“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”  

Mark Twain

Our office has been made aware of a number of recent interactions that have caused concern.  We have had reports of comments made wishing unvaccinated colleagues harm and illness.  Reports were also received about troubling communication to HWCDSB staff at the most recent distribution of the Rapid Antigen Test kits.  Allegations about comments about the Star of David and markings on the arm have been heard.  We acknowledge that the distribution of the kits violated the confidentiality of employees, and we are addressing this issue with the Board through the  grievance process.  In spite of this confidentiality breach, there is no reasonable comparison to the Jewish families being rounded up and sent to concentration and death camps during World War II.   Teachers risk serious complaints of racism at the College of Teachers and the Human Rights Tribunal when they make these sorts of public statements.

Disagreements and differing opinions occur in the workplace regularly.  We should choose to express ourselves with civility and respect.  Directing anger toward someone who is implementing a decision made by another person or organization is wrong.  Just as we don’t yell at the cashier about a company or government policy, nor should we direct our anger at the wrong target.  Be sure you are directing your frustration at the correct person.  

We have also been made aware of situations when teachers are sharing their personal Covid-19 beliefs and opinions with students.  Child vaccination and RAT testing decisions are to be made by parents with the advice of their medical providers.  Educators should not be coercing students or encouraging them to convince their parents to get the vaccine or do the test.  Likewise, teachers should not be pressuring families to avoid the use of vaccinations or RATs.

Policy debates are healthy in a democracy, incivility is a disease.  Let us commit to treating each other with courtesy, politeness, graciousness and respect!

Recently, some teachers have reached out to our office drawing attention to the recent Health Canada Rapid Antigen Test safety alert.  It states, “Health Canada is aware of approximately 50 calls made to poison centres in Canada related to accidental exposure, which have resulted in minor health outcomes.”  The products that the caution is referring to are not intended to be used on your skin, ingested or be in contact with your eyes.  The advisory was particularly recommending to avoid having children or small pets ingest or be exposed on their skin or eyes.  Just like cautions around the use and storage of medications or cleaning products such as bleach, care should be used with these kits around children and pets. The advisory also states that  “while these kits are safe, effective, and beneficial for self-testing, the product labelling and instructions may not describe or disclose the risks associated with misuse or accidental ingestion.” 

Link to the Advisory:   https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/rapid-antigen-test-kits-and-potential-exposure-hazardous-substances

All of the above stated, loudly and clearly we have heard the concerns of our members who say that safety is not being prioritized in the decision-making process. On that front, we continue to advocate for everyone's safety. As we all know, significant absences among staff and students are typically observed on days where schools remain open while transportation services are cancelled. On days like these, arguably, the educational returns pale in comparison to the size of the wager placed on the safety of staff and students. To label such days as "instructional days" is a misnomer of terms and represents a disconnect in the understanding of what teachers do. 

Preparations are currently underway to enter into the next round of collective bargaining. Shortly, a committee of your colleagues will be assembled whose varied experiences and perspectives will give rise to a  bargaining proposal  to be be presented to the Board during negotiations. This is an opportunity to participate in shaping local working conditions into the future. Issues, such as those pertaining to inclement weather days, are within the scope of discussions. To that end, if you are frustrated with the management of issues such as inclement weather days, consider applying to be a part of the Local Collective Bargaining Committee.  This is your chance to knock loudly upon the door of the Board and make a positive difference for you and your colleagues. Follow this link to apply today.    

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