OPSEU Local 550

Events

New Activist & New Steward Orientation

The Region 5 Education Committee is pleased to offer this in-person educational opportunity. We would like to invite all members of Region 5 to participate in this Educational Weekend, where the following six courses will be offered:

1. Dismantling Anti-Black Racism, 2. Health & Safety, Level 2, 3. Stewards 2: Facing the Employer, Building Member Involvement, 4. Taking Action on Workplace Stress, 5. Local Treasurer’s Course, 6. Basic Grievance Handling for Union Building, 7. Indigenous Journey: Walking Together: Part 2, 8. Obligation d’accommoder: Un outil pour des milieu de travail inclusifs *This is a FRENCH LANGUAGE COURSE OFFERING*

Dates are: Saturday, November 19, 2022 – 9:00AM to 5:00PM and Sunday, November 20, 2022 – 9:00AM to 1:00PM.

Location: Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto, 475 Yonge St, Toronto ON, M4Y 1X7

Application forms: Human Rights Accomodation, New Activist New Steward Orientation Call Out Package

Registration Deadline: Friday, October 7, 2022 at 4:00PM. Email your applications to: R5Educationals@opseu.org.

OPSEU/SEFPO's Indigenous Circle is inviting you to Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Virtual Forum.

The OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle will be hosting a virtual forum tonight to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This event will honour the survivors of the residential school system including those who did not make it home.

Join us to reflect, remember and recognize the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma. We will also pay respect to the souls that continue to be uncovered and recommit ourselves to our responsibility to truth and reconciliation.

For any questions or to register, please contact equity@opseu.org with your name and union number.

Event: Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Virtual Forum

Date: Monday, September 27th, 2021

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30PM

Event link: https://www.opseu.org/event/orange-shirt-day-and-national-day-for-truth-reconciliation-virtual-forum/

Podcast: The Path to Truth & Reconciliation https://opseutalk.org/episode/the-path-to-truth-and-reconciliation/

OPSEU/SEFPO’s Virtual Pride Event this Sunday, September 19 on Facebook live!

This Sunday, September 19th from 7:00pm to 9:30pm is OPSEU/SEFPO’s first Virtual Pride event!

Let’s celebrate equity, inclusion, diversity and the achievements of the TLGBTIAPQQ2S+ (Trans, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited) community!

Join and add the Facebook Live event to your calendar. The event will broadcast live at 7:00pm so be sure to click “Going” for the reminder.

Feel free to share the event widely with friends and family! Be ready for Comedy Sketches, a Drag Queen Contest and performances by Canada’s Drag Race winner, Priyanka! If you have questions about this event, please email pride@opseu.org.

Learn about the Drag Queen Contest contestants, who are also OPSEU/SEFPO members, before they take the stage:

Queen Dinah Might: “Hey there, I'm Dinah Might. I'm a local Drag Queen in North Bay and I have been doing drag for about 5 years. I love performing for an audience and connecting with fans. I love to enjoy life and I don’t take things too seriously. I've been trying to grow as an artist and recently began a YouTube Channel and I am looking forward to exploring my art even more. Drag has helped me grow more confident as an individual and it has taught me a lot about the importance of community.”

Bianca Allen: “I have been a local president for six years. I have been working as a Child and Youth Worker since 2009 in Toronto and presently in Ottawa. Fact about me as a union member, I am a winner of OPSEU’s got Talent. My partner Tyffanie Morgan (Kingston, ON) slayed the stage with an ABBA medley and a duet between Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer. It was such a blast. I began doing drag when I was 18 in downtown Toronto at places like former TraxV, Zippers, Bar 501 and the popular Crews and Tango. Many of these places are now closed. When I first started I looked like a hot mess (but I own that, haha), and as I began to craft myself and my skills, I slowly took off in my own way. I won my first title in 2002/03 with the Imperial Court of Toronto as Miss Trillium. I was so proud it that I wore my sash and crown all the time and I was in drag 3-5 times a week at that point. I later went on to compete but never took It too seriously. I started to pull away from drag when I began studying for my career and working which took up all of my time. It wasn’t long before drag became something that I used to do. Now when I have the chance to get in drag and entertain folks, it brings me so much joy and I appreciate the art of it all even more. Here’s to spreading some joy!”

