About PD and PLDF; Last Blog for this Decade!!!

Work to Rule and PD
To be clear, elementary Occasional Teachers in TVDSB are still allowed to participate in paid PD opportunities, regardless of when these are offered and even though we are engaged in a provincial Work to Rule in support of ETFO bargaining.
Access to paid, self-directed professional development is something that was bargained for the benefit of our membership to 1) enable Occasional Teachers to seamlessly take over for an absent permanent Teacher, and 2) in recognition that our daily rate is divided by 194 teaching days, when in fact daily OTs do not work on PA Days.
Be sure to regularly check the Board Employee Portal under Conference Registrations to ensure you earn while you learn by taking advantage of the 4 half-days of paid PD to which you are entitled. Remember you must reserve a half day for the online mandatory training which will be posted in May, 2020.  These days count for all purposes as time worked.
Contact the office at etfotvot@gmail.com for further clarification.
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TVOT Professional Learning Development Fund (PLDF)
Reminder to those of you who have applied for the Professional Learning Development Fund Subsidy - if your course is over or will complete this month, verification documentation is due within one school month after course completion.  
We are impressed with the number of members who have applied for the subsidy- Keep up the great work!
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 Office Closed

Your Local TVOT Office will be closed for the Christmas break at end of day, Friday, December 20th and will reopen on Monday, January 6, 20290.

On behalf of your President, Terry Card and your TVOT Executive,  we would like to wish everyone a restful, joyful and meaningful Holiday break and a Happy 2020!

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Great Fall General Meeting; Don't be in the Dark - Register;

Fall General Meeting 2019
Thank you to all the members who joined us for a beautiful festive meal at the Lamplighter Inn.
What a pleasure for our Executive to meet and speak with so many of our members and a special thanks to everyone who brought donations for Merrymount Family and Children's Crisis Centre. We had three heaping tables this year. These donations mean the world to those using the facilities - many of whom are the children we teach every day.








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Great Fall General Meeting; OSSTF on the picket line; Thursday is Red for Ed; Fee increase

Festive Fall General Meeting
What a pleasure it was to meet so many new members at tonight's Fall General Meeting.
Thank you to the Lamplighter Inn for a lovely festive dinner and our sincere appreciation to the many TVOT members who heaped 3 tables with generous donations to Merrymount Family and Children's Crisis Centre. We look forward to delivering these items tomorrow, where they will benefit the children our members teach throughout Thames Valley.





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OSSTF Takes to the Streets
Your Local and several of our TVOT Executive were pleased to join our OSSTF colleagues on the picket line this morning as secondary Teachers fully withdrew their services for a one day strike.
OSSTF District 11 President, John Bernans welcomed ETFO Thames Valley Teacher Local President, Craig Smith and TVOT President Terry Card at Saunders Secondary School this morning where we joined OSSTF Staff in protest.
TVOT members are reminded that we too are in strike position.  ETFO Provincial's Work to Rule Phase 1 strike protocol is mandatory so please call the office if you have any questions.
CUPE's recent negotiations with this government proved the effect of consistent pressure and community support.  As experts on the front line of education, it is up to us to spread word about the impact of cuts to education.
And there is no shame in asking that our wages keep pace with the cost of living - we cannot keep falling behind.
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Red for Ed is now Thursday!
To avoid conflicting with those who wear red in support of our armed forces, the Teachers and Occasional Teachers of Thames Valley have decided to move wearing Red for Ed, to Thursdays.
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Warning from Ontario Teachers' Federation/OTF
The regulatory body for Teachers, OCT/Ontario College of Teachers is budgeting for a $20 increase in our annual fees, effective in January. 
College expenses are expected to increase by 4% so this 13% increase is unnecessary, especially as this will add another $1 million to their substantial $7 million reserve.
Ontario Teachers protested OCT's last proposed fee increase so members are urged to voice their concerns via Twitter and social media once again.
Let you Teacher colleagues know - together we are stronger!
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Fall General Meeting and Banquet Next Week; Upcoming ETFO Conference for Women; The Kindergarten Team

Thank you to our TVOT members who are doing their part to ensure the success of ETFO's Work to Rule campaign.
If you are unsure, check ETFO's website of Frequently Asked Questions at ETFO FAQs or call our Local office at 519-641-3936.
You can also send your Work to Rule Questions to TVOTstrike2019@gmail.com

We ask you to continue to wear Red for Ed on Fridays and make sure you are registered on our Local TVOT website www.etfotvot.com  to keep abreast of developing news.

