Solidarity Forever...

When the union's inspiration through the worker's blood shall run,
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun.
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one?
For the union makes us strong.

CHORUS

They have taken untold millions that they never toiled to earn,
But without our Brain and Muscle not a single wheel could turn.
We can break their haughty power; gain our freedom when we learn
That the union makes us strong..

CHORUS

In our hands is placed a power greater than thier hoarded gold,
Greater then the might of armies magnified a thousand fold.
We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old,
For the union makes us strong.

CHORUS

We're the women of the union, and we know just how to fight,
We know the women's issues, and we know about women's rights.
We're prepared to fight for freedom, we're prepared to stand our ground,
Women make the union strong...

CHORUS--    Soldarity Forever,
                           Solidarity Forever,
                              Solidarity Forever,
For the UNION makes us strong......



Brought to you by the PEL class of  2010-2011

Quote by SAM GREENE

Education is Power,
            with Power you get  Solidarity,
                     with Solidarity you can
Accomplish Anything........

SOLIDARITY MATTERS

Save the Gun Registry

CAW National    –    Save the   “Gun Registry”

Dear Friends

I wanted to express my deep appreciation for the opportunity to speak to you on Saturday and for your openness and willing to share your experiences and thoughts. It was deeply moving and reminded me of why this work is so important but also how critical it is to have the CAW in our camp.
 
I remember well that the CAW under Bob White's leadership was one of the first groups to support the Coalition for Gun Control and we have never had to worry in almost 20 years about that support wavering.
 
But at the end of the day, organizations do not do things.

People do!

Organization helps but it is the individual decisions of people like you who make all the difference.
 
The very personal stories you shared Saturday will stay with me forever and remind me of the reasons we continue to work. I am sorry that I did not catch all your names or have a chance to speak with you individually to express my thanks. The questions from gun owners were all fair and respectful and I appreciated the opportunity to offer my perspective on issues which I know are a challenge.

 Robert's astonishing willingness to open his mind and change his long standing position reminded me that the work is not futile and we can actually influence people to re-examine their assumptions.
 
All of you will find, whatever your issue, that sometimes you second guess yourself, your beliefs and whether or not it is worthwhile. And then days like Saturday will remind you of what its all about and help you find that extra energy you need to keep going.

So when things get tough, please remember

Chumbawamba. "I get knocked down. I get up again. You are never going to keep me down." :-)
 
We have a chance to win this vote which will be pivotal but sadly not the end of our struggle.

 I deeply appreciate the support of the CAW and each and every one of you on this issue.

 But more importantly, I respect and admire all the good work you have done and will do.
 
Thanks so much.
 
Wendy
wcukier@ryerson.ca

2011 Jeeps

By John LeBlanc, MSN Autos
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee first drive
Under Fiat, Jeep's Grand Cherokee looks to return to its former upmarket spot



Photo: John LeBlanc
San Francisco, Calif. - It's a trip back in time with Jeep's all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee. Specifically, Chrysler's off-road brand wants to party like it's 1999. Back then, Jeep had just launched the second-generation Grand Cherokee, a vehicle considered by well-to-do customers as a legitimate alternative to the much pricier Range Rover. Following a decade-long down-market detour with the past two generations, Jeep has returned with some serious upmarket aspirations.

Fundamentally, the latest Grand Cherokee hasn't strayed far from the 1993 original. It's still a midsize, five-passenger SUV with a car-like unibody frame, but it possesses outstanding off-road abilities. Compared to the outgoing model, it boasts a new level of refinement unheard of for Jeep in terms of exterior detailing, interior décor, and the overall driving experience. It may be optimistic to think Jeep can compete against $100,000 luxury SUVs like the Range Rover or Porsche Cayenne, but after a day's drive in various Grand Cherokees, it's safe to say it's as good or better than similar-priced rivals like the Land Rover LR4, Volkswagen Touareg, Toyota 4Runner and Honda Pilot.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee first drive

There's a lot of Mercedes in this Jeep



Photo: Jeep
Although the 2011 Grand Cherokee is the second Chrysler Group product launched under the reign of its new Italian parents (the first was the Ram HD pickup), it was actually developed during the DaimlerChrysler era. So even if from the outside the new Grand Cherokee retains the outgoing model's proportions and styling theme, its structure is based on the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. And, interestingly enough, it's not the current ML, but the next-generation model due sometime next year.

