Celebration of Life for Marianna Grube

A celebration of life for Marianna Grube will be held:

Wednesday May 17

3 pm to 6 pm

Victory Branch Legion on Oakland Ave, London Ontario

Marianna was a tireless Union Activist for CUPE Local 101,  CUPE and other Unions as a whole. She was our local Pesident at one time. She also held many other roles and even worked at our National Office in London for a period of time.

We all owe her a big thank you and our respect for representing us all.

 

You’re invited to the Big U5 Event!

U5 is an employee resource group dedicated to helping all employees with under 5 years of service be successful in our organization.  We are pleased to support them in spreading the word to bring as many U5ers together to meet new people, eat food, play games, win prizes, learn more about U5 and tell them how they can help you succeed with the City of London.

The event is open to all City employees with under 5 years of service (U5’s) as well as those who want to support their colleagues (U5 Allies).  If you are interested in attending, please RSVP below.

Big U5 Event

Thursday, April 27
3:30 to 6:00pm
Innovation Works
[201 king street]
networking . food . games . prizes . information

(RSVPs are not required, but you could win a door prize for registering in advance!)

100% Indexing Matters to Members

The OMERS Sponsors Corporation (SC) is currently considering a plan to modify the 100%, guaranteed indexing benefit that exists in the OMERS plan text. CUPE Ontario members, who are also members of the OMERS Pension Plan, are letting the Board of the OMERS SC know how important the guarantee of 100% indexing is for their pension plan.

Send a letter today and let the Board know how important guaranteed indexing at OMERS is to your retirement income security.

Members Discount from Local London Business

Skintegrity London – 10% of services and products (waxing’s, spa manicures, eyelash extensions, facials, etc.)
Blue Ivy Medi Spa  – 20% off all services (eyelash extensions) facials, Botox, makeup, etc.)
Sunningdale Wellness Centre – (Chiro/Physio/Orthotics) Call to inquire.
Auto Strada Auto – 10% off parts and labour
Natural Smiles – 15% off all services. Optical, audiology, dentures/dental hygiene
South London Pro Oil – 20% off all services – Coupons provided too
Auto Tech 2000 – Owner, Brian Loucks – 10% off parts and labour
Wet’n’Wild Toronto – 25% off regular admission tickets

Remembering Fred Upshaw, former OFL Executive Board Member

This week, we are sorry to hear of the loss of Fred Upshaw, the first black unionist to lead a major Canadian union, and former OFL Executive Board member. We also invite you to join a very important telephone town hall meeting on Mar 7 at 7 p.m.

Fred Upshaw was a trailblazer and a dedicated trade unionist who led the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) from 1990 to 1995, securing wage increases for public employees and winning unit reform and human rights language in OPSEU contracts. He was the first black trade unionist to lead a major Canadian union.

“The work Fred did for his brothers and sisters in the labour movement made lasting positive change for workers of color across this province” said OFL President Chris Buckley. “As the first black president of a major Canadian union, Fred set an example for many younger labour activists and we should all be grateful for his work for greater inclusion and fairness within the labour movement and communities across Ontario.”

Fred Upshaw was born in Halifax in 1935 but moved to Toronto with his mother in 1941. He was the eldest of six children in a single-parent family.

His life as an activist began at Malvern Collegiate High School, where as student council president he led a walkout demanding that students be consulted over uniform changes. Upshaw was a debater and singer in his early years. Following a short stint on the executive of United Auto Workers’ Local 222, Upshaw became a registered nurse and took a job at Whitby Psychiatric Hospital where he was a member, and later president of OPSEU Local 331.

Elected to the OPSEU Executive Board in 1980, Upshaw became First Vice-President/Treasurer in 1984 and President of OPSEU in 1990, serving on the OFL board during his presidency from 1990-1995.

Upshaw’s presidency coincided with the five-year rule of Ontario’s NDP government under Premier Bob Rae. Upshaw led the union during the fightback against Rae’s Social Contract Act. As a key leader of the Public Services Coalition, Upshaw won agreements that minimized the impact of “Rae Days” and prevented layoffs. During Upshaw’s time in office, OPSEU won the right to strike for Ontario Public Service members, joint union-management control over the OPSEU Pension Trust (now OPTrust) and the colleges’ pension plan, and political rights for Crown employees. Always a human rights activist, Upshaw championed employment equity during his term in office.

He was an active member of the OFL board.

“I worked with Fred for many years and I could always rely on him for support in taking recommendations to the board,” said former OFL human rights director June Veecock. “This was in the old days when it was quite challenging to put Human Rights and equity on labour’s agenda. Fred was always progressive on those issues.”

Upshaw also served on the Worker’s Health and Safety Board, remaining a member until his death.

“Fred Upshaw was a clear and resolute voice on behalf of all workers while serving as OPSEU’s President on the Federations Board of Directors,” said former OFL president Gord Wilson. “Fred provided valuable insight for me and all of us serving with him on the Board. No one could doubt his commitment to improving the lives of working people and their families regardless of origin, race, language, sex or sexual orientation. Workers have lost a staunch ally. He will be sorely missed. Well done brother, well done.”

The OFL extends deepest condolences to his family, friends and his colleagues in the labour movement.