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Registration is open for TVOT's festive Fall General Meeting and Banquet and spots are filling up.  This is a perfect opportunity to meet members and stay on top of all that is going on these days as it pertains to Occasional Teachers in a relaxed and festive environment.  A delicious meal is going to be served - with both meat and vegetarian options.  Please advise the ETFOTVOT Office if you require a special meal - Chef at the Lamplighter is always very accommodating.
Go to www.etfotvot.com to register your spot December 4th at the Lamplighter Inn in London.

Donations for Merrymount Children's Centre will be accepted at the meeting. They have asked for new items of children's clothing, new books and toys, movie passes etc.

Strike Action; Fall General Meeting and Banquet, Red for Ed T-Shirts, Columbia Sportswear Employee Store

Mandatory ETFO Legal Strike Action: Work to Rule, Phase 1

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

All TVOT members need to be aware that as of Tuesday the 26th, we are in a legal strike position.
Provincial ETFO has instructed all members that we will begin job action with Work to Rule.
On that first day, all members will meet outside and enter the worksite together. (OTs who come early, will make sure to go outside and re-enter with their peers.
Further strike protocol information is available at www.etfotvot.com so ensure you are registered to receive updates and continue to Wear Red for Ed on Fridays.
To ensure the effectiveness of Phase 1, TVOT members will abide by their Collective Agreement and reply, "Given that we are in Work to Rule, my Union has directed me not to:
- take additional supervision duties
- give up scheduled prep periods
- switch an assignment from what that the OT has accepted."
Remember, our intent is to avoid a full withdrawal of services, so full compliance at this stage is mandatory in hopes of pressuring the government to bargain in earnest.
Please direct any questions regarding ETFO's Work to Rule/Strike to TVOTstrike2019@gmail.com
Now is not the time to take direction from social media!
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Fall Banquet and Meeting
Don't miss out- Registration is open for our Fall General Meeting and Banquet on December 4, 2019 from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road South in London.  Once again, we will meet in the Crystal North Ballroom to enjoy a festive feast (free for members) with colleagues and friends.

Again this year, don't forget to bring your donations for the Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre, an organization serving children and their families across Thames Valley.
To see items needed by Merrymount go to - Merrymounts Wish List
These items are always greatly appreciated.
Registration for the Fall General Meeting is at www.etfotvot.com
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Last Chance - Red for Ed T-shirts
If you have pre-ordered your free Red for Ed T-shirts, please make a point of picking them up at the ETFOTVOT Office, Suite 8 - 521 Nottinghill Rd. in London.
We ask that you call before driving over to ensure someone is at the office: 519-641-3936.  If you are unable to pick up your t-shirt, we are happy to bring it to the Fall General Meeting on December 4th.  Also, if you are asking someone else to pick your shirt up for you- just provide us with their name and again, ask them to call beforehand.
Any unclaimed T-shirts will be distributed to those attending our Fall General Meeting as it is important that we wear them on Fridays.
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Just in time for Christmas Shopping
We have received a Bonus Pass Invitation for TVOT members to shop at the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store at 1425 Max Brose Drive in London from November 29 - Dec. 8, 2019.  Those members registered on our website can find their invitation on the ETFOTVOT website:  www.etfotvot.com under Member Services.

Fall General Meeting and Donations to Merrymount Children's Centre; Bargaining and the OT

Registration for our Annual Fall General Meeting and Banquet 
will be open in the next day or so. Please plan to attend this Annual Meeting where you will have a chance to mingle with colleagues and enjoy a fabulous free holiday dinner with door prizes.
This year's Fall General Meeting is taking place on Wednesday, December 4th, 2019, 4:30 -7:30 pm in the Crystal North Ballroom of the Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road South in London.


Again this year, we will welcome donations of children's items for Merrymount Children's Centre. Our membership has always opened their hearts in support of this very worthy cause- please consider bringing a donation. Their wish list includes:
new items for children up to 13 years of age, especially pajamas, socks, sweatshirts, new books, art and craft supplies, movie passes, toys for birthdays, toothbrushes etc.

