June.pdf - CUPE Locals 2331-01-02

St. Cecilia CES Solemn S
Blessing and Official School
Opening
On Wednesday May 18 th was the Official School
Blessing for St. Cecilia CES. Rosanna Murarotto Shop
Steward for Area 3 and me both had the privilege of
attending. Father Ernesto De Ciccio conducted the
blessing followed by guest speakers and a beautiful
liturgical dance performed by the St. Cecilia Junior &
Intermediate students. We would like to congratulate
the Staff and Students at St. Cecilia CES.
Bargaining In Tough Economic Times
CUPE’s research team from across Canada meet in
Ottawa to talk about ways to support local bargaining
committees during these tough economic times.
Wage freezes, benefit and pension concessions, layoff
protections and contracting out language all come to
the forefront in tough economic times. Researches
discussed examples they’ve seen of the impact of the
economic downturn on public sector employees, and
analyzed where fight backs have been most
successful and why.
CUPE relies on its researchers to keep abreast of
bargaining and social policy trends. They translate
information into tools that assist staff and locals in
bargaining, and support elected leadership in
promoting progressive policies for workers.
CUPE Ontario Convention May 25-28
28
This convention was held downtown at the Sheraton
Centre. Five members from our local attended this
convention with positive feed back.
Report from Karen Oldfield
I had the privilege of attending the Cupe Ontario
Convention, where the focus was on building a better
Ontario. Standing up for public services, people’s
awareness and strategies for budget cuts and
contracting out. The next Provincial Election in Oct.
was mentioned numerous times and the impact it
could have on our jobs. Each year our union hosts a
youth camp which introduces children to the values of
our union. They end off the convention with their
impressions, and a slide show. I feel this is a great
experience for the young people of today. I found the
convention very informative.
Karen Oldfield
Shop Steward –Area 5
Report from Rosanna Murarotto
This year CUPE held the 48th annual Ontario
convention on May 25 to the 28th. The focus was
“Building a Better Ontario”. Local 2331-01-02 was
well represented by our executive members. Over the
course of the four days we heard several speakers
including Linda McQuaig (Toronto columnist and
author of “Trouble with Millionaires”, Andrea Horwath,
MP , In-flight Safety personnel for Air Canada, Syd
Ryan and many others including our CUPE National
President, Paul Moist.
We voted on Constitutional amendments, and on
Resolutions submitted by various councils and locals.
Some of the sectors represented were Health Care,
School Boards, Social Services, and Universities.
Issues of discussion included the economy, training,
health and safety, injured workers, human rights, and
equality, international solidarity and privatization,
contracting out and trade agreements.
Some topics that may interest our members include
“The Glass Steagall Act”, CETA, Wisconsin’s labour
disputes, and the Lubicon people of Alberta.
The convention was an enormous source of
information and opportunity for networking. I thank
Elena Di Nardo, our President and Diana Dilley, our
Vice-President for giving me the opportunity to attend.
Rosanna Murarotto
Shop Steward –Area 3
Report from Patricia Dignard:
From May 25th to the 28th I had the privilege of
attending the 48th Annual CUPE Ontario Convention
on behalf of all our members. There were over 1000
delegates from across the province representing the
members of their locals. Many resolutions were
presented, debated and voted on to take to the CUPE
National Convention in the fall of this year for further
discussion. There were many speakers at the
convention presenting concerns and issues we will all
be facing within the next bargaining rounds. Our CUPE
Ontario President Fred Hahn delivered a message “We
are Building a Better Ontario” to the approval of all
delegates. CUPE National President Paul Moist
addressed the convention along with Ontario
Federation of Labour President Syd Ryan. We had the
privilege of hearing an impassioned speech from
Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath promising to put
people first. The evenings were also busy with the
ability to attend different caucuses that included the
Stewards’ Caucus. These conventions are also a
networking tool allowing us to meet members from
other locals that are battling some of the same issues
we are. We had the opportunity to listen, understand
and give input for our members as a whole. It was a
very busy and productive four day convention.
Patricia Dignard
Shop Steward – Area Secondary West/North & CEC
Report from Giuilia Morra
Having attended the Ontario CUPE Conference for the
first time was definitely a learning experience, which I
found to be informative, encouraging, and frustrating
at times. It was interesting to learn about the other
CUPE sectors in Ontario and the issues that arise from
those groups; some of which are similar, and also very
different than the School Board Sector.
The guest speakers were very motivating and
informative. I learned about the processes on
debating, information sharing and decision making. I
was deeply encouraged by the younger CUPE
members who spoke out on issues that arise at the
University Sectors and their leadership in the quest
for their voices to be heard. I was also frustrated at
the level of concerns expressed by the Hospital/Social
Workers Sectors and their limitations from all levels of