Sudbury Regional Hospital, the Manitoulin Health Centre and the Sudbury Vascular Laboratory.
“As an active community partner, OPSEU Local 659 acknowledges the efforts and determination of their sisters and brothers at USW-6500 and vows to support them in this fight,” says Yves Shank, president of the local.
“Many of our members have family members on that picket line, and others have friends and relatives who are, have been or will be directly connected to the USW membership,” he notes.
“It is time, particularly during the holiday season, for us and other members of the community to show our support in more concrete ways. We hope this donation will help these members maintain their resolve against a regressive, mean and punitive employer.”
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada’s largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good.
Labels: Canadian labour, labour, Ontario Public Service Employees Union, solidarity., strike, Sudbury, United Steel Workers.
CANADIAN LABOUR:
MORE ON SECURITY
ASSAULTS ON REPORTERS IN TORONTO:
A couple of days ago Molly reported here on assaults on the part of Olympic security in Toronto. The victims were two reporters from the Toronto Sun. According to the following article from said newspaper the assault against these two people followed upon a previous assault against a photographer from the Canadian Press. The union representing the two Sun reporters (CEP Union Local 87-M) continues to press for charges to be laid against the assailants. So far the employers of those assaulted, the Sun and the Canadian Press, have been quiet about the matter. To watch for future developments stay tuned to the CEP Union Blog. Here's the update from the Toronto Sun on what was presented here before.
♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣
Sun man roughed up:
Hospitalized after incident with cops
By CHRIS DOUCETTE AND BRETT CLARKSON, TORONTO SUN
NEWMARKET -- Hundreds of people lined the streets to watch what was supposed to be a peaceful passing of the Olympic flame yesterday.
Hospitalized after incident with cops
By CHRIS DOUCETTE AND BRETT CLARKSON, TORONTO SUN
NEWMARKET -- Hundreds of people lined the streets to watch what was supposed to be a peaceful passing of the Olympic flame yesterday.
But supporters of the Vancouver 2010 torch relay were instead left stunned as they watched security staff manhandle two members of the media, one of whom, a Sun reporter, had to be hospitalized with a head injury.
Not only that, but earlier in the day, a Canadian Press photographer was also banged up by cops in downtown Toronto as he tried to shoot pictures of the torch.
Ian Robertson, a 22-year Sun newsman, was filming video of shooting victim Louise Russo's torch relay along Davis Dr. when an RCMP officer wearing an Olympic uniform grabbed him, causing him to fall.
"It was absolutely overzealous and uncalled for," Robertson said last night.
'JUST A GUY'
Robertson, 61, had no idea the security officer, in his Olympic garb, was a cop. "He never identified himself, so I had no idea who he was," Robertson said. "He was just a guy in a track suit."
As he was being forced off the road, Robertson twisted in an effort to break loose from the unknown man's clutches.
"I was telling him to take his hands off of me, that this was unnecessary," Robertson said. "That's when I stumbled and fell backwards."
Sun photographer Dave Thomas was also pushed several times but he was not injured.
Four other Sun staffers have since come forward with similar complaints about torch security staff. York Regional Police say they are investigating what happened to Robertson.
The mild-mannered Robertson was fitted with a neckbrace, put on a stretcher and taken by ambulance to Newmarket hospital after the shoving incident. Afterward, he was clearly dazed and had difficulty speaking.
"We're appalled by what appears to be an unprovoked and unwarranted assault on one of our journalists who was simply doing his job," said Sun interim editor-in-chief James Wallace.
'GOON TACTICS'
The "police-state goon tactics" was totally uncalled for at what was supposed to be a feel-good event with obvious media interest, said Brad Honywill, president of Local 87-M of the Communications, Energy, and Paperworkers Union of Canada, which represents Sun journalists.
Honywill wants criminal charges laid against the officers involved.
Earlier in the day, Canadian Press photographer Frank Gunn was also on the receiving end of police aggression when officers apparently took issue with him trying to photograph the torch near Front and Church Sts.
Gunn was grabbed on the shoulder by one cop, ran into by at least one more bike cop, and then surrounded by eight or nine officers on bikes. Gunn said he was crouched on the ground, about three metres away from the torch when it was lit, and was clearly identifiable as a journalist with his cameras and torch-relay credentials when the police turned aggressive on him.
'OPEN EVENT'
"They certainly appeared to be overbearing," said Gunn, a 25-year news photographer. "They fail to recognize that this is supposed to be a free and open event. They turned it into a very closed and aggressive event."
But from the RCMP, the police measures were "appropriate."
RCMP Staff-Sgt. Mike Cote, a spokesman for the V2010 Integrated Security Unit, defended the security detail's actions and said they have done nothing wrong.
