CUPE Cast is back! In this episode, Brianna welcomes the two new co-hosts to the podcast: Katherine Grzejszczak and Krista Laing. Plus, Brianna, Katherine and Krista discuss the OMERS governance review. As the Ford Government calls for a review of OMERS, CUPE Ontario has launched the “Save our OMERS” campaign to spread its awareness about the review and highlight why CUPE members should have their say about what happens to the management of their pensions.
CUPE Ontario’s President Fred Hahn and researcher and professor Kevin Skerrett join the CUPE Cast co-hosts to share their insights on this important issue.
Show notes
CUPE Ontario | Save our OMERS - https://cupe.on.ca/saveouromers/
CUPE Ontario | 2025 OMERS Governance Review Submission (July 18, 2025) - https://cupe.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CUPE-Submissions-OMERS-Governance.pdf
CUPE Ontario | OMERS Webinar (June 5, 2025) - https://youtu.be/PtDKGzx7oo4?si=JjdsZp-blR2QWmLu
Spring Magazine | Doug Ford and OMERS executives side step pensioners (August 28, 2025) - https://springmag.ca/doug-ford-and-omers-executives-side-step-pensioners
The trades are in high demand—not only for new skilled workers, but also to keep up with the growing demand from communities and cities. Chris Yates, President of CUPE Local 2361 and co-chair of CUPE Ontario’s Trades Committee, sits down with CUPE Cast co-host Brianna to shed light on the Trades sector. In this episode, Chris and Brianna explore some of the issues affecting trades workers in the workplace and discuss current campaigns from CUPE Ontario’s Trade Committee.
Show notes:
CUPE Ontario | Trades - https://cupe.on.ca/committees/trades/
CUPE Ontario | Trades Action Plan 2025 - https://cupe.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Trades-Action-Plan-2025.pdf
Ontario Federation of Labour | Heat Stress Campaign - https://ofl.ca/action/the-heat-is-on/
It seems lately, one of the big topics on the news and with businesses is tariffs.
With the United States imposing new tariffs on Canada and other countries, what does that mean for the Canadian economy and, most importantly, the working class? In this episode of CUPE Cast, the co-hosts are joined by CUPE National’s Research Director, Angella MacEwen, who breaks down the concepts of tariffs, the impact on CUPE members and the potential repercussions on public sector services.
Show notes
CUPE National | Public protections against Trump’s tariffs – https://cupe.ca/public-protections-against-trumps-tariffs
CUPE National | Stand on Guard: Add your name to the Montreal Declaration (petition) – https://cupe.ca/stand-guard-add-your-name-montreal-declaration
CUPE National | Tariffs Fact Sheet – https://cupe.ca/tariffs-fact-sheet
CUPE National | Unifor – CUPE Joint Statement – https://cupe.ca/unifor-cupe-joint-statement
Satisitics Canada | Canadian international merchandise trade, February 2025 – https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/250403/dq250403a-eng.htm
Frustrated by stagnant wages and crumbling public services, workers are turning to our most powerful tool — the strike — to fight back and win real gains.
As of June 1, 2025, three CUPE locals are on strike across Ontario. These workers are standing strong, and they need your support. Come hear directly from them, their stories, their struggles, and the solidarity they’re counting on.
One day longer, one day stronger.
CUPE 2073: Representing 200 workers at the Canadian Hearing Society, who provide vital services to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
CUPE 1750: Representing 3,600 WSIB staff who care for Ontario’s injured workers and ensure they get the support they need.
CUPE 5525: Representing 25 dedicated Personal Care Workers at Villa Colombo’s Supportive Housing Unit in Toronto.
Let’s show up, stand together, and send a clear message: when we fight, we win!
