Eyes on Gaza

If you are experiencing backlash contact your steward, 1281 staff person and our co-lead stewards and find resources here.

 

Resources about current situation in Gaza that CUPE 1281 is following and have gathered for the membership.

An incomplete list of places to send support:

Take action

Other resources

 

Part-time Workers at Westerns’ University Student Council (USC) Win Seniority, Reimbursements for Personal Safety Equipment, Priority in Hiring and More

On Monday April 10th, the part-time workers of the productions department of Western’s University Student Council (USC), organized with CUPE 1281, ratified their first collective bargaining agreement winning them wage increases, compensation for safety equipment and guaranteed paid safety training for all workers, amongst others.

“Our main motivation was ensuring worker safety,” says one of the worker organizers Praveena Saktikantan, whose job involves setting up for sometimes elaborate events like large campus concerts. “On two occasions, when proper safety protocols were not being followed, two different coworkers of mine endured injuries while working, leaving them with permanent health impacts.”

CUPE 1281’s newest members have a lot of important lessons on workplace organizing to contribute to the local. When a group of the workers at WUSC decided they wanted to unionize, they soon learned that organizing with their coworkers would not just be a matter of signing union authorization cards. “The biggest roadblock we had to get over was to convince our colleagues that no matter what job they are working and no matter how long they intend to work that job, their safety and long-term health had to take priority. A lot of my co-workers were not very invested in their workplace – it’s not a career-type job – but we had to educate each other that it only takes one event, one workplace accident, to affect you for the rest of your life, as it did for two of our members,” says worker organizer Madeleine Spezowka.

The unit is now celebrating their first set of wins, “I am most happy about getting a high rate for the reimbursement of steel toe boots. Most of our members could only afford poorly fitted ones at Walmart or would use a pair that had been abandoned by previous workers,” said Madeleine. And for Praveena, “To me our biggest win was wage progression, and being rewarded for our gained skills and extra work on the job as a result.” 

They are also looking forward to their next round of bargaining. Madeleine who has recently left the workplace said, “Going forward, I hope that they will be able to get more language around fair and equitable scheduling. That was a major point of contention during bargaining until the employer dropped it completely, and it will surely come up again during renewal.”

CUPE 1281 looks forward to supporting our new members at Western University Student Council to defend their gains and their union rights. “These workers have just done the hard part. What is left for us to do is to stay united as workers, educate each other on our gains and find support and solidarity at CUPE 1281. We are really happy to see young and more precarious part-time workers recognize their value and stand up to defend themselves in the workplace. Our local intends on continuing to support them in this endeavour. We will continue fighting for the working class” said CUPE 1281 president Moe Alqasem.

On reflection of the experience thus far, Praveena emphasizes a particular discovery that leaves her feeling hopeful. “Unionizing was at times a grueling process, but coming together with my coworkers and bargaining our collective agreement showed me that my coworkers and I care about each other a lot. With every proposal and counter proposal all of us on the bargaining committee thought a lot about the impacts on not just ourselves but our co-workers. In this way, it has been a very meaningful process to be a part of.”

 

Grassriots Workers Join CUPE 1281 After Winning Their Certification Fight!

CUPE 1281 is ecstatic to welcome Grassriots workers into our ranks. After three years of building support amongst their coworkers for unionizing, the non-profit marketing agency staff handily won their certification vote to unionize and are now getting ready to bargain their first contract.

Anna Lermer, Terra Gillespie and Joanna Adamiak, three staff-turned-organizers at Grassriots, all recognized there were issues at their workplace that warranted a response. “We came together in response to our fears about job security and pressures to hit productivity goals,” said Anna. Terra added, “With the culture of work shifting so quickly during the pandemic, it became clear that unionizing our workplace would give us all the tools and structure to navigate the ‘unprecedented’ times.”

From the beginning, organizing with their coworkers showed promising signs and impacts. “When my colleagues and I started having conversations we recognized a strong desire amongst ourselves to build collective power,” said Joanna. “The unionizing process helped us connect as a team and create a space to share concerns and support one another,” added Anna. 

