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Kerry Barrett, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour, February 2005

Good afternoon. My name is Kerry Barrett and I'm here to bring greetings on behalf of the Alberta Federation of Labour's Executive Council.

The Federation represents about 120,000 members from many different unions in this province.

At one time or another, we've all suffered the frustration and anger that comes from dealing with a stubborn employer.

So, we understand what you're going through right now - and we want to assure you that both as unions and as individuals, we are prepared to anything and everything we can to help you get a fair collective agreement.

The struggle that you're having with Telus is one that is going on in many sectors of the economy.

On one side, we have a company that is worth billions - and is the dominant player in its industry in western Canada. On the other had, we have you, the workers, who have made the company strong.

The mangers of Telus have made big mistakes, they've made bad investments and they've consistently focused on short-term self-interest over the real long-term best interests of the company.

But who gets the blame for managements' failures? And who has to pay the price, in terms of lay-offs, pay cuts, reduced benefits? It's not the guys on top, it's not people like Darren Entwhistle.

Instead, it's people like you, the people who actually do the work.

That's what this dispute is really about. And it's the same kind of dispute we in the labour movement are dealing with in so many sectors.

The good news is that you've been taking action. You've stood up for a fair and equitable deal for all Telus employees & and you've won a few rounds at the CIRB.

Obviously, the company's latest tactics are frustrating. If they put half as much effort into negotiating as they put into fighting there our employees, a deal would have been reached long ago.

But that's the way too many managers approach labour relations these days. They dig their heels in, they try to divide people they try to starve us out. It's all part of the play book.

But you know? Even in this hostile climate, unions like yours can win. Other unions and other workers have faced down tactics like this and still emerged with good agreements. I am confident that you will do the same.

In conclusion I'd just like to say two things. First, our federation's convention is coming up here in Edmonton in May.

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you there and celebrating what I'm confident will eventually be a victory for you and TWU.

Second, and more importantly, I want to make sure you know that - whatever happens - they rest of the labour movement is behind you.

The locations and the employers' names may be different, but we're all in the same boat, facing the same challenges. Whatever we can do to help, we'll be there for you.

Good luck with your fight. And thank you for this opportunity to talk to you today. Solidarity!

 

Kerry Barrett, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour, January 2005

Good evening and thank you for this opportunity to talk to you about the work of the AFL.

As many of you know, this past year has been a difficult one for the Federation.

As usual, there has been no shortage of issues for us to deal with.

The provincial government has continued to pursue its anti-worker agenda.

And employers have continued to throw roadblocks in the way of our efforts for progressive change in the workplace.

On top of these on-going challenges, we've had not one, not two, but three elections to deal with.

In the best of times, all these things would have stretched the Federation pretty thin. But unfortunately, these have not been the best of times.

Part of the problem had to do with personnel. As most of you know, last April our former president, Les Steel stepped down to accept a position with the CLC. And, at about the same time, one of our senior staffers went off on a ten-month parental leave.

By themselves, neither of these changes would have been debilitating. But when you have a small staff like we do at the Federation, losing two key people at the same time obviously makes it more difficult to get things done.

To make matters worse, 2004 turned out to be one of the most difficult years ever for the AFL financially.

There were many factors that contributed to the problem - but the end result was that mid-way through the year we faced a serious cash crunch.

In response to this crisis, our executive council met and hammered out a plan to get the Federation back on an even keel.

Part of that plan included arranging emergency loans from affiliates. But we also made the tough decision to lay-off staff. Lay-off notices were given based on seniority to one of executive staff member and one support staff member.

The good news is that we are now in the process of turning things around. Thanks to the support of affiliates, we've been able to postpone our support-staff lay-off. And Tom Fuller, one of our executive staff members, has accepted a position with UNA - so we won't have to proceed with an Executive Staff lay-off either.

The other item of good news is that, despite all of the difficult times we've faced, the Federation has still managed to keep working on your behalf.

I've distributed a report which outlines all the things that the AFL has been working on. I won't read it all - but I'd like to touch on some of the highlights.

