
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Holiday Wishes

CASE
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
RALLY IN SUPPORT OF A COALITION GOVERNMENT
The MC for the event will be Mary Walsh. Stephane Dion and Jack Layton will also be speaking.
The rally is in support of a Coalition Government. The Canadian Labour Congress and OSSTF are in strong support of this event. This is our chance to make history.
Join your OSSTF colleagues in sending a message that we want real change for Canada!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Attention: Occasional Teachers
If you did not teach in the month of October you would have received a separate pay stub indicating the $25 pay. Unfortunately, the Board would have erroneously also deducted the $11 levy for that month even though you did not work. You are entitled to a rebate of the $11 but it must be from the District 21 Office NOT the Board (since the Board has already rebated that money to the District Office). In order to get your rebate you must take your Nov. 15th pay stub to the District Office (1423 Upper Ottawa) and fill out a voucher. The rebate will then be mailed out to you in due time.
Remember, this only applies to those Occasional Teachers who did not work the month of October but received $25 from the Board and were deducted an $11 levy fee for that month.
Brian Radke
Occasional Teachers' President
OCTU Collective Agreement Ratified
If you need any clarification on the new agreement please feel free to call me at the office.
I would like to thank all of you for the support you have given the team throughout these negotiations.
Sincerely,
Mary Lou
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
TEACHERS GIVE THEIR NEGOTIATING TEAM STRONG STRIKE MANDATE
Hamilton, ON—November 27, 2008
On Wednesday, November 26th, public secondary school teachers in Hamilton-Wentworth, OSSTF District 21 provided their negotiations team with an overwhelming mandate of 93% in favour of a strike.
“It is clear from the membership that strips to their collective agreement are unacceptable,” said Carl Chopp, Chief Negotiator. “Teachers know that good working conditions translate into positive learning conditions for students.”
Any negotiated Provincial frameworks that are reached with the Ontario government will determine teacher salaries and the length of their collective agreement. The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board must be prepared to negotiate the remainder of the collective agreement.
“Our team hopes to continue negotiations with the Board in an attempt to reach a fair collective agreement. We are committed to doing so in order to avoid job action and disruption to our learning communities,” stated Chantal Mancini, President.
Contact:
Chantal Mancini, President
OSSTF District 21 Hamilton-Wentworth
osstf21pres@quickclic.net
905-574-8285
PSSP Contract Ratification Meeting
Monday, November 24, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT RE: HWDSB PRESS RELEASE ON NEGOTIATIONS
Members may have read or viewed media reports on negotiations taken from a HWDSB press release issued on late Friday.
It is unfortunate that the Board has released these statements considering they have been unwilling to discuss any monetary items.
OSSTF District 21 Teachers’ Unit will continue to work with the Board towards a fair local deal that protects our members’ working conditions and professionalism. Note that discussions between our provincial organization and the
District 21 will be issuing a press release following our strike vote on Wednesday.
Yours in solidarity,
Chantal Mancini
President, Teachers' Bargaining Unit
Friday, November 14, 2008
Teachers' Unit - Negotiations Updates

For the past week and next week Chantal, Carl and Anthony will be getting out to all schools to discuss the latest updates with negotiations. Ask your Branch President when we'll be getting to your school if we haven't got there yet.
There is a mass meeting on Tuesday, November 25 at Marquis Gardens (1050 Rymal Road East) at 3:45pm. We encourage all members to attend and support your table team when they return to the bargaining table. PLEASE NOTE THAT MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO BRING CHILDREN SHOULD THEY NEED TO DO SO. While we cannot provide supervision for children, they are welcome to attend.
If you have any questions about these timelines, or any other concerns about ongoing negotiations, please call the District Office 905-574-8285.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
All Teachers - Important Vote Next Week
Our Provincial Executive has directed all Teacher/Occasional Teacher bargaining units to vote on whether or not they wish to have OSSTF Provincial Executive enter into Provincial Negotiations with the Ontario Government. All members who are members of the Teachers’ Bargaining Unit are eligible to vote. This includes all long and short-term Occasional Teachers. This vote will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2008.
Your school will receive a package including letters for each member and ballots for the vote. Read the enclosed letter well in advance of the vote so that you are able to consider the issues involved and ask any questions you may have. Occasional Teachers will have been mailed their letters individually.
