CAW to Donate $40,000 to Pakistan Emergency Relief and Raise Additional Funds

TORONTO, Aug. 20 /CNW/ - The CAW will be donating $40,000 to the Pakistan relief effort and is urging local unions across the country to give generously to this important cause.

The CAW Social Justice Fund will donate $25,000 and CAW Local 222 will donate $15,000 to Oxfam Canada, with more money expected to pour in from across the country. The union has issued a call to all local unions and staff to donate to the relief effort.

CAW President Ken Lewenza expressed his condolences to those affected by this devastation and to Canadians with families suffering in Pakistan or who have lost loved ones. "In a region already facing so many challenges, this latest catastrophe is unimaginable," said Lewenza. He expressed concern at the slow pace of donations coming in from the international community that is putting survivors at risk of perishing.

The CAW has a history of humanitarian and solidarity work around the world, through the union's Social Justice Fund and membership to a number of global labour federations. The SJF is comprised of monies negotiated at the bargaining table and this year celebrates its 20^th anniversary.

The union raised more than $400,000 towards the relief efforts in Haiti, through the SJF and donations from local unions, members and staff.

Combined, the Canadian labour movement has already pledged more than $100,000 for the relief effort in Pakistan.

For further information:

please contact Assistant to the CAW National President Peggy Nash (cell): 416-333-8097 or CAW Communications Director Shannon Devine (cell): 416-302-1699

To read Ken Lewenza's letter urging donations, please visit: http://www.caw.ca/en/9310.htm