Arriving at Canadian Jeep dealers now, the four-model Grand Cherokee range starts with the $37,995 Laredo E and tops out with the loaded $49,995 Overland. A new V6 is standard across the board; buyers of the Laredo X, Limited and Overland can upgrade to the carryover 5.7-litre Hemi V8. And although our friends to the south will be getting 4x2 versions, all Grand Cherokees destined for Canada come with traction at all four wheels.

Related Autos links:
Research a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Compare the new Grand Cherokee to its rivals

Grand Cherokee's interior goes from no-star to four-star



Photo: John LeBlanc
Whatever Grand Cherokee you opt for, you'll be treated to an interior that's well-built, roomy and easy on the eyes. Surfaces that aren't made from soft-touch plastics are either some kind of faux metal or wood. Everything is assembled with tight panel gaps. While the big Jeep's interior isn't revolutionary from a design standpoint, it's competitive with premium rivals. The leather looks like it actually came from cows, not tar sands. And in the Overland, real wood covers the dash and doors, including the top of the leather-wrapped, tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

Rear-seat passengers will be equally pleased; now that the Grand Cherokee rides on a longer wheelbase, there's a whopping 10 cm more rear legroom - more than any of the aforementioned competition. The rear seats also recline for added comfort. Addressing customer criticism of a tiny cargo bay, Jeep's engineers have increased volume by an equally impressive 20 per cent, to over 990 litres. That's good, but still short of the 4Runner or LR4.

Related Autos links:
Build a new Grand Cherokee
Find a Jeep retailer near you

Refined and luxurious road manners



Photo: Jeep
The mix of a structure that's as rigid as the Rock of Gibraltar (it's almost 1.5 times stiffer than the outgoing model), a fuel-efficient and rev-happy V6, and proper four-wheel independent suspension sets the table for the Jeep's refined road manners and extreme off-road capabilities.

First, the newly available Quadra-Lift air suspension can raise or lower the Jeep to five different heights. Select Park mode, and it squats down 38 mm. Select Off-Road 2 and the ride height is jacked up by 270 mm.

Next is the optional Selec-Terrain system. Similar to Land Rover's Terrain Response, you can select five different drive surfaces via a console-mounted dial. Married to the stability and traction control systems, 12 different settings for power, throttle, braking and transmission adapt to either on or off-road conditions.



Photo: John LeBlanc
The Grand Cherokee debuts an all-new V6; it's the first we've seen of Chrysler's so-called "Phoenix" engine family. With an aluminum block, and variable valve timing, it adds 80 horsepower (now 290) and 25 lb.-ft. of torque (now 260), compared to the old 3.7-litre boat anchor. Better yet, fuel economy improves to 13.0 L/100 km city, and 8.9 L on the highway, versus 13.9 L and 10.1 L. If you have a lot of towing to do, it may be worth sticking with the 360-hp, 390 lb.-ft. of torque Hemi, which can lug 7,400 lbs. The six can only manage 5,000 lbs.
Continued: Track and field
View All12Next >
Review gallery

By Tom Krisher, The Associated Press, thecanadianpress.com, Updated: June 7, 2010 4:22 PM
Chrysler recalls 700,000 Jeeps, minivans


FILE - In this June 18, 2009 file photo, the Chrysler logo shines on the grille of a 2009 Chrysler Town & Country minivan at a Chrysler-Jeep dealership in the Colorado city of Centennial. Federal regulators say Chrysler is recalling nearly 600,000 Jeep Wranglers and Chrysler and Dodge minivans for brake or wiring problems. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, file)
DETROIT - Chrysler is recalling almost 700,000 minivans and Jeep Wranglers worldwide because of brake or wiring problems that could create safety issues, the company said Monday.

In Canada, the company issued a recall of approximately 29,000 Jeep Wranglers from the 2007 through 2010 model years due to a potential brake fluid leak. It also recalled about 15,000 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans from the 2008 and 2009 model years because a wiring problem can cause a fire inside the sliding doors.

Chrysler said it is recalling 288,968 Jeep Wranglers and 284,831 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans in the U.S.

Neither problem has caused any crashes or injuries, Chrysler Group LLC said.

It was the second notable recall in the past week for Chrysler. The company recalled nearly 35,000 Dodge Calibers and a limited number of Jeep Compasses last week to fix a potential problem with sticky gas pedals, the same issue that has afflicted millions of Toyotas.

In the latest recall, the front inner fender liners on the Jeeps can rub against the brake fluid tubes and cause a leak. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the leak could lead to a partial brake loss.

The minivans can have improperly placed wires that can come into contact with sliding door hinges that could cut through the insulation, Chrysler and NHTSA said.

Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa said the defect could lead to a fire inside the minivan door "in rare instances."

Chrysler will notify owners and dealers about the repairs, which will be made free of charge. The recall is expected to start later this month.

The Wranglers affected by the recall were made from May 15, 2006 through Aug. 9, 2010, according to NHTSA. The minivans were made from February 2007 through September 2007.

___

Associated Press Writer Ken Thomas in the Washington, D.C., bureau contributed to this report.

Domestic Violence Hurts Everyone

While you SCREAM at your woman, there's a man wishing he could talk softly to her ear...
While you HUMILIATE,OFFEND and INSULT her, there's a man flirting with her and reminding her how wonderful she is.
While you HURT your woman, there's a man wishing he could make love to her.
While you make your women CRY there's a man stealing smiles from her...

Every person is born equal,and thats the way we were all meant to stay...

Stand Up -- against Domestic Violence.

FREEDOM CAME AT A COST

When I was young, Ike was president, I couldn't ever imagine why he was so popular. Maybe this has something to do with it:


General Eisenhower Warned Us

It is a matter of history that when the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, General Dwight Eisenhower,found the victims of the death camps he ordered all possible photographs to be taken, and for the German people from surrounding villages to be ushered through the camps and even made to bury the dead.

He did this because he said in words to this effect:

"Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses -because somewhere down the road of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened."

This week, the UK debated whether to remove The Holocaust from its school curriculum because it 'offends' the Muslim population which claims it never occurred. It is not removed as yet. However, this is a frightening portent of the fear that is gripping the world and how easily each country is giving into it.

It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the 6 million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians, and 1,900 Catholic priests Who were 'murdered, raped, burned, starved, beat, experimented on and humiliated' while the German people looked the other way!

Now, more than ever, with Iran, among others, claiming the Holocaust to be a myth,it is imperative to make sure the world never forgets.?

This e-mail is intended to reach 400 million people! Be a link in the memorial chain and help distribute this around the world.

How many years will it be before the attack on the World Trade Center



'NEVER HAPPENED',

because it offends some Muslim in the U.S. ???


Do not just delete this message; it will take only a minute to pass this along.?



FREEDOM ISN'T FREE...SOMEONE HAD TO PAY FOR IT

Carlsberg workers strike

Beer for lunch only? Carlsberg workers strike to protest new alcohol policy

April 9, 2010 - 20:51

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Scores of Carlsberg workers walked off their jobs in protest Thursday after the Danish brewer tightened laid-back rules on workplace drinking and removed beer coolers from work sites, a company spokesman said.

The warehouse and production workers in Denmark are rebelling against the company's new alcohol policy, which allows them to drink beer only during lunch hours in the canteen. Previously, they could help themselves to beer throughout the day, from coolers placed around the work sites.

The only restriction was "that you could not be drunk at work. It was up to each and everyone to be responsible," company spokesman Jens Bekke said.

Carlsberg had mulled a stricter drinking policy for years and finally decided to impose the new rules on April 1, prompting protests from the staff.

Bekke said around 800 workers went on strike Wednesday and around 250 walked off their jobs Thursday, resulting in interruptions to beer transports in and around Copenhagen.

Carlsberg's truck drivers joined the strike in sympathy - even though they are exempt from the new rules, Bekke said. The truck drivers are permitted to bring three beers from the canteen because they often don't have time to have lunch there.

The trucks have alcohol ignition locks preventing the drivers from driving drunk, he added.

Labour Solidarity Critical for Union Density, Says Lewenza
April 9, 2010, 5:00 PM EST

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a wide ranging address to CAW Council on April 9, CAW President Ken Lewenza urged delegates to build labour solidarity, including working with other unions and engaging non-unionized workers on the importance of getting organized.

"Union density in Canada continues to slip, from 30 per cent to what is now about 28 per cent, and this is a trend that must turn around if we are to promote progressive values and ideals and stand up for the principles of social justice," said Lewenza. "This cannot happen unless each of us understands our role as union organizers."

Lewenza said that since being elected, he has encouraged labour affiliates, particularly in the province of Ontario, to put previous disputes behind them and focus on building strength in the labour movement.

This also includes supporting union shops and services. "If there is a unionized grocery store and a non-union grocery store, you belong in the unionized store. We need to educate our members on buying union."

The Council celebrates the 10th anniversary of approximately 20,000 members opting to join the CAW from a U.S.-based union. The members work in health care, education, hospitality, gaming, retail and other sectors.