Show Notes:
CUPE Ontario| Petition supporting Canadian Hearing Society workers
https://cupe.on.ca/chs/
CUPE Ontario | Petition supporting Villa Columbo workers
https://cupe.on.ca/support-villa-colombo-workers/
CUPE Ontario| Petition supporting WSIB workers
https://cupe.on.ca/more-than-insurance-cupe-1750-members-need-a-fair-deal-now/
Back in March 2025, CUPE National held a Building Strong Locals Conference in Montreal. CUPE members from across the country gathered in one place to build their skills on member mobilization and engagement, as well as to have conversations about defending public services against right-wing threats and bargaining to win. In this episode, CUPE co-hosts Brianna and Moe catch up with Chloe Bell, Jessica Lyons and Leila Meskine, three comrades who facilitated the “Lessons from Ontario in Building Strong Locals” panel at the conference and dive into their thoughts and perspectives on building strong locals.
Show notes:
CUPE National | Building Strong Locals Conference 2025 – https://cupe.ca/event/building-strong-locals-conference-0
CUPE National | Building Strong Locals Conference Resources – https://cupe.ca/building-strong-locals-conference-resources
CUPE National | Building Power Initiative presentation deck - https://cupe-my.sharepoint.com/personal/iclysdale_cupe_ca/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Ficlysdale%5Fcupe%5Fca%2FDocuments%2FBuilding%20Strong%20Locals%20Conference%202025%20%2D%20Resources%2FPanel%20%2D%20Stronger%20together&ga=1
Toronto & York Region Labour Council - Campaign Planning Handbook – https://www.labourcouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/campaign_planning_handbook-1.pdf
It's election season in Ontario! With eligible voters heading to the polls on Thursday, February 27, 2025, the CUPE Cast hosts jump right in to discuss the provincial election. In this episode, they explore why the provincial election is taking place over a year early and discuss several issues affecting CUPE members as they head to the polls. Dr. Carlo Fanelli shares his insights about the current state of Ontario and the impacts of the Progressive Conservatives government's years of austerity on Ontarians' social and economic prosperity.
Sources
Breach Media Canada (February 7, 2025) - Ontario for sale: how Doug Ford is dismantling the province | https://breachmedia.ca/ontario-doug-ford-dismantled/
Carlo Fanelli, PHD | https://carlofanelli.org/
CBC News (January 28, 2025) - Why calling an election now helps Doug Ford and his Ontario PCs | https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/doug-ford-ontario-election-call-politics-1.7442723
CBC News (January 3, 2025) - Ford government's $200 rebate cheques going out in mail, finance ministry says| https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-government-rebate-cheques-expected-january-february-1.7422808
CTV News (January 29, 2025) - Why Doug Ford called an early Ontario election and everything else you need to know as the campaign begins | https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/why-doug-ford-called-an-early-ontario-election-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know-as-the-campaign-begins/
CUPE (January 27, 2025) - Workers focus on Ford's failures as CUPE Ontario launches "Fire the Boss" election campaign | https://cupe.ca/workers-focus-fords-failures-cupe-ontario-launches-fire-boss-election-campaign
CUPE Ontario - CUPE Votes | https://cupe.on.ca/cupe-votes/
CUPE Ontario - Fire Ford | https://fireford.vote/
CUPE Ontario (December 6, 2024) - Tories must ban staffing agencies, not simply legislate data collection of administrative and billing information | https://cupe.on.ca/tories-must-ban-staffing-agencies-not-simply-legislate-data-collection-of-administrative-and-billing-information/
Ontario Federation of Labour - Ford Tracker | https://ofl.ca/ford-tracker/
Ontario Medical Association (January 29, 2025) - In an election that puts Ontario first, your health shouldn't be second | https://www.oma.org/newsroom/news/2025/january/in-an-election-that-puts-ontario-first-your-health-shouldnt-be-second/
The Agenda with Steve Paikin (February 5, 2025) - Who Are Labour Unions Backing in the Ontario Election? | https://www.tvo.org/video/who-are-labour-unions-backing-in-the-ontario-election
The Wellesley Institute (February 6, 2025) - Ontario Election series: Ontarians must thrive | https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/elections/ontario-election-series-ontarians-must-thrive/
CUPE Cast is back, and Brianna is joined by a new co-host, Mohammed (Moe) Alqasem. In the first episode of 2025, Moe and Brianna sit down with Brandon Hayes from CUPE Local 4948 and Nas Yadollahi from CUPE Local 79 to discuss their bargaining process as they return to the bargaining table with their employer. With understaffing, health and safety, and wages being some of the key issues, these local presidents share what is at stake not only for their members but also for the future of public services in Toronto.
