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May 4th - PSAC will work to see Bloc Québécois anti-scab bill enacted
TORONTO - While 400 of its members at the Ekati diamond mine north of Yellowknifesuffer the consequences of having scabs in the workplace, ...
Read more...click on link below...
 anti-scab_bill.pdf
May 3rd - Union at Ekati diamond mine wins unfair labour practice complaint against BHP Billiton; Canada Industrial Relations Board orders both parties to meet within 20 days.
Click on attachment below for more details.
 REL-Union_wins_unfair_against_BHP_May_3-06.doc
May 2nd - PSAC convention delegates rally in support of striking BHP Billiton mine workers
TORONTO – PSAC members employed at the Ekati diamond mine
in the Northwest Territory have been on strike against BHP Billiton for a first
collective agreement since early April. Read the
media advisory.
May 2nd - BHP fails to make $56 million security deposit
BHP Billiton missed January 31, 2006 deadline to post $56 million security deposit for Ekati diamond mine water license to be held by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, union for striking workers discovers; $56 million still not guaranteed by BHP.
Read more in the pdf below.
REL-BHP_fails_to_make_security_deposit_May_2-06.pdf
May 1st - NDP MP's launch anti-scab legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 1, 2006
OTTAWA - NDP MP Pat Martin (Winnipeg Center) is introducing legislation today that would ban the use of replacement workers during labour disputes and work stoppages under federal jurisdiction.
The Bill is seconded by NDP House Leader and Labour critic Libby Davies (Vancouver East) and Yvon Godin (Acadie-Bathurst), NDP Whip and a former Staff representative with United Steel Workers of America (New Brunswick).
Martin is also the former leader of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (Manitoba) and a carpenter by trade.
"Workers have the right to organize, the right to bargain collectively, and the right to withhold their services in the event negotiations fail," said Martin. "Using scabs to replace striking workers undermines those rights."
The Bill would prohibit employers from hiring replacement workers to perform the jobs of workers who are on strike or locked out.
"I'm proud of my Labour Caucus members for leading the way in this issue of basic workers' rights," says NDP Leader Jack Layton. "This is one of the most basic principles behind our party - to help elevate living standards and working conditions in this country. And we're going to use this minority Parliament to do just that."
"We deliberately chose May Day, the International Day of Workers' Solidarity to launch our Anti-Scab campaign," said Davies. "Collective bargaining is one of the fundamental tenets of a free society and the NDP will always stand up for the rights of workers."
"Anti-scab legislation means fewer and shorter strikes and lockouts and less likelihood of violence or property damage," said Godin. "Anti-scab legislation helps keep workers on the job and businesses on the go."
"Look at jurisdictions where you have anti-scab legislation," said Godin, "there are fewer days lost due to strikes and lockouts. Disputes are settled quickly and peacefully because the system is working the way it was intended."
Mr. Martin will introduce the Bill and give it First Reading during Routine Proceedings shortly after 3:00pm, Monday May 1st, 2006.
April 27th - BHP Billiton's credibility shrinks
Ekati diamond mine owner BHP Billiton’s credibility is shrinking dramatically along with an admitted 36% drop in diamond production at the strike-bound mine, says the union representing 400 striking workers at the Ekati mine.
BHP Billiton claimed in an April 21 news release that the: “Ekati Diamond Mine continues to operate at full capacity. In fact, this past week the Ekati mine has recorded the mine's best production week since August 2005.”
Read more below
BHP_credibility_shrinks_Apr_27-06-1.pdf
April 24th - Are Fines For Crossing the Picket Line Fair?
Article from the Canadian HR Reporter - April 24, 2006
Yes, they protect collective bargaining. Some unions are fining members who cross the picket line during a strike, and the courts are getting involved...
To read more, click the link below.
2006-04-24-Pg_27-NT.pdf
April 24th - Dirty Diamonds!
Union asks retail jewelers who sell Ekati Canadian diamonds to express concern about ongoing Ekati strike against mine owner BHP Billiton that will impact sales and supply of trademarked Aurias diamonds.
Read more below.
REL-Retailers_Letter_Apr_24-06.pdf
April 14th - Miners strike at Ekati gaining momentum
The miners strike at BHP Billiton’s Ekati mine in Canada seems to be gaining momentum as support among workers seems to be widening. This week the overwhelming majority of workers from the second crew (scheduled to begin work on Wednesday) supported the strike and refused to fly into the mine, says as spokesman for the Public Service Alliance of Canada workers union.
“BHP Billiton simply cannot produce diamonds without diamond miners and today a second large group of unionized workers showed our strike is gaining strength," says Jean-François Des Lauriers, Regional Executive Vice-President for PSAC-North, which represents nearly 400 workers at Canada's first diamond mine.
