August 7, 2012
By Harry Kelber
The blueprint for the creation of what would be Canada’s largest industrial union was released Aug. 4 at a press conference in Toronto. Representatives of the Communications, Energy and Paper workers unions of Canada (CEP) and the Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) approved the final report of the joint committee for the creation of a new union.
The new union will represent more than 300,000 union members across Canada with a strong presence in every province. It will make organizing in the private industry a top priority for new members, by setting aside a $50,000 fund for organizing purposes.
“The proposal for a new union was built on principles of democracy, transparency and progress for working people,” said Dave Coles, president of CEP. This report is the first step toward reaching out beyond traditional workplaces and increasing the political influence of working people in Canada.”