Registration will open shortly at www.etfotvot.com
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                                     Bargaining and TVOT Members     

TVOT members are reminded that the ETFO Provincial filing of a No Board Report affects all Teachers/OTs/LTOs in the elementary panel.
It is expected that in the next few weeks, Teacher Stewards may  call meetings at their schools to distribute information in a timely fashion. Both daily and LTO Occasional Teachers will be expected to attend these meetings if they are in a school that day.
TVOT members can also keep abreast of matters by registering at www.etfotvot.com .
Your OT Local can only send out emergent news to those members whom we can reach, so be in the know - Do not react to rumours!
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ETFO Provincial Conferences are open to all ETFO members including Occasional Teachers.  Though these are usually hosted in Toronto, aside from a nominal registration fee, in most cases your transportation, meals, shared accommodations, material costs and release time payment (i.e. you are paid as if you taught that day), are covered.  We urge members to take a minute to peruse what is being offered from our Provincial ETFO office.

Exciting Paid TVOT PD on November 15th! Rally in Strathroy; ETFO Central negotiations; TVARRIS pointer

$  Earn while you Learn  

Your Thames Valley Occasional Teachers' Local/TVOT is hosting paid professional learning workshops for daily Occasional Teachers and Long-Term Occasional Teachers in assignments less than .5 .
These half-day sessions count towards your 2 days of paid professional development so take this opportunity to "Earn while you learn" on a day you could not normally work.
Registration is via the Board's Employee Portal (see Conference/Session Registrations).
The same workshops will be offered in the morning as in the afternoon so you may participate in two different workshops for a full day of professional learning and a full day's pay.
TVOT hosted workshops:
    1)  Classroom Management for Daily Occasional Teachers
    2)  Making a Difference - Supporting Positive Behaviours 
    3)  Supporting English Language Learners 

Date:  November 15, 2019 (Board PA day)
Where:  BMO Centre, 295 Rectory St,. London (free parking on site)
When: Morning sessions are 9 am to 11:30 am; afternoon sessions are 1 pm to 3:30 pm.

Please arrive on time as one would on a regular workday.
Note: Lunch is not provided.
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Rally for Education

Add your voice to those who want to protect a strong public education system.
See you there!










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ETFO Files a No Board Report for Central Negotiations - 

Central Bargaining affects permanent and Occasional Teachers alike so be sure to register on our Local website www.etfotvot.com to keep abreast as matters progress.
For more information on the different stages of negotiations visit the ETFP Provincial link:
etfocb.ca/bargaining-101/conciliation-faqs/


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Do your part to make TVARRIS efficient -  
In order for the TVDSB replacement system to reach TVOT members who are waiting for calls, the system needs those who are unavailable for even a day or two, to make themselves unavailable on TVARRIS.  Occasional Teachers are allowed to take off as much time as they wish so long as they teach the required 10 days as an elementary Teacher, however, the Board may contact you if your profile states you are available, yet you continue to decline TVARRIS jobs.
Updating your availability takes just a moment. Your peers are counting on you so that assignments do not go unfilled when they are willing to teach!
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Strike Vote, Red for Ed T-shirts and lawn signs, Annual Pocket Calendar Update

Thank you to everyone who joined the large crowd at Budweiser Gardens Thursday, October 24th for our Central and Local Strike Votes.  It was heartening to see the sea of Red for Ed T-shirts and to feel so much  support as ETFO Provincial President Sam Hammond addressed our Teacher and Occasional Teacher members. 
The results of the Central Strike vote are expected to be announced Friday, November 1st. As for the Local strike vote results, your TVOT Local was very pleased to receive a Local Strike Vote of 94%. This will definitely strengthen our position at the local bargaining table.
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Red for Ed T-shirts have been going steadily. We still have some available for pick up at the TVOT Office, 521 Nottinghill Road, Suite #8 in London.  Show your support and wear Red for Ed on Fridays along with your fellow Teacher and OT peers.
Please call the office before stopping by to ensure someone is here: 519-641-3936.

Education Cuts Hurt Kids signs are also available if would like to put one out.  Again,please arrange call the office beforehand.