Now they intend on exercising their rights and power as a union. “As a unionized workforce, we are looking to safeguard our current benefits, get a voice in shaping our contracts and ensure transparent and fair decision making from our management team through a collective agreement,” said Anna. In addition, Joanna finds confidence in their recent victory, “I am so proud of our organizing team! The fact that we had such a strong mandate to form a union speaks to our commitment to having a say about our working conditions.”

CUPE 1281 looks forward to supporting our new members at Grassriots in their efforts to build their union, collectively bargain with their employer and improve their conditions at work. “We are excited about the contributions the workers at Grassriots will make to our local, knowing our union grows stronger when our members are determined to fight for more. This is the time for CUPE 1281 to take charge in welcoming new workplaces and unionizing workers wherever we can,” said CUPE 1281 president Moe Alqasem.

 

CUPE 1281 is Hiring Two Positions!

CUPE Local 1281 IS SEEKING A STAFF REPRESENTATIVE and ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR/ASSISTANT STAFF REPRESENTATIVE

Administrative Coordinator/Assistant Staff Representative – Temporary Contract Position

WE ARE: CUPE 1281 is a chartered Local Union of the Canadian Union of Public Employees; a small grassroots Local that represents approximately 300 members with more than 46 separate collective agreements that govern workplace relations in 50 workplace locations. Our team includes one full-time staff representative, one part-time staff representative, one administrative coordinator/assistant staff representative, an eight-person elected executive, sub-local stewards, and member committees. We are dedicated to the promotion of social justice issues and advancing the rights of workers in a respectful, friendly and thoughtful workplace culture.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE: Has experience performing administrative tasks and a working knowledge of basic accounting principles, familiarity with the values and organizational structures of trade unions and is comfortable with membership outreach and communications.

SALARY: $27/hour. Benefits include: hybrid work and flexible hours, matching RRSP, professional development allowance, healthcare cost reimbursement, cell phone stipend and monthly work/travel stipend. This position is unionized under the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).

DURATION: This contract is to cover an employee on maternity leave for a period of up to 12 months with the possibility of extension.

HOURS OF WORK: 35 hours per week. Primarily daytime hours but with flexible scheduling, including some evening meetings.

LOCATION: Main office is located at 25 Wood St, in downtown Toronto. Position includes a balance of both remote and some in-office work as needed.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: The selected candidate must be able to perform in an inclusive manner to a diverse membership with accuracy and minimum supervision, the following duties, among others:

  • File notices to bargain and regularly update bargaining timeline calendar for the Local;
  • Send Ministry of Labour signed collective agreements and update collective agreements with newly agreed upon language;
  • Coordinate with Staff Representatives to ensure printing, signing, mailing and filing of collective agreements;
  • Maintain membership and steward list serves, as well as send members and stewards announcements, education opportunities, registration call‐outs, and other necessary alerts/information;
  • Coordinate with CUPE 1281 Secretary‐Treasurer to confirm or make member accommodation/travel bookings and process member reimbursements and per diems;
  • Maintain and regularly update membership mailing list and send new members membership package, add to mailing list and file signed letter of hire;
  • Respond to member inquiries and forward inquiries to the relevant Staff Representative or Executive member;
  • Respond to inquiries from CUPE National and coordinate the submitting of collective agreements and other materials to incoming staff reps;
  • Ensure delegate and member enrolment in conferences, conventions, labour councils and CUPE councils, fall/spring schools, and other educational opportunities;
  • Receive, deposit and record membership dues and dues forms;
  • Regularly follow up with sub‐units in arrears;
  • Receive, process and distribute incoming mail; review correspondence and refer to appropriate person or initiate reply as required; process outgoing mail and courier deliveries as required;
  • Maintain filing systems for dues and executive minutes, and various administrative files and order office supplies as required;
  • Book venues, catering and equipment for Stewards’ Council and Convention;
  • Create and track RSVP forms, quorums, and various materials for elections and dues updates in advance of Convention;
  • Coordinate Steward elections and send letters of Steward appointment to employers following ratification at Convention;
  • Provide transition/training support to Executive members after Convention each June/July;
  • Prepare dues report for Secretary‐Treasurer ahead of Stewards’ Council/Convention and collaborate with other executive members on office related/communication/other projects as required;
  • Work with Equity Officer to send solidarity donations to approved organizations;
  • Provide orientation support to newly hired CUPE 1281 staff or contract staff/bookkeepers;
  • Receive bills, invoices, expense forms and write cheques and Track monthly cheques in Excel form to submit to bookkeeper;
  • Attend member meetings or meetings with employer on behalf of, or with Staff Representative and in consultation with the Local President as needed;
  • Support Staff Representative in collective bargaining occasionally.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • We require post-secondary education or an equivalent combination of education and directly related work experience;
  • Experience with trade unions and social justice organizations is an asset;
  • Initiative in effectively establishing priorities and setting/meeting deadlines
  • Must be organized and capable of completing tasks with a high degree of accuracy
  • The ability to work independently, with minimal supervision;
  • Experience working with a variety of computer software applications, including Google Suite, Zoom, Quickbooks, Excel, Word.
  • Familiarity with social media tools, including Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and WordPress an asset
  • the ability to ensure that communications and membership outreach are inclusive to the multiple needs of members;
  • Above average oral and written communication skills in the English language.

