Webmaster’s Report – August2009
There are now 156 registered user for our mailing list. The list helps us to keep members up to-date on issues affecting retired workers

Our web site saw 657 visitors in June, and 556 during July. This brings our total to over 5500 visitors since July 2008.

Last months poll was: Do you have a garden?

• Yes – 15
• No – 3

This months poll is: What do you as the primary issue for Canadians today & in the future?

• Pensions
• Health Care
• Trade Policies
• Poverty
• Climate Change
• Other

That concludes my report and I move for its adoption.

Rob McLean
Webmaster – CAW Local 200 Retired Workers Chapter

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CAW Council Environment Committee Conference Report – 2009

Delegate Report
The theme of this years CAW Council Environment Committee Conference was “Greening the Economy – Jobs and Social Justice”.

“The conference takes place at a time when the economy is in crisis. The “free market” globalization agenda has failed in part because of the reducation of the role of government in the economy and the undermining of government oversight and regulation. Today corporations world wide are being propped up by government support.”

“The world is also undergoing an environmental crisis. Global warming is changing weather patterns and melting artic and Antartic ice. If we do not take decisive action very soon, global warming will create conditions that will drown communities where hundreds of millions of people live and, possibly, lead to wars for scarce resources such as water.”

So, at a time when governments the world over are putting trillions of dolars into rebuilding the economy, the question is posed: why not rebuild the economy the right way? Why not rebuild the economy in a way that meets the needs of working people while restoring the environmental balance? Why not address the problems causing climate change and create jobs and better living conditions for working people in the process? Why shouldn’t we have a say in how the economy is rebuilt?”

“The focus of the conference will be on issues and strategies that address social justice, job creation and greening the economy. Workshops will address issues such as sectoral strategies for green job creation and building alliances that help us to gain community support.”

This years conference began at 7:00 p.m. Friday June 5th and ended at 12:00 noon Sunday June 7th. As was the case at previous bieneial conferences, CAW activists from coast to cosat to coast, representing every sector in the union came together to build & expand their networks and strategize on how we can, collectively & individually, support the cause of “Job’s and the Environment.”

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Webmaster’s Report – June 2009
There are now 148 registered user for our mailing list. The list helps us to keep members up to-date on issues affecting retired workers

May saw 523 unique visitors to ou website. This brings our total to 4295 visitors since July 2008.

Last months poll was:
Have you contacted a politician lately?

• Yes – 5
• No – 1

This months poll is:
Do you have a garden?

That concludes my report and I move for its adoption.

Rob McLean
Webmaster – CAW Local 200 Retired Workers Chapter

Webmaster’s Report – May 2009
Our recent rally in Queens Park brought 35 new members to our mailing list, bringing the total to 143.

We have a new web site traffic analizing tool available to us that gives us a more accurate view of how mant folks are visiting our site each month. During April, we had 773 unique visitors, an increading of over 30% from March. This brings our total to 3772 visitors since July 2008.

Last months poll was:
Do you believe that the Canadian Federal Government is doing enough to protect working people?

• Yes – 1
• No – 51

Rob McLean
Webmaster – CAW Local 200 Retired Workers Chapter

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Environment Committee Report – April 2009

• The Essex County Federation of Agriculture has produced a brochure that gives consumers a way to find producers of local fruits, vegetables, meat and more. More information can be found at www.ecfa.ca

• Locally, the CAW is partnering with Food Banks Canada in a campaign called “Plant a Row, Grow a Row”. The organizers are asking that as part of your garden this year, plant and grow an extra row of your favourite veggies and donate the harvest to your local food bank. Help us help all those in need. If you are interested in participating, please speak to me after the meeting.

That concludes my report & I move for its adoption!
Rob McLean
CAW Local 200 Retired Workers Environment Committee Chair

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Environment Committee Report – March 2009

• Earth Hour 2009 – Lights Out for Climate Change!