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Pocket Calendar Update
We have been advised today that our annual Pocket Calendars and Fall Newsletters will be going out in tomorrow's mail.
Needless to say, we are disappointed with the timing and delays experienced in getting this year's mailing out to our members. 
Careful consideration will be given to ensure this will not happen again. We regret any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
 

All member Strike Vote; Red for Ed on Thursday; TVOT pocket calendars delayed; Protest at MPP Yureks' Office

IMPORTANT MEETING TOMORROW 

Strike votes to be taken for Local and Central Bargaining

All TVOT Members are urged to come to Budweiser Gardens tomorrow after school to listen to the presentation from ETFO Provincial President Sam Hammond.

We need a strong strike mandate to assist your Local and Central bargaining teams during one of the most challenging rounds of bargaining ever faced by this organization. 

TVOT members have resoundingly accepted what will be discussed at our Local Table.  Thursday you will hear about ETFO Provincial and the Central Table.  

Give us your support so that we can bargain seriously on your behalf.

- Registration opens at 4 PM 

- Meeting begins at 5:30 with Central voting to take place at 6:30 PM

- Enter at Gates 1, 2 or 5 

Light refreshments will be provided - We hope to see you there!

Please bring photo ID

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Wear Red for Ed this Thursday, Oct 24th

since Friday is a PD Day.

Stand proudly for public education funding.

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Annual TVOT Pocket Calendars

As many of you are aware, our annual pocket calendar and Fall Newsletter have been delayed.

For twenty years, the TVOT Local has had wonderful working relationship with the same printers, but they have retired and we are on to a new firm.

We thank members for  your patience and hopefully these will be in the mail in short order.

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Monday, Oct. 28/19

Join OSSTF, CUPE, ETFO Permanent and ETFO Occasional Teachers at a Rally to protest the Ford Government cuts to Education.

Cuts Hurt Kids!

Strike Vote Meeting! Red T-Shirts are here; Vote Results; ETFO ID Cards

STRIKE VOTE MEETING -
It is very important that members attend the
ALL MEMBER MEETING at Budweiser Gardens, 99 Dundas Street in London,  next week, Thursday October 24th. 
ETFO Provincial President Sam Hammond will speak to the permanent Teachers and Occasional Teachers in attendance and strike votes will be held that evening for both Central Bargaining and Local Bargaining.
This is a very important meeting to attend this year and for you to be aware and have a say in your professional future.
Please see the joint memo below from both ETFO locals for information related to bus transportation.
Contact us at 519-641-3936 for further details.








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Vote Results - 
More than 100 members were in attendance at the BMO Centre yesterday afternoon for the presentation and vote on the Preliminary Submission proposal by your Local. With the exception of one spoiled ballot and 1 vote against, members in attendance offered resounding support of the proposals we will take to the local bargaining table on your behalf.
The Local will be calling on those in attendance at Budweiser Gardens next Thursday to further strengthen our position at the bargaining table at that time with their strike vote.







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They have arrived -
Red for Ed T-shirts are now available with more than a hundred already gone.
Order yours at www.etfotvot,com then arrange for pick up at:
TVOT Office
521 Nottinghill Road, Suite 8
London ON
Please call the office before to ensure someone is here to receive you 519-641-3936

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ETFO ID Cards
From the first day you work as an elementary Occasional Teacher with TVDSB, you become an ETFO member.  If you have not received your ID card and number, contact Member Records at ETFO Provincial 1-888-838-3836 and they will send you your "apple card" which also entitles you to numerous discounts through the Edvantage program www.edvantage.ca.

Strike vote bus registration; Important Local Meeting; Red for Ed T shirts;

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NB. Details of Local Bargaining submission will not be presented at the Budweiser meeting but at the        October 15th meeting at the             BMO Centre at 4:30 pm.
Registration for this important dinner meeting is at www.etfotvot.com
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Red For Ed T-shirt Orders

 Orders are now being taken at www.etfotvot.com for your 
Friday "Red for Ed" T-shirts. 

Get yours - order soon!

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ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teachers 

offer sincere congratulations to our colleagues in education 

at CUPE Ontario who held in until a settlement was reached. 

Fair Bargaining works! 

