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Sinclair kicks off B.C. Federation of Labour Convention, pledges to keep fighting for $10 minimum wage
November 27, 2007
Calls on Liberal Agriculture Minister, Pat Bell, to avoid conflict
and stay out of minimum wage debate
VANCOUVER - Kicking off the B.C. Federation of Labour's annual Convention, Federation President Jim Sinclair vowed to keep fighting for a $10 minimum wage.
In his opening address, Sinclair urged over nine hundred delegates to stand up for low-paid, non-union workers. "Employers aren't on their side, governments aren't on their side, we must be on their side!"
Sinclair also called on Agriculture Minister, Pat Bell, to stay out of any cabinet discussions regarding the minimum wage.
Sinclair noted to delegates the hypocrisy of Minister Bell, voting himself a huge wage increase while workers employed at a Prince George Wendy's fast food restaurant, owned by Bell, earn the minimum wage.
Experts from both Canada and the United States will lead delegates in workshops Tuesday. The panellists will include experts from the labour and environmental movements, and noted authorities on labour law including Harry W. Arthurs, the former Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School and author of the federal government's recent review of Canada's labour standards.
On Tuesday delegates will take to downtown streets and Skytrain stations to continue the Federation's call for a $10 minimum wage.
Wednesday will see convention addresses from both BC NDP leader Carole James and Canadian Labour Congress President, Ken Georgetti.
A complete copy of the Agenda will be available to media at the Convention or can be viewed at www.bcfed.ca/convention.
DATE: NOVEMBER 26-28, 2007
LOCATION: VANCOUVER CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE (VCEC)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2007
11:45 am MINIMUM WAGE EVENT
Location: Waterfront Station Seabus Terminal
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2007
10:00 am KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
CAROLE JAMES, LEADER,
NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF BC
2:30 pm KEYNOTE ADDRESS
KEN GEORGETTI, PRESIDENT
CANADIAN LABOUR COUNCIL
Please be advised all media representatives will be required to register before proceeding to the media section of the Convention floor.
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For more information contact: Jessie Uppal 604-430-1421 or 604-220-0739.