On March 28th, hundreds of millions of people in over 4,000 cities and towns in 88 countries voted Earth.
To learn more on what you can do to take action on global warming, please visit http://www.earthhour.org/

• style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Earth Day 2009

On Sunday April 26th, the Windsor-Essex Earth Day Committee will be holding its celebration of Earth Day. The event will be held at Mic Mac Park from 10am to 3pm. Members of your chapters Environment Committee will be attending. If anyone would like to help out at the table, please talk to myself, Peter Hayfield or Chris Vilag at the end of the meeting. Even if you can’t help out, please don’t hesitate to come out to this great event. Bring your grandchilden, and have a great day learning about some of the environmental issues in Windsor & Essex County, or plant a tree at Malden Park.

• Guest Speaker

Susan Rideout, the Essex Region Children’s Water Festival Coordinator will be speaking to us today. The Environment Committee of our chapter has invited Susan to speak to us today about the event. Joining her are two Local 200 members that are on the Water Festival board. Peter Hayfiled is a retired Local 200 member, and Chair of the CAW Local 200 Environmental Standing Committee. Chris Vilag is the CAW Local 200 Joint Workplace Environment Committee Coordinator.

• CAW Environment Conference

The CAW Health & Safety Department will be holding its biennial Environment Conference at the CAW Education Centre in Port Elgin on the weekend of June 5th – 7th. Our chapter will be holding an election at its next meeting. This will be the first time that a Retired Workers Chapter has sent delegates to this conference.

• CAW Local 200 Retired Workers Environment Committee

Finally, if anyone is interested in the Environment, and would like to become more involved, please join our committee at our next meeting on Monday May 14th at 11am in the Board Room here at the hall.

That concludes my report & I move for its adoption!
Rob McLean
CAW Local 200 Retired Workers Environment Committee Chair

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Webmaster’s Report – March 2009
There are currently 108 people registered for our mailing list. This mailing list keeps people up-to date on events & important issue affecting us as retirees.

We had 1434 visitors during the month of February, bring the total number to 7230 visitors since its launch.

Last months poll was:
Do you believe that the new Federal Budget will help the current economic crisis in Canada

• Yes – 2
• No – 22
• Not Sure – 5

Rob McLean
Webmaster – CAW Local 200 Retired Workers Chapter

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Environment Committee Report – February 2009

• Earth Hour 2009 – Lights Out for Climate Change!

Join World Wildlife Federation for Earth Hour 2009, by turning out your lights for one hour on Saturday, March 28 from 8:30-9:30pm. Earth Hour is a global lights-out phenomenon that will bring together millions of people from around the world to show support for action on climate change. This symbolic event will demonstrate to governments around the world that we want action on climate change now.

Already nearly 400 cities, and double the number of countries that participated in 2008, are committed. With hundreds more cities expected to sign up to switch off in the coming months, Earth Hour 2009 is setting the stage for an unprecedented global mandate for action on climate change. Sign up to help reach the goal of one billion participants in at least 1000 cities worldwide.

See: http://www.earthhour.org

Dean Lindsay of the CAW Retired Workers Department has forwarded a petition to the Honorable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment concerning Schedule 2 Amendment to the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations.

2009 Earth Day celebrations will be held again this year at Mic Mac Park on Sunday April 26 from 10 am to 3 pm. Various local environmental organizations will have displays set-up. Our Retired Workers Chapter Environment will be there supporting the CAW Local 200 Environment Committee.

The CAW Earth Day in the Schools has been canceled for 2009 due to funding issues. This program delivered an important environmental message, from a labour perspective, to primary & secondary grade students.

CAW Local 200 Human Rights Committee & Jewish Community Centre Social Justice Forum held their 5th annual Social Justice Forum for Grade Eight students recently. Members of the Local 200 Environment Committee & our own Retired Workers Chapter did a presentation on Water as a Human Right.