"The security team is responsible for the safety and security of the torchbearers and the torch at all times," Cote said. "As a result, (they) will not let anyone other than the torchbearers and the flame attendants into the secure perimeter."
Based on reports from the torch security team, Cote claims Robertson was warned twice before being physically removed from the area. ( Like they "warned" the Polish immigrant who was tasered to death the other year at Vancouver Airport I presume-Molly )
However, he couldn't explain how the media are supposed to know where that area begins and ends.
Labels: Canadian labour, CEP Union, CEP Union Blog, labour, olympic torch, olympics, police brutality., Toronto, Toronto Sun
AMERICAN LABOUR:
SCROOGE OF THE YEAR-THE WINNER IS...
Well, the results are in, and the Jobs With Justice Coalition has a new winner for this year's 'Scrooge of the Year'. The announcement...
ALALALALALALAL
& the winner of the 2009 national Scrooge of the Year election is...:
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Elected 2009's National Scrooge of the Year
The Chamber's narrow, radical agenda advocating for anti-worker,profit-focused solutions to the broken health care, labor, and environmental systems garnered them the most votes for the national Jobs with Justice "Scrooge of the Year" award.
Thousands of votes were cast in the Jobs with Justice annual contest to determine which greedy, cold-hearted organization or person deserves the title "Scrooge of the Year." Voters chose the Chamber of Commerce as their winner this year as it's became increasingly clear that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has developed into a front group for a few narrow interests, not a membership association that represents the voice of mainstream American businesses. The Chamber has spent millions of dollars lobbying against legislation that would benefit workers and families like the Employee Free Choice Act, health insurance reform, paid sick days, and environmental regulations. Their extreme positions have led some companies and local chapters of the Chamber to disaffiliate from the national group.
This year's Scrooge contest pitted the Chamber of Commerce against Bank of America, nominated for their role in the sub-prime lending crisis and failure to extend credit to small businesses, Hyatt Hotels for their Scrooge-like firing of 100 housekeepers in Boston and other anti-worker actions, Publix Supermarkets for their resisting the call to be part of the solution to human rights violations in Florida fields by continuing to buy tomatoes from growers prosecuted for modern-day slavery, and student loan lenders Sallie Mae and Citibank for their expensive, variable rate loans for students. An impressive write-in campaign was also waged for United Airlines, for their slashing of workers' wages and pensions while continuing to award lavish bonuses to top executives.
"There was plenty of competition for the award this year," said Jobs with Justice Executive Director Sarita Gupta. ? But the similarities between Scrooge and the Chamber of Commerce were hard to beat. The ghost of years past would show that the policies they've promoted including deregulation and maximizing profits at the expense of workers are directly connected to the destruction of America's middle class."
Throughout the country, many people remain unemployed and more are working harder and longer than ever before to make ends meet, as highlighted in our recently released report examining the impact of the economic crisis on working people. Over the holidays and in the coming weeks, Jobs with Justice will begin a campaign to engage working people in the fight for the creation of a national jobs program.
"We fully expect the Chamber of Commerce to come out in opposition to our demand for good paying and family sustaining jobs," said Gupta, "but we will not cede this moment nor shy away from this fight. The ghost of future years will show that in this time of crisis, it was our efforts that helped put people back to work."
Labels: American Chamber of Commerce, American labour, contests, Jobs With Justice, labour, Scrooge of the Year Contest
ANARCHIST THEORY:
NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATIONS:
The following, recently published at the Anarkismo website is by Larry Gambone of the Porkupine Blog. Go on over to the Anarkismo site to view the discussion that is taking place around this article.
@@@@@@@@@@
Neighborhood Associations – A Personal Experience:
by Larry Gambone
I have been involved in our association for three years. In that time, I have helped in neighborhood clean up, fund raisers, meetings of up to 400 residents, public art and the location of colourfully painted garbage bins. We had a successful campaign to stop noise pollution from a local industry. Our Miner's Heritage Picnic saw a thousand people participating last year. We are presently engaged in creating a neighborhood plan which is an attempt to preserve the working class nature of the neighborhood and rebuild much of the community that has been lost through businesses moving to shopping malls in the city periphery. Much of what we do takes the form of direct action. We don't ask for permission, we just do it.
Two years ago I was elected to the executive of the association. Where I speak out or take some sort of a leadership role, is where I have the applicable skills. I work to maintain a common ground approach within the organization. I helped develop a very successful neighborhood blog/newsletter. With my knowledge of labour history, I was able to put together the Miner's Heritage Photo Exhibit and to re-print the BC Federation of Labour's 1913 pamphlet on the Great Coal Strike of 1912. My next goal is to set up a "literature department" to research and publish information of interest to the neighborhood.
