Monday 9 April 2012

Niagara News Bulletin April 15-30

by Peoples Voice Niagara Bureau


* After going back on a negotiated contract recognizing ESL Teachers, Brock University has finally ratified the agreement after a public campaign and strike action by CUPE 4207 with support from students, faculty, and community at the picket lines.

* The Lincoln County Humane Society tried to keep two-tier on the table through the backdoor by saying newer workers would have an "opportunity" to make the full wage, but the workers of CUPE 1287 are standing their ground and maintaining their strike until two-tier is completely off the table.  Uptil now management had not even been talking to the union, which struck in February.

* Over 100 people protested at the local MPPs office in Ft Erie against the austerity layoffs from closing the slots at the race track, which could have a domino effect on the track itself.  Meanwhile in Ft Erie the government announced it was also closing the Welcome Centre on the same day as the slots.

* Rural west Niagara residents started an online petition as a first step in fighting the province's cancellation of the reconstruction of the West Lincoln  Memoiral Hospital in the austerity budget, despite the community already  raising almost $14 million and Requests For Proposals being issued.  Fifteen years ago mobilizations saw thousands in a candle-light vigil protesting similar cuts.

* The provincially appointed supervisor of the Niagara Health System, who took over after years of protests of closures followed by a wave of patients dying from hospital-acquired infections, has decided that since the Ontario austerity budget increases the home care budget, he will close hospital beds to move patients home instead of using the money to treat more patients overall.  Meanwhile the Canada Institute for Health Information released data showing Niagara post-operative patients die at a 50% higher rate than in the rest of the country.  A shortage of beds makes infections more prevalent from crowding and lack of cleaning time.

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