National Day of Mourning: April 28, 2018

CUPE Ontario's statement: "Every year, on April 28 – the Day of Mourning, we take time to remember workers who have been killed or injured on the job.

In ceremonies around the province, workers, friends, and family gather to pay tribute to those we have lost in work place accidents. Worker deaths are tragedies, not only for their families, but also for their colleagues, friends and communities. No one should ever die because of their job, yet in Ontario it is still far too common. Public service workers are also experiencing a rise in violence in the workplace that cannot be allowed to continue. By remembering those who have been killed or injured, we remember why we must continue to fight for the health and safety of workers.

We come together to mourn the dead and continue together to fight for the living. Our Injured Workers and Health and Safety committees are leading the fight against violence in our workplaces. Our union bargains for health and safety rules to prevent these tragedies. We stand up for our workers rights and provide the protection they need to feel secure in reporting incidents and workplace hazards.

Through political action we fight for better laws to protect workers and make sure that those laws are enforced.

This April 28 we ask all CUPE Ontario members to pause and remember our sisters and brothers who have lost their lives at work over the past year, and to continue our fight to make workplaces safe, to prevent injuries, and to make sure workplace fatalities become a thing of the past."

Toronto Strong Vigil: Sunday, April 29

Sunday evening's #CityofTO hosted #TorontoStrong vigil, organized in collaboration with Faith in the City and the Toronto Area Interfaith Council, will be a demonstration of Toronto's diverse communities as well as a display of our city's resilience. https://t.co/J5eakPxC33 pic.twitter.com/KOUSiahFQb

— City of Toronto (@TorontoComms) April 26, 2018

Tragic Incident Near North York Central Library

The Toronto Public Library Workers Union is shocked and saddened by the terrible incident that took place in North York today, near North York Central Library.

Our hearts and minds are with the victims and their families and with those who witnessed this horrifying event. 

Respect and gratitude to the first responders and public servants on the scene. 

All North York Central Library staff have been reported safe.  

Toronto Star Article - Opioid Crisis and Library Workers

Read the excellent article in the Toronto Star, "How Librarians are Rising to the Next Crisis: The Opioid Crisis" by May Warren. 

Thomas Krzyzanowski, senior branch head at Toronto Public Library’s Parliament St. location, has been trained in how to administer naloxone nasal spray in case someone overdoses.  (EDUARDO LIMA / STARMETRO)

Attack on OMERS Pensions - Act Now!

Precarious work only to be followed by precarious retirement?

No way! 

A delegation attended the annual OMERs meeting today to speak out against the plan to cease guaranteed indexing which protects pensions against inflation. Inspiring to see so many young workers attending.  Proud to see so many library workers in attendence!

How can other OMERs members help?  Click, sign, and send this letter to OMERs to make sure our voices are heard.