The neighborhood association is an important area for anarchist involvement. Of the popular organizations, such as trade unions or cooperatives, these associations are the easiest ones to implant oneself in. The reason is the lack of bureaucracy or controlling bureaucratic caste with which one must struggle in the other institutions. The neighborhood association is a natural place of involvement for militants who are retired, students, self-employed, or on social assistance.
The association gives a concerted voice to a neighborhood, creates dialogue and in doing so, helps re-build community. Where these associations do not exist, fear or prejudice-driven elements can stir up the populace, encourage hostility toward minorities or prevent positive developments within the community. Where a neighborhood association is already on the ground, it can preempt such hostility and steer the neighborhood in a constructive direction.
I have experience with such a situation. The neighborhood adjoining us has no association. An attempt to create a soup kitchen for the poor was crushed by a minority who whipped up fears about drug addicts and homeless people. In our neighborhood an old hotel has been converted into a controlled living space for people with drug and mental health issues. Some people tried to stop this chiefly due to fear, but our association was able to have a calming or moderating effect on the neighborhood.
My reason for joining our neighborhood association is no different from anyone else. I want to preserve the community that still exists in my neighborhood and to re-build what has been lost. I am a member for a real reason, a reason that relates to my personal existence. I am not there for any ideological purpose, much less to convert people to an ideology. And if you do have an ulterior motive for being there, eventually people will know it. Ultimately, there is no difference between what I am seeking, what our association seeks, and my personal beliefs. Community is also one of the foundation stones of libertarian socialism.
My approach to working in the association could be applied to any popular or grass roots organization. First and foremost, I listen to what people have to say, probably the most important thing you can do. When you listen, you will find what a truly amazing amount of talent and experience exists in the group. In most cases, it will be far more than you possess, and you will learn more from them, than they will learn from you. Those few occasions where I do stand out are those areas where I possess abilities needed by the group.
Flexibility is important. Perhaps not everything done or said by the group is to your liking – though I cannot think of an instance when this has been so. (I must point out that not all neighborhood associations are as advanced as ours.) It is important to keep your mind on the main issues such as community building, inclusiveness, direct action and democratic process, rather than getting hung up on secondary issues.
Doing is a necessity. No one likes a person who talks but does not act. Within the confines of your time limits and capability, get involved and do things. Not just the "cool" stuff either. I put up the tables and chairs, take tickets, and try to be there when I am needed.
Speaking to the essence. You can refer to the core elements of anarchism, such as direct democracy, direct action, self-management, and encourage such tendencies, without ever bringing up the "A -word." The overtly ideological will only divide people, but actual anarchist practice will unite them. Furthermore, since you are not the only one in the group possessing many of the ideas you espouse, pull these ideas out of people, rather than trying to put them in when they are already there. (Nothing loses people quicker than appearing arrogant or a know-it-all.) People will, in time, figure out where you are coming from. But since you are respected, you will not be reduced to a media caricature.
One thing you will discover when belonging to a functioning neighborhood association, is that all progressives have far more in common with each other than xenophobic or reactive elements. Whether social democrat, socialist, Green or anarchist, at the neighborhood level, it does not seem to matter a great deal. All want people to have more control over their lives, to build community and to be inclusive.
With neighborhood associations that are dominated by fearful or NIMBY ( Not In My Back Yard) people, the role of the anarchist is obvious – countering this negativity and encouraging an inclusive community-building approach. However, if the association usually acts in an anarchistic way already, what point is there in belonging to it as an anarchist? What then is the point of having your theories and ideologies?
Everyone's insight and experiences are valuable – including your own. An experienced, well-read anarchist brings with her the knowledge of the sociology of power, a rich background in mutual aid, direct action and a general history of social movements. You will, of course, not be alone in possessing such knowledge, but the difference is, that as an anarchist, you have specialized in these areas. You have the tools to strengthen the libertarian tendencies that already exist within the group.
Furthermore, you have a vision beyond the progress of the neighborhood association, the city, or even community restoration as a whole. Once again, you will not be unique in this, but anarchism envisages a form of organization completely different from that which exists at present. As the corporate state breaks down, socially, economically and environmentally, the old, centralized, top-down form of organization will become increasingly untenable. Neighborhood associations, as direct democratic, decentralized institutions, could form the nuclei of a new form of governance – one of federated neighborhood councils. When the breakdown commences, anarchists ought to be there to promote this new organizational concept.
