I want to take this opportunity to thank all the candidates who we supported and who worked so hard in their quest for a seat on city council. We had an excellent group of candidates in Beth Pater, Charlie Stock, Rick Downes and Andy Leher all more than capable of running our city. It certainly was time to move the business-oriented council on and bring in a more people friendly group who will listen to the wishes of the people, all the people. We now have an opportunity to install balance and credibility back into our city structure. Congratulations to the giant slayer Beth Pater for taking out two ancient birds in district 5, and Rick Downes for his re-election in district 11.

With the Federal election entering it's last week our council has sent a letter to all locals seeking donations to our local NDP candidate Gary Wilson. Gary and the New Democrats are vital in stopping the Liberals' plans to privatize health care, give more money to the rich, and turn our environment over to big business. The NDP is the only real alternative and the cracks are starting too appear in the Liberal and Reform/CA party campaign as we see where they really want to take this country.

The Canadian Labour Congress under the leadership of Ken Georgetti moved closer to a settlement between the CAW and SEIU this month. Close but no agreement yet. The SEIU has signed the agreement, which allows that direct charters imposed by the CLC for the former SEIU bargaining units for which the CAW has acquired certification from the Ontario Labour Relations Board. The CLC would execute a servicing agreement with the CAW for these units. The SEIU would agreed to transfer to the CLC chartered locals, all files and related materials pertaining to the representation of the membership within those units. Likewise the CAW was required to restore all files related to the bargaining units within these 7 locals, which remain with the SEIU. A CLC supervised vote would have taken place in 2003 to determine the union of choice for the members. The CAW turned down this offer wanting a vote in 2001 not 2003. Both sides are still talking and it is hoped a resolution will be reached soon.

Leah Cassleman, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union OPSEU was in Kingston to do our Labour's Voice show today. The second show was a discussion with myself on the “It's All On The Line Campaign” with a 22-minute video produced by the OFL & CLC as part of the show.

We have an Ontario Federation of Labour regional mobilizing meeting for all union leadership and activists scheduled in Kingston on November 7th, to discuss implementation of the “It's All On The Line” campaign. The support from that meeting was overwhelming and our council is looking at strategies to take the campaign to the community with posters and pamphlets for workplaces we will blitz in November and December. Thanks to the more than 300 who turned out to that meeting.

We joined the Sisters of Providence at city hall on the occasion of their 5th anniversary of silent Friday noontime vigil in support of the poor. It was a nasty rainy evening however a hundred or more braved the weather to join the protest.

Our KDLC - CLC weekend school now located at the Parkway Islands Inn in Gananoque was held on the 27 to 29 of October. We had three courses running, Stewards level 1, Collective Bargaining 1, and Labour Law for the weekend with a group of 40 scheduled in. It was by all accounts a fun learning time. The next educational is scheduled for May 4-6th, 2001.

Thanks to those who stood for positions in our council that were open last month. Because some moved up into vacant positions last month, we now have elections scheduled this month to fill the position of Officer at Large left open by last months elections. We ask that you consider standing for a position. Remember our yearly elections for executive officers are just around the corner in January. Now is the time to think about a more active role on our labour council.

As always,
In solidarity,

Peter J. Boyle
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