Over the last year:

The Federation has continued to advocate for workers issues in the media. Most recently we attempted to show Ralph Klein's so-called "third way" health plan for what it really is - yet another thinly veiled blueprint for privatization. We've also continued to lobby all levels of government on worker issues. We are currently making plans to meet and lobby the new provincial Human Resources minister. And we're preparing a presentation for Edmonton City Council aimed at convincing them to adopt a Living Wage policy. This will be the first installment in what we plan to turn into a province-wide campaign. We're also continuing to improve our communications. As many of you know, the Federation launched a new website last year. Over the summer, a literacy website was added, as was a new on-line version of Labour News. The Federation has also continued to organize one of the most popular and comprehensive annual labour schools in the country. This years' school was held in December in Jasper and attracted more that 250 participants from both public and private sector unions. In addition to the school, AFL staff organized stand-alone seminars on a variety of topics including, parliamentary procedure, pensions and health and safety. This year, the AFL also continued its involvement with progressive coalitions and community groups. We played a prominent role in establishing a new activist network, called Public Interest Alberta (PIA). And we're also working with Friends of Medicare and other community groups to plan a response to the Klein government's latest push for private health care. The Federation has also been active in many other areas. Our Kids' Camp was bigger than ever this year. Our Membership forum dealing with the breakdown of Canada's post-war labour-relation system was well-attended and positively received. And we played an important role in supporting progressive candidates in all three elections. So, as you can see, despite all the hurdles and challenges that the Federation has faced this year, we've still managed to move forward. And, now that we've started a new year, we have even more in store.

The most important upcoming event that I want to draw attention to is the Federation's biennial Convention. This is the forum where people like you get to set the direction for the AFL. And, to make things even more interesting, this time around we'll also be electing a new president.

The Convention will be held in Edmonton May 12-15. For those affiliates interesting in sending delegates, the deadline for submitting your credentials is Friday, March 28. The deadline for resolutions is earlier: Monday, March 14.

In conclusion: I'd just like to say two things.

First, thank you for this opportunity to address your meeting tonight. It's always good to come together with other activists.

Second, on behalf of myself and the entire AFL Executive Council, I'd like to wish you good luck with you deliberations this evening.

The CDLC continues to lead the way for labour councils in this country - and that's thanks in large part to the dedication and commitment of everyone in this room.

I look forward to working with you throughout the upcoming year - and I also look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our Convention in May.

Thank you, good luck and solidarity!

 

Public Interest Alberta, a new provincial advocacy organization, has launched a great campaign to challenge all provincial candidates to define where they stand on key public interest issues. Called "A Fair Deal for Alberta Families", this campaign outlines eight important public interest themes and proposes policy solutions that will greatly benefit all Albertans.

Now is your chance to communicate directly with your candidates to ask them where they stand on public interest issues. When you go to the website of Public Interest Alberta and click on the Fair Deal For Alberta Families link, you will be able to send an e-mail message to the candidates that are running in your constituency, asking them to let you know what their position is on these issues.

Please let your politicians know you care about quality health care, education, support for people in need, the environment, seniors, early childhood programs, post-secondary education, farmers and rural communities.

It only takes a minute to send a message.
www.pialberta.org

Public Interest Alberta is a new provincial advocacy organization for public interest issues. It was founded in June 2004 to serve as a vehicle through which to foster in Albertans an understanding of and commitment to the importance of public services, institutions and spaces.

For more information or to join, contact
Public Interest Alberta
#35 9912- 106 St.
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 1C5
Ph (780) 420-0417
Fax (780) 420-0435
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.pialberta.org

Alberta Federation of Labour President Kerry Barrett was highly critical of the lack of any government industrial strategy in the wake of the announced closure of the Celanese Canada plant in Edmonton.