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Save the Date - Strike Vote Information; CUPE

Important dates: ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teachers 

- October 15/19: BMO Centre at 4:30 PM - Vote on the issues the Union will bring to the Local bargaining table. This will be the only presentation of your preliminary bargaining submission and those present will decide. A light meal will be provided with registration for members at www.etfotvot.com

- October 24/19: Budweiser Gardens at 5:30 PM -  Strike vote for both Central Table and Local Table items (there will not be another presentation of Local items at this meeting). Bus registration for this meeting will soon be set up by the permanent Teachers' Local at www.etfothamesvalley.com

Please contact the OT Office at 519-641-3936 or etfotvot@gmail.com for further details.

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Don't React to Rumours    

At the time of this writing, CUPE educational workers have given notice that they will withdraw services effective Monday, October 7/19.  Until then, ETFO Occasional Teachers will continue to cover permanent Teacher absences but refrain from taking on the struck work of our fellow CUPE colleagues. In Thames Valley, this includes, School Secretaries, Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, Custodians and assorted school support personnel.  TVDSB is still considering their options for next week but as of 1 PM today, there has been no notice that schools will close.

To keep informed, we remind TVOT members to activate their accounts at www.etfotvot.com as soon as possible!

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CUPE will Work to Rule & Advice: Latest ETFO News for you and Provincial PD Conferences OTs can participate in

CUPE will Work to Rule-
All ETFO TVOT members need to be aware that members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) are in a legal strike position as of Monday, September 30th and have given notice of their work to rule campaign. For example, CUPE members will no longer cover duties due to unfilled absences, will not supervise students, will no longer volunteer etc., and custodians will no longer unlock classroom doors.

Your ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teacher Local stands in solidarity with CUPE as they negotiate fair collective agreements through the process of free collective bargaining.

Advice to all ETFO TVTL and TVOTL Members:

• Teachers do not do the work of other bargaining units.
• Teachers will not take up the struck work of other bargaining units.

OTs are advised to contact their TVOT Local office immediately if they are asked or coerced by the employer or its agents into undertaking any of the above. Please contact your TVOT Local office at 519-641-3936/etfotvot@gmail.com  if you have any questions or concerns.

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The September 19, 2019 ETFO Newsletter includes some wonderful opportunities for you to participate in.  The following have been extremely beneficial to members:

Apply for Project Overseas 2020

Open to exchange professional knowledge with teachers overseas? Passionate about collaboration, cooperation and cultural competency? If you're an educator and ETFO member, then consider applying to Project Overseas 2020.

For more information, go to ETFOprojectoverseas.ca and apply by October 18, 2019.

Heart & Art blog

The following are some posts from the above mentioned blog for (beginning) teachers:

• Podcasts for Students
• Thriving in a New Teaching Assignment
• More Learning Skills Comments!
• Violence in Ontario Schools
• What is the Rand Formula and why it matters to teachers
• September 2019

Check out "our archive" which contains hundreds of articles of interest to educators.

Go through the full newsletter at <enewsletter@etfo.net>

OTs can participate in ETFO Provincial PD conferences etc. with costs paid by the provincial organization.  Interesting conferences include:

• Protect Yourself 2019, November 20-21, Toronto. This Professional Relations Services conference for women aims to increase awareness and understanding in the area of education law in order to strengthen our professionalism. Register by October 2.
• eWomen Online Networking Program. ETFO invites 18 women members from designated groups to participate in a professional and academic learning opportunity. This online program will explore leadership, intersectionality, identity and anti-oppression.  The program also includes two face-to-face sessions. Register by September 27.
• Engaging Learners Through Play Workshop, November 1, Toronto. ETFO invites 60 women members to register for a one-day First Nations, Metis and Inuit education professional learning opportunity. This interactive workshop will take members through the play-based activities from the ETFO FNMI education resource, Engaging Learners Through play.  Register by September 27.
• Mobilizing for Justice: November 6-8, 2019 & June 2-3, 2020; Toronto. This program is an opportunity for women members to consider and make a plan for how they want to get more involves in their communities as allies and participants in social movements. Register by September 27.

