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
Convention Call
TO: AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS, PROVINCIAL FEDERATIONS OF UNION RETIREES, AREA COUNCILS, LABOUR COUNCILS, UNION RETIREE CHAPTERS/CLUBS
REGISTRATION FEE: $90.00 PER DELEGATE
Greetings:
The Biennial Convention of the Ontario Federation of Union Retirees (OFUR) will be held Wednesday, October 16th and Thursday, October 17th, 2024, at the Unifor Family Education Centre, Port Elgin, Ontario.
Check in time is at 3.00 pm to 10 p.m. on Tuesday October 15th. Registration will begin on Tuesday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm and Wednesday morning, from 8 am to 9 am. The Convention will commence at 9:00 am Wednesday, October 16, 2024, and will continue until end of business on Thursday October 17th. All rates include 3 nights accommodation, and meals beginning with dinner on Tuesday up to and including lunch (bagged lunch provided) on Friday.
The end of Convention banquet will be hosted by OFUR on Thursday evening.
RESOLUTION DEADLINE, AUGUST 15, 2024
MAIL RESOLUTIONS TO:
Malcolm Buchanan, Chair
36 Flamingo Drive, Hamilton, Ontario L9A 4X7
mabuchanan@gmail.com
Attention is directed to the provisions of Article VIII of the OFUR Constitution with regard to the submission of Resolutions, and Article IV of the OFUR By-Laws for representation at Conventions (enclosed). Please note that resolutions must also meet the enclosed guidelines.
CREDENTIAL FORMS
Please see the attached credential form which should be completed and returned with registration fee by September 13, 2024, as per the instructions.
Please retain a copy of the credential form to be presented by the Delegate to the Convention Credentials Committee upon registration.
The theme of the convention will be THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON SENIORS
Credentials, and Fees must be received by September 13, 2024.
ACCOMMODATION
Delegates are requested to make their own reservations at the Unifor Family Education Centre, 115 Shipley Avenue, Port Elgin N0H 2C5. Phone 1 519 389 3200, or Fax 1 519 389 3222. Please use our event code OFUR1024 to obtain the convention rate of $245.00 (double occupancy); or $320.00 (single occupancy), or $395.00 (delegate and spouse), per night plus tax. Please note these rates include all meals, plus coffee, tea and juice, flip charts, markers etc. Cancellations must be 72 hours in advance.
Hope to see you there!
Jean Simpson Mary Forbes
Chair Convention Committee Treasurer Encl.
International Women’s Day
A day celebrated around the world; to recognize the achievements of women without divisions; cultural, economic, or political.
The growing movement that is International Women’s Day has been strengthened by four of the Global United Nations Women’s Conferences and has helped build support for women’s rights and participation in political and economic levels globally.
Officially Recognized by the UN in 1977, International Women’s Day started with the labour Movements in the early 1900s in North America and in Europe.
In 1908, the Socialist Party of American designated February 28 as a day of honour for the garment workers’ strike in New York, women took a stand and protested their poor working conditions.
But the first milestone for Women’s rights was actually, much earlier in history- 1848- two Americans Elizabeth Cady Stranton and Lucretia Mott brought a few hundred People together at the first “Women’s rights conventions” in New York. Together they fought for civil, social, political, and religious rights of women.
In 1910 the Socialist International established a Women’s Day to honour the movement of women’s rights to build support in achieving universal suffrage for women.
In 1911 several European countries along with the United States celebrated Women’s Day on the 19th of March, in commemorations of the revolution in 1948.
International Women’s Day because a way to protest World War 1 in 1913 Russia, where they recognized the movement on the last Sunday of February. Around Europe the following year women held rallies at the beginning of March to protest the way.
Why March 8?
While Women’s Day had many recognized dates around the world, March 8 came from Julius Cesar and Gregory XIII. Before the revolution, Russia had not adopted the Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory in 1582, to mitigate errors found on the Julian Calendar, because of these errors in the calendars, February 23rd in Russia corresponded to March 8th for the rest of the world.
From the Early Trailblazers to today’s leaders for change, the long journey of Women’s suffrage toward equal rights, opportunities and freedom for all, women continue to fight to create a better and more equal and safer world for all. The fight is not over and politically many are trying to take steps backward in time reducing the rights women had fought for and won.
Canadian Women’s History timeline has some extremely powerful women who created change-
1645: Jeanne Mance, founder of Canada’s first hospital
1813: Laura Secord, Canadian heroine of the War of 1812
1853: Mary Ann Shadd Cary, first Black newspaperwoman in North America
1867: Dr. Emily Stowe, first Canadian woman physician to practice in Canada
1875: Grace Annie Lockhart, pioneer of women’s university education
1897: Clara Brett Martin, Canada’s first woman lawyer
1903: Emma Baker, first woman to receive a Ph.D. from a Canadian university
1914-1918: First female officers served with the Canadian Army Medical Corps
1916: Women in Manitoba became the first in Canada to win the right to vote
1917: Louise McKinney and Roberta MacAdams Price, first women elected to a legislature in the British Empire
1918: Some women were granted the right to vote in federal elections
1921: Agnes Macphail, first woman elected to the House of Commons
1924: Cecile Eustace Smith, first Canadian woman to represent Canada in an Olympic Games
1927: The Famous Five, petitioners in the groundbreaking Persons Case
1929: Women were declared as “persons.”