"Up to 300 Albertans are going to lose highly-paid industrial jobs as Celanese moves its operations to low-wage countries," charged Barrett, "yet the Klein government continues to embrace free trade and globalization and refuses to construct a pro-active industrial development policy."
"The employer is simply closing its Alberta operations and moving production to its Mexico plant," said Barrett. "It is making this move despite staff cuts and real sacrifices by the workers to keep the plant in operation."
"For years, the Alberta government has relied upon the energy sector to carry the provincial economy, said Barrett, "but their lack of any commitment to long-term planning or to any kind of industrial development plan is now costing hard-working Albertans their jobs."
Barrett pointed out that the current government has focused far too much on resource export and far too little on building a healthy value-added industrial base. "There must have been something the Alberta government could have done to prevent this plant closure," said Barrett. "But, as usual, this government has done nothing before the fact and will doubtlessly do even less after the fact."
"This plant-closure should come as a wake-up call to Albertans. Why was there no government action before the closure? Why is there no government help for the displaced workers? We have a right to expect answers to these questions," said Barrett.
"Maybe it is time for Albertans to reconsider who should be governing this province and what public policies would best serve them," said Barrett. "If the state-owned Chinese mining company can be praised for buying Canadian mining giant Noranda, isn't it time to consider an Alberta crown corporation to make use of the province's natural energy wealth for the benefit of all?"

Inuvik, NT - Federation of Labour Presidents from across Western Canada and the Territories have arrived in Inuvik, NT to make their views clear to the Premiers of the 4 Western Provinces and 3 Northern Territories who are attending a Western Premiers Conference from July 7 - 9, 2004 in Inuvik.

Collectively representing nearly 1 million working families in their respective jurisdictions, Labour Federation Presidents from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, & Nunavut are calling on the Premiers to adopt a unified position in support of Canadian not-for-profit healthcare and Medicare.

"We want the Premiers assembled here to take our message forward to the First Ministers conference with Prime Minister Martin later this year that Canadian citizens do not want U.S. American style 'for-profit' health care in our country", said Mary Lou Cherwaty, President of the host Northern Territories Federation of Labour.

"In addition to the Federation Presidents listed above, we are pleased to be joined at our parallel conference by Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions; Sheila Laity of the Union of Northern Workers; and Doug Workman of the Nunavut Employees Union," said Cherwaty.

"Collectively we represent close to 1,000,000 Canadian families - many of whom are experts from the Health Care sector - we think it's a marvelous opportunity for the Western Premiers to consult with us about the fixes required to ensure continuation of something that makes Canada unique - our national medicare system," Cherwaty concluded.

PRESIDENTS SIGN HEALTH PLEDGE

The Federation of Labour Presidents from the four western provinces and the three northern territories are meeting in Inuvik, NT at a parallel conference to the Western Premiers. Our primary focus is to protect and expand publicly funded and not-for-profit delivery of healthcare.

As a result of our discussions, we want the Western Premiers to promote:

1. Restoring federal funding to a minimum of 25%
2. Establishing a Territorial Health Care Fund
3. Ensuring provincial accountability for federal health care transfers
4. Reducing waiting lists by protecting and expanding public delivery of health care
5. Opposition to profit delivery of health care services

On Wednesday July 7, 2004, we will be signing a �Medicare Protection Pledge� designed by the Canadian Health Coalition, in order to highlight our commitment to the National Medicare Program.  We will be joined by representatives from the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, the NWT Status of Women Council, the Union of Northern Workers, and the Nunavut Employees Union.

This signing ceremony will take place at 7:00 pm in the Long-term Care Multi-purpose room at the Inuvik Regional Hospital, and all are welcome to attend.

For more information contact:

Federation of Labour Presidents
Rob Hilliard    Manitoba   (204) 782-1356
Larry Hubich    Saskatchewan   (306) 537-7330
Kerry Barrett    Alberta    (780) 720-8945
Jim Sinclair    British Columbia  (604) 908-3044
Mary Lou Cherwaty   Northern Territories (867) 444-4567
Alex Furlong    Yukon    (867) 333-4033

Union of Northern Workers
Sheila Laity    First Vice-President   (867) 444-3456

Nunavut Employees Union
Doug Workman    President  (867) 979-2838

Canadian Federation of Nurses Union
Linda Silas    President  (613) 859-4314

 

The Alberta Federation of Labour responded to the government health care plan today by noting that the real plan is being held under wraps until after the next provincial election, expected in the fall.

