April 24, 2009
Media Advisory
International labour activists to discuss how public services deliver peace, human rights and democracy
Vancouver – A group of international labour rights activists will discuss how grassroots action has helped strengthen public services in South Africa, India, the Philippines, Nicaragua – and downtown Vancouver. The panel discussion is being presented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada on April 26, as part of its 15th Triennial Convention at the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre.
“Globalization and privatization around the globe have lowered labour standards everywhere and placed unions on the defensive,” said John Gordon, PSAC's National President. “We are living in a world where freedom and human rights are being eroded, and social inequalities are sustaining poverty worldwide. However, globalization has brought one positive thing in its wake. Workers, social justice groups, women's organizations and community associations have banded together to fight the corporate agenda, to protect quality public services and to work toward a sustainable economy and a just society.”
PSAC represents 172,000 members, primarily in the public sector. The panel discussion is being sponsored by the union's Social Justice Fund, which works to foster links with labour and social justice activists around the world.
WHAT:
Panel discussion on defending quality public services in a globalized world, featuring:
- Mathapelo Mphuthi from the Communication Workers Union of South Africa.
- Chennaiah Poguri from the Federation of Agricultural Workers, Farmers, Fisher Folk and Forest Workers Unions in India.
- Jacaranda Fernández Mejía, former head of the hospital workers' union in Masaya and acting municipal coordinator for the National Labour Front of Nicaragua.
- Laura Stannard, a Vancouver-based anti-poverty activist who advocates for social housing programs, tenants' rights and protection of rental housing.
- Daniel Kinsella, President of PSAC's National Component and a delegate to the labour solidarity mission to the Philippines in November 2008.
- Gauri Sreenivasan (moderator), a senior policy analyst and coordinator for Global Economic Justice at the Canadian Council for International Cooperation.
WHEN:
Sunday, April 26, 2009, 3:00 p.m.
WHERE:
PSAC National Triennial Convention
Vancouver Convention & Exhibit Centre, West Building
A media room will be set up at all times during the convention and will be equipped with a television monitor with live coverage from the convention floor. Media badges and kits will be available upon registration in the media room. PSAC staff members will be on hand to provide assistance.
The full agenda for PSAC's 15th National Triennial Convention is available online: http://www.psac.com/convention2009/home-e.asp
For information:
Ariel Troster, PSAC Communications 613-292-8363 (cell)
19-240409
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
