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

Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation.

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.

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

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.