Your Branch Executive should arrange to have the voting poll open during all lunch periods on November 6, 2008. Teachers may vote during any unassigned time so your Branch Executive may also wish to keep the poll open during the morning periods but this is optional.
Members are on leave should vote at your school. Other members who work at Community Facilities, other HWDSB sites, or Alternative Education sites may vote at the closest secondary school. Results of the vote will be shared with Branch Presidents at our Branch Training the following day.
NOTE:
1) All eligible Long-Term and Short-Term Occasional Teachers who are currently on assignment at a school on the day of the vote may cast their ballot at their school/site. Those who are not currently on assignment may vote at the OSSTF District 21 Office.
2) Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at the Education Centre will vote at Sir John A. Macdonald between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm.
3) Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at the James Street Alternative Education Centre will vote at the Alternative Education Centre.
4) Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at Crestwood will vote at Crestwood.
5)Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at the Detention Centre will vote at the Detention Centre.
6) Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at a Community Facility other than the Detention Center should vote at the nearest secondary school or the District 21 office.
7) Continuing Education Teachers who do not teach regular day school must vote at the District 21 Office, 1423 Upper Ottawa St. Unit 2 between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm.
8) All Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at other HWDSB sites (e.g. Memorial, Maple Lane, etc.) may vote at the closest school or at the District 21 Office.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR REQUIRE ASSISTANCE, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE DISTRICT 21 OFFICE AT 905-574-8285.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
All Members: Pregnancy/Parental Leave Workshop

Monday, October 27, 2008
Teachers & OCTU - Family Film Night
Thursday, October 23, 2008
WHMIS/OD
Monday, October 20, 2008
Occasional Staff - All Job Classes
Employees on mid-month will be paid - November 15, 2008
Employees on bi-weekly will be paid - October 30, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Teachers' Unit - TGIF

On October 24th, after what we're sure will be a long week and a tiring PD Day, you're invited out the year's first TGIF @ Frisco's on Upper James. Festivities will start at 3:00pm and go until about 6:00. Talk it up at school and join us for some Fall Friday decompression. Your Branch President will be hanging a couple of fliers to remind you.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Happy Long Weekend
Have a great long weekend. It's been a busy startup to this school year. You deserve the extra day to relax and recoup.
Start your December break countdowns next Tuesday.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Some sad news
Having taught with Dave for eight years at Hill Park, his dedication to his subject, his students, and his colleagues was always apparent, even through personal challenges.
We extend our warmest thoughts to Dave's family, friends, and the entire Hill Park community during this difficult time.
Friday, October 3, 2008
WORLD TEACHERS' DAY OCTOBER 5TH
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the
Education International (EI) jointly sponsor and promote World Teachers’ Day (WTD).
UNESCO inaugurated October 5th as World Teachers’ Day in 1993. WTD represents the
appreciation felt by the world body for the vital role played by teachers in education and in
national development. OSSTF/FEESO has supported World Teachers’ Day for many years with
a number of activities.
The main theme this year is “Teachers Matter.” The shortage of qualified teachers is considered to be one of the greatest obstacles to the provision of the United Nations’ goal of providing universal primary education by 2015. Since 2000, the international community has made solid progress toward this goal of “Education for All.” Enrolments have increased dramatically but a staggering 18 million more teachers are needed now if universal education is to be achieved. With this in mind, teachers’ unions throughout the world have focused their demands on increased professional training because – “Teachers Matter.”
Teachers indeed matter in District 21! Our members play a vital role in their schools, worksites, and in the community---and consequently in the lives of students. The celebration of World Teachers' Day acknowledges teachers' commitment to quality education, and the essential role of teachers right around the globe.
PENSION VOTE RESULTS
In Hamilton, District 21: 94% of our members voted that they did not endorse the the joint Government-OTF proposal to address the OTPP funding deficit.
Province-wide: 76.3% of our members voted in favour of endorsing the joint Government-OTF proposal to address the OTPP funding deficit. This gave a mandate to our 10 OTF Governors to endorse the plan.
On Monday, September 29th, the OTF Executive voted in favour of the joint Government-OTF Proposal.
We wish to thank our Branch Presidents and our members for ensuring that the majority of our members voted and made an informed choice.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
IMPORTANT PENSION PLAN VOTE
All members who pay into the Teachers’ Pension Plan are eligible to vote on the Ontario Teachers’ Federation/Ontario Government proposal to address the OTPP funding deficit. This vote will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2008.
