Dear PSAC555 Family and Friends,

It is March 31st ,2020  and the University is still utilizing on-line classes, and it looks like we may not see regular face-to-face classes resume this term or in the 2020 Spring/Summer Term.

The University will be extending the due dates that marks have to be in from April 24th, to April 30th, which will provide you with some extra time to get these marks submitted.

During this transition from face-to-face classes to online line classes, if you experienced any excessive workloads or increases to the number of hours in your contract, please contact our office.

Also, during this transition, you may be asked 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.

Please utilize the hardship policy on our website. https://www.psac555.ca/  , all Exam invigilators are also eligible for this fund.

PSAC Meetings and Professional Development FUND

All PSAC membership meetings that were scheduled in March are postponed.

The adjudication of the Professional Development Fund is postponed- but are still working on an alternative way to get these applications processed.

TA/RA Invigilator Ratification Vote

The webinar are currently going on, today and tomorrow. If you have not registered for one please do so:

You can register for one of the dates at the following link:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4016441615276387595

 

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 on Monday April 6, 2020.

In solidarity,

PSAC555.