LAURA IS IN TUNE WITH THE ISSUES OTS FACE
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REG 274
The Ontario government’s December 2015 changes to Reg. 274 affect OTs more than any other bargaining unit. One of the big questions people ask around the new tentative agreement surrounds Reg 274 and mobility of teachers who want to move and be able to get a job quickly. Seldom is the conversation about the OTs, the very very who are most affected by the concept of seniority. We need to have Reg 274 supported, both locally and provincially on grievances. Years ago I called for the idea of OTs submitting applications to be tracked, and the 5 most senior qualified candidates interviewed and hired. (instead of dismissed as unsuitable) We need union leadership that stands up for you, the dues paying members most affected by it. Demand better of your leaders, to file and support grievances, instead placing the onus on the OT reporting it to come up with answers as to who got the job, when their seniority or qualifications make it highly questionable. Take a look at what Reg 274 actually says.
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120274
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Locally, with many surplussed permanent teachers being awarded fixed term LTOs, or placed on the supply list, that means job losses for us the OTs. We need an executive that speaks up for a highlights that we are the faces of job losses due to increasing class sizes.
The voice of OTs need to be heard. We deserve to be considered, not simply in common with the voices of contract teachers. Someone needs to speak up. You the 2000+ OTs of Toronto get to choose who will take a seat for you... will that person sit in silence or stand up and voice your concerns?
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You want a president that will speak up for you in provincial meetings and not be silent. You want someone who won’t be afraid to bring forward your concerns, or highlight the need for compliance by all boards for all LTOs and hiring. I hear so many of you discouraged that there are not more grievances brought forward to provincial, and are so disappointed little action is taken. Your OT president will have a seat on Provincial council for 2 years - don’t you want someone who will work for you during that time? Don’t you want your interested vocalized on the issues that matter?
It's time someone stood up for OTs on issues with a direct and long lasting impact on them, and their future as OSSTF members. That is me. I will speak up. I will ask the tough questions. I will bring forward your concerns. I will represent you in the provincial assembly. Your voice matters. Decisions shape the policies of OSSTF for years to come. Someone who will support Reg. 274 grievances… someone who will not passively stand by and watch these hiring violations of the Ed act. You want someone who will do more. You want Laura Drexler.
COMMUNICATION and TRANSPARENCY
You the OTs want to know what is being done to advocate for you. You want more updates than a newsletter and a GM and AGM. I don't why OTs cannot submit items to be discussed at monthly meetings. Maybe these minutes should be published or members not working that day be able to observe. You want to know what is going on. You want to know your exec will get back to you and work proactively, rather than simply do the office hours. I would like to see ALL members of the executive be assigned office hours (which are paid release days) I would like to see less barriers for members to be involved in the union. I would like to see transparency so the members feel they can trust the union leaders and come to them for conversations.
I have the track record of being here for you, the people I represent (even before I was elected to represent you in 2019.
Your votes make a difference. You are giving people the right to speak for you. Choose someone who will do just that stand up and advocate for you. Let me Laura Drexler be your voice.
There isn't enough time to say more. Please see the Q and A page.
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
