Registration for the General Assembly is now open!

REMINDER: GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOVEMBER 8TH

Our General Assembly is quickly approaching - don't miss this vital opportunity to shape your union's future! As CUPE 2626 members, YOU are the most influential decision-makers.

To prepare for the Assembly, make sure to review the report of the Bylaw Revision Committee, the proposed modifications to the bylaws, and the new Policy Compendium.

These documents will equip you to ask questions and engage in collective discussions on November 8, where we'll approve or suggest amendments.

HOW TO REGISTER:

1. Use your uOttawa email to become a member in good standing.

2. Register for the RGA!

Save the date

ENOUGH CUTS TO TA CONTRACTS!

Dear members,

As the fall semester unfolds, we've collectively faced a myriad of challenges, from security concerns to the transition to Workday. These issues are impacting the quality of education, and the severe reductions in Teaching Assistant (TA) contracts and hours are causing strain on both students and professors across all faculties. Graduate students, in particular, are grappling with the rising cost of living, funding cuts, and exploitative working conditions. Their essential role in education often goes unrecognized. We've partnered with our union allies APUO, APTPUO, GSAÉD to sound the alarm about reckless budgeting practices and their impacts on education quality.

We invite you to read our open letter to the University Administration, which outlines our demands for change. Read the full letter here.

Petition Opposing Budget Cuts

A big thank you to our members who have already signed our community petition - but the fight is far from over.

Your signature is crucial in our ongoing battle against program cuts, larger class sizes, and reduced student support.

Sign and share the petition today to keep the momentum going!

Advocating for Our Members: CUPE Representatives Attend GSAED Townhall

Our Legal Support Coordinator and Chair of the Bargaining Support Committee were actively present at the GSAED Townhall on October 6th. They voiced our members' concerns on various critical issues, including budget cuts, reductions in CUPE 2626 contracts, challenges faced by international students, student homelessness, and more. Joel Harden from the NDP also joined the discussion, shedding light on Ontario's funding disparities in the postsecondary sector.

As we are currently in bargaining, we're pushing for increased entitlements, wage raises, and defending our holiday break (Article 23.3).

Join our action team to help us build collective power and stay tuned for more information on GSAED's upcoming Day of Action Nov. 8th.

To everyone who stopped by our Coffee with CUPE event in front of the FSS terrace on October 5th, it was a pleasure meeting and chatting with all of you.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Coffee with CUPE sessions:

November 2nd & December 6th

Stay tuned for more details. We can't wait to see you again and continue our conversations!

Add to calendar

Join Our Team: Vacant Health and Safety Positions Available!

Are you passionate about health and safety at work? Do you want to help improve health and safety in our workplace? Here's your opportunity!

CUPE 2626 currently has multiple vacant Health and Safety representative positions that need dedicated members like you. Whether you're from Unit 0 or Unit 1, there's a role for you to play in ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.

Available Positions:

CUPE 2626-0 (Academics): Join the University Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (UJOHSC) or the Protection and Facilities Functional and Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
CUPE 2626-1 (Lifeguards): Contribute to the Psychological Functional Health and Safety Committee or the Protection Functional and Occupational Health and Safety.

What You'll Be Doing:

Each committee has a unique focus, from university-wide issues to mental health and safety in our workplace. Your input and dedication will make a meaningful impact.

Interested in joining our team? Reach out to us for more information and learn how you can play a crucial role in promoting health and safety at info@2626.ca.

Join Our Team as a Steward!

Want to play a pivotal role in our union? Now's your chance!

CUPE 2626 is recruiting Stewards, and we're eager to have you on board. Becoming a Steward is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, make a difference, and support your fellow members.

For more information, reach out to our Steward Representatives:

Nathan, rep.delegue.franco@cupe2626.ca
Bahar, anglo.stewards.rep@cupe2626.ca

Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of our dynamic team!

Action Team Recruitment

Are you tired of stalled bargaining and an employer who refuses to take us seriously? Consider joining the action team!