"The union is very pleased with the strong support our members are showing for this strike to win a first collective agreement," notes des Lauriers. When the strike began on April 7 nearly all the 150 workers from Ekati's first shift flew out of the isolated mine 200 kms south of the Arctic Circle, he said, and now the second shift is staying home. Des Lauriers said the union's information comes from its members, picket lines it maintains, monitoring flights to Ekati and sources inside the mine.
Todd Parsons, president of the Union of Northern Workers component of PSAC that represents Diamond Workers Local X3050, again warned BHP Billiton against the use of replacement workers to run the mine. "Northern communities will not stand for this wealthy multinational corporation that had profits of $7.5 billion last year bringing replacement workers to the north to take away the jobs of our members," Parsons says.
"The solution to this dispute is simple - negotiate a fair first contract with our members and let us get back to work," Parsons said. Ekati is Canada's first diamond mine and produces 6 per cent of the world's diamond supply by value or 4 per cent by weight and yields 3 to 5 million carats annually. It is located 300 km northeast of Yellowknife and 200 km south of the Arctic Circle.
April 7th - PSAC to fight decertification application at Ekati
Yellowknife – The union representing 400 workers at the Ekati diamond mine will vigorously attack a decertification petition filed with the Canada Industrial Relations Board as a strike began today with nearly 100% support of its members.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada said Friday it is confident the CIRB will throw the revocation application filed April 5 out after the union outlines its serious questions about the validity of signatures, the possible role of the employer in the application, the timing and the way in which signatures were obtained.
Click link below:
Microsoft_Word_-_BHP_Press_Release_April_7.pdf
March 23rd - Union warns BHP Billiton against using replacement workers
YELLOWKNIFE- The union representing almost 400 diamond workers at the Ekati diamond mine in the Northwest Territories is warning owners BHP Billiton against using replacement workers in the event of a strike next week.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada says BHP Billiton sent a letter to all employees Wednesday stating that they: "intend to continue to operate during any labour disruption."
"This provocative action is unacceptable, especially when BHP Billiton is also refusing to meet at the negotiating table to try and reach a first contract," said Jean-François Des Lauriers, the PSAC Executive Vice-President- North. "Management at BHP Billiton is setting the grounds for a very disruptive labour conflict."
"Union members and people in the North do not accept the use of replacement workers, or scabs, in labour disputes and we warn BHP Billiton that these tactics will not intimidate workers but will make things much worse," Des Lauriers said.
BHP Billiton's "final" offer was inadequate, Des Lauriers said, with no guaranteed annual wage increase, no job security, no lay-offs by seniority and no improved vacations. It was rejected by a 71.4% negative vote by workers, who have served strike notice and could walk out March 29.
BHP Billiton has refused to return to bargaining before April 18, said Todd Parsons, President of the Union of Northern Workers component of PSAC. "Delaying bargaining that could avoid a strike and then saying they will hire replacement workers are very disturbing signals to its employees and to our northern communities," Parsons said. "The company should be developing a good relationship with its employees instead of constantly confronting them."
Parsons says the PSAC Diamond Workers UNW Local X3050 is determined to win a first collective agreement and if necessary the diamonds will stay in the ground until then.
BHP Media Release, March 22, 2006
Union ready to shut down Canada's first diamond mine - BHP Billiton's Ekati in Northwest Territories - if contract talks don't resume; strike notice served for March 29th, 2006.
For more information, please click the link below:
BHP_Media_Release_Mar_22-06.doc
BHP Media Release - March 20, 2006
BHP Billiton Stalling Negotiations with Diamond Workers UNW Local X3050.
For more information, please click the link below:
BHP_Stalling_Mar20-06.doc
BHP Media Release - March 20, 2006
Diamond Workers Serve Strike Notice on BHP.
For more information, please click the link below:
BHP_PRESS_RELEASEMarch20.doc
STRIKE NOTICE - Diamond Workers Serve Strike Notice on BHP
Frustrated with what the union calls the company’s arrogant, high-handed response to its request to return to the bargaining table, Diamond Workers Local 3050, a part of Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Union of Northern Workers (UNW), will be serving strike notice at 2:30 PM Monday, March 20, 2006.
Unionized employees of BHP Billiton, working at the Ekati diamond mine, have been seeking a first collective agreement for over a year. Following a vote on a final offer from the company, which was rejected by 71.4%, the PSAC urged the multinational corporation to get back to the bargaining table immediately.
The company responded with an offer to get back to the table no earlier than April 18, adding they have other priorities that take precedence over returning to the bargaining table.