Labels: anarchism, anarchist theory, anarkismo.net, Larry Gambone, neighbourhood associations, Porkupine Blog, tactics
Sunday, December 20, 2009
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR-GERMANY:
MORE ON HELP FOR THE FAU:
It has been five days since Molly last reported on the court order prohibiting the anarcho-syndicalist FAU from acting as the union for workers at the New Babylon Cinema. Since that time a couple of ways to support these workers have become available. First of all there is the following letter in German that the FAU would like you to fax to the court hearing the case. The fax number is +49(0)30 90188-518.
FFFFFFFFFFFF
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren vom Landgericht Berlin,Deutschland stellt sich selbst gern als Musterland der Demokratie dar.Aber diese Demokratie scheint nicht für die gewerkschaftlichen Rechteder ArbeiterInnen zu gelten. Ihnen wird durch Verbote die Freiheit zurBildung von Gewerkschaften beschnitten.
So haben Sie der FAU Berlin verboten, sich selbst "Gewerkschaft" und"Basisgewerkschaft" zu nennen! Und das ohne diese Gewerkschafter undGewerkschafterinnen anzuhören! Dies bedeutet faktisch ein Verbot dieserGewerkschaft. Dieses Verbot der eigenständigen Organisierung vonArbeitern und Arbeiterinnen ist ein Skandal!
Damit treten Sie nicht nur deren Rechte mit Füßen, sondern verstoßenauch gegen die ILO-Konventionen und die Menschenrechte.
Wir werden die Öffentlichkeit über diesen skandalösen Vorfall inKenntnis setzen und fordern Sie auf, dieses Verbot rückgängig zu machenund die FAU Berlin nicht weiter mit Strafe zu bedrohen, wenn sie sichöffentlich als Gewerkschaft für die Interessen und Belange ihrerMitglieder einsetzt.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
[name]
FFFFFFFFFFFF
THE LETTER:
The Winnipeg Wobbly Blog also has an article of the situation of the FAU with more information. The letter, In English, that you can send to the New Babylon Cimema management by clicking here follows. There are also support Facebook pages here and here. All information courtesy of the Winnipeg Wobbly Blog.
FFFFFFFFFFFF
I am writing to protest about Kino Babylon's continued harrassment of workers organizing through FAU. Each person has the right to organize to defend their self-interests and employers have no right to interfere with this process. The moves made by Kino Babylon's management and their cohorts in ver.di can only be seen to constitute such unjustified interference.
I understand that the Kino has tried to cut the workers themselves out of the collective bargaining process. This is another attack on their right to organize themselves.
We support the workers' aspirations to earn decent wages and have an influence on their working conditions. And we support the actions of FAU taken so far in this campaign.
Labels: anarcho-syndicalism, FAU, international labour, labour, New Babylon Cinema, solidarity., Winnipeg Wobbly Blog
AMERICAN LABOUR:
LABOUR RIGHTS AND H1N1:
It seems now that the concern expressed earlier this year about the H1N1 flu virus was excessive. Still...millions of workers in the USA (and Canada) have no right to stay home when ill. This means that they can become disease carriers to the general public. The next pandemic may not be as mild. Here, from the UNITE HERE Union is an announcement about a video they have produced about the virus and the Disney Company.
VVVVVVVVVVVV
It’s a Small World: Disney and the H1N1 Virus:
by Tula Connell, Dec 17, 2009
For workers at Disney in Anaheim, Calif., getting sick—even with the H1N1 (swine flu) virus—means an awful choice: Stay home and risk being disciplined or go to work and spreading the illness to co-workers and the public.
It’s a Small World: Disney and the H1N1 Virus:
by Tula Connell, Dec 17, 2009
For workers at Disney in Anaheim, Calif., getting sick—even with the H1N1 (swine flu) virus—means an awful choice: Stay home and risk being disciplined or go to work and spreading the illness to co-workers and the public.
Millions of hospitality industry workers in this country have no paid sick leave—like the more than 1,500 workers at Disney—and worse, actually could lose their jobs for staying home to get well. UNITEHERE! Local 11, which represents the workers at Disney, created this video, “It’s a Small World: Disney and the H1N1 Virus,” that clearly shows how Disney’s policy endangers workers and the public.
If you have information about cases of H1N1 among visitors or workers at Disney hotels or parks, send an e-mail with the story to disneyh1n1@gmail.com. And check out our resources on H1N1 here.
Labels: American labour, Disney Company, H1N1 virus, labour, Unite Here
Saturday, December 19, 2009
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS-UGANDA:
AGAINST THE UGANDA ANTI-GAY BILL:
Over in Uganda the government, under the influence of American Christian Right missionaries has introduced a bill that prescribes not just criminal penalties for "homosexual acts" but penalties up to and including death. Sort of a "trial run" for what some might like to see in the USA. Here, from the Care2 site is the story and an appeal to write the Ugandan government against this bill.