1. All eligible Long-Term and Short-Term Occasional Teachers who are currently on assignment at a school on the day of the vote may cast their ballot at their school/site. Those who are not currently on assignment may vote at the OSSTF District 21 Office. (Note: Retired teachers who are currently in receipt of a teacher’s pension are not eligible to vote.)
2. Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at the Education Centre will vote at Sir John A. Macdonald between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm.
3. Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at the James Street Alternative Education Centre will vote at the Alternative Education Centre.
4. Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at Crestwood will vote at Crestwood.
5. Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at the Detention Centre will vote at the Detention Centre.
6. Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at a Community Facility other than the Detention Center should vote at the nearest secondary school or the District 21 office.
7. Continuing Education Teachers who do not teach regular day school must vote at the District 21 Office, 1423 Upper Ottawa St. Unit 2 between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm.
8. All Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at other HWDSB sites (e.g. Memorial, Maple Lane, etc.) may vote at the closest school or at the District 21 Office.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR REQUIRE ASSISTANCE, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE DISTRICT 21 OFFICE AT 905-574-8285.
WHMIS/CRIMINAL OFFENCE DECLARATION
WHMIS/CRIMINAL OFFENCE DECLARATION Compliance information was e-mailed to administrators and managers September 3rd, 2008. Please note the deadline for completion is OCTOBER 24, 2008. If your administrator/principal/manager has not given you the instructions for this process please contact them NOW to get the password so you can complete these documents. When you have completed the test, be sure to print off the documents which prove you have successfully completed the WHMIS/OFFENCE DECLARATION on time.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
What can we do about OTPP?
The issue of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan valuation was widely discussed at our Teachers' Unit Council this week. It has also been a topic of discussion at other committee meetings and during school visits. We hope that you have been following the issue through Provincial Office mailings, Insight 21, and this website. Members have strongly indicated to us that they wish to take local action on this issue.
You will soon be receiving lobby/petition sheets in your school that we would encourage all teachers to fill-in and sign. These sheets send a strong message to politicians that we are unhappy with current pension legislation and the conservative method used to valuate our pension plan.
All completed sheets will be hand-delivered to Ted McMeekin and Sophia Aggelonitis, Liberal Members of Provincial Parliament, on Tuesday, October 7th's OSSTF Lobby Day. In addition, your release time officers will be contacting local opposition party MPPs in order to bring the issue to their attention. Finally, if needed, we will be asking individual members to send emails to their local MPPs. This information, when needed, will be available in October.
We strongly urge you to stay informed and educated on this issue and encourage colleagues to fill in the sheets. It is essential that all teachers are aware that the future benefits and costs of their pension could be at stake.
Your Branch President will be asked to collect all sheets and return the package to the District Office on or before October 2nd. If you are unavailable at your school during the time period your Branch President is collecting these sheets, or if you are someone who is part of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and is retired, or not currently at a board worksite, you can download one here and drop off or mail it to the District Office.
If you require further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at 905-574-8285.
Yours in federation,
Chantal Mancini, President
Anthony Marco, 1st Vice President
Carl Chopp, Chief Negotiator
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Website Update
If there is something else you would like a link to in that column, please send an email with the information.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
WELCOME BACK!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Labour Day
We'll equip you with a new District 21 shirt and hat for the walk. Please feel free to bring your family - the more the merrier. The parade starts at York and Queen, up to Main Street, north on Bay back down to York and finishes at Dundurn Park. The walk usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. There will be speeches and a gathering at Dundurn Park for a time after the walk finishes. Afterwards, District 21 will be hosting its own gathering a short drive away (details and map to be distributed before the walk).
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
OCTU President's Vacation
I will be on vacation the week of August 11 - 15, 2008 and will return on Monday August 18, 2008.
I will be at Summer Leadership August 21 -22, 2008.
If you have an Emergency and need union assistance please feel free to call the Provincial Office at 1-800-267-7867.
Thank you,
Mary Lou
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Potential Teachers' Pension Plan Vote
Any decimal fluctuation in the Real Return Bond Rate greatly affects this projection and the projection is only made once every three years, at which point the future of the plan is either balanced, in surplus, or in deficit. When in deficit, as at January 1, 2008, choices must be made as to how to balance the plan.
