from the front lines, day eight (signs!)
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from the front lines, day five
I have been staring at my computer screen, trying to figure out how to describe the amazing day we had, and how to express my feelings about what we're creating together. Not an easy task. Plus, my members keep posting awesome pics and vids to Facebook and YouTube and getting me distracted!! Good Morning, City Hall! More than 50 members gathered at the VIP parking entrance to welcome the City brass on their way to work. Apparently City Manager Janice Baker was among them! I was home responding to members' questions, but I heard it was really LOUD and really FUN. Then, sometime later, I got a call from an anonymous source who works for the City. The person said that our action drove the City nuts!! The councillors were furious, security was on the walkie-talkies calling for backup, total panic. This source gave us a rare opportunity to see that our actions are having an impact! And that was just noise! We didn't stop any cars -- and we're allowed to! Later in the day, a...
from the front lines, day four
Every day, more and more members are coming out on the line! At least 250 people were at Thursday's morning rally and lunch-time barbecue with CUPE Ontario. Spirits were very high, and we were NOISY! We were joined by members of many other unions: - Ryan & Evan, CUPE 3902, University of Toronto - Sandra & Tracey, CUPE 5167, City of Hamilton - Sonia from CUPE 4914, Peel CAS - Mary, CUPE 3904, Ryerson University - Bhupinder & Inderdep, United Workers Canada - Sandeep, NDP Brampton - Fair Wages Brampton - Jim McDowell, Peel Regional Labour Council Our afternoon visit from National Treasurer Charles Fleury was a bit more subdued, but still important. Before coming to Celebration Square, Charles had visited our sisters and brothers in CUPE Local 2974, the Essex Public Library Workers, who are also on strike. He was delivering greetings of thanks and strength. He was also delivering our second $5,000 donation of the day! And our brothers from CUPE 3902, University o...
from the front lines, day three
Here are some highlights of the incredible support our strike action is generating: 1 - A customer called this morning. "Good morning, I am a library patron, just calling to say we support you. It is so hot today, would a donation of water be acceptable?" When we said yes, he said "OK, I will come by around 1:00 with 150 bottles of water ." Wow!! 2 - We received an email from Kyle in Winnipeg, subject line "Solidarity!" I work at the Winnipeg Public Library and am a member of CUPE 500. I wanted to send my solidarity to you in your fight for fairness. We know the same struggle as you. As a part-time worker at the library I know how difficult it is to survive on the pittance that we are given. My hours per week also range from 12-20 a week but some part timers get as low as 6. It is basically impossible to live off it or get a second job. A lot of people are forced to leave jobs they love for economical reasons. When it was brought to the attention of our ma...
from the front lines, day two
We had another great turnout on Tuesday. When I arrived at 8:30 AM, there were already 100 people making noise at our favourite corner, and another 40-50 waiting to sign in. So what did we learn today...? The labour community rocks! Folks from the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), Peel Regional Labour Council, York Region Labour Council, Peel District CUPE Council, 4948 TPL Workers Union, plus other CUPE Reps, all came out to show their support. They talked about how our fight is for each other, for all library workers - and for all workers in Ontario and in Canada. We all share the same issues and struggles, so it's easy to support one another. The rally was LOUD! and attracted a lot of attention from passing cars - and I'm sure, from our Employer as well. :) We also received more financial donations, and donations of water and ice pops. One labour friend asked what we needed, and I said, how about some healthy snacks? A few hours later, here comes a guy with two cases of gr...
from the front lines, day one
About 200 of us were on the picket lines today. Despite the blazing temperatures, our spirits were high. We waved our signs and our flags, showing our pride to every passerby. Media I did interviews with the Toronto Star, CBC (we were on at 6:00 PM), CTV, CP24, the Mississauga News, and the labour newspaper Rank and File. Here are some links: Toronto Star: Mississauga Workers' Strike Shuts Down 18 Public Libraries Mississauga News: Union President Says Situation For Mississauga's Library Workers Is 'Precarious' And 'Stressful' CBC: Mississauga Libraries To Close Monday As Workers Vote To Strike CP24: Mississauga Libraries To Be Closed Monday Amid Strike News Talk 1010: Mississauga Libraries Closed Amid Strike Global News: Mississauga's 18 Libraries Closed Due To Labour Dispute Yahoo! Finance: Talks Break Down, CUPE 1989 On Legal Strike For A Fair Contract With Mississauga Library System Morning Star: Vital Summer Programming At Risk If Mississauga Library Sy...