GGGGGGGGGGGG
Uganda to Debate Anti-Homosexuality Bill:
I know that many of you have been concerned about proposed legislation in Uganda that further criminalizes homosexuality and, in certain circumstances, could mean the death penalty for the so-called crime of "aggravated homosexuality".
Well, now you can speak out.Care2 has created a petition that you can sign to protest Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill that will then be sent to Uganda's President, Yowen Museveni.
More on this below.
First, here are a few updates on the developing situation in Uganda.
Firstly, Times Online is reporting that the Ugandan parliament will begin debating the Anti-Homosexuality Bill today, Friday December 18. Times Online has also spoken to several members of the Ugandan public regarding the proposed Bill in order to gauge their reaction. In places, the article makes for uncomfortable reading:
“Homosexuality is not natural and it’s not African,” said Arthur Owori, a 43-year-old technician. “What next? Will people start going with animals?"
Robina Matanda, a 40-year-old businesswoman in Kampala, was adamant that homosexuality must be punished.“It’s very bad, it’s inhuman, it’s immoral, it’s abusive,” she said. “They should pass the Bill and it should be the death penalty.”Student Annitah Natukunda, 24, said: “I don’t support the death penalty but I would support castration."
However, not all Ugandans believed that the Bill should be passed, while one citizen contended that, rather than legislating the death penalty and longer prison sentences for homosexuals, gay people needed "help" instead.
This was echoed by a rumored amendment to the Bill that may have gained traction this week.
In our previous coverage of Uganda's "Kill the Gays" legislation (as it has been nicknamed by many in the media), it was mentioned that some members of the Ugandan parliament were considering ditching the death penalty clause in favor of forced reparative or "conversion" therapy.
Suddenly the "Kill the Gays" legislation becomes a "Cure the Gays" drive. While on the surface this may seem like an improvement, the degree to which this can be considered a victory is only very slight given the mental and physical damage that conversion therapy can cause.
While the MP that tabled the Bill, David Bahati, is adamant that the death penalty for repeated offenders should remain, Martin Ssempa, a Ugandan pastor credited as one of the main driving forces behind the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, has released a letter (.pdf, 4 pages, from Christianity Today) addressed to US pastor Rick Warren in which he attempts to counter international criticism leveled at the Bill, urges Warren to rethink his condemnation of the proposed legislation, and also says:
At a special sitting of the Uganda Joint Christian Council task force sat and reviewed the bill to make comments. We resolved to support the bill with some amendments which included the following: a. We suggested a less harsher sentence of 20 years instead of the death penalty for pedophilia or aggravated homosexuality. b. We suggested the inclusion of counseling and rehabilitation being offered to offenders and victims. The churches are willing to provide the necessary help for those who are willing to undergo counseling and rehabilitation.
You may remember that megachurch leader Rick Warren had gone to the liberty of announcing that he and his wife had severed all ties with Ssempa whom they had previously worked with as part of Warren's pastoral work.
In what he called an "extraordinary" statement that was issued earlier this month, Warren played down his connections to Uganda's religious leaders, saying that his pastoral work in Uganda was simply about spreading the teachings of Christianity.
In their ongoing (and excellent) coverage of this issue, Box Turtle Bulletin analyze Ssempa's letter further and provide evidence to show that, at least for Ssempa, Warren's trips to Uganda have served as an inspiration for the anti-gay drive.Meanwhile, international criticism of the Bill has continued. At a meeting in Strasbourg, France, on Dec. 17, EU leaders adopted a resolution opposing Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill. In the resolution, EU members went a step further than just condemning the Bill. They asked the Ugandan parliament not only to “not to approve the bill" but also "to review their laws to decriminalize homosexuality.”This is interesting, because this now becomes a challenge, not only calling for the Ugandan government to rethink their latest anti-gay bill, but to reconsider their entire vilification of homosexuals. They won't, of course, but the EU has put impetus behind its request. As previously stated, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill attempts to permit Uganda to break previous international commitments that do not correspond with the spirit of the Bill, for instance any previous treaties that promised not to make further attempts at criminalizing homosexuality. However, the EU resolution reminds Uganda of its inability to withdraw from ratified human rights treaties through the use of domestic legislation (Article 4; Joint Motion for a Resolution 0RC-B7-0258/2009). Further to this, the resolution formally warns that, should the legislation be passed by the Ugandan government, EU member states will consider cutting aid to Uganda, saying in Article 5 of the resolution:
"5. [The EU parliament is] extremely concerned that international donors, non-governmental organisations and humanitarian organisations would have to reconsider or cease their activities in certain fields should the bill pass into law."Why have EU leaders gone to such lengths? One reason could be that they fear that once Uganda adopts such massively overreaching legislation, other African countries will intensify their own institutionalized homophobia. Evidence of this already happening appeared this week when the Rwandan government announced that they too are to consider legislation that would also criminalize homosexuality. Newsweek have an interesting article on the "domino effect" that Uganda's anti-gay legislation may have in Africa. To read it, please click here. In the US, prominent political figures have also continued to condemn the Bill, while Senator John Kerry, chairman of the US Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement, saying:
“I join many voices in the United States, Uganda and around the world in condemning Uganda's draft legislation imposing new and harsher penalties against homosexuality.