"This is one example, of the arrogance and the contempt this employer has towards its workers", Des Lauriers says. "What could be more important than getting back to the bargaining table when an imminent strike is staring you in the face?"
The union is prepared to immediately get back to the bargaining table to reach a first agreement with the company however unless the company agrees to return to the table, on dates acceptable to the PSAC, the workers will take legal strike action effective 6:00AM March 29, 2006.
BHP Stalling Negotiations with UNW Local X3050, Diamond Workers
On March 14, 2006, the employees of BHP Billiton working at the Ekati diamond mine, seeking a first collective agreement rejected their employers’ final offer by 71.4%. The PSAC has urged the multinational corporation to get back to the bargaining table immediately.
The union has finally heard back from the company and spokes person from BHPB has offered to get back to the table no earlier than April 18.
“That is an insult and completely unacceptable to our membership” declares Jean-François Des Lauriers, Regional Executive Vice-President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the diamond worker’s union.
The company spokesperson claimed that other priorities take precedence over returning to the bargaining table.
“This is one example out of many, of the arrogance and the contempt this employer has towards its workers” Des Lauriers says. “What could be more important than getting back to the bargaining table when an imminent strike is staring you in the face?”
The union is still prepared to get back to the bargaining table now to reach a first agreement with the company.
On another related story: Last week, a spokesperson for the company declared that they had an agreement with the union not to speak with the media during negotiations. It was understood by both parties that this agreement was in place until negotiations reached and impass, which happened on November 23, 2005.
“It’s obvious that BHPB is not proud of the way they have acted so far and are ashamed of being exposed for the bad employer that they are” declares Des Lauriers
For more information, call Jean-François Des Lauriers, 867-765-8937
LOCAL X3050 UPDATE - March 16th
The northern vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada says
aboriginal workers at the Ekati diamond mine rejected a contract with the
company because they feel they are being discriminated against.
Jean-Francois Des Lauriers says that's one of the main reasons 71 per cent of
the membership rejected their first collective agreement last week. The union
represents 400 of Ekati's 740 employees.
About 60 per cent of the unionized workers at Ekati are aboriginal, and Des
Lauriers says many of them are not receiving equal treatment from their
managers.
Des Lauriers says aboriginal workers have shared their message loud and
clear.
"Their performance evaluations are harsher, their chances for promotions are
less than the other employees and they feel that they are being discriminated
against," he says.
Des Lauriers says BHP Billiton has an international reputation of mistreating
its employees, and that includes at Ekati. He says the workers rejected the deal
because it did not address the equality issue.
Read
more at cbc.ca
Back to the Table NOW
Four years ago, workers at BHP Ekati approached the Public Service Alliance of Canada to help them form a union. At the time, the employees were caught within an employee association that many felt was dominated by the employer. What drove these workers to seek a trade union that they had confidence in to represent them? After all, don’t most of us think of them as doing pretty good? Seems that all is not turning up peaches and cream in the land of diamonds.
The rejection of BHPB’s final offer last week offered a very good window into the realities of these workers, realities that the union has been hearing about from employees. Here are some of the things we’ve heard: Working two weeks in, two weeks out is destroying families. Workers doing the same job are paid different rates. Jobs are being contracted out to sub-contractors. The workers are entitled to two weeks of vacation per year, no matter how long they have worked for BHPB. Some employees have worked every Christmas and New Year for years and expect to work these important family holidays for the foreseeable future, without any special consideration from their employer. Supervisors, known under the euphemistic term of team leaders, seem to exercise limitless power over employees, with no constraints. It creates a dangerous situation that can lead to abuse of power, especially since lay offs, promotions and wage increases are done on a strictly arbitrary basis, motivated by the employer’s favouritism.
These are but a few of the concerns that these workers have, which cross all racial and gender lines.
First Nations workers report that they are singled out for special treatment. For a lot of them, this is their first experience with employment in a heavy industrial setting. None of the bosses are First Nations. Team Leaders, again, have the upper hand and hold the future of these workers in the palm of their hands. Workers have reported to the union how they are being stereotyped, how their chances for advancement are being denied and their performance evaluations more harsh than for the average employee.
We are still trying, after four years since the employees first approached PSAC, to get a first collective agreement. Many of the issues listed above could be addressed through the institution of a good agreement that would go a long way to balance the power of the employer against the rights of the employees.
On March 14, 2006, the members of UNW Local X3050 (UNW is a Component of the PSAC) voted 71.4% to reject the employer’s last offer made on February 14, 2006. The union contacted the employer to immediately resume negotiations. The response from BHPB: April 18 at the earliest, as they have other priorities to take care of.
