The Monthly President's Report
Charlie Stock, President
Kingston & District Labour Council

BACK December 16, 1997

Greetings,

The last month has seen much activity for the labour movement as the bi-annual convention was held in Toronto. Wayne Samuelson the newly elected President was invited to attend tonight’s meeting but unfortunately had a previous commitment. We are hopeful that he may be able to join us at the January meeting. I was re-elected for a third term as a vice-president representing labour councils. The convention discussed a wide range of topics including the continued fight-back against the Harris government. The convention mandated more Days of Action building towards the O.F.L. Executive Board calling for a province wide shutdown in 1998. We will be discussing the idea of Kingston being a host city for one of these Days of Action at tonight’s meeting. Our labour council resolutions dealing with Bill 160 and Bill 142 were passed overwhelmingly by the convention delegates.

The council has started preliminary meetings with the Occupational Health and Disease Clinics in regards to opening a satellite location in Kingston. We are hopeful that there will be further meetings and good news in the future for working people in our area who may have been exposed to workplace chemicals and hazards.

We welcome the I.B.E.W. and O.S.S.T. who have both affiliated with our labour council in the past month. Members of our council continue the support for the nurses at Comcare by walking on their picket line, giving both moral and financial assistance. We have invited them to our meeting tonight. Our C.L.C. rep Mike Sinkevitch has returned to work and joins us tonight. Greetings on behalf of the council brother! Two other brothers, Lyle Hargrove and Donald Leblond have also been invited to our Christmas meeting to recognize their contribution to our council over the past year. Again many thanks!

The Kingston Action Network must be recognized for organizing a terrific rally against Mike Harris at Queen’s University. The local media estimated 2000 people showed up. The Premier had a sudden illness and was unable to make the trip. Thank you very much Natalie.

The United Way campaign is working very hard to achieve this year’s goal of $1.55 million. If you have not yet given a donation please consider "Pulling Together" for our community. The Federal government has extended the deadline for taxable receipts for 1997 until the end of January.

As always in solidarity, please have a safe and happy holiday season as we look forward to another busy year in 1998

Charlie Stock
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