Discrimination in any form is wrong, and the United States must say so unequivocally. Many Ugandans are voicing concern that such a law will create witch-hunts against homosexuals, and hinder the fight against HIV/AIDS. Over the years the United States government, including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has worked closely with Ugandans to combat HIV/AIDS and other public health issues; we value our relationship with Uganda's people. Given the pressing HIV/AIDS crisis Uganda is facing, this bill is extremely counterproductive.”
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also spoke out this week when she again condemned the Bill as she spoke to students at Georgetown University and responded to their questions:
Also noteworthy this week, Pope Benedict reiterated his opposition to what he described as "unjust discrimination" against gay men and women as well as “violations of human rights against homosexual persons.” Read more about the Pope's statement here.
As always, I'll keep you updated on this issue, including information from Uganda's parliamentary debate on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill when it becomes available. Care2 Action:Stop the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Sign the Care2 petition now, and forward it to your friends.
Find Out More at Care2:
To find out more on Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill, links to our continued coverage of this story are provided below:
Rowan Williams, Leader of the Anglican Church, Publicly Denounces Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill
Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill: Rick Warren Speaks Out While Uganda Reportedly Drops Death Penalty Clause
Ugandan Gay Death Penalty Bill: Sweden Threatens to Withdraw Aid, Should the USA?
Uganda's Gay Death Penalty Bill is 'Morally Repugnant' Says United Reform Church
GGGGGGGGGGGG
THE PETITION:
Please go to THIS LINK to sign the following petition to the Ugandan government to reconsider their bill to "kill gays".
GGGGGGGGGGGG
Uganda's Anti-Gay Bill Threatens Human Rights
Target: Yowen Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda
Sponsored by: Care2.com
There is a dangerous proposal that threatens the human rights of LGBT people in Uganda.
There is a dangerous proposal that threatens the human rights of LGBT people in Uganda.
If passed, Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill would start a witch-hunt for homosexuals in the country. Its punishments include:
* A 7 year jail sentence for consenting adults who have LGBT sex
* A life sentence for people in same-sex marriages
* Extradition and prosecution of LGBT Ugandans living abroad
* The death penalty for adults who have LGBT sex with minors or who communicate HIV via LGBT sex, regardless of condom usage
* Jail for anyone who doesn't report suspected LGBT activity within 24 hours
The bill also endangers HIV/AIDS programs, and may be exploited by those wanting to abolish these programs.
This proposed legislation is anti-ethical, anti-equality and anti-human rights. Tell Uganda's President Museveni that this bill is unacceptable, and that people should not be criminalized for sexual orientation or gender identity.
Labels: Care2, gay rights, human rights, international human rights, petitions, Uganda
CANADIAN POLITICS-TORONTO:
OLYMPIC FLAMED DELAYED/ OLYMPIC SECURITY ASSAULTS REPORTERS:
The Olympic flame continues its uneven progress across the country, and in Toronto it ran into a little more trouble than usual as protesters delayed and diverted the parade. Here's the story from the Toronto Star.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Olympic torch relay hits trouble:
Organizers are forced to take alternative route after protesters grind procession to a halt
Organizers are forced to take alternative route after protesters grind procession to a halt
December 18, 2009
Stephen Smysnuik
Henry Stancu
Everything was going so smoothly. Then the torch hit downtown.
Everything was going so smoothly. Then the torch hit downtown.
As the Olympic torch relay marched down Yonge St. on Thursday night, hundreds of protesters flooded the thoroughfare at College St., grinding the procession to a halt.
Dozens of police officers carrying batons barricaded about 300 demonstrators in the intersection, where they stood chanting "No Olympics on Stolen Native Land" while holding a large papier-mâché torch.
Up Yonge, fans of torch carrier Akshay Kumar, Bollywood's equivalent of Brad Pitt, pushed their way onto the street, further clogging the street.
Delayed by an hour, the relay organizers turned to Plan B.
They put the torch in its protective safety lantern and the convoy drove on, diverting west along Wellesley St. to its scheduled stop at the Hospital for Sick Children.