The Essex Region Children’s Water Festival is fast approaching. This event will educate thousands of Grade 3, 4 and 5 students about the critical importance of clean water to their future. Children will participate in activities that encourage positive attitudes about protecting, restoring and conserving water. The festival activities will strive to make clean water personally relevant to all participants, who will then be encouraged to take these messages home to share with family and friends.

Held annually during the last week of May/first week of June at the Canadian Transportation Museum and Historic Village, the Essex Region Children’s Water Festival continues to be a smashing success.

Students will experience hands-on activity centres which will teach them about water conservation, protection, science, technology and attitudes. All activity centres are designed to meet the teaching objectives of the Ontario Curriculum. Most importantly, the festival is a FUN way for students to learn about our most valuable of resources – water.

Featured again in 2009 is an environmental “Careers in Water” day introducing Grade 11 and 12 students to a variety of careers in water. These job opportunities range from plumbing and pipe fitting to scuba and recreational careers to water resource engineering. Students had the opportunity to interact individually with professionals in these careers to learn more about education, technical aptitudes and typical skills required in these various careers.

• CAW Local 200 Computers for Kids

Computers for Kids recently held 2 garage sales & a fundraiser. All three events were very successful.

This is the second week of our free computer training/volunteer opportunity. We now have over 10 CAW Local 200 retirees helping out, while learning about the in’s and out’s of a computer.

After the recent passing of past president Frank McAnnaly, CAW Local 200 made a donation Hospice Tree for a tree/shrub planting in memory of Frank. When I get more details on the timing of this event, I will update everyone.

That concludes my report, and I move for its adoption!

Rob McLean

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Webmaster’s Report – February 2009

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Environment Committee Report – January 2009

We had our first committee meeting of 2009 on Monday January 5. Peter Hayfield & Chris Vilag where invited to attend the meeting to discuss possible partnerships on upcoming environmental events. Peter is chair of the CAW Local 200 Environment Committee, and Chris is the CAW Local 200 Joint Workplace Environment Committee Coordinator.

Both groups have been very active in the community working with many other community partners on a number of projects & programs. Some of these are:

• Earth Day @ Mic Mac Park;
• Earth Day in the Schools;
• CAW Local 200 Human Rights Committee & Jewish Community Centre Social Justice Forum;
• Essex Region Children’s Water Festival;
• CAW Local 200 Computers for Kids;
• Lil REG – Watershed clean-ups & tree and shrub plantings;
• CAW Windsor Regional Environment Council Youth Environment Network Conference;
• Hospice – Tree and shrub plantings.

After some discussion, it was decided to focus on the:

• Earth Day @ Mic Mac Park (April 26)
• Essex Region Children’s Water Festival (Last week of May)
• CAW Windsor Regional Environment Council Youth Environment Network Conference (Date TBD).

We will keeping the chapter up to-date of the events and others.

That concludes my report, and I move for its adoption!
Rob McLean

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Webmasters’ Report

As of the end of 2008, over 100 people have registered for our mailing list. This mailing list keeps people up-to date on events & important issue affecting us as retirees.

Since its inception, the web site has had over 3200 visitors from 17 different countries. Traffic seems to have settled out to a monthly average of about 775 visitors.

This months polls are:

• Did the current economic situation affect your Christmas spending?

• Did you attend the CAW Local 200 Retired Workers Chapter Christmas Party?

They both expire February 1^st.

If anyone has pictures from our Christmas party that they would be willing to share, please talk to me during the meal. It would be nice to add them to our web site.

Rob McLean

Webmaster – CAW Local 200 Retired Workers Chapter

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Environment Committee Report – November 2008

• Grocery Tote Bags
  • Question was asked by committee members asking if we as a Retired Workers Chapter could investigate getting bags. (Find quote attached)
• CAW Local 200 Computes for Kids
  • Computers for Kids is in the midst of some new growth
  • New logo & web site
  • New Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment regulations come into affect April 1, 2009. There will be an end of life fee added to purchases of certain electronic equipment. This includes computers, monitors, periferals and TV’s.
  • Computers for Kids is working to become a collector & a re-user/refurbisher. As a collector, we will be paid $165/tonne for all equipment recycled. We also recieve a growing amount of e-waste that is too valuable to recycle, not appropriate to place with children. We have set-up an Ebay store to sell these pieces of equipment. This two operations will help us to become a self-sustainable charity within 2-3 years.

