March 11, 2024
ACTION REQUEST: March 12 Day of Actions for LCBO workers, AGO rally on March 13
Thousands of LCBO workers across Ontario, members of OPSEU/SEFPO, are getting organized to defend their jobs, win better wages, and stop Ford’s privatization plans.
They have already collected the signatures of over 70 per cent of their members in support of these demands.
On Tuesday, March 12 from 10 AM to 11 AM in a series of coordinated actions across multiple locations, these workers and their supporters will be delivering their petitions to MPPs’ offices.
We encourage affiliates to join or support these actions. Here’s how you can help:
- Where possible, join an action near you. Actions will take place in Brockville, Hamilton, London, Mississauga, North Bay, Ottawa, Pickering, Port Hope, Thunder Bay, Toronto (at Doug Ford’s constituency office), and Windsor.
- Like and share these social media posts about the day of action: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
- Promote the action and this RSVP page among your members and allies.
Tuesday’s action is just the beginning of a long-term campaign to defend LCBO workers and to stop Ford’s plans to privatize the LCBO – which generates billions of dollars every year that go into our public services. We won’t let Ford hand it over to his billionaire buddies.
Stay tuned for more updates about this crucial campaign, including how you and your members can be part of the fight.
For affiliates based in Toronto, please also support this solidarity rally for Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) cultural workers, who may be on strike as early as March 25. The rally will take place on Wednesday, March 13 from 5 PM to 7 PM at the AGO, 317 Dundas Street West (map).
Please like and share these posts about the action: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
Thank you for your support.
In solidarity,
LAURA WALTONPresident
AHMAD GAIEDSecretary-Treasurer
JACKIE TAYLORExecutive Vice-President
LW/AG/JT/JC/RH/jc/cope343
One in Two People are Struggling and aren’t getting the help they need.
One in Eight People have experienced high levels of anxiety.
Twenty-One People die by opioid overdose EVERY DAY
More than 200 People in Canada attempt Suicide- EVERY SINGLE DAY!
If you are in crisis, please go to the closest hospital or call 9-1-1. If you’re thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime.
Mental Health Awareness Month is in May but in January there is one special day that started approximately 13 years ago- to create awareness and remove the stigma of Mental Health in Canada. It’s important that this isn’t something that’s just one day or even one month a year but every day: all year. So many Canadians are suffering in silence!
What is Mental Health- Mental Health is a psychological and emotional state of well-being. To live a healthy life, you need to have good mental health as well. Poor mental health can lead to physical illness, not just mental illness. It affects the way you feel and think. It helps you cope with challenges big or small and enjoy life.
Mental health can be influenced positively or negatively by many factors-
Life experiences, family situations, Illness/death of loved ones. Relationships with family, friends and coworkers, classmates. The environment you live, work, or go to school in. Your personal physical health.
Taking care of your mental health means knowing and accepting that many things in life can be challenging, that it’s ok to have weaknesses, but acknowledging your strengths as well. Accepting that everyone is different and thinks differently and that’s ok! Create a sense of meaning within your life- learning and trying new activities, finding a hobby you enjoy. Creating healthy, trusting relationships with people who accept you for you and are supportive.
How being Mentally healthy helps you- Increases your coping skills to face life’s challenges, improves your self-esteem and confidence.
A few Ways to help improve your mental health- Stay positive, be thankful and grateful for the good things in your life, take care of your physical health- it goes hand in hand with your mental health. Stay in touch with family and friends, giving back to the community, and getting outdoors- to fresh air and sunshine!
Getting a restful Sleep, cutting back on social media, strengthening your personal relationships, exercise (move your body in what way you can) Eating nutrient- rich foods, listening to your body and rest when you need to!
Your mental health plays a large role in your quality of life. Making small changes or adding beneficial habits will promote overall wellness.
Everyone’s mental health is important. It needs to be taken care of to make sure you stay healthy overall. Learn about your mental health, how to improve it and the resulting benefits.
The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and their partners.
Calls or texts to 9-8-8 are confidential. No personally identifiable information will be disclosed or shared outside of the 9-8-8 network, except as required or permitted by law, or in cases where emergency intervention is required to support the safety and well-being of the caller or texter, and the safety of others.