Show notes:
CP24 | Union representing 30,000 City of Toronto workers votes for strike mandate: https://www.cp24.com/news/2025/01/21/union-representing-30000-city-of-toronto-workers-votes-for-strike-mandate/
Toronto and York Region Labour Council | OPENING THE BOOK ON CITY BARGAINING WITH CUPE 4948 - Labour Action Fall 2024: https://assets.nationbuilder.com/torontoyorklabour/pages/77/attachments/original/1732054417/D201093589_LabourAction-Fall2024_WEB_%281%29.pdf
Voices of Linden TV | Let's Talk with Nas Yadollahi | Local 79 President (December 2024): https://youtu.be/Pf2TPSx2s84?si=xSJlET80_2upcIXlhttps://youtu.be/Pf2TPSx2s84?si=xSJlET80_2upcIXl
Our Public Library: https://ourpubliclibrary.to/
Support CUPE Locals 4948 and 79 by following their social media accounts
CUPE Local 4948:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TPLWULocal4948
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/local4948/
CUPE Local 79:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cupe79
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cupelocal79/
CUPE Local 79 | Worth it: https://cupelocal79.org/worth-it
The push to privatize the healthcare system continues to affect Ontarians across this province. In this episode, the CUPE Co-hosts chat about how privatizing health has negative implications for the patient and the worker. The co-host also sits down with Unifor member Tiffany, who shares her story about fertility and her experience navigating the private healthcare system.
Brittany also says her goodbyes and signs off from CUPE Cast one last time.
Warning: The content discussed in this episode may be triggering for some - especially those who struggle with fertility.
Show notes
21:42 - Interview with Tiffany
58:32 - Closing
CUPE | 79% of CUPE hospital workers not confident about Ford government’s health sector plan
https://cupe.ca/79-cupe-hospital-workers-not-confident-about-ford-governments-health-sector-plan
CUPE Cast | From Reconciliation to ReconciliACTION
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uLbQ7kwKCthq8hteOujnU?si=d604b5a669664d19
CUPE Ontario | “I loved going to work when I first started. Now I dread it:” new study warns that Ontario’s hospital staffing crisis will worsen as morale plummets
https://cupe.on.ca/i-loved-going-to-work-when-i-first-started-now-i-dread-it-new-study-warns-that-ontarios-hospital-staffing-crisis-will-worsen-as-morale-plummets/
Ontario Council of Hospital Unions | No Respite Ontarios Failure to Plan for Hospital Patients Report (PDF)
https://ochu.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/No-Respite_Ontarios-Failure-to-Plan-for-Hospital-Patients_FInal.pdf
Ontario Council of Hospital Unions | No Respite Ontarios Failure to Plan for Hospital Patients Infographic (PDF)
https://ochu-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_ochu_on_ca/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fadmin%5Fochu%5Fon%5Fca%2FDocuments%2FAttachments%2FNO%20RESPITE%20ONTARIO%E2%80%99S%20FAILURE%20TO%20PLAN%20FOR%20HOSPITAL%2Epdf&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fadmin%5Fochu%5Fon%5Fca%2FDocuments%2FAttachments&ga=1
Ontario Health Coalition: MYTH BUSTER: 10 big myths about health care privatization (PDF)
https://cupe.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/final-top-10-myth-buster.pdf
TVO | Ontario’s health-care system is in crisis. More privatization isn’t the answer
https://www.tvo.org/article/ontarios-health-care-system-is-in-crisis-more-privatization-isnt-the-answer
Seniors for Climate
https://seniorsforclimate.org/
On today's episode, Brianna and Brittany will be recapping the LCBO Strike and how the LCBO benefits the whole of Ontario. With the LCBO workers going on strike this summer, everyone, from the government, unions, and the public, had an opinion and a stance. Let’s dive in and bring you up to speed about the LCBO strike.