That concludes my report & move for its adoption.

Rob McLean

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Environment Committee Report – October 2008

The CAW Windsor Regional Environment Council held their 14th annual Youth Environment Network Conference on Thursday October 2, 2008. The event was attended by 85 local high school students from Assumption, Kennedy, Harrow, Brennen, Holy Names, and St. Anne’s. The event was also attended by Local 200 Retirees Rick Reed, Peter Hayfield, & Rob McLean.

The participants enjoyed presentations on:

• Hawk identification and counting;

• Bird Banding;

• Habitat Restoration; and

• Species at Risk Presentation

This is a great event that exposes young people to the important issues surrounding the environment locally. The Council asked the students to fill out a survey on the event, and gained valuable feedback & the names of 15 students who wish to become involved in future events.

Also, the CAW Windsor Regional Environment Council is holding it’s 2^nd annual Musical Extraviganza n Friday October 10^th at the Place Concorde. Doors open at 6pm with Dinner promptly at 6:30pm. This years entertainment includes Leah Harris, and the Mixx Band. Special guest is John Welsh, award winning Elvis tribute artist.

That concludes my report, and I move for its adoption.

Rob McLean

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CAW Local 200 Retired Workers Chapter Meeting Minutes – August 12, 2008

• Call to Order
• Minute of Silence
• Sick Report
• Agenda Read – Moved, Seconded, Carried.
• Local President’s Report: Brother Mike Vince talked about the difficulties facing the workers in Oakville. Promised jobs for November are on hold.
• Brother Dave Crosswell talked about the “Boot Campaign” and also about the Labour Day Parade.
• Brother’s Mike & Dave were thanked.
• Minutes of Last meeting read. – Moved, Seconded, Carried.
• Correspondence Read (Brother Frain) – Moved, Seconded, Carried.
• Financial Report Read (Brother Frain) – Moved, Seconded, Carried.
• Committee Reports:
  • Environment – Brother Rob McLean talked of the importance if teaching children to look after the environment.
  • Activities – Brother Mike Lepine talked about our upcoming lunch and Winery Tour.
• CAW Bargaining Convention: Brother Eric John gave a report. Price gouging for hearing aids is rampant. Eric was also impressed with Brother Jim Stanford’s explanation of economics.
• Chairman’s Report: Brother Herb John explained about our new web site. Herb also talked about resolutions submitted by the chapter. Copies of these are available on request.
• Recommendation: We supplement the Winery Tour $14 per ticket. – Moved, Seconded, Carried.
• A motion we congratulate Bother Ken Lewenza on his nomination as CAW Presiden. – Moved, Seconded, Carried.
• Good and Welfare: Sister Margaret Bourque reports Local 200 raised $11,000 and donated it to the Windsor Cancer Centre. Her sister recently died of Cancer.
• Draws held
• Meeting adjourned

Humbly submitted

Gerry Frain, Recording Secretary

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Leadership Conference Report, London – May 13, 2008

The conference opened with a welcoming speech by Paul Forder, Retirees National Representative, who reminisced about his 30 plus years with the CAW from his early days in CAW Local 444 / Chrysler to going on staff.

Paul was very active in the Political Action department of the CAW before he gravitated to the Retiree Department after the retirement of Garry Lilley who by the way was an excellent Representative. Paul continued his address by announcing that he will be retiring this summer which was a welcome surprise to most of the delegates however, we did wish him a happy retirement.

Next on the agenda was a moments silence for departed Brothers and Sisters. It was quite amazing and sad that the number of names that were called out during the silence was almost as many names that were in attendance. Of course that was over the period of this last year since June 2007.