Kids Help Phone provides mental health support and crisis services for children and young adults across Canada.
Call: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)
Text: CONNECT to 686868 (24/7)
Quebec Residents can also use:
Call: 1-866-APPELLE (I-866-227-3553)
Text:1-855-957-5353
Hope for Wellness Help Line
Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples seeking emotional support, crisis intervention, or referrals to community-based services.
Support is available in English and French and, by request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
To connect with a mental health professional one-on-one:
Call 1-888-668-6810 or text WELLNESS to 686868 for youth.
call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741 for adults.
You can also visit Wellness Together Canada to access different levels of support, including:
- one-on-one counselling
- credible articles and information
- self-guided courses and programs
- peer support and coaching.
Sources-
For more information: Mental Health Research Canada
For more information: Public Health Agency of Canada
Stop the Stigma of Mental Health Issues and Disorders – Canada.ca
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health | CAMH
Habits to Improve Mental Health: 8 You Can Try Today (healthline.com)
IAMAW International Officers Swearing In Ceremony
Friday January 5th at 12 Noon Eastern time
The swearing in of the IAMAW new International President and his Officers will take place- live stream viewing is available at the links below.
Don`t Miss This event fast Free Sign up then watch Livestream IAM Officer Installation Ceremony Live Live link 🔴► https://hqlivenow365.com/IAM-Officer-Installation-Ceremony/
Labour Day is the first Monday in September; this day was made a Canada Wide Statutory holiday in 1894. The history of this day goes back to the First “workers rally” during the Victorian time. There were Speeches, games, picnics, and parades.
The holiday was to show solidarity and give a sense of belonging to the working class during a time of industrialization. The unions have contributed so much to our way of living, creating a 40-hour work week, the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, the creation of WSIB and so much more.
Unfortunately, since the Second World War, less and less people participate in the labour day festivities and the origins and meaning are being forgotten by so many. It has become a day off work and that is all, but there are still parades and activities happening.
The IAM encourages you to bring family and friends to watch or participate in your local parades and activities and to teach those around you about the meaning and history of the day, and of the union.
See link below for an event near you.
Labour Day Events 2023 | Canadian Labour Congress
Remember to send pics of IAM members participating in events across the country
Note: This is an evolving list. Please check event websites for full details.
Event information is not always available in both official languages.
Take a couple of seconds to watch this short reel
https://www.instagram.com/p/Csr8ZWxvqNY/
There will be a community picnic at Eldorado Park in Brampton this Saturday June 3rd
- WHAT: Community Picnic
- WHEN: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- WHERE: Eldorado Park, 8520 Creditview Road
- CONTACT: justiceforpeel@gmail.com
- Download the shareable here.
Please share details of the event with your members, and remind them to please take pictures and share them on social media etc.
For all other events
Please see link below for Saturdays Enough is Enough events
IAM DL78 Women’s Committee is collecting Donation of Personal Hygiene products for children and teens to support students in need at GTA Brickford Centre.
DL78 Women’s CommitteeTORONTO, ON– International Women’s Day was celebrated in a special way at the IAM District Lodge 78 last night. On the 9th of March 2023, history was made. Vivianne Simon, member from IAM Local 1295, was acclaimed to the position of Business Representative (BR), becoming the first woman of colour to hold this position in Canada and the second woman at District 78 to become a Business Representative.
Your representatives will be back in the office January 3rd.
IAM Local Lodge 235 members at Hobart Canada ratified a new three-year agreement on Monday evening.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the group met virtually to discuss the changes to the Collective Agreement.
IAM District Lodge 78 Business Representative Eric Johnson explained that “the committee consisting of Steven Straub, Kumar Balkaran, and Chee Leong were very effective in advancing the interests of the membership and setting the stage for future rounds of bargaining. The membership demonstrated strong support of the changes to the agreement, which included language improvements, increases to pension, boot allowances, on-call premium, wages, and the introduction of a family optical benefit.”
IAM members at Hobart service and maintain equipment for foodservice and food retail businesses throughout Ontario.