CUPE Local 1281 is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workspace. As part of our commitment to employment equity, CUPE 1281 encourages applications from qualified members of five designated groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized people and LGBTQ2+ people.

Deadline for Applications: Monday October 10th, 12pm, 2022

Interviews: To be held remotely between Oct 17th-Oct 21st.

Estimated Start Date: Monday Oct 31st

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit (via email) a cover letter and resume in a single PDF document to the attention of the 1281 Hiring Committee at cupe1281@gmail.com 

Please no inquiries or phone calls. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a remote online interview. Once we contact you, we welcome your questions during the interview process.

Full-Time Staff Representative

WE ARE: CUPE 1281 is a chartered Local Union of the Canadian Union of Public Employees; a small grassroots Local that represents approximately 300 members with more than 46 separate collective agreements that govern workplace relations in 50 workplace locations. Our team includes one full-time staff representative, one part-time staff representative, one administrative coordinator/assistant staff representative, an eight-person elected executive, sub-local stewards, and member committees. We are dedicated to the promotion of social justice issues and advancing the rights of workers in a respectful, friendly and thoughtful workplace culture.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE: You are experienced labour relations professional, believe in the principles of progressive trade unionism and social justice, and want to join us in promoting these values in the workplace and in broader society.

SALARY: $37/hour. Benefits include: hybrid work and flexible hours, matching RRSP, professional development allowance, healthcare cost reimbursement, cell phone stipend and monthly work/travel stipend. This position is unionized under the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).

DURATION: This is a full-time permanent position.

HOURS OF WORK: 35 hours per week. Primarily daytime hours but with flexible scheduling, including some evening meetings and occasional travel.

LOCATION: Main office is located at 25 Wood St, in downtown Toronto. Position includes a balance of both remote and some in-office work as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

The selected candidate must be able to perform the following duties and other related duties:

