The Varsity: “U of T must do better to support the lives and livelihoods of its workers during COVID-19”

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A wealthy, globally-ranked public institution that claims to be a model employer dedicated to advancing the public good must do better for all members of its community. The funds are available; what we need is leadership from the senior administration, with meaningful consultation from the staff, students, and faculty who are most affected. Now is the time for leadership to mobilize our institution’s wealth and influence — to protect lives and livelihoods, and to sustain the important role of every member of our tri-campus community through this crisis.

Read the article here: 

Op-ed: U of T must do better to support the lives and livelihoods of its workers during COVID-19

New Union Office Hours

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The CUPE 3261 office at 703 Spadina Ave. 2nd floor, will now have “office hours” every Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. 

As most members know, our full-time President Allan James works Monday to Friday from around 9:00am to 5:00pm. However, he may not always be at the office, or may be busy with other business or meetings. As a result, members have to set up an appointment if they want to directly meet with Allan. 

However, starting this week, the union will now be hosting a weekly office hours, where members can come to the office without appointment if they want to bring up any issues or concerns where they believe the union can help out. 

Because of COVID-19, we do encourage members to call or email Allan with your concerns. However, if you feel that an in-person meeting is necessary, you can call or email to set up an appointment, or utilize our new office hours and come in on Wednesdays between 1pm-3pm without appointment. 

As always, protective measures against COVID-19 are important, and we ask members to wear masks and maintain some distance from others when inside the office. 

 

COVID-19 Update – July 14, 2020

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Dear members,

The executive has distributed more than 650 reusable non-medical masks to workplaces across St. George, UTM and UTSC. We have few masks left at the office, and ask you to contact us directly if you still need one. We have another shipment coming in 2-3 weeks, and we’ll be able to provide extra masks to all members then. 

U of T has also began distributing two reusable masks to each staff member. Some members have received theirs, while others are still waiting. Every member should receive their U of T masks within the next few days. 

Did you know that you can insert filters into your CUPE mask for extra protection? You can use paper products like coffee filters, paper towels or toilet paper,  or cut out a piece of a HEPA filter, or simply use a soft, breathable fabric such as nylon, cotton, or linen. 

CUPE 3261 continues to actively coordinate with other unions on campus to ensure workers are protected. We are working with the university to make sure that unions like ours have a say in the re-opening of campus. This involves active participation in the health and safety policies being developed for September to ensure a smooth and safe return for students and staff to campus. 

For more information on how the university plans on reopening, please visit UTogether2020: A Roadmap for the University of Toronto

In terms of how September will look like, what we do know is that at this point, it is estimated that roughly 90% of undergraduate courses will be offered online, with around one third providing optional in-person components. A higher proportion of graduate courses will be offered in person due to smaller class sizes. 

An online form has been made available by U of T for those who have questions about what September will look like. You can submit your questions here: https://www.utoronto.ca/covid19-contact 

New Facebook Group

To facilitate better communication between members and the executive, we now have a new Facebook Group. Members are encouraged to join the group, where together we can have discussions, share resources, ask each other questions, share concerns, and receive updates from the executive.  

To join the group, visit the link here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cupe3261/ 

 

The Varsity: “U of T temporarily lays off scores of service workers amidst COVID-19 pandemic”

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“The reality is that workers were already suffering before the pandemic,” James wrote. “Now they are suffering more, and our future looks uncertain.” 

He urges all levels of government to address the bigger picture of income inequality and “invest in people, invest in strong public services, support decent work and fair minimum labor standards and focus on getting us through COVID and beyond without imposing any cuts or austerity policies.

– Allan James, CUPE 3261 President

See the article here:

U of T temporarily lays off scores of service workers amidst COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 Update: Contract Rollover and Masks

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Dear CUPE 3261 Members,
 
I am writing to thank those that joined the General Membership meeting with me on Saturday, June 27th, 2020.
 
During this difficult time that we are facing, I want everyone to know that we are in this together. I’ve heard some of your concerns and want to let you know that your union is listening. There are some things we still need to get through, but in the meantime, it is about sticking together as a union so we get through this together and become stronger!  
 
Recap what was discussed during the meeting — the employer had not yet agreed or disagreed on rolling over the contract for one year. The union’s position is that it is better to maintain the existing language and wait until things improve next year to resume negotiations. Another important requirement for us is to have the bridge maintained if the contract is rolled over.
 
We will let the membership know when the employer officially approves the rollover. We will organize a ratification vote for the membership to approve the rollover shortly after.
 
Masks
 
The union has received a large supply of reusable non-medical masks for all members. I have been visiting workplaces to distribute these masks. Please be patient with me while I continue delivering them. 
 
Since the masks are branded with the union logo, it is important you receive permission from your supervisor if you want to wear them at work.
 
Yesterday, the U of T administration sent out an email to all workers regarding a new mask policy. U of T has decided to follow in the footsteps of the City of Toronto’s recent by-law that mandates masks to be worn in all indoor public places starting July 7th, 2020. U of T will now require individuals to wear a mask or face covering when inside U of T buildings that are publicly accessible. 
 
To support this initiative, U of T will distribute two reusable, non-medical masks to every staff member. Details regarding their distribution will be released shortly. 
 
