Summer Sign-Up Contest!
The contest is open to all Support Staff at Mohawk College, Full-Time (permanent, Initiative & Opportunity, Appendix D) and Part-Time (Regular Part-Time, student employees, temporary, and casual).
- Sign or update your membership and enter a draw for one of two $100 prize packs.
- Refer your coworkers to sign or update their membership, and you’ll receive a ballot for a $300 prize pack. The more you refer, the more ballots you’ll get!
Enter the contest and see the prizes now! The contest closes on Thursday, June 27!
May GMM – Wednesday May 22 at Noon Online
Register now! You will receive your Zoom link right away.
The main item of business for this GMM is our Treasurer’s Report but you can also expect some updates on what has been going on with the Local over the past couple of months! Attendance is critical for our GMM, as we need a certain number of members to proceed with the meeting. Both part-time and full-time staff are very strongly encouraged to attend.
We will, of course, also hold draws for a bunch of gas, grocery and coffee gift cards for those in attendance at the GMM!
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon!
Celebrating Support Staff: Greg Gagnon
Please join us in applauding our former Local President and current support staff member, Greg Gagnon. Last week, Greg was the recipient of the Colleges & Institutes of Canada’s Leadership Excellence Award for Non-Managerial Staff.
Along with Greg’s award came the following statement:
“One of Mohawk College’s core values is ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Greg Gagnon personifies this value by going above and beyond to ensure students with accessibility needs have what they need to succeed. Greg has been with the college’s Accessible Learning Services team since 2011. Throughout this time, he has strongly advocated accessibility at the college and across the broader postsecondary community. Greg has profoundly impacted the lives of the many students who rely on the services and support he provides to succeed and thrive in their postsecondary journey.”
We would be remiss in not also mentioning the fact that Greg has served in many positions with the Local, from Steward to President. We are proud of the work he has done both for the Union and in his role with Accessible Learning Services at the college.
National Day of Mourning
Falling every year on April 28, The National Day of Mourning is a time to recognize and remember those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy. Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians suffer workplace illness, injuries, and, in some cases, fatalities.
We encourage all of the recipients of this message to set aside a moment today in recognition of those workers we have lost and those who live with illness or injuries they have sustained at work.
The National Day of Mourning also serves as an opportunity to recognize the distinct importance of health and safety efforts in the workplace. From laws about workplace safety to boots-on-the-ground health and safety teams in the workplace. The people involved in these efforts perform a critical service.
Local 241 stands in solidarity with the families and friends of those affected by workplace tragedies. With each tragedy, there are loved ones, family members, friends and co-workers who are deeply impacted. We remain committed to supporting impacted peoples and advocating for safer workplaces.
Elora Riverfest Discount for Mohawk Members
Use promo code MOHAWK10 when placing your order for tickets on riverfestelora.com to get 10% off Weekend passes (before taxes).
Date: August 16th to 18th, 2024
Location: Bissell Park, 127 E Mill Street, Elora, N0B 1S0
About Riverfest Elora:
Ontario’s “little-big” music and arts festival by the river is back! Riverfest Elora’s 14th edition as one of Canada’s premier festivals continues to offer top-tier headliners, exciting up-and-comers, acts of all genres, local artisans, food trucks and craft brews, all within a majestically natural setting along the banks of the famed Grand River in Elora — Ontario’s most beautiful village.
We can’t wait to announce our lineup for 2024, which again will be a hot selection of artists from across Canada and beyond, showcasing a plethora of genres and styles. Follow us on IG @riverfestelora.
February GMM – Feb 14, 2024
General Membership Meeting
OPSEU Local 241 is hosting an online General Membership Meeting for all Support Staff members on Wednesday, February 14 at noon. Register for the GMM now!
This GMM will focus on three main items of business:
- Updates on part-time bargaining
- Election of delegates and alternates for OPSEU/SEFPO annual Convention and the Region 2 election meeting. Learn more about delegates and nominate a member.
- Treasurer’s report of year-to-date budget and investments
We will, of course, also hold draws for a bunch of assorted gift cards (Esso, President’s Choice, and Tim Hortons) for those in attendance at the GMM!
Attendance is critical for our GMM, as we need a certain number of members to proceed with the meeting. Both part-time and full-time staff are very strongly encouraged to attend.
