COVID-19 Update

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March 13, 2020

Dear Members,

The Union and the University continue to monitor the development of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that members of the community are concerned, and we want to assure you that the Union, along with the University is actively planning for the possibility that the current pandemic may affect our work and activities here at U of T. 

Please note: Classes are cancelled as of Monday, March 16th, 2020 until April 3rd, 2020. 

However, university operations continue, and all three campuses will remain open.

Libraries, residences, food services, health & wellness centres, athletics and recreation facilities and other public spaces on all three campuses will remain open.

If you are sick:

We all have a role to play in limiting the spread of COVID-19. The University is asking that you stay home if you are sick.

The university has sent out its response to all union leadership, advising the following:

A temporary sick leave policy that will provide paid time off for casual or probationary employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. 

A telecommuting Guideline specifically developed for COVID-19 to provide a mechanism for employees who must work from home due to mandatory 14-day self-isolation after COVID-19 exposure, or for individuals who are immunocompromised. 

A self-declaration form that will allow employees to report a requirement for self-isolation due to COVID-19 exposure, or to request sick time following a diagnosis of COVID-19. Generally, doctor’s notes will not be required in support of these self-declarations, subject to some exceptions/limitations. 

You can find more information and links to resources on the University’s coronavirus page, including links to travel advisories and public health guidance on self-isolation. 

We appreciate the efforts of all members of the University of Toronto community as we work together to maintain a healthy environment on our campuses and preserve normal operations as much as possible. 

If you have any concerns, feel free to contact the union. 

Respectfully,

Allan James

President CUPE 3261

 

 

CUPE 3261 Christmas Parties!

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CUPE 3261 is hosting five (five!) Christmas parties for members this holiday season. This includes four dinner parties held at restaurants across the GTA, as well as our largest party held at the 89 Chestnut Ballroom on St. George campus. All CUPE 3261 members —  full-time, part-time, casual, and contract — across all 3 campuses and all 7 units are invited! (And yes it’s all free).

Members can each bring one guest, and are welcome to attend whichever party they wish (but only one!). You are not limited to the party advertised for your campus or unit. We especially encourage those who work outside of Toronto to join us at the St. George party on December 14th, which features a buffet dinner, cash bar, live DJ, dancing, and raffle prizes!

See below for details, and don’t forget to RSVP before the deadline for whichever party you choose. As with previous years, reserving your spot at the St. George party will also require submitting a cheque deposit which is returned to you upon arrival at the party (find the St. George RSVP form here).

UofT Press  FULL 
Shitake Sushi (4401 Highway 7 West, Woodbridge, ON L4L 9A9)
Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 @ 7:30pm – 9:30pm 
RSVP to Fernando Ogorek at 647-993-1071 (text or call) by November 13th.

Scarborough Campus
Franki Tomatto (7225 Woodbine Ave, Markham, ON L3R1A3)
Saturday, November 30th, 2019 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00pm
RSVP to Allan at service.workers@utoronto.ca by November 22nd.

Mississauga Campus
Tucker’s Marketplace (15 Carlson Ct, Etobicoke, ON M9W 6A2)
Saturday, December 7th, 2019 @ 7:30pm – 9:30pm
RSVP to Allan at service.workers@utoronto.ca by November 29th.

St. George Campus
Chestnut Residence & Conference Centre (89 Chestnut St, Toronto, ON M5G 1R1)
Saturday, December 14th, 2019 @ 7:00pm – 12:00am
RSVP forms are being distributed to workplaces, emailed, and are available online here. As with previous years, to prevent losses from non-attendance there is a $50 cheque deposit required (per person) that will be returned at the party. Completed forms with cheques may be given to a shop steward, mailed to the union office, or delivered to the office in person. Deadline to return forms is December 6th.

Faculty Club & 89 Chestnut
Dragon Pearl (865 York Mills Rd, Unit 2, North York ON M3B 1Y6)
Saturday, December 21, 2019 7:30pm – 10:30pm
RSVP to Tuan Vuong at tuanvuong@hotmail.com by December 6th.
(Please note: We won’t be able to be seated before 7:30PM)

Join us at our October General Membership Meeting!

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In two weeks time, on Saturday October 26th, our Local will be hosting one of it’s regular General Membership Meetings. These meetings occur only three times a year, and we encourage members across all campuses and all units to attend. They provide a great opportunity to hear about what’s new in our Union, discuss and vote on issues affecting members, and raise questions or concerns.

The meeting will take place on the St. George Campus on Saturday, October 26th from 10AM to 12PM at the Bahen Centre,* Room #1200 (40 St. George Street, Toronto).

* Note the change from our usual location at the Sanford Fleming Building. The Bahen Centre is located just once block to the west.

The agenda for this meeting will include:

  • Coffee and donuts!
  • Nominations for 2020 Bargaining Committee Positions: Full-time/Part-time worker from the St. George campus
  • Information on Christmas parties 
  • A report on the Union’s finances by our Secretary-Treasurer
We we hope to see you there, and stay tuned for details coming soon about our many campus Christmas parties taking place in November and December.