October Newsletter 2.0

Support Staff of the University of Ottawa

ON STRIKE

Our colleagues, the support staff at the University of Ottawa, have begun their 2nd week of being on strike. Despite the first snowfall in the Ottawa area, PSUO-SSUO  members continue to mobilize on the picket lines to stand up for their rights.

On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, the APTPUO was informed that the University and the PSUO-SSUO team have agreed to return to the bargaining table. The PSUO-SSUO members remain on strike until a tentative agreement is reached, unless otherwise indicated.

The APTPUO continues to stand in solidarity with its PSUO-SSUO colleagues and we call on the University Administration to reconsider its offer by proposing fair and equitable working conditions with no cuts to members’ benefits.

In these exceptional circumstances due to the current pandemic, the University’s inability to recognize the importance of health benefits for its employees is embarrassing. For the smooth operation of academic activities, we demand a better offer. We want all of our essential workers back, our support staff back.

The PSUO-SSUO team proposes these ideas to demonstrate your support from a distance:

  • You can post on social media using the official hashtags. We encourage you to direct your posts to our local media outlets to get them to take notice of our current situation.
    • #FairDealNow4SSUO
    • #uOttawa 
    • #ÉquitépourPSUO
  • If you have not already done so, be sure to install a PSUO-SSUO frame to outline your profile picture on Facebook. Some of our creative members have already come up with some templates, so if you search “PSUO” or “SSUO,” you will find some wonderful frame options.

Car Parade

In solidarity with the Support Staff on strike!

  • When? Monday, November 2nd from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where? Starting point: Sandy Hill Arena at 2 p.m.
  • For more details, visit: https://fb.me/e/3TPKiATsy

A message from the organizer: Dear Participants, The car parade will have as a priority the safety of all. Those who want to participate but don’t have a car, you can join other cars to hold the flags or other items you bring. Please wear your mask. Please bring anything that will make noise, your flags, banners, note—your car should be decorated. We are going to have red balloons which represent SOLIDARITY, liquid markers (limited) to mark your cars! The parade will start at 2p.m. sharp. If you need help with decorating, please come to the arena between 1 p.m.-2p.m. RESPECT THE RULES OF THE ROAD


Join the Equity Committee! 

The APTPUO is seeking to engage more members on the Equity Committee in order to support and advise the Board of Directors on equity concerns on the University of Ottawa campus.

Are you an advocate for equity? Are you looking to become actively involved in your association? Join the Equity Committee! Write to info@aptpuo.ca for more details or to apply!

*Please note, the association is open to all suggestions, comments and/or advice regarding the function of the Equity Committee. Send us your ideas by email to
info@aptpuo.ca!


Francophone Grievance Officer Resignation

The APTPUO would like to inform you of the resignation of the francophone grievance officer, Noureddine Mouelhi, from the Board of Directors. Although his departure is to be regretted, we send him our best wishes for his future endeavours. We would also like to thank Noureddine for his commitment in defending the rights and working conditions of our members over the last 22 years on the Board of Directors.

Nelson Arturo Ovalle Diaz, substitute member at the last election, will serve as Francophone Grievance Officer until the next election. We welcome Nelson to the Board of Directors