We've Got You Covered; To Receive Local Information; To Receive Info from ETFO Provincial; ETFO ID Card; Fifth Disease

Your Union - You may be new to a unionized workplace and unaware that the ETFO Thames Valley OT Local is your advocate in all matters related to your relationship with the Employer. We can assist members with payroll difficulties, provide information on matters related to the Collective Agreement and offer advice on how to proceed when you are unsure.  Calls are confidential. We do not use your name when dealing with the Board without your knowledge.
The Stewards at a school represent the permanent Teachers. They cannot represent you at any meeting with an  Administrator and neither the Steward nor the Principal is an expert on the details of your OT Collective Agreement. Your OT Office can be reached at 519-641-3936 or by email at etfotvot@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
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What's Going on at the Local Level?  Register on your OT Local's website: www.etfotvot.com to receive up-to-date information on the status of bargaining, access forms for the $350 Professional Learning Development Fund and $50 Book Rebate which we offer to members, get access to the Columbia Sportswear outlet and register to attend  our events (free of charge) - lovely dinners and a chance to meet fellow Occasional Teachers. 
N.B. The Board's email system is not for private communications so use a personal email address when you communicate with your Union.
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What about Provincial ETFO? Did you know that members can register to receive copies of information sent to school stewards?
Find out about ETFO Provincial opportunities by registering to receive your updates electronically each month -
http://www.etfo.ca/aboutetfo/publications/stewardmailings/pages/default.aspx



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Your ETFO I.D. Number - To access ETFO Provincial events, Edvantage discounts or to register for online strike votes etc., members will need their ETFO membership / ID number. To access an electronic version of your card, create an account on ETFO Provincial's Event Management System (EMS). Go to events.etfo.org/member-sign-up/
Then log into your account > click My Account at the top of the screen. My Member Card will be displayed for you to print or save.

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 Fifth Disease - Are You Immune?
Absences from a LTO assignment because of an outbreak of Fifth Disease are deducted from your sick leave. Schools will post notices of Fifth Disease at the site and via TVARRIS so check before you get pregnant to see if you are immune. For more information about TVDSB Fifth Disease policy go to 
https://www.tvdsb.ca/uploads/27/Doc_636488424581039459.pdf?ts=637037263792204678

Call for Strike Vote!

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Our 1st PD Event will take place on Wednesday, October 23, 2019.  More details will be in the upcoming Newsletter. You will be notified by email when Registration opens.  Please ensure you have an account created on the ETFO-TVOT website ( www.etfotvot.com ) , using your personal email address.


Once again, we remind you to ensure your complete address is listed in your personal information on the Employee Portal, including apartment/suite/unit numbers being on the same line as your street address so that you will receive your pocket calendar and newsletter which will be sent to you by mail.

We have been invited to shop at the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store from Sept. 20 - Oct. 13, 2019.  The invitation is posted at www.etfotvot.com under Member Services.

Welcome back; Bargaining

Welcome back members to our Wednesday Blog!  

Let's get to some housekeeping items as we embark on the 2019-2020 school year!

Pocket calendars will once again be sent to all ETFO-TVOT members. Last year's calendars include the month of September 2019, which is meant to be used this month until such time that the printers can mail out the new ones.  The Local uses the information listed with the Board so please ensure your address is up to date under your personal information in the Employee Portal.  If your address includes an apartment/unit/suite number, please ensure it appears on the same line as your street address, i.e. # 8-521 Nottinghill Rd.
These pocket calendars are a staple for our members and contain relevant information that is of importance to you as elementary Occasional Teachers with Thames Valley. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourselves with the information found in the calendar booklets.

If you have taken out any books from the TVOT lending library, please make arrangements to return them at your earliest convenience. Either call or email the office: 519-641-3936 or mail@etfotvot.com.

Don't forget to check the ETFO-TVOT website regularly for updates and information on news from ETFO Provincial, Newsletters from your Local, upcoming Professional Development Events, Subsidies that you may qualify for etc.
If you do not have an account set up on the website yet, please go to www.etfotvot.com to create one.
Don't forget to use your personal email address as it is inappropriate to use the Board's email system for Union business nor is it private. In an effort to save on paper and relay information in a fast manner, we are going to be communicating electronically as much as possible. 
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It's Mandatory; LTOs on June 28th; Don't Lose $500

