Executive Report to the Membership Forum

Much has happened since the Alberta Federation of Labour's 1999 Convention. As the economy continued to grow, so did Albertan's expectations.

We all expected a restoration of public financing in health care, education, and other vital public services. Working people in all sectors expected wage and benefit improvements after years of loss of real income.

But Albertan's hopes for a reprieve from restraints and concession demands were soon lost. The intransigence of employers at the bargaining table has led to an increase in strikes, lockouts, and job actions. The deterioration of the province's labour relations climate is nowhere more evident than in the actions of Conrad Black and Southam management in the Calgary Herald strike and in the behaviour of Molson's and Labatt's in the BDL lock-out.

We have profitable employers in a boom economy engaged in union busting. Something is very wrong.

The continued restraint budgeting by the provincial government and their insistence on privatization of services has led to massive discontent and labour relations crisis in the areas of health care and education.

Bill 11 has created a "fire storm" of public protest. As thousands gathered at the Legislature to protest and as polls continued to show majority opposition to the Klein government's private hospital initiative, the political climate has begun to swing from indifference to anger and activism.

The Alberta Federation of Labour has been an active, significant player in this evolution of our province's political climate.

Through our ongoing communications, lobbying and educational work, and through our support and participation in coalitions like the Friends of Medicare and the Coalition on Public Pensions, the Alberta Federation of Labour has constructed the underpinnings of a full year of activism in preparation for the expected Spring 2001 provincial election.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST YEAR

I. HEALTH CARE

For the past six or seven years, the AFL has played a leading role in the battle to defend public health care in Alberta. When the Klein government hacked $750 million from the annual health budget in 1994, it was the AFL and our affiliated unions that led the fight-back. We were also the leaders in the fight against massive health care lay-offs and hospital bed closures.

More recently, the AFL has turned its attention to another serious threat to Medicare - privatization. Here is a summary of actions taken by the Federation over the past two years to defend public health care.

• Bill 37 Campaign (Spring '98 and Fall '98) - Early in 1998, the Klein government introduced a controversial piece of legislation - Bill 37 - that would have given the health minister power to approve private hospitals anywhere in the province. The AFL played a leading role in organizing a public campaign against the bill. As a result of our efforts - and the ensuing public outcry - the government withdrew Bill 37 in the Spring of 1998 and again in the fall of the same year.

• Friends of Medicare Health Care Hearings (Winter '99) - In an effort to encourage public debate on the threat posed by private health care, the AFL teamed up with the Friends of Medicare to organize a province-wide series of public hearings on the future of Medicare. A travelling commission of Medicare advocates - including AFL president Audrey Cormack - heard from hundreds of Albertans in communities throughout the province. Most of these people made it clear they support Medicare and oppose privatization and budget cuts. The Friends of Medicare tour - and the report that was released by the commission afterwards - helped draw public attention to the threat of privatization in health care.

• Government Health Summit (Spring '99) - In February, the government held another of its stage-managed summits aimed at getting support for private health care. But the AFL and other labour and progressive groups participating in the Summit didn't allow themselves to be rail-roaded. Progressive delegates came to the summit well-prepared - many carried copies of the Friends of Medicare report with them - and they managed to convince the majority of delegates that public health care is still the best way to go. In the end, delegates to the Summit refused to be manipulated by conference organizers and government officials. They made it clear that adequate funding - not private health care - is the answer to Canada's Medicare woes.

• Bill 11 Campaign (Fall '99 - Present) - In a televised address to the province on Nov. 16, 1999, Premier Ralph Klein announced his intention to introduce a new private health care law. After withdrawing an earlier privatization law - Bill 37 - in the face of widespread public opposition, Klein warned that he would not back down this time. The Premier's new for-profit health care law - Bill 11 - was formally introduced into the Legislature on March 2, 2000.

