Notes From the Brockville Campus Picket Lines

by Lynne Gardiner  Phone: 340-6224

 

Notes from March 16th   17th   20th

 

Tuesday March 21, 2006

  Whew!  Just when we thought things were quiet, and we all had a handle on this strike thing, we had two incidents of people running the front line this morning.  Fortunately, and providentially, no one was hurt. We were also pleased with the rapid response of the Brockville Police Department, and the seriousness with which they responded.  Again, safety is the most important consideration on our lines. 

 Today I also had the benefit of visiting the Cornwall Campus picket lines.  I came away feeling grateful for our colleagues across the province, and most impressed with what we’re doing at SLC Brockville.  Despite our small numbers we’re keeping our lines open for three shifts a day!  That’s a really indication of our commitment and support for each other.  Thank you all so much.

 The news from Centennial College is that the faculty member who was hurt yesterday remains in critical condition at Sunnybrook.  Charges are still pending a full investigation.

 Announcements:

1)      Tomorrow is payday.

2)      This week, the strike pay will be increased so that you’re receiving $300 from the LEC, $125 from OPSEU, and your dependents allowance.  Hopefully this will help ease some of the financial pressures people are experiencing.

3)      This weeks’ picket duty is now posted in the trailer.

4)      We are working on a rally, with support from other Unions (OSSTF etc.) on Thursday.  At this point the plans are still tentative, and I’ll have more information tomorrow afternoon.  This rally is at the request of the central Negotiating Team, in order to help ‘keep pressure’.

5)      There are extra raincoats in the trailer.  Please feel free to use them at any time – even if you just need to have an extra windbreak.

6)      Please help me out by keeping record (in the trailer) of all the donations to the line.  We have a couple of people working on thank you notes for the donations thus far, and I really want the donors to be aware of our gratitude.

 

In solidarity,

Lynne