  1. Membership Service: The Staff Representative is a resource person and advisor for members with work related problems. In this regard, the Staff Representative shall a) provide assistance and accurate advice with grievances and discipline; b) advise members as to their rights and obligations under relevant legislation and regulations, the Collective Agreement, CUPE National Constitution and the Local’s By-laws.
  2. Grievances, representation, arbitrations, and other legal matters: The Staff Representative advises and represents members; investigates, prepares, presents and represents members in grievances with the assistance of Stewards and Executive officers; and assists with arbitrations, Labour Relations Board (or equivalent) proceedings and makes determinations on the merit and filing of grievances or resolving workplace/policy issues in alternative formats.
  3. Contract Negotiations: The Staff Representative is the Chief Negotiator for sub-local bargaining teams and is the lead for all tasks associated with contract negotiations, including research, drafting of contract proposals, bargaining, organizing around the bargaining process, conciliation, mediation, and preparation for job action.
  4. Resource to the Executive: The Staff Representative is a resource person and advisor to the local Executive and assists it in the carrying out of its duties. The Staff Representative will, unless otherwise advised, attend monthly Executive meetings, and shall report to the meeting, as deemed appropriate by the Executive. When requested, the Staff Representative shall attend membership and sub-local membership meetings, and Local committee meetings.
  5. External Liaison: The Staff Representative is a liaison between the Local and the Local’s Employers and other affiliated groups, including unions, associations, and students’ unions.
  6. Office Administration: The Staff Representative will aid the Local President, and Administrative Coordinator to ensure efficient operation of the Local’s Office in all administrative matters. The Staff Representative shall also assist in the training of the Assistant Staff Representative.
  7. It is understood that the emphasis placed on the tasks in this job description may vary from time to time based on the needs of the Local. Setting of priorities shall be done in consultation with the Part-Time Staff-Representative and the Local President.
  8. This job requires the employee to travel to different parts of the province, and to work evenings and the occasional weekend as required and agreed to. The workspace is flexible and the office space available is sometimes shared.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Post-secondary education in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and directly related work experience in labour relations.
  • Experience with trade unions and small social justice organizations is required.
  • Direct experience in grievances, collective bargaining and other labour relations work including discipline, and membership representation.
  • Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines while working in a high-pressure work setting as demonstrated through experience in progressively responsible assignments.
  • Excellent relationship management skills, including listening, advocating, negotiating, advising and conflict resolution, and situation-appropriate assertiveness are required.
  • Understanding of collective bargaining, the Labour Relations Act, employment standards, workplace dynamics and the value of public services is required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of an anti-oppression framework and the ability to ensure communications and membership outreach are inclusive to the multiple needs of members
  • Initiative, demonstrated organizational abilities, a high degree of accuracy, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Above average oral and written communication skills in the English language
  • Experience working with a variety of computer software, such as Google Workspace, Zoom, Word.

CUPE Local 1281 is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workspace. As part of our commitment to employment equity, CUPE 1281 encourages applications from qualified members of five designated groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized people and LGBTQ2+ people.

Deadline for Applications: 12pm on Monday October 24th, 2022

Interviews: To be scheduled remotely

Estimated Start Date: Flexible

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit (via email) a cover letter and resume in a single PDF document to the attention of the 1281 Hiring Committee at cupe1281@gmail.com 

Please no inquiries or phone calls. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a remote online interview. Once we contact you, we welcome your questions during the interview process.

CUPE 1281 Convention

Our annual CUPE 1281 Convention is being held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 10 am to 5 pm. Register now to attend Convention. 

At Convention, we hold elections for Executive Officers and delegates, accept the Trustees’ Report, adopt the budget, provide sub-unit updates, and plan important initiatives to guide our upcoming year. It’s our most important meeting of the year, and we really hope that you can make it!

Location

This year, we will be having a hybrid meeting. Attendees will be welcome to attend in-person or online via Zoom. Please let us know if you require support or funding for travel and accommodations. 

In-person: Workers’ Action Centre, 720 Spadina Ave., Suite 223, Toronto, ON

Online: Zoom link to be sent to registrants

Attendance

All CUPE 1281 members are encouraged to attend Convention, but only some members can vote on motions.

Each sub-local delegation shall consist of voting delegates elected from the membership. One voting delegate will be the workplace steward and the other(s) according to the following allowance (where “PBU” means ‘Position in the Bargaining Unit’): 

  • 1 to 5 PBUs 1 delegate 
  • 6 to 10 PBUs 2 delegates 
  • 11 to 20 PBUs 3 delegates 
  • 21 to 40 PBUs 4 delegates 
  • 41 to 80 PBUs 5 delegates 
  • 80 + PBUs 6 delegates

Register now to attend! 

Delegate Reports

All delegates elected to committees, labour and CUPE councils, or any conference or convention must submit a written report about the previous year to admin@cupe1281.ca by June 8, 2022.

Elections

We encourage members to run for executive, trustee, and delegate positions (for CUPE and district councils, committees, conferences and conventions). If you cannot make it to Convention and want to put your name forward, please email admin@cupe1281.ca. 

Sub-units must run their annual Steward elections before Convention. If you have questions or need support coordinating your steward elections, please email admin@cupe1281.ca. 