In response to the government's latest push for private health care, the AFL joined forces with Friends of Medicare and other progressive groups to campaign in defense of public health care. The "Keep Medicare Public" campaign was launched in January and included the following components:

• A province-wide poll showing that Albertans overwhelming support Medicare and oppose private hospitals
• A province-wide information tour featuring Kevin Taft, the author of a new book on the dangers of private health care
• A website containing information about Bill 11 and the failure of private health schemes in countries around the world
• Two information booklets outlining the problems associated with privatization in health care. More than 100,000 copies of each booklet were distributed around the province
• Province-wide television and radio ads pointing out the dangers of privatization and encouraging Albertans to take a stand in defense of Medicare
• Major rallies in Edmonton and Calgary. The rallies were held on the weekend of April 16-17 and attracted more than 10,000 people (3,000 in Calgary and 7,000 in Edmonton).

As a result of our campaign, several important things have happened. First, in an attempt to blunt public criticism generated by opponents of Bill 11, the government has decided to install several new MRI machines in Edmonton-area hospitasl. They also decided to extend Medicare coverage to include foldable lenses used in cataract operations. Previously, patients had to pay out of their own pockets for these lenses. Most observers agree that these steps would not have been taken had it not been for the public opposition to Bill 11.

Another major success of our campaign has to do with the political climate in Alberta. Our Bill 11 campaign has also caused an unprecedented number of Albertans to become politically active. Independent polls show that Bill 11 is supported by only about 30 per cent of the population. Political analysts agree that the foundations of Ralph Klein's political strength have never been shakier - and they credit the campaign against Bill 11.

2. STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS

Boilermakers Union Local D-513 vs. Georgia Pacific

Workers at Georgia Pacific in Edmonton settled on June 28th - settling a six month strike. The settlement contained a wage increase and no job losses or concessions.

USWA Local 6034 vs. Caradon Indalex West

Workers at Caradon Indalex West in Calgary won major benefit improvements and a 15% wage increase over the life of the contract after a seven week strike from June13, 1999 to August 2, 1999.

USWA 5220 vs. AltaSteel

Two hundred and sixty-six employees of AltaSteel in Edmonton struck on September 8, 1999. Five-and-a-half weeks later, the union won improved job security, a better wage increase, and an improvement to pension benefits.

CEP Local 115A and GCIU Local 34M vs. the Calgary Herald - Ongoing

On November 8, 1999 163 members of CEP 115A, representing newsroom employees and 67 members of GCIU 34M, representing distribution workers, struck the Calgary Herald. They have recently been joined by 105 printing and production workers from GCIU 34M who were locked-out on May2, 2000. Issues include seniority, wages, work time, job security, and journalistic integrity.

UFCW 401 vs. Canbra Foods

On March 27, 2000, 165 members of UFCW 401 struck Canbra Foods, a canola processing plant in Lethbridge. The strike was settled on April 17th. Workers won improved contract language on contracting-out and job security.

CEP Local 447 vs. Weyerhaueser

On April 3, 2000, workers at the Weyerhaueser oriented strand board plant in Edson began an 18-day strike over pensions, work time and wages. The strike resulted in improvements to wages and pensions and no concessions on work time.

RW/CAW vs. BDL (Molson and Labatt) - Ongoing

104 members of RW/CAW Local 285 were locked-out by BDL in Edmonton on April 4, 2000. The employer has contracted out the work to another warehouse and is demanding wage and benefit rollbacks up to 38% under threat of plant closure, relocation, and reopening non-union.

3. MEDIA

Over the past year, the AFL has continued to act as the voice for working people in Alberta. The AFL has issued more than 80 news releases since the last convention, dealing with a wide range of labour, social, economic and political issues. For example the Federation has staked out strong public positions on the following subjects:

• Fair Taxation
• Labour Law
• Federal and Provincial Budgets
• Health and Safety
• Violence Against Women
• Pay Equity
• Jobs and the Environment
• Racism
• Defense of Public Health Care
• WCB
• Child Care
• Minimum Wage

As a result of work done by the AFL's officers and communications department, spokespeople from the Federation are quoted on a regular basis by both print and broadcast media throughout the province.

In addition to day-to-day media work, the AFL has also supplied media and public relations assistance to various affiliated unions and coalition groups. For example, the AFL worked closely with members of Boilermakers Local D-513 in their six-month strike against Georgia Pacific. The AFL has also played a leading role in developing and implementing several pro-Medicare public relations campaigns (i.e. the campaigns against Bill 11 and Bill 37).

