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Human Rights in the Aftermath of the G20 Toronto Summit
Wednesday, November 25, 7:30pm
Health Sciences Building Room 1A5
McMaster University
Free Event – Donations Welcome!
OPPOSITION TO THE G20 IS NOT ILLEGAL! IF IT’S ILLEGAL TO OPPOSE THE G20, THEN WHAT RIGHTS DO WE HAVE? THE RIGHT TO OBEY?
Panel Discussion with Keynote Speakers:
• Movement Defence Committee, leading the legal defence of G20 protestors.
• Julian Ichim, falsely accused as one of the so-called G20 conspirators.
Including presentations by local organizations active against the G20, including United Steelworkers Local 1005 & the Hamilton Coalition Against the G20.
General Membership Meeting – Oct 20th at 5:30
The next General Membership Meeting will take place
Wednesday, October 20th
5:30pm
in MDCL 3020 (follow the signs)
Refreshments will be provided, and childcare costs can be reimbursed for the meeting.
Agenda items include:
- Benefits Committee presents different models for Unit 1 Benefits (includes vote)
- Elections – Chief Steward Units 2 & 3, Unit 2 Bargaining Team, Health & Safety Officer, Joint Health & Safety Rep for Sciences
- Unit 2 Bargaining Update
- Discussion on local policy for electoral endorsements
Emergency SEIU Solidarity Rally
There will be an emergency solidarity rally for SEIU workers at McMaster
Tuesday, Oct 12th
Noon
Outside Gilmour Hall/Student Centre
Please come out and show your support for our sisters and brothers in SEIU as the clock ticks down towards a strike/lockout deadline.
SEIU Negotiations Update
In an incredible showing of strength and solidarity, the members of SEIU Local 2 on the McMaster campus last night voted 85% to turn down the Employer’s offer. Barring the Employer returning to the table with a new offer this means that the parties will be in a strike/lockout position after 10pm on Tuesday Sept 12th.
Please see the post below outlining the position of the CUPE 3906 Executive regarding the ongoing negotiations.
Click here to see a copy of the SEIU flyer.
If CUPE members have questions regarding their work, please contact the union office, as per SEIU’s request the CUPE office will remain open in the event of a strike. This page will be updated with new information as soon as it becomes available.
URGENT Message Regarding Potential SEIU Strike at McMaster
Sisters and Brothers,
Over the past few days it has become apparent that another union on Campus, SEIU, is likely to be forced out to the picket lines very soon. Members of SEIU, Service Employees International Union, at McMaster perform several different tasks such as, custodial work, mail delivery, trades work, and more.
University administration has shocked SEIU by demanding a number of concessions relating to benefits, wages, vacation time, and reduction of staff. SEIU members voted almost unanimously when asked to take part in a strike mandate vote. Their membership is solidly behind the SEIU bargaining team. Expect an update in the coming days regarding specific issues related to SEIU bargaining.
Given the stance that the University Administration has taken during these negotiations, as well as during recent negotiations with CUPE, your executive members voted unanimously to stand behind SEIU during their work stoppage. CUPE 3906 support of the SEIU strike will include, but not be limited to, providing organizational support. We are prepared to offer additional assistance depending on the needs of SEIU.
In the event of a strike or lockout, we would also like to remind all members of the contents of Article 9.03 of the Unit 1 Collective Agreement (8.03 for Unit 2) which states that members of CUPE cannot be expected to perform the work normally done by workers on the picket lines. These requests may come in subtle ways, so to be clear, you cannot be expected to clean up in your classrooms or deliver mail between departments. Your supervisors will have been informed of this fact.
As mentioned already, we will continue to provide you with updates regarding SEIU, on-going negotiations, the likely work-stoppage, and what you can do as a CUPE members to assist SEIU if you so choose. Regardless of the direction that negotiations take over the coming days, CUPE 3906 has made the decision to stand behind our Sisters and Brothers at SEIU as they work toward a fair and equitable collective agreement for all of their members.
