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2022 Speech    (This Page now updated)

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VOTE  LAURA  DREXLER   OTBU PRESIDENT  (EXECUTIVE OFFICER)

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COMMUNICATION     ADVOCACY    TRANSPARENCY

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Once again you the OTS of D12 have asked me to run. So I'm here for you, my  fellow OTS.  You value communication advocacy and transparency and would like to see more of that  from your  elected executive.

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I've been involved in OSSTF in various Districts since 1999 standing up for OTs as  Executive Member, PD Committee, CBC, Secretary, Vice President. Former executive in d12. Ive been to 14 AMPAs. I have even run for OTF Governor 4 times, all on my dime, fighting to save our pensions. You, the D12 members have asked me to again run for OTBU President so I can give a voice to your issues. You need someone who is in the schools, seeking work and understands the working conditions we face as daily OTs. 

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This pandemic has shown how much OTS's need their elected leaders to communicate with them and advocate for them. 

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We know there are not the same remote working opportunities as last year.  We need leadership that advocates for all OTs who need leaves of absence. Why should only some job classes, or employees of a certain age be granted unpaid leaves.  We need leadership that advocates for OTs. Daily OTs face more risk working in person than anyone else. OTS have many contacts; and much more potential exposure seeing different people every day. Remember daily OTs don't have elht or ltd health benefits, and 3 Ontario sick days only pay $200.  Daily Ots can't afford to be off work, and may not be able to work their other jobs due to exposure or isolation. It costs an employer nothing to grant an unpaid leave of absence to OTS. Pressuring  precarious employees to take on this pandemic risk is something your executive should be speaking up about.  You the daily OTS need your executive to advocate for you.  Yet I know some of you still are very scared. You need the work but you don't want to risk the health of yourself and your loved ones who in some cases are very vulnerable. You need more from your executive then a few emails about directives on how refuse unsafe work. We know schools are one of the riskiest workplaces. Our work sites are some of the oldest in Ontario. Rooms may not have windows or windows that open. Not all rooms have air purifiers. The risk may be too much in your situation and you may seek a leave of absence. You need an executive and you need a president who supports you and advocates for unpaid leave of absences, for all ots. This is an equity point remember employment status age family situation or job class, shouldn't make you choose between risky situations and your future ability to make a living in education.

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You want communication from your executive.  You want to be able to access help and support when you need it.  Even pre pandemic, reaching the executive has been a common complaint and frustration amongst OTS. The pandemic has shown us, how many jobs can be done remotely. Why do we still need an in person office?  The D12 OT office - is not an office accessible to all. OTs can't walk into the apartment in Thorncliffe Park to meet with the executive. It would be much more cost effective to have the executive work remotely and pay for executive cell phones. This would save a lot of money and perhaps lower the local levy. That means more money for every OT.  If physical space is needed, why not have our OT executive use space with Secondary teachers on  Bathurst Street ?  The space there is home to the Teachers'  BU executive, as well as other unions.  Cost effective solidarity and support.    You want transparency from your executive -  not a vague answer of people are not in the office. Many executive have taken office days from home already.  Let's make your executive more accessible to all members; eliminating the location barrier of a secured apartment building, and replacing it with remote work or access. You the OTs deserve communication and transparency from your executive.

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Vote for a presidential candidate who wants to be the voice of you, the OTS of d12

Vote for someone who wants to communicate and advocate for you.

Vote Laura Drexler

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There isn't enough time to say more. . 

Send me an email, phone, text, get it touch. Share your concerns that need to be represented? Do you have questions?  

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289 851 8402

lauradrexler@hotmail.com
 

Other pages will be updated soon

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289 851 8402

lauradrexler@hotmail.com

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