 Members representing local labour organisations handed over 35,000 postcards last Monday to Ethel Blondin-Andrew, member of parliament for the Western Arctic. - Thorunn Howatt/NNSL photo |
Yellowknife (Aug 15/01) - A special delivery of 35,000 postcards from Canadian Auto Workers union members was handed over to Ethel Blondin-Andrew member of parliament for the Western Arctic.
Last Monday's drop showed members' support for disgruntled Giant mine pensioners. The postcards were addressed to the prime minister, urging the government to add money to the Giant miner's pension fund.
The pensioners were represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada as well as the Federation of Labour and the Citizens Support Group and are seeking changes in federal laws that would withhold pension money from employees of bankrupt companies. They are also looking for compensation for 15 widows and fifty Giant pensioners' losses.
After a previous Giant Mine owner, Royal Oak went bankrupt, it was revealed that the company-funded pension was under funded. Giant Mine hourly-paid workers are paid 91 per cent of their pensions because of the shortfall.
"We're talking $900,000," said Bob Haywood, president of the Northwest Territories Federation of Labour.
"I feel better. It's not a dead issue. We're keeping it in the spotlight" said Haywood of the symbolic postcard effort.
Co-chair for the citizens' support group, Ben McDonald, said the group is frustrated with the seeming lack of progress by the federal government in helping the pensioners.
"It's a national issue," he said, explaining the issue was divided over two portfolios, industry and labour.
"That split is always going to be there," said McDonald, describing the activity of the Northern MP. "It seems to tie her hands. She can't take an aggressive position."
The labour group discussed arranging a meeting with industry minister Brian Tobin during a scheduled visit to Yellowknife on Aug. 25.
"The lobbyists in Ottawa are all from industry. Industry has all the money," said McDonald. "If Tobin said yes, this is an issue, it would be resolved."
Yellowknife's Public Service Alliance of Canada members working for the federal government have threatened to walk off their jobs along with 75,000 other members across Canada on Wednesdays, Aug. 15, 22 and 29. They say the action is in support of negotiating teams who want a better offer from the Treasury Board.
