In an effort to build solidarity between unions and allow the various CUPE locals to showcase their work, CUPE 3906 has decided to host a virtual conference with the general theme of “Academia in the Workplace.” Please find attached below the full details and call for abstracts as well as a link to where this can be found on the 3906 webpage. Local 3906 is working to secure some keynote speakers for the event. This conference is open to all CUPE members and all are encouraged to apply!
Petition – Forced Disappearance of Trade Union Activist Amar Fayaz
The Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA) is asking trade unions outside of Pakistan to draft solidarity letters to Pakistani diplomatic staff condemning forced disappearances of trade union activist Amar Fayaz. Members can support Fayaz by signing this petition, consulting these resources for organizational responses, following and using the hashtag #ReleaseAmarFayaz to raise awareness. You can also send an email to Pakistan High Commission, Embassy or consulate in your country (Country Office list) using this sample email text, and send an email to the Pakistani State (Director-General of Rangers <help@pakistanrangerssindh.org>; Minister of Interior Islamabad <secretary@interior.gov.pk>; <ds.admn.moi@gmail.com>; Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan <info@pmo.gov.pk>; PTUS Campaign <contact@pakistansolidarity.org>) using this template.
Nominate Yourself to be a Delegate for the Coalition of Student Employee Unions – Deadline December 3rd
Nominations are still open for two delegates to the CSEU Membership Council meeting on December 5th. Interested members should email Stacey Berquist, VP Unit 1 by December 3rd. Any interested member may attend the meeting, but only the 2 delegates may vote.
Public Statement Against Encampment Evictions
We write in solidarity with over 1000 unhoused people in the City of Toronto and the countless number of outreach workers and agencies advocating for their right to shelter in the city. We condemn the woefully inadequate response put forth by city officials, and we call on Mayor John Tory, Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão, Janie Tomoff (General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation) and Mary Ann Bedard (Shelter Support Housing Administration) to immediately place a moratorium on encampment evictions, and halt the seizure of basic survival equipment, Tiny Shelters, foam domes, and tents.
The City of Toronto has failed the residents of this city by refusing to utilize its emergency powers to ban all evictions. The encampments under threat today are a last resort for those seeking shelter, and their necessity is a direct result of a series of decades-long social policies that have consistently cut investments to affordable housing in this city. The city’s winter plan offers only 560 indoor spots for people living outside is grossly insufficient when over a 1000 people are currently unhoused.
Report Back – Third Bargaining Meeting with the Employer on November 25th (9:30am–Noon)
On Wednesday, November 25th, the CUPE 3903 Bargaining Team met with the Employer. The Bargaining Team would like to thank members in the room for attending as observers, as per our open bargaining practice.
The following items were discussed at the bargaining meeting:
Closed captioning
As per the bargaining parameters approved by the membership, all virtual bargaining meetings shall have closed captioning made available for accessibility purposes. The Bargaining Team proposed that CUPE 3903 can take on the work of setting up and hosting secure bargaining meetings on Zoom, and that in exchange, the Employer would cover the total cost of closed captioning. The Employer agreed to cover only 50% of the costs associated with providing closed captioning with CUPE 3903 remaining responsible for hosting meetings.
General Membership Meeting – December 4th
The December 4th GMM will take place from 11am–2pm on Zoom.
This meeting will primarily focus on all-units and unit-specific bargaining issues and bargaining proposals. All members are encouraged to attend.
Please register in advance for this meeting by clicking on this link.
In order to register, you will need to provide your employee number, which will be kept confidential. If you don’t know your employee number, please click here for instructions.
After registering, members will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you are having any difficulties with registration, please get in touch with Vanessa Lehan-Streisel, VP Unit 2.
Keep reading for the tentative agenda, accessibility information and more.
Election Result for the Position of Chief Steward Unit 2
The election result for the position of Chief Steward Unit 2 is:
Elena Chou: 152 (63.9%) – elected
Christoper Luszczek: 86 (36.1%)
Voter Summary
Total: 268
Abstensions: 30 (11.2%)
We thank both candidates for their participation in this election!
Notice – Upcoming Bargaining Meeting with the Employer – November 25th (9:30am–Noon)
The Bargaining Team is next scheduled to meet with the Employer on Wednesday, November 25 between 9:30am-12pm. Members are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting.
Register in advance for the meeting: November 25th Bargaining Meeting with Employer here
Instructions for registration:
Members will enter their employee number in order to have their membership confirmed. This information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone. If you do not know your employee number, click here for instructions.
After registering, members will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you are experiencing any issues, please get in touch with the Bargaining Team
Bargaining Team Update – November 23rd Bargaining Team Meeting
The CUPE 3903 Bargaining Team met on Monday, November 23rd. Thanks to the rank-and-file members and members of the Executive Committee who joined our meeting.
At the last meeting with the Employer, held on Monday November 16th, the Employer presented the Bargaining Team with unit-specific proposals to “roll over” the existing Collective Agreements for 3 years (until August 31, 2023) with minor changes. Members can see the Employer’s framework of proposals here.
The Bargaining Team members evaluated the extension frameworks for each unit, and continued discussing strategy, prepared for the upcoming Unit 2 Town Hall and the bargaining meeting with the Employer on November 25th.
Two Vacancies on Communications Committee
Two vacancies have opened up on the Communications Committee. Details of the committee can be found here.
Members who wish to nominate themselves should do so by emailing Stacey Berquist, VP Unit 1, by December 8th.