Saturday, 28 April 2007
Troqueros Declare Victory: Independent Trucker shut down LA port on May 1st
From the IWW Toronto mailing list:
Torqueros Declare Victory!
Written by Leslie Radford Friday, 27 April 2007
Independent truckers announce the LA port will shut down on May 1, thefirst victory for the 2007 May Day Mobilization for Immigrants'Rights.
PORT OF AZTLAN, April 27, 2007--
The independent truckers of the Portof Aztlan, working with the Industrial Workers of the World, made good on their promise to shut down the Los Angeles port on May 1, in support of nationwide migrants' rights protests scheduled for that dayand the truckers' struggle to organize.
This morning the Los Angeles Port Authority declared the port would be closed for a May 1"holiday," thereby avoiding potential litigation from shippers facing dockers' and demurrage fees for goods left on the dock during thetruckers' strike. Ernesto Nevarez, spokesperson for the truckers, explained, "[The PortAuthority] knows the truckers are going to do it [strike] anyway. By calling it a legal holiday, they avoid liability for the shutdown. We forced them to recognize May Day."
The announcement culminated several months' worth of planning, according to the IWW representative at the Harbor protest this morning, who added that he hoped that "the Port Authority would make May Day a regular holiday, and that the troqueros would remember it every year."
According to the IWW organizer, independent truckers of the Port ofAztlan lost their right to organize thirty years ago, during the deregulation of the Reagan presidency. The IWW has joined with trucking organizers to "assist with their organizing." Several truckers promised to use their day off on May 1 to join hunger strikers for immigrants' rights now in their fifth day of a fourteen-day strike at the feet of La Virgen de Guadalupe mural outside La Placita Church.
Navarez recalled the independent truckers 2006 port shutdown in conjunction with last year's May 1 immigration boycott and their commitment to the May Day 2007 National Mobilization to Support Immigrant Workers. "Migrants are just the victims of the global economy and politics, people who want to survive. That's why we're out here." Nearly every other truck honked for the half-dozen guys packing up their signs calling for the May Day strike, while two police cars parked just down the block watched the developments.
Torqueros Declare Victory!
Written by Leslie Radford Friday, 27 April 2007
Independent truckers announce the LA port will shut down on May 1, thefirst victory for the 2007 May Day Mobilization for Immigrants'Rights.
PORT OF AZTLAN, April 27, 2007--
The independent truckers of the Portof Aztlan, working with the Industrial Workers of the World, made good on their promise to shut down the Los Angeles port on May 1, in support of nationwide migrants' rights protests scheduled for that dayand the truckers' struggle to organize.
This morning the Los Angeles Port Authority declared the port would be closed for a May 1"holiday," thereby avoiding potential litigation from shippers facing dockers' and demurrage fees for goods left on the dock during thetruckers' strike. Ernesto Nevarez, spokesperson for the truckers, explained, "[The PortAuthority] knows the truckers are going to do it [strike] anyway. By calling it a legal holiday, they avoid liability for the shutdown. We forced them to recognize May Day."
The announcement culminated several months' worth of planning, according to the IWW representative at the Harbor protest this morning, who added that he hoped that "the Port Authority would make May Day a regular holiday, and that the troqueros would remember it every year."
According to the IWW organizer, independent truckers of the Port ofAztlan lost their right to organize thirty years ago, during the deregulation of the Reagan presidency. The IWW has joined with trucking organizers to "assist with their organizing." Several truckers promised to use their day off on May 1 to join hunger strikers for immigrants' rights now in their fifth day of a fourteen-day strike at the feet of La Virgen de Guadalupe mural outside La Placita Church.
Navarez recalled the independent truckers 2006 port shutdown in conjunction with last year's May 1 immigration boycott and their commitment to the May Day 2007 National Mobilization to Support Immigrant Workers. "Migrants are just the victims of the global economy and politics, people who want to survive. That's why we're out here." Nearly every other truck honked for the half-dozen guys packing up their signs calling for the May Day strike, while two police cars parked just down the block watched the developments.
Labels: IWW
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Mayworks community partners include TorontoTheBetter businesses
Mayworks 2007 begins this weekend on Saturday, April 28th and continues through to Sunday, May 6th...
"Mayworks Festival of Working People and the Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that celebrates working class culture. Founded in 1986 by the Labour Arts Media Committee of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, Mayworks is Canada's largest and oldest labour arts festival. The Festival was built on the premise that workers and artists share a common struggle for decent wages, healthy working conditions and a living culture. Mayworks' goal is to promote the interests of cultural workers and trade unionists, and to bring working-class culture from the margins of cultural activity onto centre stage."
