Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Holiday Wishes


Best wishes to all of our members and their families for a safe, restful and happy holiday season. See you in the new year!


CASE

All teacher and support staff members of District 21 are strongly urged to contact the District 21 Office should they be called to a CASE meeting by their supervisor. It is important that members receive advice on their rights from OSSTF prior to attending any such meeting.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

RALLY IN SUPPORT OF A COALITION GOVERNMENT

District 21 members are invited to attend a mass rally at noon on Saturday, December 6th at Nathan Phillips Square (City Hall) in Toronto.

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 completed your WHIMIS Training then you are entitled to a payment of $25 since you had to do it on your own time. The HWDSB should have paid you the $25 on your Nov. 15th pay stub (if you taught during the month of October).

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

Just a quick note to inform those of you who could not attend the ratification meeting last night that we ratified the new collective agreement with an overwhelming vote in favour.
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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


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

The PSSP unit has reached a tentative agreement. 

Information about the agreement and a ratification vote will occur at the District Office next Monday, December 1st at 4pm. All PSSP members are asked to attend.

Monday, November 24, 2008

To All OCTU Members:

Just a reminder of the Ratification Meeting on Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 4:45 p.m. at Piazza Banquet Centre, 230 Anchor Road (across from Carmens).

Mary Lou

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 Ontario government also remain ongoing.


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

contract

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING VOTE TO RETURN TO A PROVINCIAL DISCUSSION TABLE (PDT)

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

The Status of Women Committee is hosting a semester one "Pregnancy and Parental Leaves Workshop" for members of District 21 on Thursday, November 13th at 4:30pm.

The workshop will be presented at the District 21 office (1423 Upper Ottawa Street) and will include a light supper and beverages.

Please call Joanne at 905-574-8285 to confirm participation in advance. Spaces are limited. If you cannot come at the last minute, please let us know so that we can call any people on a waiting list

Monday, October 27, 2008

Teachers & OCTU - Family Film Night

Friday, November 14th, 7pm at the District Office on 1423 Upper Ottawa Street. Please give a quick call to 905-574-8285 to give us an idea of numbers for food and drinks. You are welcome to come even if you don't call in advance... also, if you just enjoy family films, but don't have a family yet.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

WHMIS/OD

Just a reminder to all Permanent Members to complete your WHMIS/OD by tomorrow - Friday, October 24, 2008.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Occasional Staff - All Job Classes

Please note that occasional staff members will received their WHMIS payment as follows:

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

To all members and families of OSSTF District 21:

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

At the OSSTF office, we were saddened to learn of the passing of one of our members: Dave Elliott. After teaching early in his career at Glendale, Dave returned to Hill Park, the high school he graduated from years earlier, to teach math for the remainder of his 25 year career. Always a dedicated teacher and alum of Hill Park, Dave spent much of his time, in recent years, fundraising for various charities including the annual Terry Fox events and regular runs and walks for cancer research.

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

HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS' DAY!

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

PENSION VOTE FOLLOW-UP

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

PENSION PLAN VOTE TO TAKE PLACE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2008


Pension Plan Vote Procedures


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.
Your Branch President has been provided with ballots and instructions to conduct the vote.
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. (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

Attention: Permanent OCTU Staff Members

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?

Dear Colleagues:

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

Over on the right side of the page you'll now find a linked resource section. Included are links to pieces of legislation on education, health and safety, and pensions.

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!

Welcome back to a new school year to all of our members. We wish everyone a smooth startup. We look forward to serving the members of District 21 in the 2008/2009 school year.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Labour Day 2008

Thanks to everyone who came to walk the route with District 21!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Labour Day

All OSSTF members (especially our newest members) are invited to walk with District 21 on Labour Day. The parade starts at 10:30am and you can show up any time after 9:45 on York Blvd. between Queen and Ray Streets. Look for the OSSTF flags!

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 July 28 - August 1, 2008 and will return on Tuesday August 5, 2008.
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

Our provincial organization has a bylaw that requires a vote of our OTPP members if we agree to a negotiated settlement around our pension valuation. Quite simply, the valuation formula is based on best guesses about the future economy and the long-term viability of the plan to pay out members as far ahead as 70 years from now.

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?


Please record the following information and keep it with you if you are travelling out of Ontario during the summer:

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.

Wherever you are travelling this summer, be safe and have fun!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Teachers' Unit - Summer Hours


Please note that once school is out, the District Office is closed for the summer months.

Time-release officers work limited hours in the summer, and our Executive Assistant does not return until the last week of August.

This said, voicemail and email will be checked regularly in order to deal with emergencies. For other inquiries, there are links to our contract and our Benefits Cheat Sheet. Please check this website for any important updates. You can subscribe to an e-mail feed in the left column of this webpage. E-mail addresses are also linked under Unit Executive information on the left.

Monday, June 16, 2008

OCTU 10 month employees

Just a reminder to all 10 month employees, your official last day of work is June 30, 2008. The June 27 and 30 Board designated holidays are for teaching staff only.

Mary Lou

Monday, June 9, 2008

All Units - New Website Feature

On the left side of the page (scroll way down below the Unit and District Executives) you'll now find a simple form to subscribe to the updated content on the District 21 website via an e-mail "feed".

