June 2012 President's Report

Dear Fellow Local 79 Member:

In yet another victory for Local 79 and the services our members provide, City Council voted to reverse the decision to delete Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) positions. During the debate many Councillors gave glowing reviews of the valuable work done by our members who are YOWs. By lobbying City Councillors, working with groups like the Toronto Youth Cabinet, and advocating for Youth Outreach Workers in the media, Local 79 ensured that youth in communities across Toronto will continue to receive support from YOWs. Local 79 thanks all of our members who participated in the email campaign, and those who did much more to support the YOWs.

Despite the fact that the City of Toronto provides benchmark services in child care and long term care- services that other municipalities should aspire to provide, the current  administration seems intent on continuing to pursue their goals of cuts to these services and outsourcing. The City is hiring a consultant to look at options such as outsourcing support services, the transfer of facilities to agencies or the private sector, and reduced funding, in both Long-Term Care Homes and Services, and Child Care. Local 79 will keep on vigorously opposing all of these ill-conceived ideas. We will continue to call upon members to get involved, and work with allies to defend these and other services that Local 79 members provide.

On behalf of Local 79, I recently made a deputation at the Provincial Legislature in support of Bill 77, Labour Relations Amendment Act (Fairness for Employees), 2012, a Private Member’s Bill, proposed by NDP MPP Taras Natyshak. Bill 77 would amend the Labour Relations Act, 1995 to strengthen workers’ rights to organize, give more protection under successor rights when a business is sold, and provide an additional option in terms of the interest arbitration procedure for a first contract.

The release of Canada’s first national mental health strategy last month not only brought an urgency to the issue of workplace mental health, this presented Local 79 with an opportunity to propose solutions. Local 79 has requested to meet with the City, TCHC and Bridgepoint to discuss their policies and commitment to action on the issue of workplace mental health.

I would like to remind you that Local 79 provides a number of services for our membership. Representatives are available to provide expert advice on WSIB (workers’ compensation), health and safety, and benefits. If you need help with WSIB claims, occupational health and safety issues, long-term disability benefits, or health and dental benefits, our dedicated personnel can offer assistance. For WSIB and disability questions, call 416-977-1629, ext. 227 or 233; for health and safety questions, call 416-977-1629, ext. 236 or 239; for questions regarding your health and dental benefits, call 416-977-1629 ext. 226.

It is anticipated that the Local’s 70^th Anniversary Dinner and Dance to be held on June 14^th will be a huge success. Hundreds of Local 79 members have reserved tickets to enjoy a fun-filled evening of food, entertainment and dancing. The proceeds of this celebration will go towards a donation to our Relay for Life Cancer Walk!

While Local 79 will be continuing to work hard over the summer to protect services and jobs, we will also be participating in a number of events celebrating Local 79 and the diversity of both our membership and the communities that we serve. Please check our website for additional details about the following:

• June marks the celebration of National Aboriginal Month.
• The Cancer Relay For Life on June 8^th and June 22^nd.
• The Local 79 Annual Retirees’ Recognition and Awards Tea, to be held on June 28^th.
• June 27^th is the celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
• On July 1^st, Local 79 will have an entry in Toronto’s annual Pride Parade.
• Local 79’s annual Summer Picnic will be on July 18^th and 19^th at Toronto Island starting at 10:30 a.m. both days.
• The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto on August 4^th.
• Labour Day on September 3^rd.
• Local 79’s 3^rd Annual Golf Tournament will take place on September 19^th beginning at 10 a.m. 

 In Solidarity,

 
Tim Maguire                                                                                                                         
President