Accessibility

If you require any accessibility accommodations to ensure your participation, please email Nadia Kanani at equity@cupe1281.ca by Wednesday, June 8. The Zoom portion of the meeting will be auto-closed captioned, and we can provide live captions and ASL upon request. In addition, delegates can submit childcare expenses for reimbursement.

If you have questions or concerns, you can reference our By-Laws, Article VI Convention, or email Alannah at admin@cupe1281.ca. 

CUPE 1281 Convention

The CUPE 1281 Convention will take place on Monday, July 12, 2021 from 10 am to 5 pm on Zoom.

Who can attend the CUPE 1281 Convention?

Each sub-unit delegation consists of the sub-unit delegates elected from among the membership of the sub-unit. One delegate position is held by the Steward, and the others are determined according to the PBUs (number of positions in the bargaining unit ). Please see below for how many delegates your sub-unit is permitted to bring.

1-5 PBUs = 1 delegate
6-10 PBUs = 2 delegates
11-20 PBUs = 3 delegates
21-40 PBUs = 4 delegates
41-80 PBUs = 5 delegates
Sub-locals with 80 PBUs or more are entitled to 6 delegates

Example: if your sub-unit has 15 members total (including the Steward), you are entitled to your Steward’s attendance plus 3 additional delegates, i.e. your total voting delegation will consist of 4 people.

What elections and appointments will take place at the CUPE 1281 Convention?

CUPE 1281 Executive positions

  • President
  • Vice-President
  • Secretary-Treasurer
  • Recording Secretary
  • Two (2) Co-chief stewards
  • Communications Officer
  • Equity Officer

CUPE 1281 Committees

  • Membership Committee
  • Governance Committee
  • Organizing Committee

CUPE 1281 Trustees

  • Trustee (Three-year position)
  • Trustee (Two-year position)
  • Trustee (One-year position)

CUPE 1281 Labour Council and CUPE Council Delegates

  • Toronto & York Region Labour Council (1 positions)
  • Ottawa District Labour Council (2 positions)
  • Hamilton District Labour Council (2 positions)
  • Peterborough District Labour Council (3 positions)
  • Guelph District Labour Council (3 positions)
  • Waterloo Regional Labour Council (1 position)
  • St. John’s Labour Council (1 position)
  • Kingston District Labour Council (1 position)
  • Windsor District Labour Council (1 position)
  • Peel Regional District Council (1 position)
  • Central Western Ontario District CUPE Council (Guelph and Waterloo) (2 delegates + 1 alternate)
  • Eastern Great Lakes District CUPE Council (Kingston) (4 delegates, unlimited alternates)
  • Durham Region Labour Council (2 positions + 2 alternates)
  • Halifax-Dartmouth District Labour Council (3 positions)
  • Toronto District CUPE Council (4 positions)
  • Ottawa District CUPE Council (4 positions)
  • Hamilton District CUPE Council (President + 3 delegates + 4 alternates)
  • Windsor District CUPE Council (2 positions)
  • Durham & Northumberland CUPE Council (4 positions, unlimited alternates)
  • Niagara District CUPE Council (2 delegates)
  • Region of Peel CUPE Council (3 delegates)

CUPE 1281 is hiring a Full-time Permanent Administrative Coordinator/Assistant Staff Representative

CUPE Local 1281 IS SEEKING A UNION STAFF REPRESENTATIVE

FULL-TIME PERMANENT POSITION

CUPE 1281 is a chartered Local Union of the Canadian Union of Public Employees; a small grassroots Local that represents approximately 300 members with more than 46 separate collective agreements that govern workplace relations in 50 workplace locations. The office is located in downtown Toronto and this position may require occasional travel. This is a permanent position, and not a temporary contract.

Applicants must have a very good knowledge of unions, administrative work and financial systems. The position will primarily focus on administrative tasks while assisting with membership outreach, communications and financial matters. There is also potential for the Administrative Coordinator/Assistant Staff Representative to increase their knowledge in this position by taking training courses and being mentored by CUPE 1281 Staff Representatives.

Currently, the CUPE 1281 office is closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and staff are working remotely. Once Toronto Public Health has determined it is safe to do so, staff will have the opportunity to work inside the CUPE 1281 office.

