| Message from the President |
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In June 2007, the Supreme Court of Canada reviewed the rationale for
considering collective bargaining to be a human right. In the case Health
Services and Support -Facilities Subsector Bargaining Association v.
British Columbia, the Court stated that: 1) The right to bargain collectively with an employer enhances the human dignity, liberty and autonomy of workers by giving them the opportunity to influence the establishment of workplace rules and thereby gain some control over a major aspect of their lives, namely their work. 2) Collective bargaining is not simply an instrument for pursuing external ends…rather it is intrinsically valuable as an experience in self-government. 3) Collective bargaining permits workers to achieve a form of workplace democracy and to ensure the rule of law in the workplace. Workers gain a voice to influence the establishment of rules that control a major aspect of their lives. In other words, being in a Union allows the employer and employees discuss issues as equals. A negotiated contract sets conditions for both sides to adhere to and puts in place a process to resolve any difficulties that cannot be settled informally. That is to say, once the bargaining is over, both sides work to maintain a harmonious relationship. Your Collective Agreement expired August 31, 2008 which makes this a bargaining year. Your Local needs you to exercise your rights, stay informed and be connected to the process. Read your newsletters and Provincial Takeover bulletins and call the office with any questions. Participate in Local meetings and bring along a fellow Occasional Teacher. Speak to your O.T. peers when you are at a school and be proud of the contribution you make to education in Thames Valley. And finally, know your Collective Agreement and adhere to its provisions. It governs every aspect of your working relation-ship with the Board and is only as strong as the members who stand behind it. Yours in solidarity, Terry Card |
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Proud to be a Teacher! |