Many sponsors and partners make this event possible, including:
Another Story Bookshop
CKLN
Good For Her
Toronto Women's Bookstore
"Mayworks Festival of Working People and the Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that celebrates working class culture. Founded in 1986 by the Labour Arts Media Committee of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, Mayworks is Canada's largest and oldest labour arts festival. The Festival was built on the premise that workers and artists share a common struggle for decent wages, healthy working conditions and a living culture. Mayworks' goal is to promote the interests of cultural workers and trade unionists, and to bring working-class culture from the margins of cultural activity onto centre stage."
Many sponsors and partners make this event possible, including:
Another Story Bookshop
CKLN
Good For Her
Toronto Women's Bookstore
Labels: Another Story Bookshop, CKLN, Good For Her, Mayworks, Toronto Women's Bookstore
May 1st Free Trade & Fair Trade film event
Copied from the [E-LEFT] mailing list:
FREE TRADE AND FAIR TRADE
May 1, 7:00 pm
University College, 15 King's College Circle, Room 179,
The next Science for Peace video will be on Tuesday, May 1, at 7PM
in Room 179, University College, 15 King's College Circle. The
video, FREE TRADE AND FAIR TRADE, is a review of their history and
current status. The video will be followed by discussion.
This video is a good introduction to the (SPP) SECURITY AND PROSPERITY
PARTNERSHIP scheme which the Harper government is promoting along
with friends such as Paul Martin, Tony A'Quino, and John Manley without
any parliamentary debate.
Call Jean Smith for more information. 416-535-6605
FREE TRADE AND FAIR TRADE
May 1, 7:00 pm
University College, 15 King's College Circle, Room 179,
The next Science for Peace video will be on Tuesday, May 1, at 7PM
in Room 179, University College, 15 King's College Circle. The
video, FREE TRADE AND FAIR TRADE, is a review of their history and
current status. The video will be followed by discussion.
This video is a good introduction to the (SPP) SECURITY AND PROSPERITY
PARTNERSHIP scheme which the Harper government is promoting along
with friends such as Paul Martin, Tony A'Quino, and John Manley without
any parliamentary debate.
Call Jean Smith for more information. 416-535-6605
Labels: Fair Trade
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
BIKER BREAKFAST AT GRASSROOTS
As part of BikeFriday, Grassroots Environmental Products hosts a monthly Biker Breakfast in support of Toronto's bicycle commuters:
So get your bike out a join the folks at either Grassroots-Annex (408 Bloor Street West at Brunswick) or Grassroots-Riverdale (372 Danforth Avenue at Chester) for a delicious, wholesome breakfast snack...
On the last Friday of every month Grassroots hosts an early morning bicycle commuter breakfast between 8:00am-9:30am. Grassroots would like to support and encourage those folks who commute to work by bike, and hopefully we will inspire others to try commuting by bike.
So get your bike out a join the folks at either Grassroots-Annex (408 Bloor Street West at Brunswick) or Grassroots-Riverdale (372 Danforth Avenue at Chester) for a delicious, wholesome breakfast snack...
On the last Friday of every month Grassroots hosts an early morning bicycle commuter breakfast between 8:00am-9:30am. Grassroots would like to support and encourage those folks who commute to work by bike, and hopefully we will inspire others to try commuting by bike.
Labels: Bike Fridays, Grassroots Environmental Products
Monday, 23 April 2007
TorontoTheBetter musicians suport Toronto Rap Project, IWW
Free copies of Wasun's CD What Must Be Done will be available to the first ten arrivals at the final screening of the 2007 2nd Annual TorontoTheBetter Movie Series this Thursday (26 April 2007).
Starting at 7:30 PM, we will be showing The Toronto Rap Project (Toronto Rappers Speak Out For Their Music Against Corporate Media Messages) at the Brunswick Theatre, located at 296 Brunswick, west of Spadina and just south of Bloor.
If hip-hop and/or documentaries are not your sort of thing, you may be interested in the Industrial Workers of the World Toronto presentation: not without a Fight (Music And Spoken Word in Support of The New York City Food Industry and Allied Workers Union).
Starting at 8 PM in the Smiling Buddha Bar (961 College, just west of Dovercourt), this event will donate all proceeds to NYC warehouse workers fired for unioninzing and to the IWW Canada legal defence fund.
The performerrs include singer-songwriter Smokey Dymny.
Starting at 7:30 PM, we will be showing The Toronto Rap Project (Toronto Rappers Speak Out For Their Music Against Corporate Media Messages) at the Brunswick Theatre, located at 296 Brunswick, west of Spadina and just south of Bloor.
If hip-hop and/or documentaries are not your sort of thing, you may be interested in the Industrial Workers of the World Toronto presentation: not without a Fight (Music And Spoken Word in Support of The New York City Food Industry and Allied Workers Union).