It's Mandatory for all Occasional Teachers/LTOs!
Whether you are daily, or in a long-term assignment, you must complete the online training modules listed in the Employee Portal under Employee Training, then 2018-2019 OTE Required Training.
Please note, Mandatory Training must be done by end of school, June 28, 2019.
Be sure to click Submit when you have completed the modules. To verify it's been received, log back into the Employee Portal and if the check marks are still there, it's been accepted.
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LTOs and June 28th PD Day
Our office has received many calls about whether or not LTOs are to attend school on June 28th.
If your assignment has a posted end date of June 28, you are expected to report to the school where you will work and be paid according to your FTE.
For LTOs with unposted end dates, if no permanent teacher is coming to replace you that day, you are expected to report to the school where you will work and be paid according to your FTE.
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Last Chance for almost $500!
Daily OTs have access to 5 half-days of paid PD.  At this late date, the only options are online modules listed in the Employee Portal in the Conference Registration section. These can be done anytime up to the end of day on June 28th, and count for all purposes as a day of work,  including for credit for the 10 days necessary to remain on the OT Roster, credit for Teachers' pension, experience credit for grid placement, Employment Insurance etc.
NB. For purposes of Employment Insurance, the Board reports a day if work as 8 hours.
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Please note this will be the last BLOG for this school year.
The ETFOTVOT Office will be closed over the summer break. 
The office email will be checked weekly.
If you require Provincial Assistance, please call their number directly at:
1-888-838-3836.
On behalf of your President, Terry Card and the Executive, wishing you all a restful, safe and enjoyable summer.

Employment Insurance and End of Year Library Books

The Board would like to remind Occasional Teachers that all Records of Employment will be sent electronically to Service Canada by Payroll Services. Employees do not need a hard copy of their Record of Employment to apply for Employment Insurance. Payroll Services will process the mass Records of Employment Insurance purposes by July 18, 2019.

For purposes of Employment Insurance only, TVDSB reports a full day as 8 hours.
===============
FROM EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CANADA

Important Notice for Teaching Staff - 2019

Applying for Employment Insurance Benefits

As teaching staff, this notice will provide you with information and help guide you through your application for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

You may be eligible for EI regular benefits if:

• your teaching contract has ended and you are a teacher at a pre-elementary, elementary, secondary, technical or vocational school;
• you teach on a casual or substitute basis; or
• you had employment other than teaching.

You may also be eligible for other EI benefits as long as you meet the conditions for each benefit.

** Please do not use a 16-digit reference code to submit your application. **

When to apply

Apply as soon as possible after you stop working. Do not wait until you get your Record of Employment (ROE) to apply. If you wait more than four weeks after your last day of work to apply, you may lose benefits.

If you have had a recent claim

If you have received EI benefits in the past 52 weeks or if you have an existing claim, we will reactivate your claim once you submit a new application.

If you want to start a new claim instead of reactivating your existing claim, contact Service Canada  at 1-800-206-7218 before you start.

If you are applying for the first time or want to start a new application

1. Visit Canada.ca/ei for information on EI benefits and eligibility and to apply online.

2.  Make sure you have the information below when you begin your application:

• your social insurance number (SIN);
• your dates of employment;
• your banking information for direct deposit.

3.  Complete your online application. After you apply, we will also need your ROE.

• If your employer submits electronic ROEs to Service Canada, you do not need to provide them to us.
• If your employer issues paper ROEs, you must get copies of all ROEs issued in the past 52 weeks. Submit them to Service Canada by mail or in person as soon as possible.

Next Steps

A benefit statement and access code will be sent to you

Service Canada will mail you a benefit statement with a four-digit access code once your application is complete. You need this code and your SIN to inquire about your application and to submit biweekly reports. If you have applied in the past, you already received an access code. You will not get a new one. Use the access code you already have.

Receiving the EI benefit statement does not mean that Service Canada has made a decision about your claim.

You must submit biweekly reports

Depending on which benefits you applied for, you will need to keep a detailed record of your job search and submit biweekly reports to Service Canada. In these reports, you must:

• show you are available and looking for work;
• declare any income; and
• indicate which days you are not available for work (for example, when you are on vacation).

When payments start

Before you can receive any payments, you must submit a first biweekly report using your access code. There is usually a one-week waiting period for which you will not be paid before you start receiving benefits.

You will receive your first payment about 28 days after you apply if you are eligible and have submitted all required documents.

Sign up for My Service Canada Account (MSCA)

With MSCA, you can check the status of your application. You can also:

• submit your biweekly reports;
• view and update your personal information;
• find out when your payments start and end;
• view your electronic ROEs or confirm that they have been issued;
• sign up for direct deposit or change your direct deposit details.

