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5th Annual Equity Symposium

Imagine Acceptance Through Understanding and Respect

On January 9th, 2012, the 5th Annual Equity Symposium, held at the St. Lawrence Great Hall, continued from previous years with the theme “Imagine Acceptance, Through Understanding and Respect”.

CUPE Local 79 strongly supports the concept of a caring, compassionate society, based on the inherent dignity of all its members. We work hard to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage.

The focus of workshops at this year’s symposium offered insights into legislative changes that affect our rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

This event was created for union stewards. If you’d like more information on becoming a union steward, contact Chief Steward David Kidd at 416-977-1629 ext. 251.

 

Local 79 President Tim Maguire’s opening address :

IMAGINE ACCEPTANCE, THROUGH UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT

On behalf of CUPE Local 79 I would like to welcome everyone to the 5th annual Equity Symposium.

The Equity Symposium has become an important annual event for Local 79. I want to start by thanking the organizers – Local 79, Local 416, Melanie Smith from the City, CUPE national representatives who are facilitating today, and Bozena Mathlin – for all the work that has allowed this event to happen once again.

2012 is a very significant year for Local 79 – this is our 70th Anniversary. and the Equity Symposium is the first major event of the year in which Local 79 is a key participant. There will be more events in recognition of our anniversary as 2012 progresses.

I am honoured to be here today, to give my first speech as President of Local 79.

I’m proud to say that Equity has been part of the foundation of Local 79, and over the course of the past 70 years Equity has continued to play a core role in Local 79. Our diversity has been our strength.

In the 1940s, in the very early days of our union, Local 79 represented veterans coming home from the Second World War. The City of Toronto provided much needed employment and qualified veterans were hired first. It may not be exactly the equity concept we perceive today, however ensuring that those who fought for our freedoms were employed and represented is a very proud legacy of equity for Local 79.

Decades later, in the early 1980s Local 79 worked hard to ensure that the part-time workers in Homes for the Aged, now called Long Term Care, were organized and represented. Local 79 has been recognized for this as a major equity achievement. Fighting for and achieving improvements to the working conditions and standards of living of people from various cultures and countries of origin as they work hard to care for our seniors is a great expression of equity.

For decades the majority of Local 79 members have been women. Si it’s not surprising that we have been in full support of employment equity legislation and on the forefront of the fight for pay equity.

The membership of Local 79 has and continues to reflect the rich diversity of the City we service. Diversity is our strength.

Today’s Equity Symposium builds on the work done at previous forums to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect, regardless of ability, background, colour or creed. The discussions today centre on some of the important work you do as stewards to help in this important cause: resolving conflicts, helping people deal with stress, ensuring that the workplace is accessible for people with disabilities and understanding the important changes to the Occupational Health & Safety Act regarding harassment and violence at work.

As Stewards, it’s important that you have answers and are able to provide assistance, including referral to other resources and assistance.

It is essential to continue this ongoing process of learning and discussing important issues like resolving conflicts, dealing with stress, accessibility and accommodation, harassment and anti-violence strategies in order that we are able to provide a better workplace, which in turn provides better services to the public.

I know that everyone who participates in the discussions and information-sharing today will find this a rewarding and positive experience.

There are a number of members of Local 79’s Executive here this morning and they would have liked to partake in today’s important learning and discussions. However, as you know, we are in negotiations with the City, and we have to return to prepare for our next dates with the City’s negotiators. However, I do want to make a note of and thank them for their ongoing commitment to Equity and support for the Equity Symposium.

Again, congratulations and appreciation to the organizers and partners of the 5th Annual Equity Symposium.

 A descriptor of the Equity Symposium logo

 The Major Elements

a: Circle
The overall logo is in a circle: an ancient and universal symbol of unity, wholeness and infinity.

b: Quadruple teardrop shapes
The teardrop form brings together the aspects of balance and movement. It symbolizes four different elements coming together for a common goal.

The Individual Elements

a: Nkonsonkonson – A chain link symbol from Africa
A West African symbol of unity and human relations. A reminder to contribute to the community, that in unity lies strength. The strength of the chain depends on the individual units. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

b: Yin Yang
An ancient Chinese symbol used originally to represent unity, polarity, and holism. A Chinese Tao picture of universal harmony and the unity between complimentary opposites: light/dark, male/female, etc. It illustrates the consensus process, the vision of global unity, and the blending of opposing energies.

c: Equal Symbol
The equals sign, or “=” is a mathematical symbol used to indicate equality. It was invented in 1557. The equals sign is placed between the things stated to be equal.

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