We had three afternoon bargaining sessions at SMU in quick succession (Oct. 7, 12, 14).
The only thing we discussed is a set of proposals to update the hiring and appointment processes towards continuing appointments, one of our bargaining priorities. After a few exchanges it looked like we were coming to an agreement but we are still negotiating some of the wording.
Our CUPE rep is not available most of November so our next dates at all three universities are in late November or December. We are booking dates well into January so we can make sure to reserve as much time as possible for bargaining.
We had a ‘reset’ bargaining meeting where we discussed plans for returning to bargaining. It was the first time we met with the employer at the bargaining table since May 2021.
We are hopeful negotiations will proceed effectively and efficiently; however, we could only plan for dates in December 2021 due to our lack of availability. (It is difficult to schedule bargaining dates with 3 employers.)
October 1 is Treaty Day in Mi’kma’ki. The purpose of Treaty Day is to promote the public awareness of Mi’kmaq history and culture for all Nova Scotians, and to recognize the continued importance of these treaties.
History
In 1986, Grand Chief of the Mi’kmaq nation, Donald Marshall Sr., invited all Mi’kmaw to “observe October 1, 1986, and every year thereafter as Treaty Day to commemorate the unique and special relationship that exists between the Mi’kmaq and her Majesty.” Since then, on this day, all people in Nova Scotia are invited to remember and reaffirm the treaties signed between Mi’kmaq People and the British Crown.
Similarly, since 1993, October has been recognized as Mi’kmaq History Month. This is a month to celebrate Mi’kmaq culture and history. Across the provinces there are events that showcase this history.
Mi’kma’ki and the Treaties
CUPE 3912 members work in institutions that are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This land is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, which Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, and Passamaquoddy Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1726, and were reaffirmed in subsequent treaties.
The Treaties of Peace and Friendship did not deal with the surrender of land and resources, but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik title, and established rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
Exploring Treaties and Treaty Relationships
On Treaty Day and throughout Mi’kmaq History Month, take some time to learn about treaties, decolonization, and Mi’kmaq culture and heritage. As educators, we can incorporate this knowledge into our teaching. This year’s theme for Mi’kmaq History Month is “Exploring Treaties and Treaty Relationships.”
Thursday, September 30, 2021, marks the first time the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday. This day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which has been recognized since 2013 to honour Indigenous children forced to attend residential schools in Canada. The day is also a provincial holiday in Nova Scotia, PEI, and Manitoba.
Dalhousie, MSVU and SMU will all be closed on Thursday, and no classes will be held.
Events and Activities
There are a variety of events this week, both online and in-person, that provide opportunities for “sombre reflection,” to acknowledge and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, and to further commit ourselves to undertaking the work of reconciliation.
September 30-October 1, 2021 @10 am-3 pm: Weekend of Reconciliation on the Halifax Waterfront (hosted by the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre).
The Friendship Centre also has orange shirts for sale.
History
Establishing a federal holiday “to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process” was proposed in 2015 as the 80thcall to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Members are invited to participate in a series of online focus groups with CUPE’s National Safe Union Spaces Working Group. The sessions are with external consultants to review existing tools and processes and identify gaps where changes or additional resources are needed to ensure safer union spaces for all members.
Some of the sessions are being held specifically for members of our equity-seeking groups. Members are welcome to attend the session for any group that they identify as a member of, and all members are welcome in the general sessions.
CUPE’s National Safe Spaces Working Group has initiated a survey of members regarding their experiences at CUPE events. The Safe Union Spaces Survey is open until September 28.
We are having another online special general meeting on Friday September 10 at 4 pm.
This special general meeting will feature a by-election for Communications Officer. If you are interested in running for Communications Officer you can be nominated at the meeting, or put your name forward to Karen Harper, CUPE 3912 president.
Following the meeting members are invited to stay for an online start-of-term social.
To RSVP for the meeting, contact our Membership Officer, Kim Robinson by September 8.
A link will be sent to those who have RSVP’d prior to the meeting.
As we prepare for the fall term and the return to campus, members may be interested in these CUPE National resources on COVID and occupational health and safety. This information is specifically focused on workers rights and maintaining safe work spaces.
Each of Nova Scotia’s major political parties have issued responses to a letter from NS post-secondary students, staff and faculty on issues in post-secondary education and labour.
Our next general meeting will be on Tuesday August 10 at 12 pm, online.
This special general meeting will focus on health and safety issues for the return to campus. Bargaining updates, mobilization and the 2019 audit will also be on the agenda.
We will be joined by Jenna Brookfield, CUPE Atlantic’s Health and Safety Representative, who will speak and take questions.
To RSVP for the meeting, contact our Membership Officer, Kim Robinson August 9:
A link will be sent to those who have RSVP’d prior to the meeting.
