Nation-building in the 21st century or empire-building

Finding a practical way forward for the workers’ movement to make the struggle for rights effective at this time | ROLF GERSTENBERGER*

Nation-building in the 21st century has to overcome the obstacles that developed during the 20th century. These obstacles derive primarily from the empire-building of the global monopolies and the big powers with which they are connected. Empire-building of the global monopolies during the twentieth century overwhelmed and defeated the nation-builders of the nineteenth century, the nascent period of capitalism, and the heroic nation-building attempt of the working class in the Soviet Union.

Steelworkers hold very successful Day of Action in Hamilton

About 5,000 people rallied in Hamilton on January 30 at a very successful Day of Action organized by Locals 1005 and 8782 USW with the support of United Steelworkers, the Hamilton and District Labour Council, the Ontario Federation of Labour and other labour councils and unions. Active and retired steelworkers from Hamilton, Nanticoke and the surrounding communities attended the rally along with entire families and people from all walks of life who identify with the cause of the steelworkers.

January 30 Day of Action in Hamilton: Together let us stand up for the rights of all

Saturday, January 30 — 1:00 pm
Keep Stelco Producing! Steel not Steal!

PDF

“The People vs U.S. Steel,” Hamilton Day of Action, January 29, 2011

Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main St. W.
For information: Local 1005 USW 905-547-1417
or Local 8782 USW at 519-587-2000.

Hamiltonians and workers from different sectors of the economy from different cities in Ontario are joining steelworkers and pensioners in Hamilton to make the Hamilton Day of Action on January 30 a success. The last day of action was held in Hamilton five years ago, on January 29, 2011, at a time when U.S. Steel had imposed a phoney lockout to extort concessions from steelworkers. To its credit, Local 1005 USW launched a campaign under the theme The People vs. U.S. Steel to uphold the interests of the Stelco workforce and pensioners as well as Hamilton and Canada itself.

Stand as one in defence of the rights of all!

Join Locals 1005 and 8782 USW to Make the Hamilton Day of Action on January 30 a Success!

By ROLF GERSTENBERGER

PDF

Keep Stelco Producing! Steel not Steal! “The People vs U.S. Steel,” Hamilton Day of Action, January 29, 2011. Saturday, January 30 — 1:00 pm Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main St. W. For information: Local 1005 USW 905-547-1417 or Local 8782 USW at 519-587-2000.

 

The situation at U.S. Steel/Stelco needs the people’s intervention. When the people stand as one for a just cause it makes a difference. U.S. Steel has attacked not just active and retired steelworkers and salaried employees but also the Ontario and municipal governments, suppliers, contractors, our collective economy and social fabric. It has assaulted the rights of all and the common good.

U.S. Steel files for bankruptcy protection – Steelworkers respond

Labour Day march in Hamilton, 2014

Harper Conservatives Enable U.S. Steel’s Latest Blow to Canada

– United Steelworkers –

• Fraudulent Bankruptcy Without an Owner 


– Rolf Gerstenberger, President, Local 1005 USW –

Local 1005 USW Press Conference

• Transcript of Presentation by President Rolf Gerstenberger

• August 13 Letter from Local 1005 to U.S. Steel 

• August 14 Response from Local 1005 to U.S. Steel’s Self-Serving Restructuring Proposals

An Appeal to the Court of Public Opinion

– Local 1005 USW –

Local 1005 condemns in no uncertain terms this phony CCAA bankruptcy filed by U.S. Steel on September 16. It creates a very serious situation for active and retired Canadian steelworkers and their union, the United Steelworkers (USW), as well as the locals directly involved, Local 1005 USW at Hamilton Works and Local 8287 USW at Lake Erie Works. This phony CCAA filing also directly affects present and former salaried employees of the company, the citizens of Hamilton and their Municipal Council, and the Province of Ontario.

Hamilton steel: Are we a country or not?

By ROLF GERSTENBERGER*

ON BEHALF OF present and former members of Local 1005 USW, I wish to express deep regret and anger at the announced permanent closure of steelmaking at Hilton Works, which has been in operation our entire lives and has made Hamilton what it is today.

This is a dagger into the heart and soul of our community. The hand on this poisonous blade stretches from Pittsburgh but it has been guided into our chest by the federal and Ontario governments. They have the power to say no to this attack on Canada’s economy. They have the power to beat back this invasion of destructive robber barons whose private self-interest has nothing good to offer Canada.