Today's announcement lacked any substantive indication of the direction they want to take health care says AFL President Kerry Barrett "The premier and health minister continue their song and dance routine. There is a lot of movement, but little forward progression. Unfortunately, the number is getting old."

"It is clear the Conservatives want to have a new majority safely in their back pocket before unveiling their real plans. Albertans deserve to see the plan now, not after an election."

Barrett's concern is heightened given that Health Minister Gary Mar refused to rule out private clinics and further expansion of P3 initiatives in health care. "They are playing a game with Albertans. While today's plan contains only vague platitudes, they continue to talk about expanded private health care. It makes me think the real agenda is yet to be released."

The vague plans for consultation are both a duplication of previous efforts, and will get lost in the activity of the municipal and provincial elections. "It is a sham consultation. All the government needs to do to find out what Albertans think is to read the Romanow report."

Barrett is pleased with the new money for Regional Health Authorities, but she notes that the new money does not address longer term reform for health care.

Barrett also noticed that the Conference Board of Canada report released by the government today focuses on the role of spiraling prescription drug costs. "The portion of our health system that is mostly private is the one place where costs are out of control. We need a pharmacare program to contain costs."

"The Premier is following the mantra 'once burned, twice shy' when it comes to health care. Having damaged Stephen Harper two weeks ago, he doesn't want to do the same thing to himself. As a result, he will hide his plans until the new year," observes Barrett.

"The Premier continues his dance routine. Too bad he has two right feet," Barrett concludes.

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For more information contact:

Kerry Barrett, AFL President at 780-720-8945 (cell) or

Jason Foster, AFL Director of Policy at 780-483-3021 (wk)

Random drug and alcohol testing misses the root problem with substance abuse, and will fail to produce safer workplaces, the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) says today. The AFL is responding to government suggestions that they will be forging ahead on random drug and alcohol testing.

"The drive toward more random testing is the result of impaired thinking," says AFL Acting President Kerry Barrett. "It is a knee-jerk reaction. It is not based in science or in any understanding of the issue."

A comprehensive study conducted by AADAC and recently released shows that drug and alcohol impairment is not a growing problem, and is restricted to very few workers in a handful of specific industries. It finds that only 5.6% of workers use alcohol during or in the hours before work on a regular basis, and only 1.7% use illicit drugs at or before work. And that the rate of drug and alcohol is linked to only a couple of industries, including construction and telecommunications.

The AADAC study decides against random testing. "AADAC does not recommend employee alcohol and drug testing except in cases where alcohol or other drug use constitutes a genuine risk to the workplace operations or public safety" says a Summary of the report.

"The issue is not whether a person uses alcohol or drugs on the weekend in their home - that is none of the employer's business. The question we need to stay focused on is how impairment affects the safety of workers. And random testing will not fix that problem" says Barrett.

"Randomly testing all workers to catch the very few with a substance use problem is like using amputation to deal with a hangnail. We need more finessed solutions that tackle the root problem" suggests Barrett.

She also reminds the government that random testing has been found to contravene Human Rights legislation. "Any attempt to legislate random testing will likely be struck down by the courts."

Barrett suggests Employee Assistance Programs, rehabilitation and counseling and attention to the warning signs that accompany substance abuse are better methods for reducing impairment in the workplace. "Solutions that get to the reasons why people abuse drugs and alcohol will be far more effective at fixing this safety problem."

"Employers are demanding more testing because it is a quick solution that lets them off the hook. We need solutions that make workplaces safer, and not just let employers feel like tough guys."

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For further information, contact:

Kerry Barrett, President        at     780-483-3021 (wk)    780-720-8945 (cell)

Jason Foster, Director          at     780-483-3021 (wk)     780-910-1137 (cell)

[Edmonton] The Alberta Federation of Labour today called upon Ralph Klein to apologize to Alberta's Chilean community for his comments endorsing the military coup and human rights abuses of dictator Pinochet.