Salary: $25/hour with a flexible Monday to Friday 30 hour work week, plus RSP contributions and healthcare cost reimbursement.

REQUIREMENTS:

The selected candidate must be able to perform in an inclusive manner to a diverse membership

with accuracy and minimum supervision, the following duties, among others:

● File notices to bargain and regularly update bargaining timeline calendar for the Local;

● Send Ministry of Labour signed collective agreements and update collective agreements with newly agreed upon language;

● Coordinate with Staff Representatives to ensure printing, signing, mailing and filing of collective agreements;

● Maintain membership and steward list serves, as well as send members and stewards announcements, education opportunities, registration call-outs, and other necessary alerts/information;

● Coordinate with CUPE 1281 Secretary-Treasurer to confirm or make member accommodation/travel bookings and process member reimbursements and per diems;

● Maintain and regularly update membership mailing list and send new members membership package, add to mailing list and file signed letter of hire;

● Respond to member inquiries and forward inquiries to the relevant Staff Representative or Executive member;

● Respond to inquiries from CUPE National and coordinate the submitting of collective agreements and other materials to incoming staff reps;

● Ensure delegate and member enrolment in conferences, conventions, labour councils and CUPE councils, fall/spring schools, and other educational opportunities;

● Receive, deposit and record membership dues and dues forms;

● Regularly follow up with sub-units in arrears;

● Receive, process and distribute incoming mail; review correspondence and refer to appropriate person or initiate reply as required; process outgoing mail and courier deliveries as required;

● Maintain filing systems for dues and executive minutes, and various administrative files and order office supplies as required;

● Book venues, catering and equipment for Stewards’ Council and Convention;

● Create and track RSVP forms, quorums, and various materials for elections and dues updates in advance of Convention;

● Coordinate Steward elections and send letters of Steward appointment to employers following ratification at Convention;

● Provide transition/training support to Executive members after Convention each June/July;

● Prepare dues report for Secretary-Treasurer ahead of Stewards’ Council/Convention and collaborate with other executive members on office related/communication/other projects as required;

● Work with Equity Officer to send solidarity donations to approved organizations;

● Provide orientation support to newly hired CUPE 1281 staff or contract staff/bookkeepers;

● Receive bills, invoices, expense forms and write cheques and Track monthly cheques in Excel form to submit to bookkeeper;

● Attend member meetings or meetings with employer on behalf of, or with Staff Representative and in consultation with the Local President as needed;

● Support Staff Representative in collective bargaining occasionally.

QUALIFICATIONS

● We require post-secondary education in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and directly-related work experience;

● Experience with trade unions and small social justice organizations is a must;

● Demonstrated experience and ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines while working in a high-pressure work setting;

● Must have the ability to work independently, set and meet deadlines with minimal supervision;

● Experience working with a variety of computer software applications and advanced word and data base processing skills are essential;

● Demonstrated knowledge of an anti-oppression framework and the ability to ensure communications and membership outreach are inclusive to the multiple needs of members;

● Initiative, demonstrated organizational abilities, a high degree of accuracy, and the ability to work with a minimum of supervision;

● Above average oral and written communication skills in the English language.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Application deadline: June 4 at 11:59 pm via email to cupe1281job@gmail.com.

A completed application for this posting will include a cover letter and resume.

CUPE Local 1281 is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, racialized people and 2SLGBTTIQ* people.

This position is unionized with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).

You can view the Administrative Coordinator/Assistant Staff Representative job posting in PDF format here.

Justice for Aimé Avolonto – Letter of Support and Draft Motion

CUPE 1281 in Solidarity with Professor Aimé Avolonto

The Canadian Union of Public Employees local 1281 is furious and outraged at the York University administration for perpetuating anti-Black racism by continuing to harass and attempting to fire Professor Aimé Avolonto. Professor Avolonto is a Black professor and former Chair of the French Studies Department at York University.

Professor Avolonto has been maliciously targeted by the York University administration after he has spoken up about his horrifying experiences of anti-Black racism on the York University campus. Professor Avolonto has documented his experiences of anti-Black racism through filing a formal complaint with York University in 2017, being featured in CBC’s Fifth Estate investigative documentary Black On Campus, through his full-length online essay Letter from a Black Colleague and through a virtual press conference.