There goes morale down one more notch. But this time, the workers have had enough and they are preparing to show this employer that they can’t get away with that kind of arrogant attitude all of the time. Workers are not prepared to wait that long, we want them at the table now and we are prepared to take whatever action is necessary to convince them.
BHP Billiton’s record on human rights and anti union attitude is well documented, whether it’s in Peru, Papua New Guinea, Australia or elsewhere. This contrasts heavily with their “Top 100 Employer in Canada” rating. Feel free to go to blog site: http://www.bhplabourwatch.blogspot.com to find out more about this company.
YELLOWKNIFE AND TORONTO: 2 CITIES, ONE DEMONSTRATION FOR EKATI WORKERS
PSAC members expressed their support for their sisters and brothers working at the Ekati diamond mine in the Northwest Territories.
Close to one hundred people met for a demonstration in front of BHP Billiton’s offices in downtown Yellowknife. The boisterous crowd danced and sang solidarity songs while waving placards urging BHP Billion to negotiate a fair collective agreement for PSAC members working at the Ekati mine, 300 kilometres north-east of Yellowknife.
Union of Northern Workers President, Todd Parsons, warned Billiton that the workers expect their top priorities to be met in their collective agreement. They want better wages, better job security, and the standard principle of determining layoffs by seniority. “But first and foremost’’ he said, “they want and they deserve some respect from their employer.” Parsons also read out a letter of solidarity from newly elected NDP Member of Parliament for Western Arctic, Dennis Bevington. In his letter, MP Bevington urges the two parties to return to the bargaining table and to reach a “Made in Canada Labour Agreement”. According to Bevington, for too long, Northerners working in the diamond industry have simply accepted what was being handed to them. He also wrote that he will follow the negotiations closely and that he will discuss the issue with his colleagues on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Many Yellowknifers joined the demonstration and enjoyed the hot soup served by PSAC members. Although the temperature was cold and there was a harsh wind blowing through the downtown streets, the solidarity was high and everybody was determined to send a clear message to Billiton management: “Come back to the bargaining table with an offer that is acceptable to the workers or the Ekati mine will be on strike on April 7th.
Meanwhile, in Toronto, five Ekati Diamond mine workers and their supporters rallied to demand a fair first contract from mine owner BHP Billiton. The demonstration was held in front a downtown hotel where Billiton’s management was attending an event for Canada Top 100 Employers.
Jean-François Des Lauriers, PSAC Executive Vice-President-North, stated at the demonstration that Billiton should not be placed among Canada’s top 100 employers until they negotiate a first collective agreement with the workers who actually mine the diamonds.
Ekati mine workers and their supporters rallied in downtown Toronto to demand a fair Collective Agreement from BHP Billiton.
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"Keep NWT Scab Free" spelled PSAC members in front of Billiton's office in Downtown Yellowknife
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STRIKE NOTICE
Diamond Workers Serve Strike Notice on BHP
Frustrated with what the union calls the company’s arrogant, high-handed response to its request to return to the bargaining table, Diamond Workers Local 3050, a part of Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Union of Northern Workers (UNW), will be serving strike notice at 2:30 PM Monday, March 20, 2006.
Unionized employees of BHP Billiton, working at the Ekati diamond mine, have been seeking a first collective agreement for over a year. Following a vote on a final offer from the company, which was rejected by 71.4%, the PSAC urged the multinational corporation to get back to the bargaining table immediately.
The company responded with an offer to get back to the table no earlier than April 18, adding they have other priorities that take precedence over returning to the bargaining table.
"This is one example, of the arrogance and the contempt this employer has towards its workers", Des Lauriers says. "What could be more important than getting back to the bargaining table when an imminent strike is staring you in the face?"
The union is prepared to immediately get back to the bargaining table to reach a first agreement with the company however unless the company agrees to return to the table, on dates acceptable to the PSAC, the workers will take legal strike action effective 6:00AM March 29, 2006.
For further information contact:
Jean-François Des Lauriers, REVP 867-765-8937
Todd Parsons, President, UNW 867-873-5668
May 9th - Maria Eva Villate - Hay River Speech
Maria Eva Villate touched the hearts of all who attended the event in Hay River
last night. Read her speech and her biography below (pdf).
May 5th - John Gordon elected PSAC National President
TORONTO - John Gordon has been elected as the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Gordon has been the union’s National Executive Vice-President since 2000. Competing against three other candidates, Gordon was elected on the third ballot. Over 400 Convention delegates participated in this process.
Read more in the press release below.
J._Gordon_News_Release.pdf
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