The least attractive options to balance the pension include loss of future benefits and increased premiums. The most attractive option is to negotiate what's called a "discount rate" on the valuation formula which can turn a deficit to a balance or even a surplus.
Any such negotiaton includes several bodies including the provincial government and the Ontario Teachers' Federation (OSSTF, ETFO, OECTA, and AEFO). Only OSSTF has a safeguard vote to ensure members have a democratic voice in a negotiated settlement to balance the plan. That said, while we can direct OSSTF representatives how to vote, we do not hold a majority in the discussions.
While we hope it unnecessary, this background is all to help inform you of a potential OSSTF vote regarding a negotiated settlement to balance the plan. As with the horrible timing of a couple of years ago, we are only learning of the possible details of this vote near the end of the school year. The OTF meets during the summer, and wishes to resolve the situation at their meeting. Quite simply, you will largely be informed DIRECTLY FROM OSSTF PROVINCIAL OFFICE.
As per a memo received locally at 4pm on the second last day of our school year: "If you have any questions or concerns with respect to the voting procedure, please contact either Ruth Kirkham or Norm Uhrig at Provincial Office" (1-800-267-7867).
Monday, June 23, 2008
Teachers' Unit - Travelling Outside Ontario this Summer?

Thursday, June 19, 2008
Teachers' Unit - Summer Hours

Monday, June 16, 2008
OCTU 10 month employees
Mary Lou
Monday, June 9, 2008
All Units - New Website Feature
Just enter your e-mail address and respond to the confirmation e-mail when it is sent to you.
We would ask that you please endeavour to use a personal e-mail address and not one from work.
This new function will allow you to keep up-to-date on local OSSTF happenings even if you do not have time to check out the website on a regular basis.
We hope you find this feature useful, and we encourage you to ask other OSSTF members to "get fed" A.S.A.P.!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Teachers Unit - Branch Elections

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
OSSTF at Hamilton Pride
OSSTF has always held a firm belief in equity for our members and students. The District 21 Political Action Committee will have a table set up to promote the federation's beliefs of equity in education at the Hamilton Pride Festival at Pier 4 Park, from noon to 6pm, on Saturday, June 14th.We are looking for anyone interested in helping to staff the table at the park or carry an OSSTF flag at the preceding rally. If you are interested, please contact the District Office at 905-574-8285 to let us know if you are willing to help.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Teachers and Occasional Teachers - Mass Meeting
Please plan to attend a very important CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS INFORMATION MEETING on Thursday, June 5th, 2008 at 4pm.
Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre, 1555 Upper Ottawa Street
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Annual Family Picnic
The District 21 4th Annual Family Picnic will take place from 11am-3pm at Gage Park on June 1st. Thursday, May 8, 2008
Teachers' Unit - TGIF
All members are invited. Hill Park, Mountain, Westmount and Macnab... it's less than 10 minutes away... in fact, Sir John A. is less than 10 minutes away via the access. Start the countdown to semester's end by joining us.
Monday, May 5, 2008
International Day to End Homophobia
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
All Units - District 21 Retirement Reception
This location is across the road from the main Carmen's facility.
Make plans to come out and celebrate!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
OSSTF District 21 Member Receives Award
Congratulations Nathan from your colleagues in District 21.
Monday, April 21, 2008
EDUCATION WEEK
Education Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of our members to quality public education.
Some ideas for celebrating education with students can include the following:
--have students write essays or poems on the importance of education
--teach a class on the history of public education and the labour movement's contribution to it
--have students create artistic pieces on the theme OSSTF/FEESO Education: Ontario's Best Investment. What does a great education system look like? What does it consist of?
--have a penny drive for local charities.
For more information, visit www.ontariostudentsfirst.ca
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Teachers: Some Dates to Note...
April 17th - Teachers Annual General Meeting - 4:30pm
April 23rd - Pension Workshop (the second coming) - 4pm
April 24th - Social Justice Film Festival Night 1 - "Sir! No Sir!" - 7pm
April 25th - An Enchanted Family Film Night - 6:30pm
April 30th - Credit Integrity Panel Discussion - 7pm
May 1st - Social Justice Film Festival Night 2 - "It's a Free World" - 7pm
May 8th - Parental Leave Workshop - 4pm
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Employee Satisfaction Survey
From: All District 21 OSSTF Bargaining Unit Presidents
Re: Employee Satisfaction and Health Survey
April 2, 2008
Dear Member:
You may recall that some time ago, we communicated to our members that they should not fill out the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board ‘s Employee Satisfaction and Health Survey. We have serious concerns with this survey that we have brought forth to the Board. We had hoped that the Board would work with us to alleviate these concerns.