We look forward to seeing you at our GMM on February 14!
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women
December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. Today, we remember the 14 young women studying to become engineers at École Polytechnique in Montréal who were shot and killed by a gunman – targeted simply because they were women. Over 30 years ago, this tragedy initiated a dialogue that contributed to tougher gun control laws and improved emergency response. It also brought to light the gender-based violence that women still continue to face today.
Today is a day to reflect, and to recognize that horrific acts of gender-based violence are still happening. It is important for everyone to understand that women across the country face instances of violence, especially intimate partner violence. It is our duty to stand as allies and work toward ending this horrible reality.
Today, we honour the victims of the École Polytechnique mass shooting and reaffirm OPSEU/SEFPO’s commitment to fight for social improvements to prevent all forms of gender-based violence.
Introducing Lunch & Learn Week
Lunch & Learn week from Dec 11 – 15!
OPSEU Local 241 will be hosting a series of engaging and informative events during lunch hour from December 11-15. These sessions are designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of our union, your rights, and the pivotal role you play in shaping our shared future.
Event Details:
- Date: Monday; Dec 11 – Friday; Dec 15
- Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: i125 & Zoom
Agenda:
- Monday: Unions, Collective Bargaining & Stewards
- Tuesday: Demystifying Grievances
- Wednesday: Sick Days & Benefits (Full Time)
- Thursday: Position Description Forms & Classification (Full Time)
- Friday: PT Bargaining Update & Open Forum – Meet Your Stewards!
We will have coffee, snacks and a gift card draw at each Lunch & Learn event.
RSVP: Register for whichever of the learning events interest you today.
We believe that an informed union is a powerful one, and these sessions aim to empower you with the knowledge you need to make the most of your union membership. Feel free to bring your lunch, and let’s make the most of this opportunity to connect, learn, and strengthen our union community!
November Budget Meetings & December GMM
General Membership Meeting
OPSEU Local 241 is hosting an online General Membership Meeting for all Support Staff members on Wednesday, December 6 at noon. Register for the GMM now and add the meeting to your calendar.
We will be voting on our proposed 2024 budget and a spending proposal for a new union management platform.
As a bit of a cherry on top, we will also hold draws for a bunch of assorted gift cards (Esso, President’s Choice, and Tim Hortons) for those in attendance at the GMM!
Attendance is critical for our GMM, as we need a certain number of members to proceed with the meeting. Both part-time and full-time staff are very strongly encouraged to attend.
November Budget Town Halls
Those who are interested in knowing more about the budget, spending proposal, or Local finances in general are encouraged to attend one of our town halls this month. We will be holding two ahead of the December GMM.
- Evening Town Hall: Wednesday, November 22, 6:30 PM Online
- Lunch-Hour Town Hall: Wednesday, November 29, Noon @ Fennell Campus i206 and Online
We encourage you to take the opportunity to attend one of the town halls if you can. An informed Local is a strong Local.
We look forward to seeing you at our Town Halls and our GMM on September December 6!
Blue Shirt Day for Part-Time Bargaining
We’re happy to share that a whole bunch of members were on campus wearing their blue shirts, showing support for our Part-Time bargaining team. Many were even happy to show their support by sending in a photo:
Why were people wearing blue shirts?
Union members were wearing blue shirts to show support for our CAAT-S Part-Time (PT) Bargaining Team.
As you may know, Bill 124, which previously capped our wages at a shameful 1%, was declared unconstitutional in November 2022. This significant court decision, activated our wage re-opener clause and paved the way for renegotiations. Our PT Bargaining Team reconvened with the CEC (College Employer Council) on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
The team went into this meeting prepared to make the case for addressing the soaring cost of living and advocating for a wage increase that reflects the escalating costs we all face.
If you missed the chance to show support with the colour of your shirt, you can still show support by engaging with the Local, learning more about the renegotiation, and talking about these things with your co-workers. The more informed we all are, the easier it is to stand together.
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About Local 241
OPSEU/SEFPO Local 241 proudly represents all Support Staff at Mohawk College.
Local Stewards and elected Officers are volunteers. We help our members navigate the unionized workplace and understand, exercise, and enforce our rights under the collective agreement.