York University loves to pride itself on diversity, equity, inclusion, and “anti-racism” initiatives. While York University continues this facade and its history of racist violence, the labour movement and community members must hold York University accountable and continue to show solidarity with Professor Avolonto. Professor Avolonto is a courageous, compassionate and admirable person that deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Systemic and institutionalized anti-Black racism has a long history on our university and college campuses. The student and faculty strikes for racial justice last fall brought to fore the ugly reality of ongoing racism experienced by Black, Indigenous and racialized faculty, staff and students on campus.

As the union representing many workers on campuses, CUPE 1281 is proud to be in solidarity with Professor Avolonto and joins the Justice for Aimé Avolonto campaign that has been organized by a network of students, labour activists and community members. Supporters include; the York Federation of Students, which represents over 50,000 undergraduate students at York University, the York University Graduate Students’ Association, which represents graduate students on campus, and over 22,000 people that have signed the online change.org petition calling for Justice for Professor Aimé Avolonto.

Anti-Black racism is a workplace issue, and CUPE 1281 encourages the labour movement to join the call for justice by sharing the campaign and petition online, by passing a motion at their local union’s next meeting in support of Aimé Avolonto and by issuing a public solidarity statement.

Justice for Aimé Avolonto Draft Motion

Whereas anti-Black racism is a workplace issue that the labour movement strongly opposes and continues to fight back against; and

Whereas institutional anti-Black racism on the York University campus is rampant, as demonstrated by the numerous complaints ly brought forward by Black students, faculty and staff; and

Whereas the York University administration is targeting, harassing and attempting to terminate Black French Studies Professor, Aimé Avolonto;

Be it resolved that [INSERT ORGANIZATION] express its full solidarity with Professor Avolonto’s fight against systemic anti-Black racism at York university;

Be it resolved that [INSERT ORGANIZATION] condemn the failure of President Rhonda Lenton and the York University administration to respond appropriately to Professor Avolonto’s complaints about anti-Black racism and condemn their attempts to cover up his complaints;

Be it further resolved that [INSERT ORGANIZATION] supports the Justice for Aimé Avolonto campaign and its demands which includes;

  • York University immediately ceases its termination procedures against Prof. Avolonto.
  • York University ends the arbitrary and punitive leave it has imposed on Prof. Avolonto since December 1, 2018, and facilitate his return to work, including the assignment of teaching responsibilities, with appropriate accommodations and interim measures for all parties.
  • York University takes all necessary steps to end the racist harassment and retaliation facing Prof. Avolonto.
    The investigation by Roger Beaudry be suspended indefinitely, and all fees paid to Roger Beaudry by York University be disclosed publicly.
  • York University President Rhonda Lenton, Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps, Senior Policy Advisor Barry Miller, and their designates immediately recuse themselves from the handling of Prof. Avolonto’s complaints and any other files related to Prof. Avolonto.
  • In consultation with Black community members at York University and external experts, an independent and external investigator, with lived experience of anti-Black racism and formal training or expertise in investigating anti-Black racism, be appointed to review the conduct of the investigator Roger Beaudry of Aptus Solutions and to develop, as above, the terms, conditions, and timeline of such a review.
  • The Minister of Colleges and Universities, the Hon. Ross Romano, commit the necessary resources for the aforementioned review to be conducted in a fair and timely manner and with the community’s confidence.

Be it further resolved that [INSERT ORGANIZATION] issues a solidarity statement in support of Professor Aimé Avolonto and publicly shares the online Justice for Aimé Avolonto campaign and petition with its members.

A PDF version of the statement of support and motion can be found here.

CUPE 1281 in solidarity with UNITE HERE Local 261

CUPE 1281 in solidarity with UNITE HERE Local 261!

We are calling on the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel to stop the termination of workers and guarantee that workers can return to their jobs. The pandemic has caused financial hardship to many workers and it is heartless for the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel to be terminating workers who have provided so much labour and profits for the hotel.

We encourage other labour unions to send the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel a letter demanding workers at UNITE HERE Local 261 can return to their jobs. Below please see our letter to the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel.

