Entrenching Exploitation: Canada’s Shameful Record on TFWs
- In its latest report on the working and living conditions of Temporary Foreign Workers, the AFL’s Foreign Worker Advocate reports that things are getting worse, not better. Called “Entrenching Exploitation” the report recounts how, without public debate, the Canadian and Alberta governments are quietly creating a European-style guest worker program, which threatens to create a permanent exploited underclass of foreign workers who work in Canada for years without receiving the rights that come with citizenship. Read Entrenching Exploitation…
LEM: The Recession Edition
- What do a “dead cat bounce” and sheep on drugs have in common? Both are part of the insightful economic analysis to be found in the Spring 2009 issue of “Labour Economic Monitor.” The latest issue looks at the recent Alberta budget and the effects of the recession on wages and earnings. All explained with entertaining prose and colourful graphs. Check out the latest economic data …
New Safety Rules Coming
- On July 1, an extensive series of amendments to the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code come into force. The changes will likely affect every workplace in one way or another. Some of the major changes include: revamping fall protection standards, updating chemical hazard exposure limits, tougher working alone rules, and new section related to health care workers. To help workers become acquainted with the new provisions, the AFL has produced a document summarizing the changes. Find out about the OHS Code Amendments …
Solidarity in Hard Times
- The latest issue of Union Magazine is out and it takes a good look at the challenges to maintaining solidarity in this era of globalization and aggressive union tactics. It explores new forms of solidarity and examines ways workers can stick together in tough times. And remember, if you want Union sent directly to your mailbox or email inbox, be sure to sign up for a free subscription. Read the latest issue of Union …
Urgent Action
Keep Jobs in Canada Petition
- The Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) has launched a cross-Canada campaign to raise awareness about the growing problem of unemployment in Canada and to demand governments do something to keep jobs in Canada. They are touring a National Unemployment Clock across Canada, which will be in Alberta May 24-26. They have also set up an online petition where Canadians can add their voices to the growing numbers demanding action to save Canadian jobs. Do your part to save Canadian jobs …
Events
Public Interest Alberta’s 5th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, June 5, 2009
Grand Ballroom
Chateau Louis Conference Centre
11727 Kingsway, Edmonton
This evening will give us an opportunity to come together to socialize and reflect on the important work we have undertaken over the past five years. We will also be presenting our annual Public Interest Award to this year’s recipients.
Tickets – Individual $65.00 / Table of 8 – $500.00
6:00 pm – Cocktails
7:00 pm – Dinner
8:00 pm – Celebration & Entertainment
http://www.pialberta.org/events
Did you know …
Top Six Source Countries for temporary foreign workers in Alberta (2007):
1. Philippines
2. United States
3. United Kingdom
4. Mexico
5. Australia
6. India