Starting at 8 PM in the Smiling Buddha Bar (961 College, just west of Dovercourt), this event will donate all proceeds to NYC warehouse workers fired for unioninzing and to the IWW Canada legal defence fund.
The performerrs include singer-songwriter Smokey Dymny.
Labels: Brunswick Theatre, IWW, Smokey Dymny, Toronto Rap Project, TorontoTheBetter Movie Series, Wasun
Wednesday, 11 April 2007
Zatoun April 2007 Update: new soap collection, more gift bags and other news
Dear friends and supporters of Zatoun,
After a truly remarkable year, Zatoun is ready for another one. The support and impact is visibly building. With the help of its community of supporters across the continent, Zatoun is making a difference. We hope to double the value from 2006 and contribute over $350,000 directly to Palestinian farmers and workers.
Much news and many highlights to list:
24,000 + 24 ,000 in 2007
Incredible how Zatoun has grown with your help and support. From tiny beginnings exactly 3 years ago with only 1,500 bottles - Zatoun is looking to sell 24,000 bottles of olive oil and 24,000 bars of olive oil soap in 2007. These nice round numbers will contribute over $350,000 to Palestinian growers, workers and activist projects.
NOW! "Zatoun Olive Oil is Certified Fair Trade"
Yes you can say it! Fair trade certification has finally arrived! This order is Certified Fair Trade by IMO from Switzerland. After waiting for the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) to develop standards for olive oil - PFTA / Canaan proceed with IMO to make it happen. To learn more about IMO please visit imo.ch
NEW! Soap Collection - 4 special bars - fundraising for Project Hope
An amazing collection of 4 soaps form Nablus - ancestral home of soap making - pure olive oil from Palestine is used and mixed 20% by weight with honey, goat's milk, lemon and mud from the Dead Sea to give you a gift collection of 4 unique and exquisite soap for you and your gift-giving. The project was launched by Zatoun as a fundraising venture for Project Hope. Zatoun will donate $5 for each box sold to Project Hope for its programs in Nablus. Visit the soap collection page.
NEW! New Trees for Life Sponsorship
In the same way, Zatoun wants to create an easy and more direct way to support Trees for Life: Planting Peace in Palestine. Zatoun will continue to direct a portion of proceeds to the program but wants to make it possible to sponsor trees directly - now you can purchase a sponsorship of 5 olive tree saplings to be planted for $20. You can buy as many sponsorships in multiples of 5 trees. Please visit the Trees for Life Sponsorship page.
MORE Hand Embroidered gift bags from Gaza
The embroidered bags were such a huge hit - sold out within a week around Christmas time that we had to get them back. The bags are from Gaza and produced by Atfaluna (Arabic for our children), an educational, training and care institution for deaf children and adults. Zatoun returns all proceeds to Atfaluna to assist with its mission and programs. Please visit the Atfaluna site for more information.
IMPROVED Order Process & Simplified Shipping & Online Payment
Please visit the order page which will take you to US or Canada order form. Note the maps and unified shipping zones. It was important to move to zone shipping for the sake of simplicity and clarity. Also it helps Zatoun be more available to supporters in non-urban or non-central locations. Zatoun may have to pay more to get there but it is important to us to be as affordable as possible to people and / or organizations.
Also, our online payment system involves emailing electronic invoices for payment via credit card through PayPal's gateway site. You do not have to be a PayPal member or have an account. Pay securely online with all major credit cards.
Leonardo daVinci Awards 2007
Zatoun is a finalist in the Leonardo daVinci Awards 2007 ! Nominated by a supporter in March, Zatoun has been selected a finalist in the "community" category to receive a Leo Award held on April 17. The Awards is part of worldwide "Creativity and Innovation Day - April 21" and has with national/local chapters (more info at creativityday.ca).
"Trees for Life - Planting Update"
The planting season completed in early March. Zatoun & PFTA is developing a final report. The total numbers are 12,600 tree saplings were planted in appx. 300 farmers in the areas of Jenin, Nablus and Salfit. Zatoun contributed to over half the number from 2006 sale proceeds of oil and direct donations received from individuals and organizations. The US Campaign to End the Occupation contributed over $2,500 by partnering with Trees for Life for its fundraising drives. We have been overwhelmed with the number and generosity of individual donations. All donations are acknowledged with a letter and certificate. If you have not received a certificate - please let us know - we may have missed you - sincere apologies.
Loan Guarantee fully subscribed
Our need to guarantee a $60,000 loan was fully covered. Thank you to the many guarantors who agreed to lend support in this unique way. It enabled Zatoun to grow in 2007 by helping our cashflow. It is not likely we could have gotten the 2007 shipment without the loan. Thank you!
** Always needed ** HELP! Volunteer Help - New Section on Website
We need help from volunteers. Please see a list of the many varied and wonderful ways you can help Zatoun. Please visit to see what appeals to your sensitivities and talents. There is bound to be something for you - let's talk about it.
