KAMLOOPS RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL - EVIDENCE OF CANADIAN GENOCIDE

The discovery of the remains of 215 undocumented Indigenous children at the former Kamloops Residential School, British Columbia, though horrifying, is not unexpected. As stated by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on the residential school system, many of the children who were forcibly placed in these schools never made it back home to their families and communities. A 1927 report of the Kamloops School made clear mention of the building’s poor conditions such that, cases of bronchitis and pneumonia were not uncommon. The residential school system and its later iterations (i.e. the 60’s Scoop) speak to a broader history of cultural genocide, whereby Indigenous cultures and traditions were purposefully and violently targeted for eradication. To this day, Indigenous peoples are still reckoning with the effects of these policies in the form of ingrained institutional racism and intergenerational trauma.

Click to read entire statement.

EDUCATION WORKSHOPS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION

COPE Ontario has launched virtual education workshops on many areas of interest. Visit the Education page to register today.

HAPPY 2SLGBTQI+ PRIDE MONTH

Pride month is a time to reflect on both the successes of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and the diverse lives of the 2SLGBTQI+ folks that are a part of our communities. It is also a time for us to individually and collectively look at our own values and beliefs and how we can continue to challenge oppression and empower 2SLGBTQI+ folks to live their fullest, authentic lives.

The Labour movement and 2SLGBTQI+ communities share a long history of working together – both domestically and abroad. Click to read entire COPE Ontario statement.

ASSOCIATION OF JUSTICE COUNSEL EMPLOYEES ON STRIKE!

UNION BUSTING!

The Association of Justice Counsel Employees (AJC) has failed their employees by unnecessarily forcing their staff to take strike action on May 10 at 12:01 am.  AJC has continually undermined the process of first contract negotiation efforts after employees organized and joined COPE Local 225 last February 2020.  The AJC uses tactics in negotiations that are regressive and anti-Union. On the eve of a strike/lockout deadline May 10^th, the Employer provided a new and interesting twist to the recognition clause that is prohibited from being negotiated to impasse, which led to the strike. 

• The Employer on a regular basis undermines the Union committee by exclusion on decisions that require consultation; and with lack of transparency makes back room deals on employment provisions with employees of the unionized unit.
• The Employer, primarily legal counsel, do not recognize the fundamental provision that reprisal is prohibited against employees exercising their right to association.
• AJC does not display good faith in bargaining and is not respectful of their employees’ rights to participate in a “timely” process for a first contract that will create a harmonious and equitable workplace.

Sandra Guttman, General Counsel and spokesperson of the AJC negotiating committee is fond of saying they are committed to executing a first Collective Agreement but after 130 hours of negotiations thus far this behaviour is telling of another narrative.  COPE Local 225 will be taking action against the Employer before the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

For further info, contact Mary Stalteri, Cope Ontario Labour Relations Specialist on 416 659 2897

BILL124 LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST FORD GOVERNMENT

A Coalition of over 40 Ontario unions has formally filed evidence in a lawsuit to repeal legislation which severely limits wage and benefit increases for public sector workers, a move the Coalition says violates bargaining rights enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“Our healthcare, education and public sector workers impacted by Bill 124 are key to the wellbeing of all Ontarians. They deserve respect and dignity,” Said Patty Clancy, Director of COPE Ontario, “the Ford government sees them as disposable collateral to be stripped of their rights to suit political agendas.”

Read COPE Ontario Press Release. 

COPE Ontario Office Closure

COPE Staff continue to work remotely to ensure our members are represented and workplace issues are addressed.  Virtual meetings are held with our members and employers, including negotiations, arbitrations, bargaining unit meetings, etc., to ensure the safety of our staff and members.  We continue to work to ensure the safety of our members in their workplaces, including the ability to work remotely where possible. To ensure the ongoing access to training for members, we will be launching online workshops this month. 

In the event of a workplace emergency or you have questions about your rights and responsibilities during the provincial response to COVID-19, please email [email protected] A staff member of COPE Ontario will ensure that you receive a response promptly.

Stay safe, practice proactive isolation and remember to wash your hands. Connect with us online, Facebook or Twitter for updates.

The COPE Ontario Team