in soli? part II: A panel, discussion, and social event about the tensions of being “in solidarity”

Brad Walchuk April 30, 2013 General

When: Wednesday, May 8th, 7-9pm (Doors at 6:30)
Where: Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St. (at James N. and Colbourne)
Cost: Free!

The Political Action Committee of CUPE 3906 warmly invites you to a panel and discussion to explore various tensions we face when claiming to be ‘in solidarity’ with others. As a key catch-phrase for activists within and beyond organized labour, ‘in solidarity’ is often taken as a self-evident and non-contentious statement. However, many also recognized the need to challenge these presumptions about being ‘in solidarity’ and to critically interrogate this phrase and what it means practically for the work we can (and cannot) do. In order to prompt more of these discussions we have organized this panel to follow up on the panel ‘In Soli?’ hosted in February 2012, this time looking more specifically at the tensions in and between different ways of being ‘in solidarity’. Our panel will include four speakers whose activism spans a variety of forms and concerns (from decolonizing ecology and indigenous sovereignty to wage-theft, precarious and sex-worker struggles and anti-gentrification) speaking to the question:What kinds of challenges or tensions have you faced being ‘in solidarity’ and what kinds of practical strategies have you used to negotiate these? The panel presentations will be followed by an open, facilitated discussion.

Admission is free. Light snacks provided, cash bar. Bus tickets available.

Please note that this space is not accessible. We apologize for this, and welcome any feedback or suggestions.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/178373372318839/

For more information: politicalaction@cupe3906.org

Communications Distruptions Notice

Communication Officer April 23, 2013 General, News

Dear Members,

Please note that there may be disruptions to our communications and services (including telephone extensions, office hours and mail/forms collection) during our moving dates (April 24th and 25th).

We apologize for any inconvenience.

We hope to see you in our new office, KTH B111.

Best,
Mary Ellen Campbell
Office Relocation Manager

CUPE 3906 Office Relocation

Communication Officer April 16, 2013 General, News, Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3

Dear Members,

You may have heard that all tenants of Wentworth House (including CUPE 3906) have been instructed by the University to relocate their offices in light of the upcoming demolition of the building.

In light of this request, we are relocating our office to the basement of Kenneth Taylor Hall.

As of April 24th, 2013, our new office location and address will be:
CUPE Local 3906
Kenneth Taylor Hall B111
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4M4

All of our other contact information, including telephone numbers and extensions, e-mail addresses, and fax number, will remain the same.

Please redirect your mail to CUPE 3906 to this address as of the 24th of April.
We look forward to seeing you at our new office!

In solidarity,
Blake McCall
President, CUPE 3906

Annual General Meeting

Brad Walchuk March 26, 2013 Postings

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be on Wednesday, April 3rd at 5:00pm in BSB B136. At our AGM all positions of the local executive are up for election; you may come and nominate yourself or nominate others for these positions. Nominations may come from the floor or you can fill out an Executive Nomination Form ahead of time. A list of all executive positions and the corresponding descriptions can be found here. If you have any questions about any executive positions please email Blake McCall at: president@cupe3906.org or Berkay Ayhan at: vicepresident@cupe3906.org.

We hope to see you there!

CUPE 3906 TA/RA Award 2013

Communication Officer March 25, 2013 General

Dear members of the McMaster community,

CUPE 3906 is pleased to announce their second annual TA/RA awards. Students, employment supervisors or other TAs are encouraged to nominate Teaching or Research Assistants for the award.

There will be a total six awards given, one for each faculty. Successful candidates will receive a $200.00 prize and a letter of recognition from the current CUPE 3906 Executive.

Any CUPE Local 3906 member may be nominated for the award by their students, fellow TAs or RAs (in lieu) or by supervising Professors.

The nomination form is available here. Please submit nomination forms to the CUPE 3906 office (B108 Wentworth House) by April 15, 2013. Forms can also be emailed here. The awards will be given out at the end of the CUPE 3906 General Membership Meeting on April 30th.

Sexism in Academia Workshop

Communication Officer March 25, 2013 General

Please check the attached flyer for this workshop on Sexism in Academia.

Mike Skinner Activist Award Nominations

Brad Walchuk March 22, 2013 Postings

Hi Members,

We are pleased to announce a call for Nominations for the Mike Skinner Activist Award. Mike Skinner was a long time staff of the local who passed away a number of years ago. The Local continues to honor his memory every year by rewarding a dedicated activist in the Local. We encourage you to nominate someone you know who has a dedicated commitment and passion for Social Justice.

The application form can be found here: MIKE SKINNER ACTIVIST AWARD NOMINATION FORM

There is $500 reward for any individual or group.

The deadline is April 15th 2013.

In Solidarity,

Blake McCall

Office Relocation Administrator

Brad Walchuk March 18, 2013 Postings

CUPE 3906 is in the process of relocating our office. We are looking for someone to help us coordinate packing up our current space and moving everything to our new location.

For more details please see the attached posting. CUPE 3906 Special Projects Office Relocation v.2

Please respond with a Cover Letter and Resume to Blake McCall at president@cupe3906.org