The overall new cases of COVID-19 in Ontario continues to fall everyday, and yesterday, for the first time in three months,  zero deaths were reported as a result of COVID-19. Meanwhile, nearly 87% of all COVID-19 cases in Ontario are now classified as ‘resolved’. This is good news for all our members and the province as a whole. As new cases dwindle, we can expect a further loosening of restrictions with a potential to enter Stage 3 this month, which would involve the reopening of nearly all workplaces and businesses.
 
However, we must continue our collective responsibility in limiting the spread of COVID-19. The virus is still here, and the potential for a second wave still exists. As a result, it is imperative we continue to practice the guidelines of health officials. This includes wearing masks, frequent hand washing, practicing physical distancing, avoiding large crowds, and staying home when sick. 
 

As always please stay safe and look out for one another.

 
Thank you,
Allan James
President, CUPE 3261
 
Masks can be picked up at the union office, located at 703 Spadina Ave, floor two. Email or call if you plan on grabbing one.

General Membership Meeting – June 27, 2020

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Hello CUPE 3261 members,

Our union’s next General Membership Meeting (GMM) will be held on Saturday, June 27th, 2020 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

To facilitate physical distancing, the meeting will be held online via Zoom. Zoom is an application that you can use on your phone or computer to connect live with others via webcam and/or microphone. You can download Zoom here for your computer, or search for it in your app store to download it on your phone.

In order to predict attendance and maintain security of the chat room, all members who plan on attending the online GMM must RSVP by registering below. All registrants will then receive the Zoom meeting ID and password by email.

RSVP Here

We know that there has been a lot of anxiety and uncertainty in the past few months, and with the continued lock down, we expect more uncertainty in the future. This GMM is an opportunity for you to learn more about what your union knows, and what we are doing to help protect the interests of workers, and to keep you safe and informed. It is also a good opportunity for you to speak up and share any issues or concerns you are having. We encourage all members to join us.

There is also no obligation to have your video or microphone on – you are welcome to sit and watch. A chat feature will allow you to type up any questions/concerns.

The GMM will also be opening nominations for two executive positions: President and Recording Secretary. To learn more about the positions and their responsibilities, you may consult the by-laws on our website here.

For those interested in running, you must be nominated during the meeting. If you are unable to attend, you can submit your name in writing (simply send us an email and let us know). If the positions are contested, the election will be held at the following GMM in October.

Hope to see you there! Email us at service.workers@utoronto.ca if you have any questions/concerns.

CUPE 3261 Executive

GMM Agenda

  1. Roll call of officers
  2. Reading of the Equality Statement
  3. Reading and approval of minutes of previous meeting
  4. Treasurer’s report and approving expenditures
  5. Executive Board report (Bargaining & COVID-19)
  6. Nominations for President and Recording Secretary
  7. Unfinished business 
  8. New Business
  9. Adjournment
Date: Saturday, June 27th 10:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Online via Zoom
 
RSVP Below

Standing Up Against Racial Injustice

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CUPE 3261 stands in solidarity with Black, Indigenous and People of Colour across Canada and the United States. As we’ve seen in the last week, millions of people have stood up to say enough is enough. Racial discrimination and police brutality are nothing new. These are issues that have been raised time after time for decades – yet little change has been made. 

In the US, we watched and continue to watch in horror as innocent black people are brutally murdered, from George Floyd, to Breonna Taylor, to Ahmaud Arbery, and in recent days, Jamel Floyd, Sean Monterrosa, and the life threatening attack on activist Justin Howell. 

Canada is not immune. The recent deaths of Regis Korchinski-Paquet in Toronto, Jason Collins and Eishia Husdon in Winnipeg, D’Andre Campbell in Brampton, and countless others across Canada shows that we cannot be silent. We have to stand together against white supremacy, demand police accountability, and fight for racial justice. 

We must end racial profiling and the over-policing and incarceration of Black, Brown and Indigenous people. We must demand an independent inquiry into the death of Regis Korchisnki-Paquet. We must hold the police accountable for their actions. We must defund the police and invest in social services, education, housing and end economic insecurity. We can’t keep sitting on the sidelines.

Pretty words are not enough. We, together as a society, must do more. We need to support our black brothers and sisters. We must hold difficult conversations with our family and friends. We must demand concrete action from our politicians. We must confront systemic racism and the oppression it enables. And we must always be listening, learning, and reflecting. 

Silence is not an option.

PETITIONS:

If you are able, please consider donating. Donations provide material support to organizations doing important work, and can make a huge difference. CUPE 3261 will also be donating $200 to Black Lives Matter Toronto to support the amazing work they are doing. (Higher donations require membership approval, but we hope to bring it up in the next GMM)

DONATE: 

Find out more how you can help black folks and support anti-racist initiatives by visiting   https://www.refinery29.com/en-ca/2020/06/9851684/black-lives-matter-how-to-help-donate-support

and 

https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/?fbclid=IwAR35cmZyUhYF-IpkfSjiFUkZ7D9fRRIii-kWolKgzw3JG5V0UueABefoBLw

and if you want advice on how to have a conversation, please consult this article:

How to Talk to Relatives Who Care More About Looting Than Black Lives