In solidarity,
Your CUPE 3906 Executive Committee
Welcome Party, Friday, Sept 24, 7-11pm @The Staircase Theater
Dear new and returning CUPE 3906 members,
Please join us this Friday from 7:00pm to 11:00pm at the Staircase Theater (1 block north of Dundurn and King) for an evening of Rock Band (XBOX), dancing, and live performances as we kick off the new academic year and celebrate the launch of the latest issue of our CUPE Quarterly magazine. The building is wheelchair accessible through the back entrance. There will be free snacks and a cash bar for drinks. Family members are welcome.
Please help us spread the word by telling your fellow office mates and co-workers.
Hope to see you this Friday,
CUPE 3906 Executive Committee
McMaster @ the G20
‘McMaster Students For Social Justice’ invites you to take part in a public discussion forum regarding the events of the G-20 Toronto demonstrations. A presentation will discuss how the G-20 Toronto consensus relates to the University institution. McMaster students will provide testimonies of their participatory observation of the demonstrations which took place. A monitored debate will ensue under the following question:
‘In accordance to the events of the G-20 Toronto demonstrations; Is Canada aPolice-State?’
The debate is controversial, however we (McMaster Students for Social Justice) believe that it is necessary to discuss and debate such matters in order to revitalize student political engagement in the current era of severe student disengagement.
This is a peaceful assembly attempting to promote intellectual political debate and political engagement amongst students and the McMaster community. This is not an exclusive event. All wishing to attend are more than welcome.
Tuesday September 28th
7pm in Chester New Hall 104
Canada Out of Afghanistan
A panel on the role Canada has played in the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan. We will bring to light topics such as Omar Khadr, detainee abuse and the recent Wikileaks scandal. We as Canadian students need to demand that our government base its foreign policy on respect for international law, peace, and justice. We invite all who are interested in coming to listen to our speakers and involve themselves in the discussions.
Featuring:
Yves Engler: is the author of The Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy, amongst others.
Rick Salutin: is a playwright, novelist and regular columnist for the Globe and Mail.
Dave McKee: is the president of the Canadian Peace Congress.
When: September 30th 2010, 7 PM
Where: Health Science Centre (HSC) room 1A6, McMaster University
Click here for more information.
Endorsed by: Hamilton Coalition to Stop the War, McMaster Gandhi Peace Festival, Solidarity House, and others.
URGENT – Grad Student Dental Plan Info
Please note – This message is intended to clarify questions surrounding the CUPE and GSA Dental Plans. If you are a TA but not a registered grad student please disregard this message.
What GRAD STUDENTS are eligible for the CUPE Dental Plan?
- Those currently working a 130 hour TAship (or RA in lieu of a TAship)
- Those with a guarantee of a 130 TAship (or RA in lieu) in the Winter or Summer 2011 terms.
- Any questions about the CUPE plan should be directed to benefits@cupe3906.org.
Who is eligible for the GSA Dental Plan?
- Everyone who is not eligible for the CUPE plan is enrolled in the GSA plan.
- If you are eligible for the CUPE plan, you will be automatically opted-out of the GSA plan. Regardless of what is listed on your schedule of fees – YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED for the GSA plan.
- Due to the referendum that established the GSA plan, if you are eligible for the CUPE plan, you are NOT able to join the GSA plan.
- Any questions about the GSA plan should be directed to gsapres@mcmaster.ca
OPTING OUT OF THE CUPE PLAN WILL MEAN THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE DENTAL COVERAGE AT McMASTER
All Graduate Students are covered under the GSA Health Plan for extended health benefits. For more information on this plan visit www.ihaveaplan.ca.
All CUPE members in Unit 1 (TAs and RAs in lieu) remain covered, at no cost, for Vision Care, Childcare and UHIP rebates. For more information on these plans visit the benefits section of www.cupe3906.org.
If you have any questions please contact the CUPE or GSA offices.
REMINDER – The final deadline to opt out of either plan is Sept 30, 2010.