A report from Dean Lindsay, Retirees National Co-Ordinator was next on the agenda. Dean brought us up to speed on the computer training program and he mentioned the Windsor situation, without informing us of the financial overrun on our St. Clair program. He also stated that he was trying to get government money to assist us in including the Non-Big 3 locals of the CAW who in the past were not included in the disbursement of programs from the 2 cent fund. Dean also mentioned a program that the department was involved in and that was with the First Nations in finding well water delivery instead of trucking it into the Yukon.

May 29th was Demonstration Day in Ottawa for the First Nations (a bit late to inform the attending delegates). Dean went on to discuss the update on the 6 Aboriginals who prevented mining companies from operating a mine on native land for not honouring past agreements, typical corporate arrogance (at this time I can’t say if they are still incarcerated).

On the Wellness Program, Dean talked about introducing Naturopaths and Homeopathic alternative treatments to our Wellness Fair programs which was endorsed by the delegates.

Following Dean Lindsay’s Report we had a power point presentation on the V.O.N. program and the struggle they are having all over the Province and the encroachment they are witnessing from private programs that are competing for funds but not delivering the same sound health care as is consistent with the V.O.N. The graphics on the power point show more than convinced the delegates that we should continue to support this MADE IN ONTARIO organization. Speaker Jeff Beach was thanked for his presentation.

The next speaker on the agenda was Dave Robertson, Director, Work Organization and Training. His topic was MANUFACTURING MATTERS PHASE II.

Dave began his address by informing us of a few economic factors that are to Canada’s detriment. For example, we are buying subway cars from China instead of Bombardier, or buying buses from Europe when we have companies that build buses and large transport vehicles here in Ontario, NAVISTAR.

We buy steel piping and tubing from Brazil when we have STELCO and other manufacturers here in Ontario. This makes no sense. Emerson and our Canadian Federal Government are running around Latin America and Europe making trade deals that incorporate cheaper products for multi-nationals but with job losses for Canadians and income tax losses for our treasury. Dave emphasize that those trade deals that are being made for our supposed benefit have to be made more transparent, discussed and debated in Parliament before we lose all middle class paying jobs.

It also came after Flaherty and his corporate tax cuts saying that the money given to corporations should be put into infrastructure that would create lots of jobs and taxes for healthcare, etc. A good question and answer discussion took place after his presentation.

LUNCH

Following the lunch, reports were heard first from Len Harrison who talked about last year’s Retirees Conference in Port Elgin which had 138 delegates. Voting took place for Executive Positions and our delegate from Local 200 was re-elected to the position of Vice-Chairperson, Eric John.

1,200 people attended the Retirees Labour Day Parade. According to Len Harrison it was the largest in North America according to statistics. On yahoo it’s the only retiree’s parade in North America which I think is a better endorsement than the bigger one.

On reports, as the CAW had just concluded bargaining with Ford Motor Company our Chairperson, Herb John went through the agreement for the benefit of the non-Ford delegates and explained the different parts of that agreement including health coverage co-pay, pension agreement, new vacation allotments, new entry employees wage structure, etc.

The floor opened for questions and while some were disappointed with the outcome, they expressed their reasons for their disappointment including Gerry, who reminded the delegates that once again the past retirees had been neglected and benched.

I will sum up this report by saying that this leadership conference is a TOP DOWN conference and is very well structured by the TOP BODIES who arrange the agenda when they meet prior to this leadership conference taking place but, that only happens when the delegates want it that way. They do supply the delegates with interesting speakers that can stimulate and they bring us up to speed on what is going on in the region, fair enough, but as in sports it’s what we call a friendly, a lot of posturing goes on, sort of preparing for the big game in September at Elgin.

I thank you for electing me as a delegate, I found the conference educational and interesting, again thanks!