In 1999, the AFL received several awards from the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) for excellence in communications and public relations.

4. LABOUR NEWS

The Alberta Federation of Labour continues to publish its award winning newspaper, Labour News (the Labour News has won Canadian Association of Labour Media awards every year since its inception). Each month, Labour News is distributed free of charge to Federation affiliates. Locals can receive as many copies as they wish. It's a great way to keep up with the ongoing work of the AFL, and to stay informed about actions by affiliated unions and the labour movement the national and international level.

Labour News welcomes submissions from active trade unionists. Printing and distribution costs of the Labour News are largely financed by advertising revenue from the paper itself.

5. HEALTH AND SAFETY

The past twelve months have been busy for health and safety issues in Alberta. Some of the activity, such as record high workplace fatalities, we wish we didn't have to be concerned about. Regardless, the AFL has had to tackle a number of OH&S issues this year.

Regulation Review

Every regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act is currently under review by the Provincial government. All the regulations will be amalgamated into one OH&S Regulation by the end of the year 2000. The government has set up six Task Forces to update and amend the existing regulations.

There is an AFL representative on every review Task Force. The AFL has also been making submissions on every draft proposal as they come up for public consultation. The AFL made submissions on:

• Explosives Regulation
• Noise Regulation
• Ventilation Regulation
• Chemical Hazards Regulation
• Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee Regulations
• General Safety Regulation

Working Alone

The tragic murder of a young female worker at a Subway store in Calgary prompted a review by the Minister of the Working Alone provisions in Alberta. The AFL has made a submission to the government calling for stronger protection for workers. We have also named a representative to a government committee that is drafting a document to guide workers and employers on the hazards of working alone. A new Working Alone regulation and the guide will be completed in June.

Worksite Fatalities

There have been twice as many workers killed so far this year than at the same point last year. And last year had one of the highest fatality rates in history. The AFL has been trying to highlight to the public and the media the reasons for this horrible increase. The AFL has decried the lack of effective enforcement of workplace health and safety and the dramatic cutbacks imposed on the health and safety department in the past ten years.

There is little hope that the report will contain the regulation that the AFL wants, but it is the beginning of public debate on the issue.

Day of Mourning

By all accounts, the 5th International Day of Mourning held April 28 was the largest ever. More workers then ever before participated in worksite events to remember workers killed on the job. Larger public events were held in most cities around the province.

6. WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARD

The AFL continues to try to keep the Workers Compensation Board accountable to injured workers. This year, we highlighted secret Board attempts to change the WCB Act to make the WCB less accountable and pointed out areas where the WCB has not provided just compensation to injured workers.

We are working with the Labour Coalition on WCB to push issues that matter to workers. The Labour Coalition, which has all Alberta unions represented, has effectively raised labour's voice at all levels of WCB.

The Policy Consultation process continues into its second year. The process is very slow and time consuming. So far, policy changes resulting from the extensive consultation process have been very disappointing. The WCB is not really listening to the stakeholders. Even when employer groups and labour groups agree, the WCB is not implementing the recommendation. Our displeasure at the results is being communicated clearly to WCB administrators.

We have attempted to work with injured worker groups, but the unstable structure and lack of unified voice of these groups has made this difficult.

We have been actively taking our concerns to the leadership of the WCB, but they continue to delay and avoid addressing our legitimate concerns.

Even the Minister can no longer ignore the problems at WCB. A number of review panels have been set up to review the way WCB implements policy and how it treats injured workers. The AFL has been a part of every panel, to make sure our voice is heard. We also continue to follow the court decision regarding a group of Medicine Hat workers. That decision stated the WCB is a biased, unfair body to injured workers. Rather than pay attention to the judge's decision, WCB is part of an appeal.

Also, we are currently looking for a new WCB Board of Directors member for labour, as Bill Spring's term ends this fall. That search is underway, and we are attempting to find a strong labour advocate.

