The council continues to be quite active as we approach the New Year. We have sent out a press release in support of the CUPE - SEIU bargaining position with the Ontario Hospital Association. In addition a letter requesting a meeting was sent to Peter Glynn the CEO of Kingston General Hospital at the time of writing this report we are still awaiting a response.

On November 24th the Growing Gap workshop was held at the Steelworkers Hall. Natalie Mehra and Chris Schenk were the facilitators and did an excellent job. The participants were presented with terrific fact sheets and ideas of how to get the message out in our communities and workplaces about the growing disparity between the rich and poor in our country. Natalie and Chris were guests on Labour's Voice today and deserve our thanks for a job well done.

On November 26th an appreciation night was held for health and safety activists at Gencarrelli's restaurant with Allan Pickersgill being the guest speaker. Debbie Scrivens was the host for the evening and it was a pleasure to have her back in town. The activists were presented with certificates and pins after dinner.

The labour council worked with CUPE Local 109 in raising the issue of the private members Bill that was introduced by John Geretsen our Liberal MPP. The Bill would have allowed the City of Kingston to circumvent the Ontario Municipal Act. The broad powers would have been another method of undermining the collective agreements of municipal workers. CUPE Ontario and CUPE National both supported the fight against this regressive piece of legislation with the assistance of Francis Lankin and Peter Kormos of the NDP.

Labour Council delegates attended the third and hopefully last anniversary of the Sisters of Providence Silent Vigil. The participants spoke of the effects of the cutbacks on themselves and their families after the vigil inside Memorial Hall. In closing, please have a safe and happy holiday season as we prepare ourselves to continue the resistance in 1999.

As always,
In solidarity,

Charlie Stock
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