Thursday's incident marks the second time the torch has been held up by protests in its 106-day, 45,000-kilometre journey to the Games.
A week ago in Montreal, about 100 demonstrators swarmed the main stage at the square where the rally was ending.
Protesters, meanwhile, are planning another demonstration for the torch parade in Kitchener next week.
An official with the Olympic Torch Relay said organizers are working closely with police in each jurisdiction it visits.
"There's going to be individuals and organizations that have different views, and use the torch relays as a way to draw attention to the other matters. I hope that any of those protests are done in a peaceful way," said Chris Shauf. "We want to make sure the family-friendly celebrations and the spirit of the Olympic flame is upheld at all times."
Thursday's demonstration consisted of a collection of smaller activist groups that opposed the Games, including No Games Toronto, No 2010 and Ontario's Coalition Against Poverty. They are protesting the economic costs of the Olympics and the effect it is having on displaced people, especially Vancouver's aboriginal population.
"Our point was to put a message out there and I think we did it," said Syed Hassan, organizer of the Extinguish the Torch Committee.
"We aren't against sports. We're against the attacks on our indigenous people, migrants and the environment."
While several spectators applauded the group, some even patting Hassan on the back, others weren't as impressed.
Kathy Jackson, 47, stood at Yonge and Carlton Sts. for two hours for her chance to catch a glimpse of the fiery beacon. But the diversion meant she wouldn't get to see it.
"I am devastated. I'm a big fan of the Olympics. I'm a big supporter," said Jackson, sporting a red Canada jacket. "I understand where (the demonstrators are) coming from, but this was not the right place."
She dashed off to City Hall, hoping to see the celebrations there. At Sick Kids, scores of children celebrated by singing O Canada.
The torch finally reached Nathan Phillips Square around 8 p.m. and the festivities – overseen by police – went off without a hitch, ending with an explosion of fireworks.
Earlier in the day, hundreds turned out in Oshawa, Whitby, Stouffville and Markham to see the torch travel through their communities.
With files from Jesse McLean, Robyn Doolittle and Madeleine White
Source:Toronto Star
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Here, from the No2010 website is how it was seen by the protesters.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
TORONTO DISRUPTS THE TORCH!
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES!
(report back and some media)
Over 250 people took to the streets Thursday night to welcome the Olympic Torch with a resounding: “No Olympics on Stolen Native Land” Enthusiastic folks met up at 5:15 at College & University, gathering around a 15 foot homemade torch of our own, banners reading “Resist 2010 for the land”, “No 2010 Torch” and sharing in some homemade food.
Over 250 people took to the streets Thursday night to welcome the Olympic Torch with a resounding: “No Olympics on Stolen Native Land” Enthusiastic folks met up at 5:15 at College & University, gathering around a 15 foot homemade torch of our own, banners reading “Resist 2010 for the land”, “No 2010 Torch” and sharing in some homemade food.
Organizers from Six Nations read the Declaration of the Onkwehonwe of Grand River Territory on the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, Doreen Silversmith also from Six Nations spoke about how the attacks on women are attacks on the land and Mark C. from ARA spoke of Indigenous Youth rising up and taking power. Messages of Solidarity were delivered by No One Is Illegal-Toronto, No Games Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo’s own Torch Welcoming Committee.
Grounding the crowd in the reasons we were here: to decry Canada’s colonial violence and expose the lies of Olympics Circus, chants began that would ring through Toronto all night. While the cold seeped, our MC got the crowd jumping and amped to go meet the torch.
Anticipating the torch taking a lil’ streetcar ride, people took to College Street. The first line of bike cops at College and Elizabeth set up as we began a fluid game of cat and mouse. Our people took some surprise routes towards Yonge and Gerrard where we regrouped and faced a row of riots cops, holding the intersection. We gathered at the line of cops and turned back suddenly, going North, walking up Yonge St. to meet the Torch. At Yonge and College we ran into the crowds there to cheer on the Torch some of whom started booing and hissing. We handed out thousands of pieces of ORN and No2010 literature and some people even joined our action. One onlooker pushed over our speaker.
The horses arrived and tried to split us in two but that failed. Then a small group stayed back at Yonge and College, while the rest of the street party walked North, slowing to regroup and coming closer to the Torch. At Yonge and Maitland, we decided to stop and hold it, as people from the back rushed to join us. With messages streaming in that the media were reporting we had blocked the Torch and having chased the torch around the city for nearly two hours (it was now 7:30), we euphorically declared victory! We had forced VANOC to split the Torch in to two, and brought our message right to the centre of the Olympic Circus.