LCBO Strike would be first in Ontario liquor stores history: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7240273
LCBO Workers vote to ratify contract after 2 week strike: https://opseu.org/news/lcbo-workers-vote-to-ratify-new-contract-after-two-week-strike/239446/
Explainer: LCBO strike and Ontario's changing monopoly: https://www.just-drinks.com/explainer/explainer-the-lcbo-strike-and-ontarios-changing-monopoly/#:~:text=LCBO%20and%20workers%20strike%20deal,pay%20increase%20over%20three%20years.
Global News: LCBO Strike Poll
https://globalnews.ca/news/10628544/lcbo-strike-poll/
Financial Post: LCBO Strike, What you need to know
https://financialpost.com/news/lcbo-strike-ontario-what-you-need-to-know
OPSEU Who deserves the funding commercialhttps://youtu.be/IWHyOHNzBbk?si=f7pn3L0aLcJ9-0D_
CAMH Statementhttps://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/statement-from-camh-on-alcohol
CPHA Condems Ontario Expansion of Alcohol Sales https://www.cpha.ca/canadian-public-health-association-condemns-ontarios-expansion-alcohol-sales
Ontario's “alcohol deficit” to grow with Expansion https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ontario-s-alcohol-deficit-to-grow-with-expanded-sales-expert-1.7267548
Grassy Narrows River Runhttps://mailchi.mp/f7467fc593ed/grassy-narrows-hosts-strategic-alliance-to-protect-land-water-5357731
In our summer episode, we are talking about beating the heat. We’ll discuss how parts of the labour movement are calling everybody out - the government, and the employer, to do better. We’ll be highlighting some current campaigns from the OFL and CUPE locals. Summer vacation may be out for students, but for the workers, the fight is always in session. Grab a seat and get ready because we are coming in hot.
Ontario Federation of Labour | Demand Climate Action on Workplace Heat https://ofl.ca/action/workplace-heat-petition/
Ontario Federation of Labour | Consultation: Proposed Heat Stress Regulation Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act https://actionnetwork.org/user_files/user_files/000/097/579/original/2023.09.29_SUB_Consultation_-_Proposed_Heat_Stress_Regulation_Under_the_Occupational_Health_and_Safety_Act.pdf
Spring Magazine | The Mississauga Library Workers Union needs your help https://springmag.ca/the-mississauga-library-workers-union-needs-your-help
CUPE National| Support Mississauga library workers
https://cupe.ca/support-mississauga-library-workers
CUPE Ontario | Municipal membership survey (survey closes on July 2, 2024) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CUPE-ON
CUPE Ontario | WILD application form (application closes on July 2, 2024) https://cupe.on.ca/wild-application-form/
CUPE National| CUPE supports the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ call for a new municipal growth framework https://cupe.ca/cupe-supports-federation-canadian-municipalities-call-new-municipal-growth-framework
CUPE Ontario | Health and safety forum navigating the right to refuse unsafe work
Global News (June 16, 2024) | LCBO workers vote in favour of strike: ‘Don’t force a dry summer’
https://globalnews.ca/news/10569726/lcbo-strike-vote-ontario/
CUPE Cast | Queer Liberation Not Rainbow Capitalism https://open.spotify.com/episode/61St9RpSvisMPGv2AbkKvC?si=CrmVNKWVQZGImqIZ8wpOXw
CUPE Cast | From Reconciliation to ReconciliACtionhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5uLbQ7kwKCthq8hteOujnU?si=7b84e07d8b644561
CUPE Cast | Drag Artists Under Attack! What Do We Do? Slay!https://open.spotify.com/episode/3q4tuNYvD8Epe4L9ELP2iN?si=ef0087169b904a78
City of Toronto | Great jobs available! Apply before March 31 for part-time summer recreation, aquatic and museum jobs with the City of Torontohttps://www.toronto.ca/news/great-jobs-available-apply-before-march-31-for-part-time-summer-recreation-aquatic-and-museum-jobs-with-the-city-of-toronto/
Daily Hive | These are the most in-demand summer jobs in Canada this yearhttps://dailyhive.com/canada/popular-summer-jobs-canada
Sudbury.com | City of Greater Sudbury spent $9.1M on overtime last year https://www.sudbury.com/city-hall/city-of-greater-sudbury-spent-91m-on-overtime-last-year-9068243
The Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE | OCHU/CUPE announces rallies to protest Ford government’s expansion of private, for-profit clinics
https://ochu.on.ca/2024/06/06/ochu-cupe-announces-rallies-to-protest-ford-governments-expansion-of-private-for-profit-clinics/
Thanks for listening!