7. EDUCATION

The AFL/CLC Fall School

The AFL week-long fall school continues to attract a positive response from our affiliates. Offering a wide range of labour courses on topics as diverse as labour law and effective local communications, the AFL fall school again ran over two consecutive weeks to accommodate the demand for courses. In 1999, over 180 union activists attended the school.

The AFL Kid's Camp

For the fifth year, the Alberta Federation of Labour sponsored a Kid's Camp at Camp Warwa at Lac St. Anne. In 1999, fifty-five children of trade unionists enjoyed a wide variety of camping activities while receiving some basic information about the labour movement.

The AFL has established a scholarship in the memory of Brother S'ean Gillen who passed away tragically this last April. S'ean happily served as the camp director for a number of years and this scholarship will enable a child to attend future camps.

8. WOMEN: YEAR IN REVIEW (MAY 2000)

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Since the brutal murder of fourteen women on December 6, 1989 in Montreal, the AFL has been active in planning and participating in events commemorating the massacre.

December 6th marked the unveiling of A Vision of Hope, a monument sculptured by local artist, Michele Mitchell. The monument was commissioned by the December 6th Planning Committee and received support from AFL affiliates, as well as government. The unveiling was a result of over a year's planning and effort on behalf of the December 6th Planning Committee, chaired by Sister Felice Young.  The monument is located in Mary Burlie Park in Edmonton and is a place to gather and remember the fourteen women of Montreal as well as a place for victims and survivors, family and friends to remember, reflect and renew.

Since 1996, the AFL has sponsored annual workshops on violence against women alternating between Edmonton and Calgary. In December of 1999 the AFL-sponsored workshop "Domestic Violence: A Workplace Issue?" was held in Edmonton. Sylvia Hawkins of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, Heather Richards of the Strathcona Shelter Society, and Glenda Malina of the Edmonton Police Service led a panel discussion focusing on domestic violence. The workshop also included the viewing of a video 'Marker for Change.'

This year, the Federation will recognize the National Day of Remembrance with activities in Calgary. A candlelight vigil and ceremony will be held in the evening of December 6th, with the annual workshop to follow on December 7th. The workshop will be planned, as a coordinated effort between the Alberta Federation of Labour's Women's Committee and the Calgary and District Labour Council. This year's workshop will look at ways to create and implement safe workplace environments, focusing on labour's responsibility to victims of violence. As always, these workshops are open to, and encourage the participation of both genders.

World March of Women Campaign - March 8 to October 17, 2000

Women and labour have been the largest victims of neo-liberal and neo-conservative policies. In an effort to fight these governments, and overcome these barriers, the Alberta Federation of Labour joined the World March of Women 2000.

The concept of the World March was born out of two Canadian experiences: the Women's March Against Poverty organized by the Federation des Femmes du Quebec in 1995, and the National Women's March Against Poverty organized by the Canadian Labour Congress and the National Action Committee on the Status of Women held throughout Canada in 1996.

Women from 146 countries are waiving their differences, building a consensus and marching in solidarity against poverty and violence against women in the year 2000. The actions implemented in the campaign are intended to raise the conscience of world leaders to the millions of women who must fight for basic needs, and who endure physical, emotional and sexual abuse on a daily basis.

Levels of action began on March 8, 2000, International Women's Day, and will conclude on October 17, 2000, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

International Women's Day

The Alberta Federation of Labour launched the campaign with an International Women's Day march on March 11, 2000. This year's event, "Forward Together: Against Violence and Poverty" included speakers, performers and displays all focused on an effort to raise awareness about local and international women's issues.

In addition, the Federation presents an IWD award to a sister who has advanced women's issues in the Alberta labour movement. This year Sister Cormack presented Sister Yvonne Schmitz of the Calgary and District Labour Council the award at an activity in Calgary on March 8th.

Women's Shelter and Transition House Petition

As another level of action, the Alberta Federation of Labour produced and began circulation of a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, which urges the government of Alberta to fully-fund women's shelters and transition houses. Violence against women affects everyone -- this reality becomes ever more apparent given the funding crisis that exists in Alberta for shelters and transition houses along with the increased number of women and children dependent on these facilities. This petition will be delivered on October 17, 2000 to mark the completion of the 2000 March campaign.

