THUNDER BAY – Representatives of more than 40 CAW workplaces across Northwestern Ontario will gather together in Thunder Bay June 9-11 for a political mobilization conference, meant to activate and engage members from across the region.
CAW Local 229 is the largest private sector union in the north representing more than 3,000 members in a large cross section of workplaces and industries. Healthcare is the largest industry locally with long term care homes, retirement homes, hospitals, social services, not for profit agencies, childcare and the education industry. CAW Local 229 represents workers from Kenora in the west to as far east as Manitouwadge and Marathon.
“This year’s conference will concentrate heavily on political action and mobilization in preparation for the provincial election this fall,” said CAW Local 229 President Kari Jefford. “Our delegates will be learning how to become effective lobbyists in a series of workshops and keynote addresses and will get a chance to practice their new skills Friday afternoon.”
Highlights include:
On Thursday, June 9, the Secretary Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress, Hassan Yussufff will address delegates on current CLC campaigns including pension reform and the creation and promotion of good jobs for all.
Friday, June 10, National CAW President Ken Lewenza will address the membership in the morning on current national union strategies and issues regarding the union’s approximately 200,000 members from across Canada.
Invited guests also include Jenny Ahn, CAW National Director of Political Action and Mobilization, Tom Murphy, CAW Area Director of Northern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan and Andy Savela, CAW National Representative for Northern Ontario.
The conference delegates will then get to put their new skills into use. A lobby effort will take place with the local politicians Friday afternoon. Representatives from all levels of government have been invited to attend. Bruce Hyer, Mary Kozorys, (NDP provincial candidate is stepping in for John Rafferty), Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro have all accepted the invitation. At this point in time no City of Thunder Bay councilors or the Mayor, Keith Hobbs has been able to commit to attend or participate.