It's convention season at CUPE Ontario, so let's revisit a past episode, “Convention Baseball”, where we give a complete overview of all things convention so you will be refreshed and ready for this exciting week!
CUPE Ontario Draft Convention Agenda: https://cupe.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-CONVENTION-AGENDA.pdf
CUPE Ontario Constitution: https://cupe.ca/sites/default/files/constitution_national_2023.pdf
CUPE Ombudperson program:
https://cupe.ca/cupe-ombudsperson-program
CUPE Ombudperson program video:
https://cupe.ca/cupe-ombudspersons-video
CUPE Ontario Convention Website:
https://cupe.on.ca/convention2024/
CUPE Ontario Land Acknowledgement:
Solidarity Forever Lyrics:
https://genius.com/Pete-seeger-solidarity-forever-lyrics
Bread and Roses:
https://genius.com/Joan-baez-bread-and-roses-lyrics
Roberts Rules of Order: https://assembly.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/roberts_rules_simplified.pdf
Boutinots Rules of Order: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentexperience/sites/utsc.utoronto.ca.studentexperience/files/docs/4-Bourinots-Rules-of-Order-ACCESSIBLE.pdf
Parliamentary Procedure: https://cupe.ca/sites/default/files/parli_pro_handbook_en.pdf
May 30 Giant Protest & March: The fightback is on to save public health care: https://www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca/index.php/event-may-30-giant-protest-march-the-fightback-is-on-to-save-public-health-care/
June 1 Injured Workers’ Day rally: https://ofl.ca/event/injured-workers-day/
Mental Health is health. We can’t divorce our physical well-being from our mental well-being. In this episode, Brianna and Brittany discuss why mental health is a health and safety issue in the workplace. Looking at current events, pop culture, and workplace issues, it is evident that mental health affects us all—in different capacities. CUPE National Representative Andréane Chénier joins the CUPE cast to discuss how we can connect work and mental health.
If you or someone you know are battling with a mental illness, there are supports available to you. To find local mental health support in your community, call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
Show notes:
British Vogue (2020) | From ‘Bunny Boiler’ Stigmas To Brave Storytelling, A Timeline Of Mental Health Narratives In Pop Culture
https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/mental-health-narrative
Canadian Mental Health Association | Mental Health Week 2024 May 6-12
https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week/
Canadian Mental Health Association (2016) | Mental Illnesses in the Workplace
https://cmha.ca/brochure/mental-illnesses-in-the-workplace/
CBC News (April 18, 2024) | Profs call Ford government bill 'political interference' on campus
CUPE National | Mental Health Resources
CUPE National | Mental health tool kit
https://cupe.ca/mental-health-toolkit
CUPE National | Work-Related Stress
https://cupe.ca/work-related-stress
CUPE National | Creating Healthier Work, Not Tougher Workers
https://cupe.ca/creating-healthier-work-not-tougher-workers
CUPE National | Resilience and mental well-being
https://cupe.ca/resilience-and-mental-well-being
CUPE National | Talking to Members about Mental Health
https://cupe.ca/talking-members-about-mental-health-0
CUPE National | Mental Health and Well-being
https://cupe.ca/mental-health-and-well-being-work
CUPE Ontario | Connecting Work and Mental Health
https://cupe.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Andreane-Chenier-Connecting-Work-and-Mental-Health.pdf
Los Angeles Times (March 26, 2024) | Nickelodeon stars from ‘Quiet on Set’: Where are they now?
