The cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline project by a new, climate-focused U.S. president is the latest major blow to Canada’s fossil fuel industry. But it’s no secret that even before the COVID-19 pandemic decimated the economy, the sector was already reeling from falling demand and low global oil prices.
Interesting article, even though it displays some serious illusions in Biden and the AFL-CIO. The real hope is that the battling 'Bamazon workers and others inside and outside the union movement can give rebirth to a militant, democratic, left-wing current that realizes it must go beyond what Biden and the union porkchoppers have in mind.
A vote on whether to form a union at the e-commerce giant’s warehouse in Bessemer, Ala., has become a labor showdown, drawing the attention of N.F.L. players, and the White House.
Players from the National Football League were among the first to voice their support. Then came Stacey Abrams, the Democratic star who helped turn Georgia blue in the 2020 election.
Luke Ottenhof - Freelance writer based in Kingston. His work has been published by The Guardian, Vulture, Toronto Star, CBC, Maclean’s and others.
It’s clear that workers can’t rely on established labour groups to push a more progressive approach on employment. Today’s young organizers should adopt the radical tactics that produced results for employees during the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919
Adopted by Solidarity Winnipeg Members on December 23, 2020
Solidarity Winnipeg’s Basis of Unity says “We envision transforming society to achieve social and ecological justice on an anti-colonial basis. This can ultimately only be achieved by replacing capitalism with a more democratic society not driven by profit: ecosocialism.” This policy explains our common understanding of that goal.
Long-haul trucker, Luis Franco of Calgary said he fears driving to the U.S. because he said some Americans don't follow COVID-19 precautions such as wearing a mask. (Submitted by Luis Franco)
The existing contract says employees lose seniority rights after being laid off for a period of 12 months. The hotel (and other lower mainland hotels) have the ability to extend that period voluntarily in the face of the pandemic, but have elected not to do so, probably selectively firing strong union members.
Gene McGuckin
Feb. 13, 2021
Vote was 97% in favour of a strike
A strike is one step close for a group of Burnaby hotel workers.
