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Economic/Political Articles
Wal-Mart Pays $45 Million For "No Wrongdoing"
It was announced this
week that Wal-Mart has agreed to shell out up to $35 million to a class
of its employees in
Analysts Slam Clement
Contrary to what
federal Industry Minister Tony Clement thinks, there was no shortage of
interest in buying Canadian-based nickel companies in 2006, say several
Canadian mining analysts. What started out as a $12.5-billion US cash
and stock proposed friendly takeover by Inco of longtime rival
Falconbridge Ltd. in the fall of 2005 and would have created the world's
largest nickel company with a 30% market share, got repeatedly bogged
down in the acquisition and regulatory approval details. Those delays
led to rival miner …
more
White House Expects Healthcare Bill By Year's End
White House Chief of
Staff Rahm Emanuel said in an interview on Friday he expected a final
healthcare bill by the end of the year and that negotiations in the U.S.
Congress now focus on controlling costs. "I think we will have a bill by
the end of the year for the president to sign on healthcare reform that
controls costs, expands coverage and provides choice," Emanuel told
National Public Radio. The reform package under construction in both
chambers of Congress has been besieged from all sides by criticism of
its more than $1 trillion …
more
Steelworker Articles
USW Local 1155L Holds a
Solidarity Rally
– District 9
On July 23, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1155L held a solidarity
rally in support of ongoing negotiations with Bridgestone/Firestone.
Over 250 union members braved a fog laden morning to voice their
displeasure with the company's stance of massive wage concessions, 400%
increase in insurance premiums, frozen pensions etc. The USW Council
returns to
NewPage Union Votes ‘No’
– District 2
Mill’s
USW defeats approval of contract
It's back to the negotiating table for members of
United Steelworkers Union 2-21 and NewPage. USW members overwhelmingly
defeated approval of a proposed contract Wednesday. According to Bryon
Branstrom, president of USW Local 2-21, 722 union members or 88 percent
turned out Wednesday to cast their ballots. "This is the first vote on a
proposed contract since negotiations started 14 months ago. Our contract
with NewPage expired June 1, 2008," said Branstrom. Kel Smyth,
government and community affairs …
more
133 Will Lose Jobs In Lititz
– District 10
The recession is taking its toll on another business in
Manufacturer May Close
– District 2
Steelworkers Target Gender Barriers
– District 6
The United Steelworkers (USW) represent more than steel and construction
trades. Likewise Women of Steel, an organization designed to help women
to remove stumbling blocks to greater equality and workplace
participation — but the effect of the program, started in 1989, on the
Canadian construction industry has been noticeable. “We designed a
program that encouraged workplace participation, union activism and
leadership development, in programs developed by women for women,” says
Sue Milling, Department Leader …
more
Mill Staff Approve Pay Cuts
– District 6
Workers at Canfor's
Vale SA President’s Comments Stun Steelworker Official
– District 6
Striking members of United Steelworkers Local 6500 are using the words
of Vale SA president and chief executive officer Roger Agnelli to
bolster their case for being on the picket line since July 13. Local
6500 vice-president Rick Bertrand said he was astonished to read a
transcript of a conference held Aug. 11, 2006, when Companhia Vale do
Rio Doce, now Vale, was considering purchasing Inco Ltd. Brazilian-based
CEO Agnelli participated in what was called a CVRD Offer for Inco
Conference Call along with other executives …
more