Medium (2024) | Winnie the Pooh: A Mental Health Look
https://livewelltalk.medium.com/winnie-the-pooh-a-mental-health-look-5f68a803e6db
Mental Health Commission | Mental health first aid
https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/mental-health-first-aid/
National Library of Medicine (2000)| Pathology in the Hundred Acre Wood: a neurodevelopmental perspective on A.A. Milne
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC80580/
Statistics Canada | Mental Health of Canadians - it matters https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/4691-mental-health-canadians-it-matters
Airlines won’t fly without flight attendants, but did you know that they work 35 hours per month unpaid while they carry out their duties? In this episode of CUPE Cast, Brianna and Brittany discuss the airline sector campaign and the “Unpaid Work Won’t Fly” Campaign. CUPE Airline’s Division Wesley Lesosky sits down for an exciting interview to raise awareness of some of the issues flight attendants face.
Show notes:
Ann Hood | Fly Girl: A Memoir: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58999205
CUPE | CUPE, Canada's flight attendant union, condemns abuse against airline workers amid airport chaos
CUPE | Flight attendants at Lynx Air are now unionized with CUPE: https://cupe.ca/flight-attendants-lynx-air-are-now-unionized-cupe?utm_medium=rss
CUPE | Guidance for CUPE Flight Attendants on the Right to Refuse Dangerous Work
https://cupe.ca/guidance-cupe-flight-attendants-right-refuse-dangerous-work
CUPE | CUPE responds to Lynx Air shutdown: https://cupe.ca/cupe-responds-lynx-air-shutdown?utm_medium=rss
CUPE’s Airline Division | Unpaid Work Won’t Fly: www.unpaidworkwontfly.ca
CUPE 4070: https://www.cupe4070.ca/
CUPE Ontario | Convention Awards, Constitutional Amendments & Resolutions: https://cupe.on.ca/convention2024/
CP24 | Here’s where people are travelling this March Break, according to Toronto Pearson Airport: https://www.cp24.com/mobile/news/here-s-where-people-are-travelling-this-march-break-according-to-toronto-pearson-airport-1.6798787?referrer=android-app%3A%2F%2Fcom.google.android.googlequicksearchbox%2F&__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar
Tik Tok | @FlywithBernice: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMMAT7Pxg/
March 8th is an exciting day for women and gender oppressed folks because it is International Women's Day!!! A day to celebrate all that women have and continue to accomplish!
For this episode of the CUPE Cast, we are going to focus on the contributions certain women have made to the labour movement, events and how you can celebrate International Women's Day as well as messages from CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer, Candace Rennick, and Marilena Fox, CUPE Ontario Women's Committee Chair. So, get ready for another exciting episode!
International Women's Day 2024 campaign theme is 'Inspire Inclusion' | International Women’s Day https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme
'Change doesn’t happen with the same voices': All-female St. Paul city council makes history | USA Today
St.Paul City Council Inauguration Clip | Tik Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@therecount/video/7322246438468078890
2023 Women in Municipal Office | Center for American Women and Politics
https://cawp.rutgers.edu/2023-women-municipal-office
2023 report on women’s representation in Canadian municipal elected positions | Federation of Canadian Municipalities
CUPE Ontario Women’s Committee | CUPE Ontario
https://cupe.on.ca/committees/womens/
Sister in Solidarity Award | CUPE Ontario
https://cupe.on.ca/sisters-in-solidarity-award/
2024 OFL March 8th Project Celebrating International Women’s Day Diversity Grows Our Strength | Ontario Federation of Labour
With Black History Month right around the corner, we will be taking a deep dive in this episode and discussing why Black History Month is celebrated in February. We will also be joined by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist Ontario Chapter’s First Vice-President Christopher Wilson.
