Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2002-01-23, Page 4Opinion 4-7150111111001 WOi1TO1,, F.Mwry 7, 2001 Your Commun'ly Newspaper Sine 1860 Terri -Lynn Hart - Publisher Pat Armes - Office Manager Scott Hilgendorff - Editor Diame McGrath - S iptions/Cl ssilieds Susan Hundertmark - Reporter Katrina Dietz - Sales Anne Roden - Distribution Bowes Publishers Limited sudr.,, d sr, Mobs Glowworm - A (Malmo. '1 E-mail us at seaforthObowesnet.com Visit our home page at www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL - 32.50 a year, in odvance, plus 2.28 G.S.T. SENIORS., - 30.00 a yeor, in advance, plus 2.10 G.S.T. USA & Foreign: 28.44 a year in odvonce, plus $78.00 posloge, G.S.T. exempt SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Published weekly by Signal -Slur Publishing at 11 Main St., Seaforth. Publication moil registration No. 0696 held at Seaforth, Onlorio. Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising spoce occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be chorged, but the bdonce of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rale. In the event of a typographicd error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely on offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or dmnoge of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. Changes of address, orders for subscriptions and undeliverable copies are to be sent to The Huron Expositor. Wednesday, January 24, 2000 atlrterid sad Mloses Oases - 11 Meda fIreet.,hehrt Triupbeae (519) 527.0040 Paz (519) 527-2855 ;Ra�wB Address - RO. Box 69, efert�, Oaterie, NOK IWO Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association, Ontario Community Newspapers Association Publication Mail Registration No. 07605 "We ad riovAedgelhe financial support of the Government of Canada, through hePublications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs." Editorial Our kids are as safe as they ever were in school Parents and students need to be careful not to overreact to a situation that began unfolding a week ago at Goderich District Collegiate Institute. A student has been charged with uttering death threats and possession of a weapon. There is a rumour of a "hit list" with students' names on it. The school's principal is cautioning people that the incident seems worse than it is. The reason it seems so bad is because little factual information about what happened is being released. Instead, rumours are being allowed to spread that have even included a possible gang connection with links to Seaforth. But some things to consider include the fact the weapon seized is not a gun or knife. Instead, police have said it is an object that has to be listed as a prohibited weapon but is more likely only capable of doing bodily harm. Another rumour suggests the "object" is a studded bracelet. While the studs may be sharp and could hurt someone, it is not like a handgun or bomb materials were found in the locker. It seems the possibility that a Columbine or Taber incident was about to occur is not as real as the rumours would suggest. While people should not overreact to what has happened, it is a very real reminder that some pretty horrible things can happen in our own, secure little communities. But that's just it --they can happen anywhere. Are our kids safe in school? They're as safe as they ever were. Scott Hilgendorff Commentary Employment Standards Act not helping employees 'Ib the Editor: Ontario families will suffer under new Employment Standards and Labour Relations Act changes. The struggle for fair and equitable employment in Ontario has suffered a major setback. The Employment Standards Act sets the minimum standards or floor for workers in Ontario. There are exceptions covered by other legislation such as the Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act, 1993, Part X.1 of the Education Act, Part IX of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, The Colleges Collective Bargaining and any prescribed Acts or provisions of Acts. The Labour Relations Act governs organized labour. Recent changes to the Employment Standards Act fly in the face of the reason for the act in the fust place. It was established to protect workers who are not protected by unions and other kinds of institutions from over - exploitation by unscrupulous bosses. The provincial government says the legislation updates antiquated laws, giving both employers and employees new flexibility. In reality the changes open the door to more abuse for those who are the least likely to be able to protect themselves. The 60 -hour workweek, vacations one day at a time and four week averaging of overtime do nothing for the worker. It is a boon for the bosses. All these changes rely on the worker agreeing to, for example, work 60 hours per week, take their vacation one day at a time or have their overtime averaged over four weeks. If the worker doesn't agree, then the workweek remains at 48 hours, vacation will be taken a week at a time and overtime will be paid after 44 hours each week. How many workers in a small unorganized plant will refuse to sign an agreement if failure to sign comes with a threat of termination? How many workers are willing or able to sit at home once being fired and wait for the wheels of justice to roll their way? What chance does a worker who is reinstated have of surviving on the job after standing up for his or her rights? It is a proven fact that .provisions of the law that require enforcement tend not to be very well respected by employers because they are aware the chances of issues coming to the point of enforcement are slim. The Minister of Labour says he is going to hire five new enforcement officers to protect the Iegislation. He did not mention how many officers have lost their job since the Tories came to power or brag about the increase in convictions for those who break the labour laws. The employer has been given a clear message from Mike Harris. The Labour Relations Act governs organized labour. It is no secret that the current Harris government seems to hate and fear organized labour. Look at the way it villanized the nurses, the teachers, the public service employees and look at the recent changes to the Labour Relations Act. The message seems clear -there is no room in Ontario for organized labour. The new legislation requires that employers post and distribute information advising employees how to decertify their union. It does not require the posting of information on how to certify a union and stands in direct contradiction to Canada's obligations under international law to protect freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. Also in the new legislation, the government has gone out of its way to install loop holes called cooling off periods which, after a failed attempt to organize a union prevent any further attempts to organize for a one-year period. The legislation targets particularly vulnerable employees in first agreement situations in order to encourage employers and any employees who are opposed to the union to undermine the union so that it cannot obtain a foothold in the workplace. The legislation also requires that heads of unions making more than $100,000 per year disclose their income. It is a fact that the salaries of most if not all of these