Visit Canada.ca/myservicecanadaaccount to sign up today.

If you have any questions, contact Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218 or visit Canada.ca/ei .

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If you have borrowed any resources from our Library, please make sure you return them before the end of the month.    

Clarification re: payment for mandatory online modules

You will see a half day job appear in TVARRIS on June 28th once the training has been processed.   Processing was done on May 31st so if you completed before then and are eligible, you should see a job for June 28th in your TVARRIS.  The location of the job will be HR 1 and the reason for the job will be PD. Additional comments will include OTE Mandatory Training. Do not remove this job or you will not be paid.

Future processing dates will be June 13th and July 2nd.  All jobs will be processed by July 2nd!

If you have deleted the job or have completed the training and do not see it after processing dates, please contact Charlene Hofbauer at ext. 20506.

The following modules are posted in the Employee Portal as OTE training:

Anaphylaxis & Asthma Management Training Video
Asthma Metered Dose Inhaler Resource Video
Concussion Awareness PART I (June Safety Spotlight) (Mandatory)
Concussion Part II - Response, Management (June Safety Spotlight) (Mandatory)
September - Emergency Codes and Asbestos Awareness (Mandatory)
October - Fire Code Training 2017
November - Ladder Safety Awareness (Mandatory)
December - Slips, Trips and Falls (Mandatory)
Video 1 - Violence Awareness & Handling Violent Situations
Module 3 - Post Incident Review & Documentation
Module 10 - Working Late
Module 11 - Handling Cash
Module 12 - Workplace Design
Module 13 - Recognizing and Coping with Aggressive Behaviour

Action for Friday June 7; Wage Cap Legislation; and PLDF Process over the Summer

To plan a coordinated response and a united message on June 7, ETFO is asking all locals to alter the #RedForEd actions for next week to mark a year of cuts.

Along with the other education affiliates, we are encouraging members to wear black. Black was chosen to signal that we, the people of Ontario, are mourning a year of devastating cuts to education and our public services.

To make this action successful, we need your help to inform members about this action to wear black on Friday, June 7.

In addition to wearing black on June 7, members are encouraged to participate in a workplace action and share a message on social media. Let's give this government a report card and a failing grade for its actions and plan that are putting corporations over children and their future.

Here are three ways that ETFO members can send a united message Friday:
1. Wear black on Friday, June 7
2. Organize an action, in your workplace, with a small group, or participate as an individual to issue Doug Ford a report card and give the government a failing grade. Share your group photo and report card on social media, and use the hashtag #Fordisfailing.
NOTE: ETFO will provide a template report card that can be downloaded and printed from the website.
3. Challenge your friends, family, and parents to participate. Let's send a strong message online and use the hashtag #FordisFailingOntario

In our region, a bus from the OPSEU Regional Office at 1092 Dearness Drive, will leave at 3:30 to take participants to MPP Jeff Yurek's office, 750 Talbot Street in St. Thomas. That protest runs from  4 PM - 6 PM. Your spot on the bus can be reserved at https://www.oflevents.ca/london_june_7_day_of_action_to_resist_ford_cuts

For those from the Woodstock area who are not working June 7th,  protests will gather from 9 AM to 10:30 AM in front of MPP Ernie Hardeman's office at 12 Perry Street.
These government actions must stop before they destroy the Ontario we all cherish.  Let's be part of the noise that draws their attention!

Please join us in sharing information with your colleagues about the united action to wear black next Friday.  Together we can continue to make a difference and defend public education.
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Wage Cap Legislation is Here!
Once again, Teachers' democratic right to negotiate a Collective Agreement, has been threatened.  This is one more step in eroding Ontario's public services. Check out ETFO Provincial's response at:
https://shar.es/a0hiG2.
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The TVOT PLDF Subsidy

The TVOT office will be closed over the summer break in July and August. For those of you who are completing your PLDF approved courses in June, we will make our best effort to process your subsidy before the end of the month PROVIDED you submit the required documents for your application, namely; proof of successful completion and receipt of payment for the course (if it wasn't initially included with your application). Otherwise, your subsidy will be processed when we return from the break in September.
The 1 school month requirement for these required documents will be extended for you as well to the first week of September.

It is a good practice to read through and familiarize yourselves with all requirements stipulated on application forms in order to avoid disappointment.