Why is Black History month celebrated in February?
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/01/1075623826/why-is-february-black-history-monthhttps://www.twinkl.ca/event/black-history-month-Canada-2024#:~:text=The%20theme%20for%20Black%20History%20Month%202024%20is%20%E2%80%9CBlack%20resistance,discrimination%2C%20and%20prejudice%20over%20history.
Events:
Younge & Dundas square will have a black history month digital exhibition with OCAD University
AGO events:
https://ago.ca/events/black-history-month-ago
Harbour Front Centre : KUUMBA
https://harbourfrontcentre.com/series/kuumba/
CBTU: what do they do? Mission? CBTU Roots?
Mary Ann Shadd, abolitionist and first Black female newspaper publisher, included in 2024 Canada Post stamps
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/mary-ann-shadd-stamp-1.7074307CBC: Being Black in Canadahttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/beingblackincanada
Bringing Overlooked Canadian Black History to the Fore | The Agenda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbX9ahCCMvE
https://www.cbtu.ca/21-12-2023cbtu_membership_newsletter_2024
What were your favourite moments of 2023? Because we know we have quite a few!
In this episode we will go over all the great times we had this year. However we also will be saying goodbye to someone we all know and love.
So make sure to tune into CUPE Cast episode 32: 2023, A Year in Review!
In this month’s episode, we explore the importance of accessibility in the workplace, focusing on the AODA Act and discussing disability rights, health and safety measures, creating an ability-smart workplace, and the Duty to Accommodate. The episode also highlights the political parties' response to the AODA alliance’s questionnaire to addresses barriers, and an interview with Brenda Cervantes, a member of the Workers with Disabilities Committee and how CUPE Ontario, is committed to keep workers informed and empowered.
Disability Rights: https://cupe.ca/disability-rights
Health and Safety for workers with disabilities: https://cupe.ca/health-and-safety-workers-disabilities
Creating an ability smart workplace: https://cupe.ca/ready-and-able-creating-ability-smart-work-environment-0
Duty to accommodate: https://cupe.ca/disability-rights-fact-sheet-what-duty-accommodate
Are you temporarily disabled from an injury at work, Occupational Disease or other temporary disability? Please click here to visit the CUPE Ontario Injured Workers Committee webpage
CBC article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/provinical-election-accessibiltiy-issues-1.6469119
CUPE Ontario Workers With Disabilities website: https://cupe.on.ca/committees/workers-with-disabilities/
SAG-AFTRA and UAW tentative agreements: https://www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-national-board-approves-tentative-agreement-recommends-ratification-2023-tvtheatrical
https://www.wga.org/news/press/wga-ratifies-2023-tentative-agreement-with-amptp
Get ready for a Halloween treat!
In episode 30 of CUPE Cast, titled "No Tricks, Just Treats," we're diving headfirst into a special Halloween celebration, union style. Join us as we unravel the sweetest treats that are union-made for your trick-or-treat adventures, and get inspired with creative, union-themed Halloween costume ideas. And, brace yourself for some spine-tingling union stories that will add an extra layer of intrigue to your Halloween celebrations.
Don't miss this festive, unionized Halloween episode! Tune in to CUPE Cast Episode 30: "No Tricks, Just Treats."
