Dear PSAC555 Family and Friends,

Here are some important weekly updates from the PSAC555 Local Executive.

TA/RA Invigilator Ratification Vote

The voting period will  close on April 15, 2020 at 6:00pm.

If you attended a webinar you would have been sent a confirmation email with the option to either log in on your computer, tablet or phone, or you can call the toll free number provided in the email to participate by phone.

As per PSAC Regulation 15, you must attend an informational session to be eligible to cast your vote. Attendance will be tracked and only those who attend will have their member profile updated on the eVoting system, enabling them to vote. PINS became active on April 2nd at 8:00 am

PSAC Membership Wellness FUNDs and Supports

Tomorrow is the last day to get your Professional Development Fund Applications in.

May 30th is the due date for Hardship and for our International Post Doctoral Fellow Fund.

We now have a new supply of Food Cards for our membership. If you need one please email me at Office@PSAC555.ca

Hardships

If you have a financial hardship, or in need of food or other support, you can also contact  https://211ontario.ca/ or call 211, to find local resources.

Annual General Membership Meeting, Health and Safety Worker Representative Elections and Executive Officer Elections

The Annual General Membership meeting and elections scheduled for April 17th, 2020 is cancelled. We will advise the membership when it will be rescheduled.

Changes to the terms and conditions of your employment at Ontario Tech U:

During this transition, you may be asking to start a contract earlier than normal in the Spring/Summer months or you may be asked to extend the number of weeks a contract may normally take. In the majority of cases commensurate work set out in the contracts has not changed, the length of the contract has simply been extended. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes please let our office know right away.

It is your right to question any changes to the terms and conditions of your employment and we are here to help you navigate any of these requested changes.

Remember, you must not compromise your health and safety and if you feel you are being asked to do something that would, you have the right to refuse and we ask that you contact our office immediately at Office@PSAC555.ca

Commonly PSAC Academic Sector Asked Questions:

PSAC Ontario Academic Sector has put together some response to some commonly asked question
http://psacunion.ca/covid-19-faq-university-sector-members-and-other

Applying for EI and other Government Supports:

The National Student Loan Center has suspended all payment and interest on Student Loans until September 30th, 2020.

There is also some emergency funding available for those who may not qualify for EI. Applications for this funding will be available as of April 6, 2020

Please follow this link for information on EI and other Government Supports:

http://psacunion.ca/psac-welcomes-government-measures-to-support-workers

OFFICE Hours

ERC1085 (the PSAC555 local office) will not be physically occupied until further notice. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at Office@PSAC555.ca.

We are also able to do conference calls and google meetings with our membership- if you would like to chat.

Please stay safe and healthy my PSAC555 family and friends and we will follow up with you again the week of  April 27, 2020.

In solidarity,

PSAC555.