Real troupers
Hats off to the morning shifts who persevered in very wet weather Tuesday morning. Even graduates of the Pre-Health Sciences program and current Practical Nursing students joined us in the rain! While all lines have enjoyed good support from the students and the public in the fine weather, today sent a clear message to everyone we are not fairweather faculty when it comes to pursuing our goals.
Political pressure in Toronto
Striking college faculty from the GTA, students, and allies from across the labour movement will rally in downtown Toronto on Wednesday. The rally will call on Advanced Education Minister Deb Matthews to send Ontario colleges back to the bargaining table with clear direction to bargain a fair collective agreement.
Local news coverage – recent interviews with Pat Kennedy
1. ottawa.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1239620
2. Carol Ann Meehan’s Show Oct. 24 (1-2) Pat is last item: advance to Minute 35.46 and it starts http://www.1310news.com/audio/the-carol-anne-meehan-show/
Time for you to apply some political pressure
There is a very quick and effective way for you and your network of family and friends to send a message to Premier Wynne and Deputy Premier Matthews. Go to
https://opseu.org/news/click-here-support-college-faculty
Rumours
It is not unexpected that rumours will be generated during picket line discussions. There are three we would like to dispel.
1. “We will be out until Christmas”
In the past, strikes have been in the range of two to three weeks. The government has never been prepared to see them go any longer for concern the students would lose their year.
2. “Sessionals and part-time faculty should be joining us on the picket line”
They are not on strike and therefore not obliged to be on the picket lines. If they choose to participate (and several have) we are very grateful. However, we need to appreciate their vulnerable status and the fact we are not their bargaining agent.
3. “We can’t get enough Timbits!”
That person is joining the picket line for the first time.
Missing shift hours
Just a reminder, it is imperative if a given shift is not a complete four hours, the missing time must be made up and recorded within the strike week or the partial shift hours will not be credited for strike pay as per OPSEU policy.
—
Jack Wilson, 2nd VP