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


Hopefully your school has either completed or is well into the planning stages for your branch elections. While it would be great for your school to be able to fill up every committee representative through branch elections, we understand this is not always possible.

If you are a teacher that would like to get involved in OSSTF, this is the time! We have committees that meet as little as two times a year, yet are essential to maintain the services we offer to our teachers across the city. Other committees meet monthly and each fulfills key elements vital to our organization.

Branch Presidents, we would encourage you to get updated lists for 08-09 into the office as soon as possible. We would like to know of any Branch or Deputy Branch President that may not be back at council next year. We would also like to invite any incoming Branch Presidents to June Council.

Even if your lists are incomplete after elections, please fax them to Joanne at the District Office with as much information as you have. You can always update them as people decide to fill in other positions.

Teachers, thank the OSSTF branch representatives in your school for the great job they do on your behalf!

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


IMPORTANT NOTICE for all OSSTF District 21 Teachers and Occasional Teachers!

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.

We usually set up flags and tables within 100 yards of the Lawrence Rd. parking lot. There will be food and soft drinks provided. This is a free event for OSSTF members and their families.

There will be activities and prizes for the children.

As we are in a municipal park, this is a non-licensed event. The picnic is not meant to be used as a drop-off centre for children. We do not provide daycare; you are expected to be present with your children at all times.

Please come out and help us countdown the last 4 weeks of the school year!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Teachers' Unit - TGIF

Teachers! ...please remember to come out to the TGIF @ Frisco's on Upper James on Friday the 9th after school.

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

May 17th is the International Day to End Homophobia. In celebration, the Well, Hamilton's first community space for the LGTBQ Community, is hosting an event at their new location on May 15th. For more information on this event, click on www.thewellhamilton.ca

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

All Units - District 21 Retirement Reception

All OSSTF District 21 members are invited to attend the 2008 Retirement Reception on Tuesday, June 3rd, 4-7pm at Carmen's Piazza, 230 Anchor Road.

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

OSSTF District 21 extends our congratulations to Nathan Tidridge, a teacher at Waterdown SS, for receiving the Premier's Award for Teaching Excellence Teacher of the Year Award. Nathan is described as a 'teacher, coach, mentor, role model and advocate'. To read more about Nathan, click on http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/teachingawards/bios2008.html

Congratulations Nathan from your colleagues in District 21.

Monday, April 21, 2008

EDUCATION WEEK

April 28-May 2 is Education Week. April 30 is Support Staff Appreciation Day.

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...

There are many things coming up over the next couple of months that you may want to mark on your calendar. Many, if not all, of these dates can be found on the groovy new "events calendar" link over on the left. As well, there are links to attachments for some of the events below.

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
May 9th - TGIF @ Frisco's, Upper James - after school
June 1st - Family Picnic - Gage Park - 11am-3pm

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Employee Satisfaction Survey

Memo to: All District 21 OSSTF Members

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

The Teachers' Unit Annual Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Thursday April 17th, at LIUNA Station, 4:30 pm.

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

For any members interested, there will be a drop-in workshop at the District Office on Wednesday, April 2 at 4:30 for anyone interested in learning how to chair a meeting.

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

Please record the following information and keep it with you if you are travelling out of Ontario during the 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

March 8 is International Women's Day. Many events are being held in the Hamilton community in honour of this day. Information can to use with students and in worksites can be found at the Status of Women Canada website,
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

All teachers are encouraged to attend the...

LEAP DAY TGIF
February 29th (after school) @ Boston Pizza
1563 Main Street West
Snacks provided.
The last Leap Day Friday was in 1980. The number one song on the charts was Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen and our Prime Minister was... gulp... Joe Clark!?!

Special proximity notice... Ancaster, Highland, Parkside, Westdale!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Teachers' Pension Plan Workshop

Just a reminder to everyone registered for the Pension Plan Workshop at the D21 office on Monday, February 25th at 4pm, please be prompt.

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

Time is running out for filling in special enrollment forms to join the OTIP Long Term Disability plan. Personalized forms were distributed a couple of weeks ago to all teachers without any LTD coverage.

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

The District Status of Women Committee presents

Financial Planning for Women
a workshop facilitated by OSSTF Treasurer Sheila Vandenberk
February 7, 2008
4:30 PM at the District 21 Office
To RSVP, please call Joanne at the District 21 Office.
Dinner will be provided.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Information for our members is available at the following government of Canada website:

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

A reminder that the deadline for application for a Teacher-Funded Leave is January 31st. For more information, please call the District Office.

WHMIS TRAINING DEADLINE

A reminder to all members that WHMIS training must be completed by January 31st at 3pm. If you have not completed your WHMIS training and require assistance, please approach your Principal for more information or call the Board directly.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Teachers' Unit - Pension Plan Workshop

Two days after the fliers went out, spaces are almost completely filled for this popular workshop that will take place at the District Office on Monday, February 25, 2008 at 4pm. Ruth Kirkham from the OSSTF Provincial Office will be in to go over the ins and outs of the OTPP. You can call Joanne Stirling at the office (905-574-8285) to reserve a spot if any remain.

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

A reminder to all teachers that our first TGIF of 2008 is scheduled at the Pheasant Plucker this Friday, January 11th. (link to map)

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.