Shownotes:
Union treats for trick-or-treating: https://aflcio.org/MadeInAmerica/halloween
UFCW List of Canadian made food:
Haymarket affair: https://www.britannica.com/money/topic/Haymarket-Affair
Lindsey Park: https://www.rankandfile.ca/tory-mpp-picket-line/
Origin of a word not used: https://www.pushblack.us/news/how-spook-became-racist-slur-against-black-people
https://www.newsweek.com/before-you-use-word-spooky-you-should-know-its-racist-origins-1541441
This podcast episode explores the critical intersection of climate justice and labour unions. The discussion highlights how the climate emergency is not just an environmental issue but a profound health and safety concern for everyone, impacting all of us, irrespective of our backgrounds or workplaces. The episode explores the role of labor unions in advocating for climate justice, emphasizing the importance of collective action. Furthermore, the podcast offers insights into practical steps that individuals, communities, and organizations can take to combat climate change while ensuring equitable outcomes for all. We hope to inspire listeners that it’s not too late to create a more sustainable and just future for all. Content warning: there is mention of death, disaster, and sexual assault.
Show Notes
Climate Emergency Unit - Good Green Jobs for All campaign
https://www.goodgreenjobsforall.ca/win
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Ontario - Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/CBTUCanada
CP24 (September 22, 2023) - 'It was a mistake:' Ford reversing government's decision to open Greenbelt
CUPE (July 2018) - Bargaining language for a greener workplace
https://cupe.ca/bargaining-language-greener-workplace
CUPE - Water is life campaign
CUPE - Wildsmoke
https://cupe.ca/wildfire-smoke
CUPE Ontario - Connecting air quality, health and safety at work, and the climate emergency
A joint statement from CUPE Ontario’s Climate Justice and Health and Safety committees
CUPE Ontario Climate Justice Committee - CUPE Ontario’s Climate Justice Toolkit
CUPE Ontario - Health and Safety Forum
https://cupe.on.ca/event/health-and-safety-forum-oct-1st/?instance_id=1606
David Suzuski Foundation - Top 10 things you can do about climate change
https://davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/top-10-ways-can-stop-climate-change/
Fridays for Future Toronto - Global March to End Fossil Fuels Toronto
https://www.fridaysforfutureto.org/global-march-to-end-fossil-fuels-toronto
Global News (September 21, 2023) - A chronology of key events following Ontario’s decision to develop Greenbelt lands
https://globalnews.ca/news/9932393/greenbelt-land-swap-key-events-timeline
On20Ottawa
Power Up Day of Action https://globalpowerup.org
SIERRA Magazine (September 18, 2023) - Tens of Thousands of Marchers Fill New York City Streets to Demand an End to Fossil Fuel Extraction
The Canadian Climate Institute - Centring Social Justice is Sound Climate Policy
https://climateinstitute.ca/centring-social-justice-is-sound-climate-policy/
United Nations (June 27, 2022) - Put women’s rights ‘front and centre’ of climate policies: Bachelet
Recorded live co-hosted by Niagara District CUPE Council Women's Committee
It’s another hot union summer, summer of the strike, and so many of these movements are women led! And don’t forget the Orcas too! Let’s explore what’s going down, because this Barbie is a Union Member. Recorded in front of a live audience, it’s Episode 28! Strong Women Summer!
Links:
Local 2577 – Workers at Family & Children’s Services Lanark, Leeds & Grenville
Local 905 – Library Unit at Bradford West Gwillimbury
The Maple - GTA Metro Workers’ Strike Is A Chance To Reform Grocery Industry
https://www.readthemaple.com/gta-metro-workers-strike-is-a-chance-to-reform-grocery-industry/
Good Jobs for Grocery Workers Campaign
https://www.goodgroceryjobs.ca/
Writers Guild of America
https://19thnews.org/2023/05/hollywood-writers-strike-diverse-stories-tv-film/
SAG - yeah Fran Drescher!!
https://www.thenation.com/article/society/margot-robbie-sag-aftra-strike-barbie/
Is it crossing a picket line to see a movie right now?
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/sag-aftra-strike-faq-crossing-picket-lines-see-a-movie/
Economic impact from Barbie, Taylor Swift, Beyonce
https://www.buzzfeed.com/alanavalko/taylor-swift-barbie-beyonce-impact-us-economy
Olivia Chow winning mayor of Toronto
Auditor General Greenbelt report
https://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/specialreports/specialreports/Greenbelt_en.pdf