We are now well into January 2011 and it seems that this year will be as busy as ever for YUSA. I hope that everyone had a bit of a rest over the Winter break, as it seems that our bustling campus is moving full speed ahead.
Right before the break, we were all caught off guard by a fire that took out our heating system for 1.5 days and caused the University to shut down the campus. It seems that it takes such an incident for the Administration to review protocols and procedures and make the necessary changes. Luckily, nobody was seriously injured and we have an opportunity to learn from this and make adjustments.
The YusApuY Health and Safety Committee will be reviewing this accident and will make recommendations for improvements where necessary. We are very fortunate to have such competent, experienced and caring worker members on the Joint Health and Safety Committee representing our voice.
The YusApuY Executive Board will be meeting in the coming weeks to set out the mandate for the year and determine priorities and objectives. We will continue to communicate with this membership frequently and use as many vehicles for this communication. As we are in a bargaining year, it is highly recommended that all YusApuY members sign up for the list serve. This is an excellent way to stay abreast of current news and events and also to receive reminders of important dates.
Further, the new YusApuY website will continue to update members on the activities of this union. We have developed a new training initiative for 2011. We have been working on this for some time and had hoped that the employer would endorse this training. To date, that remains to be seen. However, we did not want any more time to go by before we commence this valuable training.
This training was designed specifically for YusApuY members who supervise other YusApuY members. We will open this training first to members who have “supervision” included in their job descriptions and then we will offer it to the YusApuY community at large. It is one full day of training and the day will be broken in half. The first half of the day is called “How to supervise in a Unionized Environment” and the second half of the day is entitled “Occupational Health and Safety Supervisor Training.”
If you are currently a supervisor of YusApuY members and would like to register for one of the following dates for this training, please contact the York University Staff Association office at extension 55109 and register with Elizabeth. Space is limited and this will be offered to YusApuY Supervisors on a first come, first serve basis.
Dates: February 3, 2011
March 15, 2011
April 15, 2011
May 10, 2011
I am looking forward to 2011. I am, however, cognizant of the multiple challenges we will face this year with respect to bargaining and the sheer number of outstanding grievances. I am certain, with the support of this membership that the 2011 YusApuY Executive Board will achieve the objectives and goals that we set.
I look forward to hearing from the membership on any issues and I am honoured to continue to serve as your President in 2011.
On a separate note, Al Scragg served the York University Staff Association as President from January 1, 1998 – December 31, 1998. He has also served our community by sitting on the Board of Governors for a term. Al has been at York University since 1985 and has participated in many YusApuY committees, including serving as a steward throughout this time.
Al has recently decided to leave York University to pursue work with the University of Alberta. He will be able to apply his vast knowledge and skills in this new position and utilize his many talents.
I personally wanted to wish Al all the success in the world in his new position and to also remind him that he will always have friends and colleagues within the York University Staff Association. On behalf of the entire membership, I wish Al Scragg much success!
In Solidarity,
Joanie Cameron Pritchett
President, York University Staff Association