Women's May Week Activities

World March of Women 2000 awareness was also highlighted during the recent May Week activities. World March flags, with the words "Freedom from poverty and violence" were made available for distribution/sale, and raised the consciousness of participants and observers to the plight of working women. Monies received from the sale of these flags will be used to send at least two members of the AFL Women's Committee to the Canadian Labour Congress' Women's Conference in June of this year.

The May Week activities included the commission of a clay sculpture for the EDLC by local artist Memi Von Gaza. The Women's Committee is planning a postcard campaign, featuring Ms.Von Gaza's work. The campaign will raise awareness about poverty and violence against women in Alberta. It will also highlight inequities in women's paid and unpaid labour as well as the effects of healthcare cutbacks on women in the province. These cards will include a demand urging the federal government to take notice and address these ongoing problems.

A 'Women Talk' Cabaret on May 1st highlighted the World March for Women 2000 issues of action to eliminate violence against women and the eradication of poverty. Musical performances and poetry reading conveyed the solidarity and action needed to continue the struggle.

National Child Day Campaign

In 1993, the Government of Canada designated November 20th as National Child Day to commemorate two historic United Nations events: the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in November 20, 1959 and the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989. November 20th is a time to recognize the basic rights of all children to food, shelter, clothing and education. This year, the Alberta Federation of Labour will pay tribute to our children by launching a poster and logo contest. Children of affiliated members between the ages of 5 and 11 years old are being asked to submit pictorial depictions of these basic needs. The submission chosen will appear on all posters, t-shirts, buttons and pins the AFL uses to promote National Child Day 2000 and will become the official AFL National Child Day poster and logo.

Pay Equity

The Federal Court decision rejecting a federal government appeal of a landmark pay equity decision made last year by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal will make pay equity a major focus in the coming year for the Federation.

In July of 1998, the Tribunal ruled that the federal government has, for years, been underpaying thousands of its employees working in female-dominated job classifications. The Tribunal had ordered the government to give 13 years of back pay to almost 200,000 current and former employees --- most of whom were women.

Discriminatory pay practices based on gender denigrates the work women do and prolongs women being trapped within a 'pink-collar ghetto' of sorts. Women in traditional and non-traditional work roles need to be educated in pay equity issues and supported in their struggles to attain equal pay.

The Alberta Federation of Labour will examine the possibility of launching a legal challenge to the provincial government should they not step up and follow the federal example, and provide necessary restitution to its employees who have been underpaid due to engendered job classifications. Recognizing this possibility and the need for pay equity education, the Federation will be holding regional workshops on pay equity in September to ensure members are informed about the recent court decisions and future plans for action in the area.

9. HUMAN RIGHTS

The AFL has adopted the recommendations of the CLC Task Force on Racism. The challenge confronting us now is the implementation of those recommendations. The Executive Council is working with our Human Rights/International Solidarity Committee to realize that goal.

10. POLITICAL ACTION

The AFL has always taken the position that unions need to play an active role in politics in order to promote and protect the interests of working people. In particular, the federation has focused its energies on electing progressive candidates from the labour movement's political partner, the NDP. Over the past year, the AFL's Political Action Committee has developed an action plan that would maintain the long-established partnership between labour and the NDP. But instead of focusing on short-term goals, the action plan focuses on the long-term education of members on political issues.

Labour's relationship with the NDP in Alberta is on a firm footing - there is greater labour participation at convention and on the Executive than ever before. The priority right now must be a focussed effort to win the upcoming by-election in Edmonton Highlands.

11. COALITION ON PUBLIC PENSIONS

The Alberta Federation of Labour has continued to facilitate the union coalition on public pensions. Over the past year we have organized meetings with the Government and labour participants in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) in an attempt to gain independence for the plan. We are currently consulting with legal experts on the future of the LAPP.

The government has been stalling on its promised independence for the LAPP. Now unions are trying to force the government to live up to its commitments.