Sectoral bargaining

In Nova Scotia, the CAW worked closely with CUPE to reach new collective agreements in the hospital sector. In Ontario, approximately 95 per cent of the hospital agreements have been bargained and overwhelmingly supported by union members, prior to the major wage restraints measures announced in the recent Ontario budget. In a meeting with Premier McGuinty, Lewenza stressed that any further cuts to government health care funding will lead to a massive strain on services and downward pressure on health care workers.

The union has several major rounds of long-term care home bargaining over the coming spring and summer months. "Nursing homes in Canada are doing incredibly well and we are reminding these employers that workers have a right to share in good times when companies are profitable," said Lewenza.

In the auto industry, Lewenza thanked delegates for their support last year during the difficult restructuring period. Part of this restructuring has also meant the loss of thousands of jobs, in particular the GM Transmission plant in Windsor will close in June of this year (represented by CAW Local 1973) and the Ford St. Thomas plant which is set to close in 2011 (represented by CAW Local 1520).

He commended the bargaining committee at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario which is back at full employment. He also commended the CAW Local 200, CAW Local 1285, CAW Local 707 and CAW Local 222 committees for their hard work in negotiating and ratifying new agreements which secured new investment.

In the auto parts industry, employers are taking total opportunity to press workers for more concessions, said Lewenza. The downward pressure is worsening. "We need a strategy to ensure one workplace doesn't get pitted against another," said Lewenza. Rank and file leaders from the auto parts sector will gather in Port Elgin for the Auto Parts Conference April 30-May 1.

In the mining industry, CAW members in Sudbury recently ratified a new agreement with Xstrata. Currently, the company intends to close its Timmins Metallurgical operations. Lewenza, joined by a coalition of Northern Ontario mayors, federal and provincial politicians met with Premier McGuinty and urged him to use the power of government to stop the closure. Similarly, the union is urging the government to reverse the closure announcement at the Siemens plant in Hamilton. "The provincial government must recognize that Siemens cannot close a plant and then turn around and bid on major government procurement projects," said Lewenza.

In the airline industry, the recent Canada -European Union Air Transport Agreement, which will deregulate air travel between Canada and the 27 state EU, will create major downward pressure on airline workers. Since deregulation in the early 1990s, 25 airlines have gone bankrupt, including the recent example of Sky Service, whose workers are represented by CAW Local 2002.

In the rail sector, VIA Rail bargaining is ongoing while contract talks for both Canadian Pacific Rail (CP) and Canadian National Rail (CN) will open in the late summer and fall.

In retail, Lewenza commended the recent arbitration award which saw workers at 21 PharmaPlus stores in the Ottawa area receive pay raises retroactively, which the company had been refusing to pay.

In hospitality and gaming, the industry has been hard hit by the dramatic rise of the Canadian dollar. "We should be angry that our federal government sees a high Canadian dollar, driven up by a demand for Canadian natural resources, as advantageous," said Lewenza.

New Agreement at Wescast

New Agreement at Wescast Provides Greater Job SecurityMarch 30, 2010, 8:46 AM EST

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CAW members who work at auto parts maker Wescast Industries in Strathroy, Ontario have voted in favour of a new collective agreement after pushing back company demands for massive wage and pension concessions.

The group of Local 504 members at Wescast had earlier rejected the company offer loaded with concessions and the two sides had returned to the bargaining table. After a week of tough contract negotiations the new agreement was hammered out. Production workers voted 71 per cent and skilled trades 100 per cent in favour.

The new agreement provides improved job security, said Jerry Dias, assistant to the CAW president. "A key principle achieved in this contract is the company's commitment that the plant won't close and existing work won't be moved out during the life of the agreement," Dias said.

"The new agreement maintains wages and pensions," said CAW Local 504 President Randy Smith. "This provides the company with a cost effective agreement that should position us with new business and greater job security," said Smith.

The CAW represents 75 active workers at the plant, located northwest of London, Ontario. The workers produce exhaust manifolds.

Sat. Schedule...

ATLANTA @PITTSBURGH
1:00 PM ET
OTTAWA @NY ISLANDERS
2:00 PM ET
NASHVILLE @DETROIT
2:00 PM ET
BOSTON @TORONTO
7:00 PM ET
BUFFALO @MONTREAL
7:00 PM ET
NEW JERSEY @CAROLINA
7:00 PM ET
RANGERS @FLORIDA
7:00 PM ET
WASHINGTON @COLUMBUS
7:00 PM ET
DALLAS @ST LOUIS
8:00 PM ET
EDMONTON @PHOENIX
10:00 PM ET
ANAHEIM @LOS ANGELES
10:30 PM ET