"Most of the Chilean community in Alberta are here because they fled the bloody repression of the Pinochet regime," said AFL President Kerry Barrett. "Many of them lost family and friends to Pinochet's police state and its reign of terror - others were themselves victims of illegal imprisonment and torture."

"When a democratically-elected government leader endorses a dictator who used armed force to overthrow and murder another democratically-elected leader (President Salvador Allende), there is something deeply wrong," said Barrett.

"His remarks are deeply offensive, not just to the Chilean community in Alberta - but to all Albertans who uphold our democratic traditions and values," concluded Barrett. "I am not sure what kind of 'research' he did on the subject for his student essay, but he clearly didn't do much thinking about what the events in Chile actually meant to the men and women and children who had to live through them - nor of the fact that Pinochet has been indicted for human rights abuses."

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For more information contact:

Kerry Barrett, AFL President at 483-3021 (wk)     or 720-8945 (cell)

 

[Pigeon Lake] 'Building Bridges and Sharing Struggles II', the second workshop sponsored by the Alberta Federation of Labour to explore common ground and possible cooperative actions between the labour movement and the aboriginal community, will be held at the Pigeon Lake Recreational Centre on Friday, April 30, 2004.

"We are very optimistic that our continuing dialogue with the aboriginal community is going to create an effective and exciting new relationship between the aboriginal community and labour," said AFL Secretary Treasurer Kerry Barrett, who will open the workshop. "We know that there it will take time to build trust and cooperation between the two groups, but we feel that our many common interests in social and economic justice provide the basis for cooperative action."

Linda Bull from the Saddle Lake First Nation and Stan Knowlton from the Piegan Nation will address the workshop in the morning. Heather Smith from the United Nurses of Alberta and Mark Voyageur from the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union will provide a labour perspective.

In the afternoon, participants will engage in small group discussions about how labour and the aboriginal community can find common ground. The closing plenary will focus on developing future planning strategies.

The workshop was planned and coordinated by the Alberta Federation of Labour's Human Rights and International Solidarity Committee.

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For more information contact:

Kerry Barrett, AFL Secretary Treasurer at 483-3021 (wk) or 720-8945 (cell)

On the eve of the 10th International Day of Mourning, the Alberta Federation of Labour is releasing the latest statistics on workplace fatalities in Alberta, showing an increase in both the number of deaths and in the fatality rate.

"The problem is getting worse, not better," says AFL Secretary Treasurer Kerry Barrett. "Alberta is losing the battle against workplace death."

Last year 127 work-related deaths were accepted by WCB. This is the highest figure ever recorded in Alberta. In addition, another 14 deaths occurred on farms in Alberta. Farm deaths are not included in WCB statistics, but can be considered work-related deaths as well.

The fatality rate in Alberta is also on the rise. In 2003, the rate was 7.0 deaths per 100,000 workers, up from 5.65 deaths in 2002. If farm deaths are included, the rate jumps to 7.7. Over the past ten years rates have climbed slightly. In 1993, the rate was 5.38 (see backgrounder).

"Despite all its rhetoric and its ad campaigns, the government has failed to protect workers," says Barrett. "Why are death rates climbing?"

"The answer," Barrett suggests "is lack of enforcement. The government continues to treat employers with kid-gloves." Barrett is encouraged by recent increases in fines and prosecutions, but she says much more can be done to send the message that health and safety is a serious matter in Alberta.

"The message to Alberta employers needs to be that if they do work in Alberta, it must be done safely. No exceptions."

The AFL will be joining with thousands of workers across the province tomorrow to commemorate Day of Mourning. It is an important day, says Barrett, because it is an opportunity to both remember those workers who were killed and to shine a spotlight on the dangers of work.

"But Day of Mourning is just one day," says Barrett. "If we are to make sure no one is killed because they needed to earn a paycheque, then all of us - employers, workers and government - need to step up our action to prevent another working getting killed."

"Enough words. Time for action."

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For more information contact:

Kerry Barrett, AFL Secretary Treasurer at 483-3021 (wk) or 720-8945 (cell)
Jason Foster, Director of Policy Analysis at 483-3021