You will notice when reading this edition of the Gauntlet it has increased in content. The Gauntlet Committee held a meeting a few weeks ago and decided changes had to be made. These changes include bringing more Union culture to the publication and more articles pertaining to everyday issues both on the Floor and at the Union Hall.

Our Labour Day event was a huge success. For the first time we had a live band. This year's festivity included supporting our Sisters and Brothers, who are still locked in a labour dispute in Sudbury and Port Colborne, ON as well as Voisey's Bay, NL. "Kicking A## for the Working Class" Steelworker T-Shirts were handed out to the general public for a donation to assist with their Strike.

I will take this opportunity to personally thank: The band "Monalith"; Mayor Tim Johnson, Niki Ashton, MP, Roy Leslie, USW Dis. 3 Staff Rep; Steve Ashton and Wayne Levac, Thompson Labour Committee. The Labour Day event would not happen without the support of our volunteers, who worked hard to make sure the event was successful. Again, thank you to all the volunteers who helped in any capacity.

Our Local, as well as all other USW Locals in Manitoba endorsed Steve Ashton in his pursuit of being the Premier of our province. Steve's beliefs on Anti Scab Legislation made it easy for us to give him our support. Greg Selinger, Steve's opponent, was not endorsing Anti Scab Legislation.

Companies, like Vale, have no issue with using Scab labour, even though it creates a fundamental split in the workforce of Canada, while motivating hatred and potential for volatility on a Picket line. In a conversation I had with Mr Sillinger at the MFL (Manitoba Federation of Labour) Convention, he was adamant about Manitoba not needing this type of legislation. Mr Sillinger, also, does not work for a company like Vale.

Unity and Strength is the trademark of the United Steelworkers and our Local has been a very active part of rallies in Port Colborne, Sudbury and recently, in Goose Bay, NL, which is the location where Voisy's Bay workers have their Picket line. Internationally, the Steelworkers have been on an aggressive solidarity campaign in which European Unions have become united with the United Steelworkers. Never before has Solidarity been at the forefront of a labour dispute, from picketing shipments of copper on the docks of the North Sea Port of Brunsbuttel, Germany to rallying support from Brazilian President Luiz Lula. The labour dispute will be roughly 110 days old at the time of this publication and Vale is not interested in returning to the Bargaining table. Wayne Fraser, Director , USW Dis. 3; requested Vale return to the table in the spirit of finding some common ground. Unfortunately, the request was denied on the grounds of either a take it or leave it attitude!

Vale has tried to seek a favorable court injunction no less than 3 times since the dispute started in Sudbury, with their most recent attempt being a few weeks ago. The Judge basically told the Vale lawyers “not to waste his time and to resolve your differences on Picket Line protocol between yourselves.” Immediately after the decision, a barbeque was held on the Court House lawn for USW Local 6500, which was catered by the Court House Guards in support of our Sisters and Brothers. Plenty of jeering from the Guards and the Brotherhood took place as Vale’s high priced lawyers left the Court House.

On the Local 6166 front, we have been experiencing some serious problems with a few front line Supervisors. Harassing and targeting our members will not be tolerated by our Local. The majority of supervisors are decent people who deserve respect and dignity from the Membership, which is the same respect and dignity we ask for in return. The few who spoil this relationship and you know who you are, have to realize the damage they are creating does not stop at the employee affected by this unwanted action, it also creates hardshipfor the employee's family.

Safe Workers of Tomorrow is officially up and running for the school year. Ron Brown and Rod Jervis will kick this year's program off by travelling to Nelson House to put on the presentation for their students. Ron Brown, who coordinates the SWOT program, stated there would be some new content in this year's presentation. Additionally, we will be holding a Health and Safety Level II course here at the Hall in early November.

Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918, with Germany signing the Armistice. I urge all members, working or not, to cease all actions on November 11th at 11am, to honour the sacrifices our Canadian Soldiers made in all war efforts leading up to the present mission in Afghanistan.

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