In Solidarity

The audio/visual presentation titled "In Solidarity" evolved from a poem written by Timothy G. Stewart (CAW Local 200)  The verse was conceived to be part of the content of a speech which was written while Tim was a participant in the CAW four week PEL (Paid Education Leave) program.  The poem was published in a CAW limited edition collection of verse by PEL program participants, titled "Lessons Learned."  This poem and others by Brother Stewart were also published in two other collections, "Soul Whispers," self published copyright, and "Bending Light" ©The International Library of Poetry.

The collaboration between Dennis R. Carmichael (Local 222) and Timothy G. Stewart, began in another CAW classroom in Port Elgin.  In February, 2003, the brothers met at a Grievance Handling and Workplace Leadership Skills program being delivered at the CAW Family Education Centre.  Tim was a co-facilitator for the week, and Dennis was a participant in the class.  After learning of each other’s common interest in labour music and writing, a bond was formed.  That bond was strengthened during jam sessions at Nick's place during the week.  Dennis took a copy of "Soul Whispers" home with him on Friday of that week, and in April, 2003, the song "In Solidarity" was born.  In December, 2003, Tim added the visual images of the 1945 Ford Windsor Strike, resulting in the Windows Media Video file that you may view on this webpage.  We hope that you enjoy viewing and listening to the presentation.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ORIGINAL POEM

Click On The Logo To Download The Player

Biographies

Dennis R. Carmichael is a worker at GM in Oshawa, Ontario and has been a member of CAW Local 222 since 1984.  Dennis has served as an alternate Union representative and seeks to increase his Union Activism as the future unfolds.  Dennis began singing at his father's railroad worker parties at the age of three while listening to workers play instruments such as spoons, fiddles, guitars and pianos.  He formed his first band at age twelve and began his professional music career at age nineteen.  Dennis credits his interest in music as the inspiration and venue he used to become more socially active.

Timothy G. Stewart is a worker at Ford in Windsor, Ontario and has been a member of CAW Local 200 since 1996.  Tim was elected as a Committee-Person at Ford Essex Engine Plant in the year 2000 and was elected to a second term in 2002.  He has been an outspoken workplace activist since the age of eighteen, and is a member of the CAW Local 200 Education Committee.  Tim first began writing poetry and short stories at age eleven.  Since the publication of "Soul Whispers" Tim has performed a local Labour Art/Film festivals and has given presentations to the participants in the "Young Authors" programs at a local public grade school.  Tim credits his grandfather and father as being the inspiration for his interest in the Labour movement and Trade Unionism.

"Collaboration opens the doors to a world of possibilities"