I Move This Report Be Accepted,

DAN ROBSON

Delegate

CAW Local 200 Retirees Chapter

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June 2008 Ford Facts – Retired Workers Chapter

Herb John

As Retired Workers we want to thank our National Leadership for bargaining another 3 years of great coverage for us. Buzz Hargrove has done another incredible job at bargaining strategy. His leadership with the support of the National office has done what no one could have predicted. We also want to thank our Local leadership led by Mike Vince who also played a leading role at the National level. We also want to thank the active membership for their support of retiree issues. This appreciation was unanimously supported at our Chapter meeting. Congratulations to Buzz on his decision to retire. Thank you sincerely for all your years of dedication and hard work. The world is a better place for your efforts.

Your new Retired Workers Executive and Committee members thank you for your support, election and re-election at our May meeting. Your Executive Board: Chairperson– Herb John; Vice-Chairperson– Jack Gibbons; Financial Secretary– Dan Robson; Recording Secretary– Gerry Frain; Sergeant-at-arms– Elzie Banks; Guide– Rob McLean.

We had our Retirees leadership meeting on May13th in London. Much good information was shared there. We had two guest speakers. Jeff Beach gave a presentation of the Victorian Order of Nurses, V.O.N. Smart/C.A.W. Program. This program has been successful at getting and keeping people in better shape as they age in order to maintain their independence living at home. David Robertson from the C.A.W. National office gave an excellent presentation on Phase II of the “Manufacturing Matters” campaign. Figures from Statistics Canada on National job losses are staggering. Since 2002 350,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost. In 2007 the loss rate was 360 jobs per day which was twice the rate of 2006.In Feb. 08 we lost 24,000 jobs. In March we lost another 9,400 and the freefall continues! Someone with even the most basic understanding of economics knows that manufacturing jobs, that is jobs that produce a product by adding value to a raw material through the addition of labour, is the backbone of any economy. The Federal Conservative Government sees fit to give Billions of dollars to bio-fuel producers in addition to a 10 cent per liter subsidy for every liter of ethanol produced but they have not supported automotive manufacturing jobs. The day is here. We should all be taking action. There are so many issues to choose from; heath care, jobs, poverty, integrity within government, the environment, aboriginal issues, education, crime, and many more. Please make a commitment for all of our families to write one letter or make one phone call. I know that fighting back makes a difference. I also know that if you don’t try you have no right to say that nothing will change or that it won’t make any difference. We become what we focus on so let’s focus on a peaceful and just society for everyone.

We have some Conferences coming up in August and September. They are:

• The Retired Workers Council and Conference in Port Elgin (Aug 31st to Sept 5th),
• The National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Federation in Surrey (which includes the Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of British Columbia) (Sept 15th to Sept 20th) and,
• The United Senior Citizens of Ont. In Burlington (Aug 18th to Aug 20th).

These conferences will deal with presentations, discussions and resolutions on many social issues. The delegates elected to these conferences will have the opportunity to develop the position these organizations take to the government.

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.cawlocal200.org . Then click on Retirees Chapter. We are talking about some new ideas. Have a safe, healthy and enjoyable summer.

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April 2008 Ford Facts – Herb John

CONGRATULATIONS to Mike Vince for his re-election as President of our Local Union. Congratulations to the rest of the Executive Board and all the in-plant representatives. Thank you to all of you who have decided to serve the membership in what is the most difficult time for Labour.

Our Retired Workers Chapter Executive Board and Committee elections will be held at our May 8th meeting. Our most senior Executive Board member Federico Arcos has decided that he will not seek re-election. Fred has served as Guide for 12 years. As fellow Board members we want to acknowledge the humane and social perspective and conviction that Fred was committed to at every meeting. Thanks Freddy for being our rock. Doug Hayes has also decided not to run again for Vice Chairperson. We want to sincerely thank Doug for his work in this position and understand that his schedule as Chairperson of the Windsor Chapter of The Council of Canadians and his activism on other issues is going to keep him very busy.

