Strong commitment marks CEIU women’s activities in Atlantic region

In the Atlantic region, women’s issues are pursued year-round, but International Women’s Day (IWD) highlights the commitment shown by our members in the east. On March 8, the region held remarkable celebrations as they rallied support for both workplace and community issues.

Linda Wilcox, National Vice-President for Women’s Issues in the region, praised the work of members, saying “I congratulate all those who participated and offer special thanks to those who planned and organized events.”

In St. John’s, Newfoundland, 170 women gathered to hear Lana Payne, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour. Ticket sales for the luncheon raised funds for Kirby House, a local shelter for women, and those attending fired off postcards to MP’s over the gutting of pay equity legislation (Bill C-10).

Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, saw a March 8 lunch meeting of 300 that contributed $7500 toward the Kirby House Shelter. The event was planned and organized by Joanne Morrissey, former CEIU NVP for Women who has carried forward her commitment and activism into retirement. “Joanne continues to lead by example” said Wilcox, “and the women in Newfoundland are so much the better for it.” 

At Harbour Grace, CEIU local 90013 held a luncheon and donated items to Kirby House. Members developed plans to make personal contact with MP’s and Senator Baker of Gander over Bill C-10.

Marystown members held a lunch-and-learn with a guest speaker from the RCMP who gave a presentation on women’s safety. Like other members in the region, letter and postcard writing was organized over Bill C-10, and reading materials were contributed to Grace Sparks House, a local women’s shelter. Members in Gander , Cornerbrook and Stephenville all held lunch meetings and made donations to local food banks, transition homes and women’s centres.

PEI members at Surrey and Montague gathered for lunch meetings and raised funds for the Anderson House for Women.

In Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, CEIU members joined other unionists at a weekend of workshops for women sponsored by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour. At local 80226 in Sydney, members celebrated with food and a letter writing campaign over Bill C-10.

New Brunswick members at Woodstock screened the PSAC sponsored film Fighting for Justice, Café Justicia that examines the impact of the coffee industry on women in South America. The session also included discussions on the importance of supporting “Fair Trade” products (more information on Fair Trade is available here). In Moncton, CEIU office staff distributed roses and chocolates to members celebrating IWD.

Summing up the IWD activities in the Atlantic region, NVP Wilcox said “Locals came through on IWD – for their communities and for the issues facing members at work – and they all deserve our recognition and thanks.”