Dear PSAC555 Family and Friends,
It is April 7th ,2020 and most of us are staying home and doing on-line classes. We hope everyone is healthy and staying safe.
Here are some important weekly updates from the PSAC555 Local Executive.
TA/RA Invigilator Ratification Vote
We will be holding an electronic vote for members of the Teaching Assistants (TA), Researching Assistants (RA) and Exam Invigilators to ratify the tentative agreement between PSAC and Ontario Tech University.
The voting period will open on April 2, 2020 and close on April 15, 2020 at 6:00pm. Meetings will be held by webinar for all members.
IMPORTANT INFO FOR WEBINARS:
When you register for a webinar, you will be 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.
We have had 3 webinars on March 31st and April 1st and our last one will be on April 14th, 2020
Please register for Webinar Information Session for Ontario Tech University PSAC Local 555 on Apr 14, 2020 10:00 AM EDT at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/5597499753885218574
Speaker: Mathieu Brûlé, PSAC Negotiator
Members must attend an information session (approx. 30 minutes) at one of the listed times prior to completing the on-line voting.
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 will become active on April 2nd at 8:00 am
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
Hardships
If you have a financial hardship, or in need of food or other supports, you can also contact https://211ontario.ca/ or call 211, to find local resources.
PSAC Meetings and all FUND
All PSAC membership meetings that were scheduled in March & April are postponed.
The adjudication of the funds are still postponed – but are still working on an alternative way to get these applications processed.
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, however we are working on alternative ways to hold this meeting and elections. If you wish to run for a position please let our office know and we can send you all the information on the position and a nomination form.
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 Monday April 13, 2020.
In solidarity,
PSAC555.