New Activist & New Steward Orientation

The Region 5 Education Committee is pleased to offer this virtual educational opportunity to our Region 5 members. We would like to invite all members of Region 5 to participate in our upcoming zoom classes.

Option #1 will run two consecutive 3 hour evenings Tuesday, September 14, 2021 and Wednesday September 15, 2021 6:00 pm – 9:15 pm.

Option #2 will run one day Saturday September 18, 2021 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Any member may apply for this class. This is not limited to Stewards. Lost Wages will not be provided for this Educational.

As this meeting is being held virtually, no expenses outside of Family/Care Attendants claims (if required) will be reimbursed except in special circumstances where expenses have been pre-approved. Union Activity Form MUST be completed and signed by ONE LEC.

Application forms: Human Rights Accomodation, New Activist New Steward Orientation Call Out Package

Registration Deadline: Friday, August 27, 2021 4pm. Email your applications to: R5Educationals@opseu.org.

New Activist & New Steward Orientation

The Region 5 Education Committee is pleased to offer this virtual educational opportunity to our Region 5 members. We would like to invite all members of Region 5 to participate in our upcoming zoom classes.

Class #1 two consecutive 3 hour evenings Tuesday, June 8, 2021 and Wednesday June 9, 2021 6:00 pm – 9:15 pm.

Class #2 will run one day Saturday June 12, 2021 9:30 am – 4:30 pms.

Application forms: Human Rights Accomodation, New Activist New Steward Orientation Call Out Package

Registration Deadline: Friday, April 16, 2021 4:30 pm. Email your applications to: R5Educationals@opseu.org.

Regarding “Doubble Conciousness”

Sandra McKechnie presented Doubble Consciousness to the Executive Members/Stewards of Local 550 on February 7th, 2021 with her co-facilitator during Black History Month. As a Local we were interested in introducing this workshop to all members interested in celebrating ongoing achievements and contributions of Black Excellence.

This workshop allowed members of our local to learn and unlearn various historic facts based on undeniable research. Our members found this workshop to be inspirational and educational. Sandra and her team delivered in the most upmost respect, giving everyone an opportunity to discuss unspoken trauma while creating a safe place. Sandra was captivating and enhanced the experience by incorporating personal life experiences that resonated with many of our members.

I encourage anyone and everyone to attend this workshop sooner rather than later, knowledge is key to expanding our minds.


In Solidarity,
Kawashi Tharmaseelan
OPSEU Local 550, President

Workers Health & Safety Centre Labour Level 1 Program / OFL Prevention on ‘Rights & Obligations’ / ‘Benefits & Services

In keeping with the Region 5 Education Committee’s commitment with supporting the important work of providing meaningful educational opportunities to our valued members, we would like to invite all members of Region 5 to participate in our upcoming zoom classes.

Class #1 will run four consecutive Saturdays. Saturday, April 10, 17, 24 and May 1, 2021 at 9am-4pm (EST).

Class #2 will run four consecutive Sundays. Sunday, April 11, 18, 25 and May 2, 2021 at 9am–4pm (EST).

Application forms: Human Rights Accomodation, OFCL Prevent Link Call Out Package, Workers Health & Safety Centre Labour Level 1 Program

Registration Deadline: Friday, March 19, 2021 4:00 pm. Please visit www.whsc.on.ca and www.preventionlink.ca Email your applications to: R5Educationals@opseu.org.

“Doubble Conciousness”

On February 7, 2021 from 10am-6pm, Local 550 is sponsoring a webinar that has been designed just for our members. It is enlightening, timely and a provocative, thoughtful discussion.

Welcome!

What is “Doubble Conciousness”?

Preparation homework link: Tim Wise

Registration link

GET ON THAT REGISTRATION LIST LOCAL 550!

Thank you for your interest in learning, growing and joining us in creating a safe space to promote and foster healing of our Black Community.

Shalom,
Sandra McKechnie & Marcia Shelton