 
12. FOIP

 The AFL has become an active user of Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). We continue to hold workshops and classes on FOIP to union locals that are interested. We are also using FOIP to further our issues. We have won rulings to receive access to health and safety documents for Bovar, which runs the Swan Hills Special Waste Treatment plant, and have another two inquiries on similar topics awaiting decision.

FOIP is quickly becoming an important piece of legislation for labour relations. As FOIP becomes more widely applied, unions need to know how to use it to our advantage and how to fend off employer attempts to mis-use the Act.

13. ENVIRONMENT

Since the last convention, the AFL has been working to build upon the Environment Policy Paper, "Our children's Alberta", passed at the convention. A workshop for AFL affiliates is being organized for June 5 in Edmonton to discuss labour's priorities for environmental action and how to carry on the commitments made in the policy paper. If successful, similar workshops may be held around the province.

During the past year, we have attempted to move the Policy Paper forward, but have been experiencing some difficulty finding a consensus among all affiliates on what steps to take. The environment is a highly charged area, and we are taking care to ensure we act in accordance with the wishes of the membership, as expressed in the Policy Paper, and of our concern to ensure a strong labour voice.

14. MAY WEEK

May Day events continue to grow here in the province. The AFL supports and encourages all activities surrounding May Day - recognizing it as International Workers Day. This year there were rallies, parades, socials and educationals organized under the May Week banner.

15. MAY DAY SOLIDARITY AWARD

In 1989 the Federation established the May Day Solidarity Award in recognition of an individual's contribution to peace and social justice, the promotion of workers' solidarity and dedication to Alberta workers and working people. This years successful recipient was Brother Gordon Steel, UFCW, and he was presented the award at the United Way Labour Appreciation Night. Brother Gord Christie, CDLC and Sister Peggy Askin, IBEW were also nominated to receive the award.

16. MEMBERSHIP FORUM

Organizing this first Members' Forum was another initiative of the AFL. Mandated by the 1997 Convention, the intention of the Membership Forum is to update the general membership on AFL activities and priorities during non-convention years, hear concerns and ideas from workers, and to engage in activities that inform, educate and mobilize the members. This year the theme of the Forum is Labour and the Law - with a focus on mobilizing unionists around labour law issues.

17. ADMINISTRATION

Staffing

The staff continue to work well together, and are a credit to the AFL. Sister Felice Young left the AFL after 25 years on staff. Sister Lydia Lanman has now assumed many of Sister Young's responsibilities. We welcome Sister Lanman and wish her as successful a career with the Federation as Sister Young had.

Sister Maureen Werlin returned from her work for the CLC, while Brother Ed Robinson finished his term with the support staff.

After 11 years with the Congress here in Edmonton, Brother Dave Morris transferred to Newfoundland. We have now been joined by Brother Mike Desautels and look forward to working closely with Mike on the issues that face all of us here in Alberta.

Membership Update

The Membership of the Alberta Federation continues to grow. At our last Convention, there were 110,000 members affiliated to the AFL. Today there are 125,000 members. The amalgamation of the Canadian Health Care Guild with the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, and the addition of new ATU, CAW and PSAC Locals account for the increase.

A Sound Fiscal Position

The AFL is on sound financial ground. The Federation has pursued its activist course with a careful eye to remaining within prudent financial boundaries.

Consequently, there will be no request or need for a dues increase at the 2001 Convention.

For cash flow purposes, however, affiliates are urged to forward their per capita fees in a timely fashion.

A YEAR OF ACTION

The Alberta Federation of Labour has fulfilled its mandate during the past year. The AFL has taken on the fight to preserve our vital public services. It has spoken out on the federal budget shortfalls. It has lobbied and demanded action from the provincial government to improve education and social assistance funding.

The Federation has been one of the key leaders in the fight against Bill 11 and its threat to Medicare.

Just as importantly, the AFL has actively supported every picket line in the province. We have mobilized affiliate support, and our staff and officers have walked the picket lines.

The Federation has maintained a high profile with the media and the public. The AFL has continued to make communications and education a priority.

Simply put, the Federation is doing the job it was founded to do. And, it is doing the job well, with vigor and in a principled fashion.

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