Call to Action: To All Local Unions
Posted on July 26, 2017 10:45 am
In the 2015 Federal Election, IBEW Sisters and Brothers put boots to the ground to get out the vote and get rid of the Harper Conservatives from office. The work done was commendable, but what is just as important, is the work done in between elections on important pieces of legislation that affects the work our members do every day. We have, over the past several years, put considerable efforts towards building our capacity for political action, but as you know, there is power in numbers and we need ALL our members to hold our elected officials and anti-union organizations accountable. To that end, Canada’s Building Trades Unions are organizing an “online army” to let anti-union forces know that we’re fighting back against their attacks on labour legislation, workplace safety standards, and fair bargaining for workers.
Called the Stronger With Labour campaign, we're asking all members, apprentices, employee and union enthusiasts to get involved. They can sign up on the website: strongerwithlabour.ca, Like it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.
The CBTU will work with the IBEW, and our Building Trades brothers and sisters, to use this online portal to share important information and calls to action as they arise. Creating a central portal that will allow us to share regularly updated information with the people that need it most – our members
– will better equip us to mobilize members on issues that affect us all.
Current campaigns on the site include Ontario’s Schedule 17 in Bill 70, which directly attacks unionized labour and the construction industry in Ontario. In 2016, the Ontario government passed legislation that damages unionized labour. With the 2018 provincial election nearly a year away, it is important to remember – and remind our members – that the Ontario PC party has advocated for open tendering – a race to the bottom, damaging unionized labour and the construction industry in Ontario. If you live in Ontario, click here to send a letter to your MPP.
Today in Manitoba, anti-union groups, led by Merit Contractors, are working together to threaten policies that protect fair wages for working families and important safety standards that ensure our community’s buildings are constructed safely. Click here, if you live in Manitoba, to send a letter to your MLA to let them know you stand with Building Trades workers to protect fair wages and safety.
Stronger With Labour will continue to fight for Building Trades Workers in Manitoba, Ontario, and across the country. There is power in numbers so the more that join the website and take these small actions, the better chance we have of making our voice heard.
I urge you to share the URL www.strongerwithlabour.ca on your websites, through your social media networks, at your upcoming union meetings or download posters and flyers to share on your job sites.
Thank you for your attention to this important campaign.
Best wishes.
In solidarity,
Bill Daniels
International Vice President
BD/tf