It’s not rising workers’ wages that are causing spiraling inflation — it’s corporate profiteering.
Anyone observing the political debate about inflation in the UK could be forgiven for thinking that rising prices were being driven by rising wages. Politicians and technocrats from across the political spectrum have taken it upon themselves to chastise workers for demanding wage increases in line with inflation.
Hundreds of workers at a Toronto warehouse belonging to The Bay, a subsidiary of Hudson’s Bay Co., have gone on strike, demanding a retroactive pay increase for working in grueling conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the midst of inflation that is now soaring.
Tens of thousands of workers demonstrated against the rising cost of living, with many linking the crisis to the NATO’s war and Russia policies. Many demonstrators condemned the US-led NATO alliance and its involvement in the Ukraine war. Many linked their dire economic straits to the EU’s sanctions regime on Russia and with the NATO’s rush to arm Ukraine.
Protesters demanded that their leaders “spend money on salaries, not on weapons,” and chanted “stop NATO.”
Hilton Metrotown Workers Win Contract Ending B.C.’s Longest Hotel Lockout
97 Terminated Staff Win Right to Return to Jobs
This past Wednesday, May 11, locked out Hilton Metrotown hotel workers voted to ratify a new contract by a 98% yes vote. The vote to approve this groundbreaking three-year collective bargaining agreement ends the picket line outside of the hotel and returns staff to their jobs. The 391-day lockout at Hilton Metrotown has been the longest hotel lockout in B.C.’s history.
Health Minister Adrian Dix defends Vernon contract and says government is working to increase public health care.
During the last provincial election campaign, held in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BC NDP signalled a change of direction on long-term care.
With a significant portion of the seniors dying from COVID-19 living in long-term care facilities, the NDP warned against the failures of privatized care and pledged to build new beds in the public sector.