March 19, 2021

Ms. Yolaine Charette
General Manager
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel
150 Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G2

Dear Ms. Charette:

We are Local 1281 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees and we are writing to you in solidarity with the UNITE HERE Local 261 unionized workers at the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel. We ask that you act immediately to stop the termination of workers and guarantee that they can return to their jobs once business returns by extending recall rights.

It has come to our attention that, as of today, the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel and its’ ownership group, Keck Seng Investments, have chosen not to extend the recall rights of workers, but to begin terminations as early as this week. This will only cause long-standing workers who are already suffering financial losses, to lose even more. We do not condone the disposal of workers who have brought decades of economic gain to this hotel.

We urge you to reconsider your decision and extend the recall period for your workers, as the majority of unionized employers in Ottawa have already done. If steps are not taken to ensure jobs are protected by extending recall, we will not support your hotel when conditions improve and restrictions on travel activity ease.

We will look to send our business to other venues who treat their employees with a higher degree of respect and compassion, especially in the middle of a public health crisis.

Sincerely,

Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1281

You can view a PDF copy of the letter here.

Updated Request for Proposals: Anti-Oppression Consultancy/Equity Review

In November 2020, a request for proposals was circulated to the CUPE 1281 membership and the public seeking a consultant to undertake a structural and equity review of the organization. The initial contract amount for the consultant was up to $5000. After careful discussion with CUPE 1281 executives and staff it was decided that CUPE 1281 needs to increase the amount of funding allocated for this work to take place. On February 8, 2021, the CUPE 1281 executive committee voted in favour of increasing the contract amount up to a total of $10,000. Below are the updated details for the Request for Proposals: Anti-Oppression Consultancy/Equity Review.

BACKGROUND
As a progressively minded organization, CUPE 1281 is seeking to improve its practices as an Employer and Union, and to promote equity for marginalized groups within our communities. We seek to ensure these principles are reflected throughout the Local’s policies, procedures, practices, relationships with staff, members, allies, and communities within which we work and live. We understand the importance of working towards ending the mistreatment, oppression, and violence often targeted at marginalized groups. CUPE 1281 understands that racism against BIPOC, and oppression more generally, are systemic within our societies and our structures and, therefore, within CUPE 1281. We must continually review and question our practices and work to change the way we confront discrimination and bias, whether conscious or unconscious. We must confront and dismantle racism and oppression within our internal structures and provide a safer work, and union, environment.

GOALS
CUPE 1281 is seeking a consultant to undertake a structural assessment of the local, with a focus toward barriers for equity-seeking individuals, and to provide recommendations in regards, but not limited, to:

● the local’s current by-laws and related appendices;
● the local’s governing, and participatory, structures more specifically;
● the local’s policies and practices, as they currently exist, or may exist from time to time;
● the local’s current approach to its work as an Employer.
In addition to reviewing these items, we are looking for a consultant who will also undertake anonymous interviews with willing staff, executive officers, other elected members, and members at-large, to gather feedback based on their experiences within CUPE 1281 spaces. The consultant would also review email, text message and social media communication as deemed necessary.
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BUDGET AND OTHER PARAMETERS
CUPE 1281 is currently able to allocate $10,000 to this work. Our office is in Toronto, Ontario, but is currently closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, meetings would take place over Zoom or Google Meets. Should there be a need for travel and in-person meetings, this will be discussed and mutually agreed upon beforehand. Any in-person meetings must be fully compliant with public health guidelines and scientifically proven best practices.
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TIMELINE AND PROCESS
We welcome expressions of interest until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2021. We welcome any questions you may have prior to submitting an expression of interest. If you would be interested in undertaking this work, please provide an expression of interest that includes the following:
● Background on your related experience
● A description of your related area of expertise, methodologies, and approach(es) to the goals outlined;
● An approximate costing of the work involved.
CUPE 1281 would hope to receive a mid-term report with recommendations on interim measures that can be taken by June 1, 2021, with a final report timeline to be negotiated between the parties. Questions, queries, and expressions of interest may be sent to David Simao, President, at president@cupe1281.ca.
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You can view the PDF document of the updated Request for Proposals: Anti-Oppression Consultancy/Equity Review here.