In This Issue:

1. Check our New and Improved Website

2. Upcoming Committee Meetings

3. Hardship Fund Application Form

4. York Undergraduates Solidarity Event Today (Monday): 10am

5. Undergraduate Cross-Campus Solidarity Picket Today (Monday): Noon

6. Solidarity Rally Nov. 12 a Big Boost to 3903 Strike

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Check our New and Improved Website

For updates and info check the CUPE 3903 Strike website 3903strike.ca. Take a look around… you will find a Members Area with current information about committees and a resources section with downloadable PDF documents.  There's also a calendar so you can stay current with meetings and events.  A special area has been created for undergraduates who wish to contribute their stories and experiences supporting the CUPE Strike.

Remember we need member and supporter contributions to keep the website current so please send us your calendar updates, committee contact information, pertinent membership documents, and testimonials and narratives!

Send your submissions to 3903blog@gmail.com

2. Upcoming Committee Meetings

Strike Committee Meeting: at Strike HQ
Mondays: 3:30pm
Tuesdays: 5:45pm
Wednesdays: 5:45pm
Thursdays: 5:45pm
Fridays: 3:30pm

Executive Committee Meeting: Tuesday November 18 at 11am - Strike HQ

Alternative Duty Meeting: Tuesday November 18 at 11am - OISE 5th floor

Communications Committee Meeting: Tuesday November 18th at 10:30 - the Island Restaurant in the plaza on the east side of Keele between York Boulevard and Pond rd.

 

3. Hardship Fund Application Form

Hardship Fund Application Form can be downloaded at: http://www.3903strike.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/cupe3903strikehardshipfundapplication.pdf

 

CUPE 3903 recognizes that members will experience hardship due to the loss of wages during the strike and has therefore set up a system of needs based bursaries and interest free loans to financially assist members for the duration of the strike. Hard copies of the application will be available at Strike Headquarters and at each picket line as of tomorrow (Monday, November 17, 2008).

 

Completed applications can be submitted to CUPE 3903 Strike Headquarters (635 Petrolia Rd) or electronically to cupe3903strikebenefits@gmail.com. Specific questions can be directed to the Strike Hardship Fund Committee by sending an email to cupe3903strikebenefits@gmail.com.

4. York Undergraduates Solidarity Event Today (Monday): 10am

On Monday November 17th, York undergrads are organizing a demonstration at Vari Hall @ 10am to show support for CUPE 3903.  Afterwards they will join the cross-campus solidarity picket on the Main Gate at noon.  

5. Undergraduate Cross-Campus Solidarity Picket Today (Monday): Noon

 Monday November 17 at Noon - York Boulevard and Keele Street

Student allies from different campuses downtown will be joining our picket lines on Monday Nov. 17 (coming up in a bus) at Noon. Please pass on their callout below to supportive undergraduates on and off campus.

6. Solidarity Rally Nov. 12 a Big Boost to 3903 Strike

On Wednesday, November 12, CUPE Local 3903 called a solidarity rally for unions and community groups. The turnout was overwhelmingly supportive with more than 30 groups sending delegates, delivering messages of solidarity, announcing greetings and pledging cash support. Below is the list of participants, in no particular order.

 

Speeches

Helen Kennedy, President of Toronto Area CUPE Council
Andrea Horwath, MPP Hamilton Centre
Penny Stewart Canadian Associaton of University Teachers (CAUT)
Gus Gonzales CAW 673
Roland Kiehne – CAW 112
Vinay Sharma – CAW national Rep
Fred Hahn Secretary Treasurer CUPE Ontario
Sonya Reynolds – Toronto and York Region Labour Council
Fred Chaharlangi – Jane Finch Community Member & CUPE 4772
Candace Rennick-CUPE National Executive Board
Sedaf Duri – Students Against Israeli Apartheid
Iliam Burbano – CUPE 3393 Social Workers at St. Christopher House
Herman Rosenfeld – Contract Faculty at McMaster University CUPE 3906
Joanne Cameron Prichett – York University Staff Associaton
Carolyn Egan – Steelworkers Toronto Area Council
Rosario Marchese – MPP Trinity Spadina / NDP Education Critic
Lynda Lemberg – Educators for Peace and Justice
Ted Montgomery – OPSEU Executive Board
Rod Bemister – OPSEU
John Clarke – OCAP
Yolanda McLean – CUPE 4400
Jawara Gairey – Public Service Alliance of Canada
Letter read out from Lise Lareau – Canadian Media Guild
Susan Rab – OSSTF Provincial Executive
Rita Moore – OSSTF York Region District 16
Earl Bert – OSSTF District 12 Toronto
Mohan Mishra – No One Is Illegal Toronto
Terry Downey – Vice President, Ontario Federation of Labour
Garry Potter – Wilfred Laurier Faculty Association
James Beaton – Canadian Federation of Students

. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Solidarity Greetings

John Priestman CAW 937 D
Marco Luciano – Migrante Ontario D
Maya Shapiro – Justicia for Migrant Workers D
Kelly O'Sullivan – CUPE 4207 D
Dayne Gray – CUPE 4207 D
Barry Smith – SEIU D

 

Donations pledged at the rally
York U Faculty Association (YUFA) = $10,000
CUPE 4400 workers at Toronto District School Board = $1000 per week
Canadian Federation of Students = $2500
CAW Local 112 = Tim Hortons coffee & donuts to pickets everyday
CUPE District 16 = $250
CUPE District 12 = $300
CUPE 3902 = $300

 

All monetary donations go directly to the CUPE 3903 hardship fund.

---