Happy Earth Day. Hopefully, you were able to take a pause away from your screens and reenergize in the spring sun. Today’s message covers a few key points, including wishes for a successful conclusion to the Winter ’21 semester and best wishes to those starting their annual leave later this month.
Workload
Our Local continues to support members who raise questions about equity and SWF loading. We continue to achieve successes through the Workload Monitoring Group process. If you have questions about your SWF, please reach out to comms@locallines.org and let one of our WMG stewards answer your questions, possibly accompany you to a meeting with your manager, or provide support, as you need it.
Long Service Recognition & Retirees
It was lovely to see the college recognize service milestones of long tenured employees, including many of our members. Congratulations to all faculty celebrating milestones in their careers with the college – from 10 to 50 years! We also celebrate those who have chosen to retire after exceptional careers in education.
Collective Bargaining
Earlier in April, delegates from our Local attended the final provincial demand-set meeting for this round of bargaining. Our bargaining team’s new slogan, bargaining for better, was fully embraced by all in attendance. If you haven’t yet had a chance to look at the most recent bulletin, you can find it here.
Town Hall and Pulse Survey Results
Personally, I have never adopted a doom and gloom approach to leadership. However, I am keenly aware of the negative impacts of toxic positivity – saying things are great when they really are not. We noticed this at many moments during today’s Town Hall. The Pulse Survey results raise many concerns to your Local leadership, including the number of faculty members who say their mental health has decreased, identify concerns over workload inequity, and feel lower morale. We already have a number of meetings lined up with college management to hold our employer to account and pursue action-oriented solutions.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
It is encouraging to see the expansion of vaccination eligibility for Ontarians. Here is a link to the provincial government’s COVID-19 vaccination website, as well as information from OPSEU on the topic.
Local Website
Have you had a chance to explore our renewed and updated website? We are still welcoming your comments at comms@locallines.org and hope you take some time to wander through the site.
As ever, if you have questions or comments, please e-mail comms@locallines.org or leave us a message at (613) 727-4723 extension 7716.
In solidarity,
Annette Bouzi (she/her)
President, OPSEU Local 415