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WOW, What a Ride!
For parents, children, and anyone moderately engaged in labour action in this country, the events of the past two weeks have been nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. Once again, the power of people united in cause has successfully pushed back against government overreach (more on that later).

Over the past few weeks, your Friday Digests have included information and reminders related to your SWF, WMG, important dates, and changes to our Collective Agreement that may impact your winter semester. If you have any questions or concerns, please connect with a union steward.

In coming weeks we will be sharing information on using and tracking sick days, outreach initiatives, and accessing professional leave. We will also continue to share with you the many ways your LEC is representing you on local, divisional, and provincial levels.

Is there something you would like to see featured? Let us know! Send us an email: christina.chrysler@slcfaculty.ca or curtis.runions@slcfaculty.ca

The Power of Solidarity

This past week Local 417 members joined fellow OPSEU members across the province in solidarity with CUPE education workers rallying against Leece and Ford’s Bill 28. Hundreds gathered and picketed at MPP offices in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall in addition to numerous other sites throughout Ontario to protest the unconstitutional bill that legislated workers back to work and forced them into a four-year contract. On Monday, the second day of province-wide labour action, Ford’s government caved to the public pressure, announced he would repeal Bill 28 and get back to the bargaining table.

A media 'round up' of OPSEU’s province-wide support for CUPE education workers can be found HERE.

Do you have photos from your actions in support of CUPE? We'd love to share them! Send images to christina.chrysler@slcfaculty.ca or curtis.runions@slcfaculty.ca.

The fall semester is a critical time for members to sign their union card! Your local only receives funds from OPSEU for members who sign their cards. When members don't sign, union dues stay entirely with OPSEU.

Each year our Local loses out on thousands of dollars because of this. Since we receive funds based on the calendar year, not the academic year, it is important that all NEW members sign their cards in the fall.

It's not too late to help your Local!

Encourage your peers (including partial load) to visit our website and sign their card!
www.slcfaculty.ca

Mistakes Can be Shocking- Double Check Your SWF
Some surprises are good, others...not so much. All SWFs are due today, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11. Be sure to examine your SWF carefully to ensure it reflects your agreed workload. Acceptance of your SWF is time sensitive, so it is always best to review it sooner rather than later.

If there are any concerns or questions remaining, DO NOT SIGN. Check the box sending your SWF to WMG. Often this is enough to prompt a resolution with your manager.

Remember, WMG is simply a process and is not viewed as confrontational.

In case you missed it, last week your Friday Digest included helpful information to demystify the WMG process. Stewards are available to assist you in reviewing your SWF before signing.

Coming Soon: Local to Make Masks Available to Members on Campus

Local 417 strongly advocates for member health and safety, particularly as we have all navigated the global pandemic and the easing of restrictions over this past year. With the recent additional complication of viruses such as RSV and earlier than normal influenza outbreaks, we will continue to make masks available to our members for use as you see fit.

As promised, Local 417 ordered a minimal quantity of high-quality clear N95 masks to assist faculty who are required to use clear masks to meet student accommodations. We also still have available a number of black KN95 masks. Masks will continue to be available at some community locations, as well as on each campus. Details to follow in next week's Friday Digest.

In the meantime, if you require clear masks, please contact Tabitha Rutledge: tabitha.rutledge@slcfaculty.ca. For information related to KN95 masks or to assist in mask distribution, please contact Curtis Runions: curtis.runions@slcfaculty.ca

Masking is, of course, at the discretion of each faculty member.

On Tuesday, union leaders representing millions of private and public sector workers across Canada and Ontario, stood together against the Ford government’s attempt to enact the Notwithstanding Clause. The government thought that they could push around these many low income, unionized workers as they have so often done with female dominated professions (70% of CUPE Education Workers identify as female). The Government of Ontario did not anticipate such a strong act of solidarity between unions. As our president JP Hornick said during the motivational press conference today,

“This is exactly the moment that we are being called upon to stand up for each other, with each other, to speak out, to not settle down, to stand for what’s right and to consciously and deliberately walk our solidarity, as you are seeing here today. I want to take a moment to note the historical importance of where we are. When you have the largest private sector union in Canada standing with the largest public sector unions in Ontario saying, ‘We will fight together for all workers, the power of this cannot be overstated’.”

Unions standing in Solidarity Include:

Canadian Labour Congress
Ontario Federation of Labour
Amalgamated Transit Union
Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario
Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association
Ontario Secondary School Teacher Federation
Association Des Enseignantes Et Des Enseignants Franco-Ontariens
United Steelworkers Union
United Food & Commercial Workers Union
UNIFOR (Unity Solidarity, Strength and Determination)(Auto Workers+)
Ontario Building Trades Union
United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters
Sheet Metal Workers Union
Unite Here (Hospitality Workers)
IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees)
NUPGE (National Union of Public & General Employees)
PSAC (Public Alliance of Canada)
OPSEU (Ontario Public Service Employees Union)
Ontario Nurses Association
SEIU Healthcare (Service Employees International Union)
Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union
Society of United Professionals
Toronto and Regional Labour Councils

Click the image to watch as leaders from the Canada's largest and most powerful unions speak in support of CUPE and against the Ford government. OPSEU/SEFPO President, JP Hornick delivers their inspiring address at 19:25, "OPSEU is standing by, not standing down."

This message has been shared on slcfaculty.ca, the SLC Faculty Local 417 Facebook public page and private group, Twitter, and via the SLC Faculty Local 417 email list.