'Helping to protect and promote democracy as well as the social and economic well-being of citizens.'
Ottawa (17 Nov. 2008) - More than 150 Canadian and international guests gather from Wednesday to Friday this week in Ottawa to discuss how labour rights are a critical component of human rights ? helping to protect and promote democracy as well as the social and economic well-being of citizens.
The international symposium ? Labour Rights are Human Rights ? is being organized by four of Canada’s largest labour organizations:
- National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)
- Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF)
- Canadian Police Association (CPA)
- United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW)
The symposium will tackle six critical issues:
- Private and Public Sector Unions: Why are we in this together?
- The Role of Unions in Promoting Democracy and Economic Prosperity
- The Attack on Workers’ Rights: Part of an international phenomenon
- The 2007 Supreme Court Decision Guaranteeing the Right to Collective
- Bargaining: What does it mean for the future of labour rights in Canada?
- Canada and the International Labour Organization (ILO)
- State of the Nation: Labour Rights are Human Rights in Canada 2008
Several notable Canadian and international experts will make presentations, including:
- Elaine Bernard, executive director, Labor and Worklife Program (LWP),
Harvard University Law School - Fred Van Leeuwen, general secretary, Education International
- Mary Beth Maxwell, executive director, American Rights at Work
- Judy Fudge, Professor, University of Victoria Law School
- Paul Cavalluzzo, senior partner, Cavalluzzo, Hayes, Shilton, McIntyre & Cornish
- Patrick Carrier, former official, Freedom of Association Branch, International Labour Organization
- Alan Spaulding, international director of the UFCW International Union, and president of the Union Network International (UNI), commerce sector.
There will also be a special presentation to the Honourable Ed Broadbent in recognition of his strong advocacy throughout his career of labour rights in Canada and around the world.
Media are invited to attend. Advance interviews with presenters may also be arranged.
What: Labour Rights are Human Rights symposium
When: Wednesday, Nov. 19, to Friday, Nov. 21, 2008
Where: Ottawa Marriott Hotel, 100 Kent St., Ottawa
Note: At the closing of the symposium on Friday, Nov. 21, a statement will be issued and an activity will be held to highlight the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on Dec. 17. NUPGE
More information:
? Mike Luff, NUPGE, tel: 613-228-9800
? Pierre Collin, CPA Communications Officer, tel: 613-231-4168, mobile: 613-299-6516
? Francine Filion, CTF Director of Communications, mobile: 613-899-4247
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