As the Bargaining Committee gears up for the arduous task of negotiating a collective agreement in these corporately dominated and governmentally inept times, we will stand together and do what is necessary. One action we can take is to phone, fax or e-mail “our” politicians to convince them they need some more foresight and some more backbone.

An example of foresight: Following the U.S. corporate lead is obviously the wrong choice. Their politicians have allowed the few to plunder the majority. They have the lowest scores in the industrialized world for questions of what makes a good life. At the same time they have the most billionaires in the world. There are 269 billionaires in the U.S. The next closest country is Japan with 28. China does not rank in the top ten. Canada has 16. An example of more backbone: What did we learn from the Sponsorship Scandal? The Gomery Report made a number of recommendations to prevent this type of misuse of public funds. They are collecting dust while the government continues to allow non-elected bureaucrats to make decisions the government is elected to make. Did you know that when Canadian politicians get elected they have to swear or declare an oath? Who do they swear allegiance to. The Canadian Constitution? The people or laws of Canada? NO! The Queen of England. No wonder they can get away with such a disregard for integrity and responsibility toward the majority of Canadians.

Pay attention to what is going on with our Provincial Hydro plans. The government recently announced that their plan is to have 72% of our hydro be supplied by nuclear power plants. This is the most expensive form of power. It has the highest environmental impact if something goes wrong and there is still and probably never will be a safe way to store nuclear waste. Why are they looking at this option instead of alternative energy? Nuclear energy development, production and maintenance provide the highest possible profit margins to large corporations.

It has been almost four months since we found out that our computer training program was going to be reviewed. As of March 24th we are being told that an announcement will be made as soon as some final details are resolved. When this information becomes available we will post it in the Retirees section of our website at www.cawlocal200.org. While you are checking the website you will notice some changes which try to make the site more useful for Retirees. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

The March 13th luncheon for the Dec. 1st Retirees and their partners was another excellent event put on by our Local Union. Please accept the invitation to attend your Retired Workers Chapter meetings. Come out and put a smile on somebody’s face, enjoy the discussions and maybe sign up for a trip. Our attendance averages 175 retirees and their partners.

RETIRED WORKERS COMPUTER TRAINING

Our Computer Training Program course materials have been revised and updated. The new training facility is located at the Windsor Unemployed Help Centre in the Ed Baillargeon building at 6955 Cantelon Drive, Windsor (near the Essex Engine and Essex Aluminum Plants).

The trainers are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees. (C.U.P.E.). Applications will be available at your union hall, 1855 Turner Road.

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Ontario Federation of Unionized Retirees Convention

The Ontario Federation of Unionized Retirees Convention (OFUR) held their 8^th biennial convention at the Delta Kitchener Centre from Wednesday April 23 – Friday April 25 2008. Brother Herb John & I were given the opportunity to be delegates to this convention, representing the CAW Local 200 Retirees Chapter.

The OFUR evolved from a chapter of the Canadian Congress of Retirees which was chartered by the C.L.C. in the mid 1980′s.

It is dedicated to working to ensure the security & protection of their mutual welfare & that of their families.

OFUR member organizations include:

• Canadian Auto Workers,
• Communications, Energy and Paperworkers of Canada,
• Canadian Union of Postal Workers,
• International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers,
• Public Service Alliance of Canada,
• Service Employees International Union,
• United Steelworkers – Canada,
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America,
• Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, &
• The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation.

This year’s convention opened with:

• a call to order by Bob Cruikshank, Vice President of Waterloo Regional Council of Unionized Retirees,
• Welcome to Kitchener by Joe Soulier, Chair of the CAW Local 1451 Retirees Chapter,
• Introduction of the Convention Chair,
• The singing of O Canada,
• A minute of Silence for deceased members,
• Adoption of the Agenda, &
• Appointment of Committees.

It was attended by 60 delegates, with me being the youngest in attendance. There was a mixture of retired workers in their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s & 80’s.