officials is already a matter of public record through the individual democratic constitutions of these unions. I suggest it would be of greater interest to the public to have the salaries of the non -elected bureaucracy that run this province publicized. These legislative changes are a result of consultation with business and no one but business. Ontario is open to business and anything that stands in the way of profit is at risk. Thirty percent of workers in this province belong to unions. Unionized workers, as a rule, make more money, have more benefits and have more say in their workplace than non -unionized workers. Unionized work places are safer to work in than non -unionized workplaces. This is due to collective bargaining, the strength and confidence that being a member of a group provide and commitment to improve social economic standards. Every worker in Ontario falls into either the organized or unorganized group. There are a number of factors that alienate non-union workers from union workers. It is a fundamental part of the right wing agenda to ensure that the two never join forces. The media ensures this by limiting coverage of union activities to include Letters only the negative. We are exposed to biased news about bitter strikes and lazy overpaid workers. It is through these stereotypes, the majority of the public form their opinion. It is also human nature to be jealous of anyone who makes more than you make even if you compare apples to oranges. The struggle for fair treatment and equitable employment in Ontario reaches back more than 100 years. We have came a long way from child labour, 14 to 16 hour days, seven-day work weeks and 100s of job- related deaths per year to where we are today. The high standard of living that we enjoy today in Ontario is a result of the collective effort of unions, churches and other concerned social groups that stood united and fought against incredible odds to secure what we enjoy today. There is no limit to how much profit is acceptable or to what lengths some people will go to acquire those profits. The trend that we see today in North America is frightening. A decline in organized labour particularly in the U.S. has resulted in an incredible increase in the gap between the rich and poor. The middle class bares the lion's share of the tax burden to the point where it is hard to determine where the lower class ends and the middle class begins. I suppose it might be defined by those that can salt money away for the future without giving up their car, house or food for the table. Most of us in Canada enjoy a standard of living that is better than 90 per cent of the rest of the world. We have that standard because we have earned it and fought two world wars to protect it. • I hope we are educated enough to recognize what we stand to lose if we continue to allow the right wing agenda to dominate our political horizon. If we allow Harris to destroy unions, our standard of living will be next. There will be no stopping his type from feathering the nests of themselves and big business at the expense of the working person. Without collective bargaining the all important strength that numbers bring will be lost. We all know how much power and influence we as individuals will have at positively effecting our standard of living. The will be none. Please consider that when profit is your motivation. Sharing your profits is the last thing that you want to do. Please also consider that the changes to the Employment Standards and the Labour Relations Act are in no way there to protect the worker. Ask the 500 business interests that demanded them. Jim Vance President Huron District Labour Council Food bank supported be entire community To the Editor: Donations individuals, from schools, businesses, community volunteer organizations and special interest groups have enabled the Seaforth and District Food Bank to provide a five-day supply of food per month to an average of 123 people during the past year. In addition, at Christmas more than 80 families received their choice of either a ham or a turkey. Representatives from eight area churches oversee the business of the food bank as a joint project. Ray and Eleanor Maloney, our volunteer co- ordinators supervise the day-to-day activities, ensure that there is sufficient food, and maintain accurate statistics. Our approximately 35 volunteers capably staff the store Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The clergy provide guidance in urgent/emergent situations. Town council has continued its support and commitment to maintain the food bank at its present location at the new Huron East offices (the former Seaforth Town Hall). Maja Dodds Chair Seaforth and District Food Bank Skateboarders not out there to irritate the town To the Editor: We will never be embraced as anything but unneeded. Our mission is not to bother or irritate the town but to show that there are other sports beyond the gates of hockey that most hold so dear to heart. Skateboarding is an individual outlet of emotions that very few activities provide. It is one of the only sports that benefit in a non-competitive manner. Actlhg on your words of displeasure is the only way to solve these two problems of destruction of uptown property and kids having nothing to do. Complain all you want but you hold all the cards of progression, not some stupid kid like me. A skate park may even open things up. I know this letter has probably reversed my passion originally intended to show that there is room for change but at least I sleep well knowing I have tried to resurrect this struggling aspect of our community. Curtis Wilson Home for the Aged workers oppose county's stand To the Editor: I am writing with regard to the recent decision of the County of Huron to seek a leave of appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada regarding an arbitration decision won by the workers at Huronview/Huronlea Homes For The Aged which date back to 1993. The chances of the County being granted this type of appeal are slim to none. One would think that delay tactics such as this only serve one purpose: another way to spend taxpayers dollars unnecessarily. Is this a good business decision? I don't think so. This move also serves to further increase the level of frustration workers have toward employers who do not want to deal with decisions and hope that a court can help it go away. The County reported on a local radio station that they cannot possibly afford to create 26 new full time jobs (even though the correct figure is 18), but they have not even approached the union and the workers to discuss their concerns. The union does not assert that 18 jobs may be entirely needed but we do want the opportunity to review the staffing needs at both of these Homes. We are committed to ensuring that staffing levels must reflect the ability to allow the highest standards' and levels of care for the seniors at these Homes are met. We believe in a workplace that maintains dignity and respect for not only the workers but those we care for. For the County of Huron to simply dismiss this issue on staffing is to blatantly disregard their responsibility to the health care of these senior citizens who reside at Huronview and Huronlea. Cathy Carroll Union Representative, SEIU Local 210