While all of this was going on, the March in Honour of Harriet Nahanee, led by indigenous women, had split off to follow the torch into Nathan Phillips Square, where a climber free climbed an arch directly opposite the stage and hung a banner reading “Gego Olympics Da-Te-Snoon Nishnaabe-Giing Ga-Gmooding” (No Olympics on Stolen Native Land in Anishinaabemowin). Our people had infiltrated the crowd, holding up banners and handing out flyers, and booing the flame as it left Nathan Phillips Square around 9:30pm. The banner stayed up till the end of the festivities and the climber only got a $100 ticket.
Two arrests were made when two protesters ran alongside the Torch following the disruption at Yonge and Maitland. They were released later that night.
We stole the Torch’s thunder, with CTV, NDNTV, APTN, City, the Globe, the Star, the Sun, Now Magazine and some Ryerson folks reporting on the disruption and relaying the message that we took to the streets demanding justice for indigenous peoples, an end to corporate domination and the truth about “Canada’s” ongoing policies and practices of colonialism. Though there has been a serious damper being put on the size and effect of our actions, everyone on the streets of Toronto heard us last night.
This protest was organized by an autonomous group of people coming together for this occasion, and showcased a broad spectrum of Toronto’s resistance. As we head into 2010, we urge folks to support Six Nations as they stand up and block the Torch from entering their territory on December 21st, to head to Kitchener-Waterloo on December 27th, to converge on Vancouver from February 10-15th, and to start thinking about your plans for the G8/G20 meetings in June. Overheard during the street party: “Man, the G20’s coming here, and we can’t even handle this!”, cop.
‘See you in the streets.
Some Media: (note, if you took pictures or video on Thursday night, please email them to torchblock@gmail.com)
1) Independent Journalist: http://nealj.livejournal.com/22288.html?sms_ss=email
6)
12)
OOOOOOOOOOOO
PUNCHING OUT THE PRESS:
While the protesters maintained a non-violent approach to their demonstration this was not the case with Olympic Security. It seems that some of the rent-a-goons, disappointed by being unable to get up front for some of the action that the big boys (the police) were engaged in with the demonstrators felt that they should get their jollies somehow some way. Hence the following attack on two journalists from the Toronto Sun. Here's the story from the CNW site. The union that the journalists in question belong to, the CEP Union, went fair ballistic and is hoping to hold the authors of the attack accountable. The most astounding part to Molly was that the goons in question decided to attack the 60 year old reporter (see below) loaded with gear. One can only imagine what was going through their heads, besides the testosterone from their nuts. I'm "sure" that this guy looked like a "security threat". I guess that such events may actually be justification for on the job drug and alcohol testing.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Journalists union demands criminal charges against Olympic security:
TORONTO, Dec. 18 /CNW/
TORONTO, Dec. 18 /CNW/
- The head of a union representing journalists in Ontario is demanding criminal charges against security officers involved in crowd control for the Olympic torch run after two journalists were assaulted in Newmarket today.
The two journalists, both photographers for the Toronto Sun, were attempting to take pictures of Olympic torch bearers as they made their way along Davis Drive in Newmarket shortly after noon.
Photographer Dave Thomas was repeatedly shoved as he tried to take pictures but was not injured. But photographer Ian Robertson, who is about 60 years old and was laden with camera gear so he was unable to defend himself, required hospital treatment for an apparent head injury after he was shoved to the ground by security officers wearing the grey Olympic uniforms.
"This is an outrage," said Brad Honywill, president of Local 87-M of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada. "The Olympics are supposed to represent the highest of human values but the behaviour of the security officers represents nothing less than brutality and cowardice."
The fact protests had delayed the torch run the day before doesn't authorize security to use police state tactics for crowd control, Honywill said, noting that there was much criticism of the Chinese government for the way it crushed protests during last year's summer Olympics and this behaviour is no better.
"It would have been obvious to anyone who cared that these two people were professional photographers and certainly not protesters attempting to disrupt the torch relay," Honywill said.
"There was no excuse for the kind of physical violence that took place."
The president of CEP Local 87-M noted that journalists are being killed in record numbers around the world, often at the hands of government organizations. Others, both at home and abroad, are being subjected to increased violence. And it has to stop.
"Journalists should not be seen as punching bags for the police, security forces or anyone else. When they're exposed to violence, all of society is threatened because it's the journalists who reveal what is happening in their community and country."
For further information: Brad Honywill, President CEP Local 87-M, W: (416) 461-2461, ext 7, C: (905) 334-9259
Labels: 2010 Winter Olympics, anti-olympics, Canadian politics, CEP Union, demonstrations, No 2010, olympics, police brutality., protests, sports, Toronto, Toronto Sun