The Agenda called for a number of speakers making some very informative presentations, as well as elections of the Executive & Executive Council Members, voting on changes to the Constitution & By-laws, and the reading and debate of 19 Resolutions & 2 Emergency Resolutions. These resolutions covered a wide range of issues, including:

• Energy,
• Health,
• Pensions,
• Pollution/Environment,
• Poverty,
• Senior’s Mobility, &
• Workplace Related issues.

I assisted Herb in successfully submitting for delegate approval a resolution on alternative fuels. (attached)

Debate was healthy with & very informative.

The speakers included:

• Harold Usher of London – Prostate Cancer Survivor;
• Natalie Mehra – Executive Director, Ontario Health Coalition;
• Ann Spencer – Canadian Benefits;
• Ian Vincent – Impact Insurance;
• Sandi Ellis – Canadian Labour Congress; &
• Wayne Samuelson – President, Ontario Federation of Labour

As a relatively young retiree, I found the convention very informative. Many issues were discussed that I have not thought a lot about. In particular the presentations on senior’s health issues, pensions & mobility were very enlightening.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow retirees for the privilege of representing them it this year OFUR convention.

Respectfully,

Rob McLean

CAW Local 200 Retirees’ Chapter

Alternative Fuels Resolution

WHEREAS burning fossil fuels continues to increase the effects of global warming, as well as land, air & water pollution, and

WHEREAS there is war and human misery generated as a byproduct of continuing the extraction, processing & profits of oil, and

WHEREAS research has developed alternative fuel processes that are sustainable & environmentally friendly.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Federation of Union Retirees lobby the Federal & Provincial governments to provide the necessary research & development funding to expedite a conversion to alternative fuels, excluding biofuels, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Made in Canada solution include manufacturing incentives for the creation of Canadian jobs that provide a “Just Transition” for those workers affected by this move to a sustainable society.

Respectfully submitted

CAW Local 200 Retired Worker’s Chapter

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December 2007 Ford Facts – Retired Workers Chapter

On Thursday, November 29th, we held our Annual Retirees’ Christmas Party at the Caboto Club and once again everyone had a great time. Thanks to all those who helped to make it another great event.

Congratulations to all those who have recently decided to join the ranks of the retired, it is well deserved. Please feel free to attend the monthly Retirees’ Membership Meeting held the second Thursday of each month.

The Executive of the Retirees Chapter would like to take this time to extend their Best Wishes and Holiday Greetings to the members of CAW Local 200.

HERB JOHN

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June 2007 Ford Facts Retirees Report

It is with pleasure to say that the trip to the 1,000 islands by the 104 retirees who attended the 5-day mini vacation had a great time. The resort and spa was all it was said it would be and it was money well spent. In all about $1,000 was won by the retirees at the Casino we visited. A special thank you to the Local 200 membership for the assistance in helping us financially in taking the trip to Gananoque in May 2007.

Elections will take place at our next meeting in June. We will be sending two delegates to the U.S.C.O. (United Senior Citizens of Ontario) convention in August in Cobourg, Ontario and four delegates to the Annual Pensioners Convention in Port Elgin, Ontario September 2-7, 2007.

Due to medical reasons, I have to resign as Chairperson of the Retirees Chapter and Herb John, (current Vice-Chairperson) will move up to Chairperson until a new election is called. That should take place in May of 2008. I would like to stay on as Chairperson of Recreation of the Retirees as long as I can. I will continue to arrange any trips in the future, as long as I am able to and at my doctor’s advice.

It has been a learning experience for me in taking part in these meetings with you the Local 200 Retirees Membership and the Retirees Executive Board meetings as well. Please keep up with your hard work in making this such a strong Sisterhood and Brotherhood in Local 200.

Special thanks to Elszie Banks, Fred Arcos, Danny Robson, Jerry Frain and of course Herb John for their hard work in making up the Executive Board as it stands today.

Bill Turner