The Board has responded that they will not be altering this voluntary survey. Therefore, our position remains that members should not fill out this survey.
Our decision remains based upon our position that parts of the survey infringe upon the process of collective bargaining, by asking unionized employees to comment on their salary and benefits. We believe that this is the purview of our Chief Negotiators and Collective Bargaining Committees. This information is gathered by our Bargaining Units and presented to the Board during the negotiation process.
In addition, we remain unclear as to how the information gathered will be used, as most of the questions focus on an employee’s personal health and family situation, rather than on workplace and system factors.
Again, we are strongly advising that our members DO NOT take the survey, as it conflicts with our Collective Bargaining process. If you have any further questions, please contact your workplace OSSTF representative, or call your Bargaining Unit President.
Yours in Federation,
Chantal Mancini
President, Teachers Unit
Mary Lou Matteucci
President, OCTU
Susan Coleman
President, ESL Instructors
Susan Ham
President, PSSP
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Teachers' Unit Annual Meeting
Please come out and be a part of the decision-making for our unit, as well as elect your Teacher Executive. The Walter Clarke and Walter Lunn Awards will also be presented at this meeting.
The AGM is a great place to socialize with your colleagues from your own school and our District.
For more information, see your Branch President, or call the District Office at 905-574-8285.
How 2 Chair
The workshop will cover:
· setting an agenda
· setting positions of responsibility
· taking minutes
· dealing with motions
· receiving reports
· holding elections
This will be a whirlwind approach to chairing, but will hopefully impart some confidence in dealing with Branch and Unit meetings where positions are being decided for next year.
It would be preferable if you could call Joanne Stirling at the District Office: 905-574-8285 to sign-up, but feel free to come at the last minute if you are available.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Teachers - Out of Province Coverage for March Break
Your HWDSB Employee ID - check your paystub
Your Division Number - 102
Your Policy Number - 136993
Great West Life Phone - 1-800-957-9777 (Canada & US), 1-204-946-1190 (anywhere else)
You should also get in touch with Paul Baldwin, the HWDSB benefits officer for any major incidents that will go through the benefits plan. He can often act as an advocate with Great West Life to get problems cleared up. His number is 905-527-5092 X2666.
Have a great March Break!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Special March Dates
http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/iwd/index_e.html
March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Information to use with students and in worksites is provided by the Canadian government at
http://www.pch.gc.ca/march-21-mars/index_e.cfm
Friday, February 22, 2008
Teachers' Unit - TGIF
Special proximity notice... Ancaster, Highland, Parkside, Westdale!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Teachers' Pension Plan Workshop
Food will be available and Ruth will starting as early as possible to allow time for questions at the end.
If you cannot make it, please call Joanne Stirling at the office so that we can try to find a replacement.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Teachers - OTIP Special Enrollment
Forms must be in the office by 4:00pm on February 19th to qualify for this opportunity. If you submit a form with any of the questions answered YES, you will be sent a follow-up form that will need to be filled in and sent directly to OTIP ASAP.
If you miss this opportunity, you can still contact Anthony Marco at the District Office to get information on a longer, more detailed process for enrolling.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Financial Planning for Women
Black History Month
http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/multi/black-noir/index_e.cfm
Watch for events in the Hamilton Community, including the Annual Reverend John C. Holland Awards. For more information, visit www.johnhollandawards.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Teacher-Funded Leaves
WHMIS TRAINING DEADLINE
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Teachers' Unit - Pension Plan Workshop
If you happen to call and the workshop has hit its capacity, we will take names on a waiting list. Should the waiting list grow big enough, we will call Ruth and try to schedule a second workshop.
If you have signed up and subsequently find you cannot attend, please call Joanne in time for her to notify someone on the waiting list.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Teachers' Unit - TGIF
Come by after school and walk upstairs right inside the front door.
As always, we encourage new members to come out and enjoy some great food and great conversation.
If there are several members of your staff that go out on Fridays already, why not direct them to the TGIF? The more the merrier.

