He entered the convention hall to the beat of Bachmann Turner Overdrive’s Taking Care of Business. The tune was familiar, and so were parts of NDP leader Jack Layton’s message — extend employment insurance benefits, deliver anti-scab legislation, return dignity to poverty-ridden seniors by doubling the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and establish a national pension protection [...]

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It will take innovative thinking and putting people first to get the economy back on track, Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath told delegates.
Government has a decisive role to play in using investment dollars for good jobs, green jobs, and Ontario- and Canadian-made products, she said. Despite “playing by the rules”, Canadian families are falling behind [...]

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Cupe news online, November 25, 2009

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Labour unity is the order of the day at the OFL convention where 1,000 delegates unanimously chose their new leadership team today.
High-profile and longtime labour leader Sid Ryan is the president-elect, replacing Wayne Samuelson who, after 12 years in office, decided not to seek re-election.
“This is a talented and dedicated team,” says [...]

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UFCW Canada and the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA) are the recipients of this year’s prestigious Bob Borch Human Rights Award, which the OFL presents at each convention to organizations or individuals who display an extraordinary commitment to furthering the rights of workers in Ontario.
“The tireless efforts of UFCW Canada and the AWA on behalf of [...]

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Delegates today marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with a minute of silence and renewed commitment to address the growing problem.
OFL secretary-treasurer Irene Harris made solemn reference to the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, when gunman Marc Lepine murdered 14 women at the Ecole Polytechnique. Two [...]

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CLC executive vice-president Barb Byers talks about economic loss for women, Aboriginal workers, workers of colour, and workers with disability. And now, the public sector is under attack.

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It wasn’t really a debate, since no one spoke against the resolution. But it was a lively half hour of commentary that grabbed the attention of the convention.
Delegates were being asked to support a resolution to put a stop to internal conflicts, and they did. It directs the OFL and leaders of affiliated unions [...]

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The OFL’s Youth Booster Award goes this year to Debora De Angelis, a union activist who was a founding member of the OFL Youth Committee in 1997. Then a member of UNITE, DeAngelis is now a training and education representative for UFCW Canada.
De Angelis received the award for her initiative, enthusiasm and “never-take-no-for-an-answer” attitude, said [...]

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Unions have to keep defending workers’ rights and elect political leaders who will do the same, CLC executive vice-president Barb Byers told delegates this morning.
As job losses continue to mount, and private sector workers struggle with unemployment and lost pensions, corporate leaders “are setting their sights” on the public sector.
“If they can silence us, they [...]

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