1941: Women’s Divisions are established in the Army Corps and the Royal Canadian Navy
1954: Elsie Knott, first woman elected chief of a First Nation community
1960: All Canadian women were given the right to vote
1967: The Royal Commission on the Status of Women was established
1969: Réjane Laberge-Colas, first woman appointed as a judge to a superior court
1970: Report of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women was tabled in Parliament
1971: The Canadian Labour Code was amended
1977: The Canadian Human Rights Act was created
1979: Nellie J. Cournoyea, first woman to serve as premier of a territory
1981: Women’s rights were enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
1983: Jeanne Sauvé, first woman to serve as Governor General of Canada
1987: Combat roles in the Royal Canadian Air Force are opened to women
1992: Dr. Roberta Bondar, first Canadian woman astronaut sent into space
1993: Jean Augustine, first Black Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons
1993: Kim Campbell, first woman Prime Minister of Canada
1995: Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action was adopted
1996: Sexual orientation was added to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
2001: Canadian Human Rights Commission recommends a pay equity system
2001: A task force to address pay equity was appointed
2004: The Standing Committee on the Status of Women was established
2005: Same-sex marriage became legal nationwide
2009: Josée Kurtz, first woman to command a major Canadian warship
2012: Canada leads a successful international campaign at the United Nations to establish the International Day of the Girl
2015: First gender-balanced Cabinet in Canadian history was announced
2015: National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was launched
2017: Gender expression and gender identity were added to the Canadian Human Rights Act
2017: Canada took action against gender-based violence
2019: Karen Jensen, first-ever Canada’s Pay Equity Commissioner
2019: Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released
2022: The endorsement of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence – a significant step towards gender equality
Sources
Background | International Women’s Day | United Nations
Women in Canadian History: A Timeline – Women and Gender Equality Canada
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)
Dear IAM Family, As we approach the upcoming weekend, we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate his remarkable legacy. Dr. King dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality for all. His hard work, sacrifices and leadership have inspired generations, and his message of hope and unity continues to resonate to this day. As we pause to remember Dr. King’s extraordinary life and achievements, let us renew our commitment to building a fairer, more compassionate society that honors his vision of a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect. The commemoration of MLK Day holds a significant place in our country as it is also marked as a National Day of Service. Active participation in service projects can bridge community divides and create positive change. Justice on the job and service to the community are the guiding principles of the IAM, and as Dr. King famously said, “Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve.” IAM members across North America are putting this philosophy into action by serving their communities, not for themselves, but to build solidarity and support for those who need it most. Let’s keep in mind that to achieve justice in our workplaces and communities, we must work towards advancing and embracing equality for all. So, as your new International President, I was pleased to announce that our union is taking a significant step toward safeguarding civil and human rights. To this end, our IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within our Union, with its own leadership whose sole purpose is to advance the principles and practices of equality, as well as economic and social justice. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to upholding the values that our union stands for. From the negotiating table to organizing workers for a better future, to ensuring equal and fair treatment for everyone, the IAM continues to honor Dr. King’s legacy today and every day. In solidarity, Brian Bryant |
Swearing In Ceremony- January 5th, 2024
If you missed the live ceremony; you can watch it here. David Chartrand our GVP for IAMAW Canada is there along with the Canadian Office new Chief of Staff- Ralph Martin, from LL1295 under DL78.
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/
Message from IAMAW International President
Dear IAM Family,
It’s the honor of my lifetime to begin 2024 as the 15th International President of our great union.
As a 34 -year member who began my IAM career as a shipbuilder in Maine, I know what our union means to countless families and communities across the United States and Canada
As we enter this new chapter together, we thank those who came before us, including now-retired International President Robert Martinez Jr., who led our union for the last eight years. Bob has transformed the IAM through innovative organizing, putting our resources back into the membership, solidifying our finances, and so much more.
And now, as the IAM always has, we turn our focus to the future.
We are laying the groundwork for a new era of growth and prosperity in the IAM — and our membership is leading the way. Through the Committee on the Future, our members across North America have made their voices heard on how to change our union for the better. We are preparing to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the IAM, like sustaining our growth, membership engagement, branding our union for the future, and much more.
And we will need all of you — the proud membership of the IAM — to lead the way as we move further toward our great purpose: To inspire and empower our members to make life better and create a world with security, opportunity and dignity for all.
Happy New Year, IAM. I look forward to seeing all of you soon as we continue to move our union forward.
In solidarity,
Brian Bryant
International President
CONGRATULATIONS
DL78 would like to extend congratulations to Brother Ralph Martin on his appointment to the IAMAW Canadian office Chief of Staff. IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. announced this new leadership Role to be effective Jan 2, 2024
Brother Ralph has been a long-standing member of the IAM, starting at Ball Packaging Products in Burlington, Ontario. Within the year he was elected to be Shop Steward; he also held various positions within the local, negotiating committee member, plant committee chairperson and health and safety Rep.
Brother Ralph was elected Local 863 President in January of 1996; he held this position until 2008 when Ball Packaging Closed.
His dedication to the union led him to be an instrumental voice in forming a job action center, which helped find employment for every member at Ball Packaging!
Martin became a Grand Lodge Apprentice Organizer in January 2008 and was successful in organizing several new groups, including in the healthcare industry.
He became a Business Representative for District Lodge 78 in Toronto in 2010, and in April of 2013 he became Directing Business Representative of DL78, he held this position until November 2014, when he was promoted to Grand Lodge Representative by Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie.
Ralph was instrumental in putting the IAM on the map in representing Health Care workers in 2018 when he successfully organized 2,600 new members at Spectrum Health Care
“I’m honoured and humbled to be taking this important role in our union,” said Martin. “I can’t wait to hit the ground running with General Vice President Chartrand and our entire staff.”