Canada
Canadian posties refuse to deliver homophobic pamphlet
Postal workers in Canada have refused to handle a homophobic pamphlet that was produced by a Christian fundamentalist group.
Neither rain, nor hail, nor sleet, nor snow nor refusal to deliver an anti-gay pamphlet will keep the mail from getting through.
That seemed to be the message yesterday from Canada Post in reacting to a brief walkout over the letter carriers union's refusal to deliver a pamphlet the union regards as "homophobic" and "hate mail."
1919: Winnipeg general strike
A short history of Canada's Winnipeg General Strike of 1919.
Throughout the spring of 1919, Winnipeg had been buzzing with the fervour of militant unionism among the working class. The city had witnessed a general strike the year previously, which had ended with partial gains for workers. Unemployment was high, wages were low and conditions poor.
Bombardier plans mass job losses in Belfast and Montreal
Aerospace company Bombardier are to cut hundreds of jobs in Belfast and Canada in January, whilst creating more than 1,000 new jobs in Mexico.
More than 600 jobs are going at the Belfast aerospace company Shorts, parent company Bombardier has said.
George Woodcock obituary, 1912-1995
An obituary of George Woodcock, Canadian anarchist and writer.
1972: The Quebec general strike
The story of one of the largest working class rebellions in American history. 300,000 workers participated in North America's largest general strike to that date, radio stations were seized, factories were occupied, and entire towns were brought under workers' control, and it won important gains
"Not since the days of the Industrial Workers of the World, since the days of Joe Hill and the battle for the eight-hour day, has a North American union movement been so dedicated to the tradition of revolutionary syndicalism."
Canada: Car part workers down tools
A wildcat strike has broken out in Canada as workers at AGS Automotive plant walked out in a dispute over pay and work rate.
AutoServiceWorld reported today that workers at AGS Parts Plant walked off the job in an unauthorised wildcat strike, which, according to CAW head Buzz Hargrove, could lead to grave consequences.
Calling the event a "powder keg", the union chief said that the sudden work stoppage could sink the company, cripple GM, and cost hundreds of jobs.
Canada: Transport janitors threaten wildcat strike
Staff on Toronto public transport could take the action in response to cuts in day jobs which workers say is a cost-cutting move which will harm safety. The proposed cuts follow one janitor saving a 4-year-old child who had been abducted.
A wildcat strike which could begin as early as May 8 would grind the transport system the TTC to a halt, and force the 700,000 people who rely on the city's buses, streetcars and subways every work day to find alternate transportation.
1900-1990: The co-operative movement in Quebec - Larry Gambone
Larry Gambone's rather over-enthusiastic analysis and history of the huge co-operative movement in Quebec, Canada, which embraced the majority of the population
Canadian public sector wildcat strike on hold - for now
The threated unofficial walkout by over 100,000 Canadian public sector workers over pensions has been postponed - probably until next week.
Public service union CUPE Ontario President Sid Ryan said yesterday that he had not been contacted by the government since the strike warning was given
"With the Liberals laughing at my members in the House today, I think that's a good indication that they've no intention of meeting our demands," Ryan said. "If that happens, there's nothing surer than there'll be a strike."
Ontario housing tribunal occupied
Early on Friday, members of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, and many people facing cuts to their welfare and ODSP cheques due to the slashed "Special Diet Allowance" occupied and shut down the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal at 47 Sheppard Ave. E. in Toronto.
The Tribunal was closed for the day as result of this action.