Thank you so much, we look forward to your support and great success in 2007.
For more information: www.zatoun.com info@zatoun.com
After a truly remarkable year, Zatoun is ready for another one. The support and impact is visibly building. With the help of its community of supporters across the continent, Zatoun is making a difference. We hope to double the value from 2006 and contribute over $350,000 directly to Palestinian farmers and workers.
Much news and many highlights to list:
24,000 + 24 ,000 in 2007
Incredible how Zatoun has grown with your help and support. From tiny beginnings exactly 3 years ago with only 1,500 bottles - Zatoun is looking to sell 24,000 bottles of olive oil and 24,000 bars of olive oil soap in 2007. These nice round numbers will contribute over $350,000 to Palestinian growers, workers and activist projects.
NOW! "Zatoun Olive Oil is Certified Fair Trade"
Yes you can say it! Fair trade certification has finally arrived! This order is Certified Fair Trade by IMO from Switzerland. After waiting for the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) to develop standards for olive oil - PFTA / Canaan proceed with IMO to make it happen. To learn more about IMO please visit imo.ch
NEW! Soap Collection - 4 special bars - fundraising for Project Hope
An amazing collection of 4 soaps form Nablus - ancestral home of soap making - pure olive oil from Palestine is used and mixed 20% by weight with honey, goat's milk, lemon and mud from the Dead Sea to give you a gift collection of 4 unique and exquisite soap for you and your gift-giving. The project was launched by Zatoun as a fundraising venture for Project Hope. Zatoun will donate $5 for each box sold to Project Hope for its programs in Nablus. Visit the soap collection page.
NEW! New Trees for Life Sponsorship
In the same way, Zatoun wants to create an easy and more direct way to support Trees for Life: Planting Peace in Palestine. Zatoun will continue to direct a portion of proceeds to the program but wants to make it possible to sponsor trees directly - now you can purchase a sponsorship of 5 olive tree saplings to be planted for $20. You can buy as many sponsorships in multiples of 5 trees. Please visit the Trees for Life Sponsorship page.
MORE Hand Embroidered gift bags from Gaza
The embroidered bags were such a huge hit - sold out within a week around Christmas time that we had to get them back. The bags are from Gaza and produced by Atfaluna (Arabic for our children), an educational, training and care institution for deaf children and adults. Zatoun returns all proceeds to Atfaluna to assist with its mission and programs. Please visit the Atfaluna site for more information.
IMPROVED Order Process & Simplified Shipping & Online Payment
Please visit the order page which will take you to US or Canada order form. Note the maps and unified shipping zones. It was important to move to zone shipping for the sake of simplicity and clarity. Also it helps Zatoun be more available to supporters in non-urban or non-central locations. Zatoun may have to pay more to get there but it is important to us to be as affordable as possible to people and / or organizations.
Also, our online payment system involves emailing electronic invoices for payment via credit card through PayPal's gateway site. You do not have to be a PayPal member or have an account. Pay securely online with all major credit cards.
Leonardo daVinci Awards 2007
Zatoun is a finalist in the Leonardo daVinci Awards 2007 ! Nominated by a supporter in March, Zatoun has been selected a finalist in the "community" category to receive a Leo Award held on April 17. The Awards is part of worldwide "Creativity and Innovation Day - April 21" and has with national/local chapters (more info at creativityday.ca).
"Trees for Life - Planting Update"
The planting season completed in early March. Zatoun & PFTA is developing a final report. The total numbers are 12,600 tree saplings were planted in appx. 300 farmers in the areas of Jenin, Nablus and Salfit. Zatoun contributed to over half the number from 2006 sale proceeds of oil and direct donations received from individuals and organizations. The US Campaign to End the Occupation contributed over $2,500 by partnering with Trees for Life for its fundraising drives. We have been overwhelmed with the number and generosity of individual donations. All donations are acknowledged with a letter and certificate. If you have not received a certificate - please let us know - we may have missed you - sincere apologies.
Loan Guarantee fully subscribed
Our need to guarantee a $60,000 loan was fully covered. Thank you to the many guarantors who agreed to lend support in this unique way. It enabled Zatoun to grow in 2007 by helping our cashflow. It is not likely we could have gotten the 2007 shipment without the loan. Thank you!
** Always needed ** HELP! Volunteer Help - New Section on Website
We need help from volunteers. Please see a list of the many varied and wonderful ways you can help Zatoun. Please visit to see what appeals to your sensitivities and talents. There is bound to be something for you - let's talk about it.
Thank you so much, we look forward to your support and great success in 2007.
For more information: www.zatoun.com info@zatoun.com
Labels: Zatoun
