Seeing flashing lights approach you as you’re driving can be stressful. Some drivers panic and don’t effectively move out of the way, causing delays for emergency vehicles. The acronym “L.I.G.H.T.” will help you calmly and safely clear the way with five simple steps.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article95.
Jan. 13, 2021
“Extraordinary” sums up Wilfrid Laurier University’s support for Canadian Blood Services in 2020.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laurier donors contributed 477 units of blood to Canadian Blood Services – a record-breaking amount that surpassed the university’s pledge goal by 127 donations.
“The pandemic has changed many things, but not the continued need for life-saving blood donors,” says Carleen Carroll, assistant vice-president: External Relations at Laurier. “The Laurier community has stepped up to support Canadian Blood Services so that they can provide blood to those in need. I am incredibly proud of our Laurier blood donors.”
Laurier faculty, staff, students and alumni regularly rolled up their sleeves last year with some making milestone donations, including Laurier employee Ted Collins, who donated for his 70th time in December. But roughly one-third of Laurier’s blood donations in 2020 came from a new and competitive group of donors: student-athletes.
Laurier’s Athletics and Recreation department, which oversees the university’s varsity teams, launched a “blood battle” with its counterpart at the University of Waterloo. The battle, which began in October, pits varsity teams against one another to see who can make the most blood donations. While the Golden Hawks currently lead in donations, the friendly competition runs throughout March.
“The donation battle has been an excellent way to support Canadian Blood Services and the work they do to save lives,” says KP Anand, associate director: business operations with Athletics and Recreation at Laurier. “Athletics is proud of our donors and looks forward to watching – and hopefully winning – the battle in the coming months.”
All members of the Laurier community can support the university’s Canadian Blood Services pledge by using Laurier’s pledge ID, WILF001529, when donating or completing the Partners for Life registration form.
It is safe to donate blood during COVID-19. Visit the Canadian Blood Services website for details about donor health requirements, screening measures and cleaning practices. If you are unsure if you are eligible to donate, please visit the Canadian Blood Services eligibility page or call 1-888-2-DONATE to speak with a nurse.
December 18, 2020 — The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) represents over 60,000 education workers and teachers across the Canadian province of Ontario. Our organization takes labour and worker rights seriously, and as such, we are writing to offer our solidarity with the farmers of India as they bravely stand for their rights as essential workers in the country.
The over three weeks of protest by farmers in India demonstrates their deep solidarity and resolve in standing firm against a government that is prioritizing corporate greed and commercialization of agriculture over the rights of independent farmers across the country. As the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Indian Farmers Union) notes, without proper consultation with the grassroots stakeholders about laws impacting their livelihood, there can be no real trust in the promises of the government.
As a trade union, we believe in the power of workers to unite and oppose labour rights violations and commercialization. The more than 10,000 Indian farmers and members of the Indian Farmers Union peacefully demonstrating in the streets of Delhi are a clear example of the power of workers united.
OSSTF/FEESO offers our solidarity as they continue to campaign for the rights of farm workers in India. We are hopeful that the continued peaceful fight will bring about change to the newly-imposed laws and will ensure protections for India’s farmers.
In Solidarity,
Harvey Bischof, President
There’s nothing quite like cozying up by the fireplace on a cold winter’s evening. While many Canadians look forward to the warmth, light and ambiance that comes with a home fireplace, it’s important to practice proper fireplace safety. Review the following fireplace safety tips to ensure that you, your family and your home stay safe this season.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article90.
OSSTF’s annual general meeting, known as AMPA, is coming up from March 12-15, 2021. If there was ever an event where you wanted to learn more about what OSSTF does for education and labour, this is the event to go to. They talk about so many initiatives that are going on. Normally held at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto, AMPA 2021 will be completely virtual this time as we continue to deal with the pandemic.
Nearly 600 delegates from across the province will attend AMPA 2021 to pass motions, vote on policies and adopt the budget. As well, with AMPA 2021 being an election year, delegates will hear speeches, have an opportunity to ask questions, and then vote for positions on the Provincial Executive.
This 3-day event is not just about business though. It covers many different areas including:
· Speeches from invited guests including politicians and national and international leaders
· Awards to OSSTF Members for contributions and to students for contributions
· Presentations from Social Justice Initiatives
WLUSA is allowed to bring 6 delegates to AMPA 2021. The President and the VP: External automatically get 2 of the 6.
If you are interested in being a delegate and being a part of this experience, please reply to this email and provide your name, position and reason for your interest (2-3 sentences is fine).
As per Bylaw 4, delegates and alternates will be selected by the WLUSA Council of Representatives, following the call for nominations.
**Please note that if you apply to attend AMPA, you will not be allowed to participate in the selection process.
Applications will be accepted until 4:30PM on Wednesday, December 23.
Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water comes between your car’s tires and the road, causing your car to skid or slide across a wet surface. Even for the most experienced driver, this loss of steering and braking control can be a terrifying experience with potentially disastrous consequences.
Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article85.
Margaret Dilworth, a retiree and former WLUSA Member, passed away on November 6th, 2020.
A Laurier employee in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics for 36 years, Margaret also volunteered her time to WLUSA as their gift coordinator, purchasing cards and gifts for WLUSA Members who were about to retire, as a thank you for their years of service. She will be greatly missed.
More information, including an upcoming memorial service on November 16th, can be found at https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/therecord-waterloo/obituary.aspx?n=margaret-rose-dilworth&pid=197097550
On November 11, we observe a moment of silence to honour the courage, valour and sacrifice of the heroes who have served – and continue to serve – Canada during times of war and conflict.
Remembrance Day is about showing our respect and gratitude to the serving and previous members of our armed forces who have sacrificed for our country.
Find your moment – honour those who have served and show thanks for their sacrifice.
This year, please put health and safety first while observing Remembrance Day. You can pay tribute to our veterans and active service members by:
On November 11, we pay tribute to members of the Canadian Armed Forces who fought to defend our values and freedoms, and to those who continue to serve our country today. Watch this video and take a moment to honour their courage.
The WLUSA Executive is accepting applications to fill one (1) vacancy on the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) and one (1) vacancy on the Professional Development Fund Committee.
As a Member of the JHSC, you will discuss health and safety issues that impact the Waterloo and Kitchener Campuses of the University. Committee meetings will normally be one and a half hours in length and held monthly from September through June. Training is provided and you shall be granted release time to attend these meetings. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about identifying hazardous situations, participating in consultations with the University, and monitoring of health and safety testing.
The Professional Development Fund Committee is chaired by the WLUSA/OSSTF President (non-voting) and is responsible for reviewing and approving applications to the fund. This ensures fairness and equity in the application of the employee for professional development opportunities. As a member of this committee, you will be expected to meet with the Committee monthly, either in person or over e-mail, for approximately 1 hour per session to evaluate applications.
No previous experience required for either committee.
If you are interested, please send an email to wlusaadmin@wlu.ca by 4:30pm on Friday, November 13th, and include your name, job title and department, and a short blurb (5-6 sentences) outlining why you are interested in the committee and any skills you possess that would contribute to the success of this Committee.
The support staff Bargaining Unit at the University of Ottawa (PSUO-SSUO), represented by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO), has reached a tentative agreement with the University of Ottawa. Strike action is suspended pending ratification.
The membership showed enormous solidarity and strength through a lengthy and difficult round of bargaining. Their support for their bargaining team allowed us to reach a deal that we can recommend for ratification
Marcelle Desmornes, President of PSUO-SSUO
Details remain confidential until ratified by both parties.
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