Comrades and friends,

I just received an update from Edmonton management that the local non-compliance rate for vaccine attestation is now at 65 members down from the ~190 members at the Nov 26, 2021 deadline. This ratio (3.1%) is slightly lower than the National rate (5.2%) of CUPW members that are fully or partially vaccinated (49,859) compared to the 2,611 unattested or unwilling to vaccinate. Since the cease & desist application was unsurprisingly rejected, hearing dates have been set for the National grievance challenging CPCs vaccine policy. As discussed previously, those filing grievances on the vaccine policy shouldn't make their bets on the assumption that this hearing will come out favorably; arbitrators almost never rock the boat, and are especially unlikely to do so during a public health emergency. Anyone still looking to file grievances can use the digital grievance form by following all the instructions included. As always, any developments will be shared here or on the national website (www.cupw.ca).

By now, the pocket calendars should've been distributed to all facilities/shifts. If you have not received them yet, don't worry, we're arranging for more supply to get out to your area. If you haven't received a calendar by Jan 7, please contact the office and we'll arrange getting them to you, or your work section. The old calendars can be used until March 2022 so we're already way ahead of the game and thank everyone for their patience. A big shout out to our volunteers on the Communications committee for an amazing job designing and locally producing the calendars for almost half the cost! Anyone with design feedback that's looking to help the rest of the team next year can get in touch. 

Two other updates in this dispatch include: our WIN House donation drive for victims of domestic abuse and an education opportunity in the New Year to help prime our local for whenever it is we can safely re-combine the split-shifts, resume the bigger workfloor meetings, and get back to the in-person workfloor organizer training courses.

It is especially important this time of year for everyone to take their breaks, and work safely. CPC has no real power to make you over-extend yourself but relies on making you think they do -- don't fall for it! If you need support in understanding and asserting safe working habits, please talk to a shop steward in your location, or contact our office. This job is just something you do to fund life outside of work; don't let it needlessly break you and drag everything down with it. You're not alone in this and we want to help you. Please be safe and take care.

In solidarity,

Education Opportunity: Workfloor Organizer Training

WHAT? In this new Organizing For Power series, we explore successful organizing drives with the health workers and organizers in Germany who led them, and get to the heart of what helped these incredible campaigns win their contract demands. What set the stage for their victory, and how did they get there? Tune in to find out.

WHY? CUPW is only as strong as our members are properly trained, organized and mobilized to collectively assert our demands. Our local invites all members willing to help this empowerment process to participate in a paid, union organizer training opportunity. Nothing changes for the better without your help, and more hands make lighter work!

WHO? Participants will be asked to apply these lessons to our own experiences in CUPW, and what action will be needed to strengthen our own union and improve our working lives. Hosted by the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (Germany) and led by Jane McAlevey.

WHEN? Virtual session, Thursday, January 27, 2022, 10am-6pm. Application deadline Friday, January 14, 2022.

APPLY: Read More>>

 

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Seasonal Donation Drive

This year, our local Human Rights committee has partnered with WIN House on a donation drive for items of great need, such as:

Toiletries: shampoo, conditioners, soap, body wash, toothpaste & toothbrushes, deodorants, razors, Advil, combs, hair brushes, hair ties, tampons, feminine pads

Children items: diapers, baby wipes, baby spoons, baby food, children's toothpaste & toothbrushes. 

New clothing:  Ladies pajamas & undergarments, socks, sweaters, children's clothing, pajamas & socks. 

Donation bins have been setup in most facilities. If there is no donation bin in your facility, or you would like to make a larger donation of items, or you have any other questions, please contact Rashpal in our local office (780-423-9000 ext 4).

About WIN House: we provide a safe place and emergency services for women and children fleeing gender-based abuse. Through comprehensive programs, support, and advocacy, we’re shifting the scales. As a safe haven for victims, we connect and equip individuals with the support and hope they need to overcome an abusive situation. Read more>>

 

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Ongoing Reminder: Local Office Access

To stay aligned with the federal health guidelines affecting our members, our office remains locked and available by appointment only. We are trying to conduct all meetings with members over the phone or via video conferencing. Exemptions can be made for unique circumstances. In either case, please call (780) 423-9000 to arrange an appointment with the appropriate officer. We are extremely busy in the office so please leave a message if you’re unable to catch us on the phone.