The Bargaining Support Committee is currently looking for passionate individuals to join our action team andhelp organize members in order to make change on this campus! You will help us reach out to members across all the departments, inform them of CUPE's activities, and help us show unity and strength at the bargaining table.

If you want to find out more and get involved, please email csn-bsc-pres@cupe2626.ca.

Thank You for Your Support at the BOG Rally

A big thank you to everyone who joined us at the BOG Rally September 26th. Your presence and advocacy were truly appreciated, and we enjoyed connecting with both new and familiar faces, engaging in meaningful conversations.

Your support fuels our commitment to working for positive change!

Ensuring Your Safety on Campus: Important Resources

Recent incidents on our campus and elsewhere have raised concerns among our members. Break-ins, vandalism, and hate messages targeting professors' offices have left some feeling unsafe and uninformed. While we collaborate with the joint unions to address these issues, here are essential resources to ensure your safety on campus:

SecurUO App: Download this app to receive emergency messages and use the "Check-In" feature to alert a contact if you don't respond.
Rule of Two: Always have two people present to open the office, prioritizing safety.
Knock for Entry: If you're uncomfortable, close the office door with a "Please knock" sign for added security.
Contact Protection Services: Call 613-562-5411 and mention CUPE 2626 membership for assistance with safety concerns.

For reporting hate messages or related incidents, contact Protection Services via email (protection@uottawa.ca), phone (5499/5411), or in person.

Your safety matters, and we encourage you to use these resources to help maintain a secure and supportive campus environment. If you have further concerns or suggestions, please reach out to us.

Recap: FRAPRU Rally on Parliament Hill - Thank You for Joining Us!

A big thank you to everyone who joined us at the FRAPRU rally on October 5th. Your presence made a significant impact as we advocated for affordable housing and equitable living conditions. Our President Catherine Larocque was in attendance and delivered a powerful speech, echoing the importance of housing as a fundamental right.

If you couldn't attend, you can catch up on her speech here.

Apply to Sit on CUPE's National Committees!

Every two years, we invite CUPE members to serve on our 18 national committees.

These committees let you influence CUPE's work on vital issues. Any CUPE member in good standing can apply, with Local Union or provincial division support encouraged.

Interested? Get in touch with us for support and assistance at info@cupe2626.ca

Appointments, made by year-end with Division input, ensure diverse regional representation. Don't miss the chance to make your mark at CUPE.

Apply today!

Campus Community Resources: Who To Call

In our commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive campus community, we've come across a valuable resource list compiled by Ariel Troster. We invite you to take a look at this "Who To Call" list, which includes important numbers specific to our community. Saving these numbers in your phone and having this information readily available can make a significant difference.

Check it out here and help us foster a secure and thriving campus community!

Join Justice for Janitors: Bilingual Union Rep Opportunity!

Passionate about workers' rights and social justice? Justice for Janitors is looking for a dedicated Union Rep!

Support SEIU Local 2 members, advocate for their rights, and boost worker power. If you're experienced in collective agreements, have strong communication skills, and a commitment to member-driven unionism, apply now!

Ottawa Powers Up for Climate Action: Be Part of the Revolution!

Join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 1:00 PM in Ottawa, Ontario, for a global movement to drive the renewable energy revolution forward with Global Power Up.

Together, we'll shift financial resources and political influence away from fossil fuel giants, demanding a cleaner, more equitable future for all. Let's urge governments to redirect excessive fossil fuel profits towards renewable energy initiatives, fair distribution, and global sustainability.

Sign up.

Have burning questions about Workday, payment delays, pay rates, or mandatory training?

Stay tuned! We'll be sending out an email with your most-asked FAQ's in the coming week to address these issues. If you have specific questions not covered, reach out below, and we'll make sure to include them in the upcoming newsletter!

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About Us

CUPE 2626 represents thousands of Teaching and Research Assistants, Correctors, Tutors, Lab Monitors, Demonstrators, Proctors, Lifeguards and Residence Life Workers at the University of Ottawa.

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