CLC launches women's economic equality campaign

On March 8, International Women's Day, the Canadian Labour Congress is launching a women's economic equality campaign ... -Equality! Once and For All!" An exciting year-long campaign, the CLC will use every opportunity to raise awareness about the lack of attention paid by politicians, employers and the media to the growing economic inequality of women, through the use of creative and innovative tactics.

By mobilizing union women to talk with their union sisters and brothers, with their families, the public, media, and politicians at all levels of government, this campaign will focus on important solutions; solutions like belonging to a union, creating an accessible, affordable, public child care system, minimum wage reform, pay equity, improving Employment Insurance, CPP, OAS and GIS. We know that these solutions are key to closing the wage gap between working men and women.

After 25 years of progress, the gap between the average wages of Canadian men and women have stopped narrowing and is now growing. Women workers of colour, Aboriginal women and women with disabilities face even greater economic disadvantages.

Teach-ins have been scheduled in over 30 communities across Canada. Members are encouraged to attend these events. The federal government has eliminated funding for many programs affecting women, and has made a mockery of demands to establish a quality child care system.

BURNABY: In British Columbia, the BC Federation of Labour is hosting a breakfast at the Metrotown Hilton Hotel in Burnaby, where an update to the 2005 report, Losing Ground: The Effects of Government Cutbacks on Women in British Columbia, will be presented by report author Professor Gillian Creese, the director of the UBC Centre for Women's and Gender Studies. For ticket information, contact the BC Federation of Labour at (604) 430-1421.

VICTORIA: An event is being held in conjunction with the Victoria Labour Council at the BCGEU office, 2994 Douglas Street, Victoira. Saturday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NANAIMO: In conjunction with the Nanaimo-Duncan Labour Council, Nanimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Road, Nanaimo. Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PRINCE GEORGE: The Prince George Labour Council hosts an event Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. at the Ramada Inn, 444 George Street in Prince George.

For information on the CLC Women's Economic Equality campaign contact the coordinators at 613-526-7424 or by email at @email