AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL 13 th ANNUAL JOINT LEADERSHIP DAY September 16, 2014 Hilton Suites Toronto-Markham Conference Centre
Participant Materials - September 16, 2014 1 Time Activity 7:00-7:30 Sunrise Smudging 8:00-9:00 Registration 9:00-9:30 Statement of Respect - English and French Theme & Introduction of Equity Chairs Logistics President s Message 9:30-10:00 Setting the Stage- group discussion with task sheet of 3 questions What is social unionism? What is business unionism? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? Report back (one person per table) 10:00-10:30 OPSEU s History of Equity wins (visual timeline) 10:30-10:45 Break When it started What we have done so far (achievements) OPSEU as a leader 10:45-12:00 Panel re: combating attacks on Unions and Social Activism Deena Ladd, Workers Action Centre Suzanne Babin & Bert Deveaux, Operation Maple Chanteal-lee Winchester, Ontario Coalition Against Poverty Questions and answers 12:00-1:00 Lunch (provided)
Participant Materials - September 16, 2014 2 Time Activity 1:00 1:15 Icebreaker: Listening fun exercise 1:15-2:15 New Groups work: Challenges Facing Us 2:15-2:30 Break Local vs Global solidarity Scenarios on: What are some challenges faced at community level specific to equity group? Strategies to address these challenges 2:30-3:30 OPSEU s Global Solidarity Why it is important OPSEU s role in global solidarity Questions and answers Video Canadian/global content 3:30-4:00 Wrap up and written evaluations
Overall objective: Joint Leadership Day: An Injury to One is An Injury to All Participant Materials - September 16, 2014 3 To envision how equity can be woven into the routine of everyday union work. Specific objectives: By the end of the day participants should be able to: define social unionism and business unionism and list the advantages and disadvantages of both; identify some equity wins through the centuries with specific emphasis on OPSEU s equity wins; list some strategies that grassroots organizations used to combat the attacks on unions; identify some strategies to use when dealing with equity issues such as competing rights, religious accommodation, etc.; and understand the importance of global solidarity to union work today.
Participant Materials - September 16, 2014 4 Karl Flecker leads a public policy research and campaign oriented consulting service called Take the Initiative. He formerly served as the National Director, Anti-Racism and Human Rights Department, for the Canadian Labour Congress. Karl has a strong background in adult education and training, as well as considerable experience working with equity-seeking groups. He has written numerous articles on trade agreements, migration policy, civil rights in the age of national insecurity/surveillance regimes as well as workers rights and equity issues. Karl has worked with policy research and action organizations like the Polaris Institute based in Canada and worked internationally with community, union and social justice groups throughout the Americas, Asia and Africa who are creatively addressing challenges affecting worker and community rights.
Participant Materials - September 16, 2014 5 Statement of Respect (English) Harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated at OPSEU functions. Whenever OPSEU members gather, we welcome all peoples of the world. We will not accept any unwelcoming words, actions or behaviours against our union members. We accord respect to all persons, regardless of age, political affiliation, including people of colour, women, men, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of ethno-racial groups, people with disabilities, gays, lesbians, bisexual, transgender/transsexual people, and gender diverse persons, francophones and all persons whose first language is not English. In our diversity we will build solidarity as union members. If you believe that you are being harassed or discriminated against contact (Specify names) * for immediate assistance. * It is the event coordinator s responsibility to designate at least two qualified persons. The names and phones numbers of such persons must be listed. One of the designated members shall be female. Revised September 2013
Participant Materials - September 16, 2014 6 Énoncé de respect Aucune forme de harcèlement ou de discrimination ne sera tolérée aux activités du SEFPO. Au SEFPO, chaque fois que nous nous rassemblons, nous souhaitons la bienvenue à tous les peuples du monde. Nous n acceptons aucuns gestes, paroles ou comportements indésirables dirigés envers les membres de notre syndicat. Nous temoignons du respect à l égard de toutes les personnes, quel que soit leur âge, leur appartenance politique, y compris les personnes de couleur, les femmes, les hommes, les personnes des Premières Nations, les Métis et les Inuits, les membres des groupes ethnoraciaux, les personnes handicapées, les homosexuels, les lesbiennes, les bisexuels et les personnes transgenres et transsexuelles, et les personnes de genres divers, les francophones et toutes les personnes dont la première langue n est pas l anglais. Dans notre diversité, nous bâtirons solidairement notre avenir en tant que membres du syndicat. Si vous croyez avoir fait l objet de harcèlement ou de discrimination, communiquez avec (préciser les noms)* pour obtenir de l aide immédiate. *C est au coordonnateur d événments qu il incombe de nommer au moins deux personnes qualifiées. Les noms et les numéros de téléphone de ces personnes doivent être indiqués. L une des personnes désignées doit être une femme. Révisé en septembre 2013
Participant Materials - September 16, 2014 7 Task Sheet 1 In your table group, discuss the following questions and come up with your definitions. Write your responses on the flipchart paper provided. Choose a scribe to report back to the large group. What is social unionism? What is business unionism? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both and be prepared to share your responses in the large group discussion.
Participant Materials - September 16, 2014 8 Task Sheet 2 Your table has been provided with Equity wins in relation to a particular timeline: Table 1 1763 to 1946 Table 2 1947 to 1963 Table 3 1964 to 1980 Table 4 1981 to 1988 Table 5 1989 to 1995 Table 6 1996 to 2001 Table 7 2002 to 2007 Table 8 2008 to current Using your table groups as the subject matter experts, try to identify in what order the wins on your table will go. When you think you have it right, move to the Equity wins timeline in the room and clip your pieces to the timeframe you were assigned. Attach a blue dot to those you think are OPSEU specific. Feel free to ask for help if the task is not clear to you.
Participant Materials - September 16, 2014 9 Task Sheet 3 Read the scenario you have been assigned and answer the following questions: Is there a human right or equity issue/challenge in this scenario? If so what is it? What strategies would you use to address this issue if you were dealing with it? Be realistic and practical with your strategies. Instructions: Be prepared to read your scenario at one of the microphones. Save you answer on to the memory stick provided using the ppt template on your memory stick to save it on. When done, pass your memory stick to one of the OPSEU staff nearest to your table. Assign a scribe who will be comfortable speaking to your scenario.
Participant Materials - September 16, 2014 10 Social Unionism is a concept in which unions look beyond immediate objectives and try to reform social conditions of the workers. Social Unionism attempts to integrate workers, trade unions and the labour movement into broader coalitions for social and economic justice. In principle, unions and other organizations support each other in what are seen as mutually beneficial goals. http://definitions.uslegal.com/s/social-unionism/ Business Unionism is the theory and practice of trade unionism especially associated with Samuel Gompers that is directed toward the attainment of practical limited material advantages (such as better wages, hours, and working conditions) through collective bargaining within the framework of capitalism rather than toward the achievement of extensive social changes or reforms