Attention: Current CUPE 543 Members Under the Age of 30
Keep Ontario Hydro Publicly Owned and Publicly Controlled! Say NO to privatisation!!!
JOIN CUPE Ontario in the fight to keep our assets in the public trust. Visit KEEP HYDRO PUBLIC to see how you can protect our assets, built and maintained by Ontarians for Ontarians!
April 28: Day of mourning for workers killed or injured on the job
Apr 21, 2015
Every year, around the world, unions mark the International Day of Mourning on April 28 to honour workers killed or injured on the job. It’s an important date for the labour movement: we remember those workers we’ve lost, and fight for better standards for today’s workers.
In 2014, six CUPE members lost their lives, and just four months into 2015 already five CUPE members have died on the job.
“It’s deeply troubling, the number of deaths we’ve seen recently,” said CUPE National President Paul Moist. “Our hearts go out to the families and the friends and colleagues of these workers.”
- Join CUPE 543 at this year’s event: Day of Mourning 2015.
In seven of the 11 incidents listed, working alone was a contributing hazard. Working alone means a worker does not receive immediate assistance if they’re incapacitated in some way, leaving the worker susceptible to graver injury. CUPE recently conducted a survey showing that 94 per cent of members who work alone face at least one other hazard during that period.
“Working alone is a serious problem in our workplaces. It’s a hazard that’s only getting worse with cutbacks and an aging workforce,” said Moist. “Employers need to acknowledge the risk our members face, and make efforts to reduce the hazard.”
- For tips on addressing the hazard, check out our working alone fact sheet.
Sadly, the health and safety challenges workers face often go beyond the workplace. The federal government and many provincial governments continue to undermine the health and safety of workers by weakening occupational health and safety laws. For instance, the federal government has modified the definition of danger for federally regulated workers. The definition now specifies that hazards must be “an imminent or serious threat” implying that workers are not entitled to protection from conditions that could cause them illness in the future.
CUPE opposes the change. If you believe you’re in danger at work, for any reason, you still have the right to refuse unsafe work.
It’s been more than 30 years since CUPE’s National Health and Safety Committee first proposed the idea for the Day of Mourning. Since then it has become an international event, marked by workers, governments and other organizations the world over. Unfortunately, it seems the need to raise awareness about workplace health and safety is as important as ever.
Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk in honour of former 543 Member Ian McArthur. Please join CUPE 543’s team!
Please click on the poster below to be taken to the team page where you can register and/or donate!
Windsor Star Article on SAMS
Recently CUPE Local 543 President Mark Vander Voort and First Vice-President Jessie Simonetti, sat down with The Windsor Star’s Columnist Chis Vander Doelen. Click on the link below to see the article.
Government computer can’t do math
CUPE Calls CODE RED on SAMS
Next ACTION Step:
- CODE RED
March 12 is the four-month anniversary of the introduction of SAMS at Ontario Works and we want to make sure people know we’re still seeing RED over SAMS!
All CUPE members are asked to wear RED to work on Thursday, March 12, as a symbol of the urgency that SAMS is creating chaos in the workplace. Then e-mail, tweet and post photos of you and your colleagues sending out a CODE RED from your workplace – and don’t forget to tag #CUPEON and link to CUPE Ontario’s Facebook page.
Let’s make Ontario Works offices a sea of red on March 12. It will help to send a clear message that the situation remains critical and that immediate support is needed in the workplace.
- SAMS email address:
They have created a dedicated e-mail address for members who work with SAMS and would like to share their experiences: comments about what you are currently experiencing in the workplace, SAMS’ effects on clients; and “impact statements” about your SAMS experience.
Send your words and pictures to sams@cupe.on.ca; all correspondence will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
3. Write to your MPP They have prepared a draft letter for members to send to their MPPs, alerting them to the ongoing problems at Ontario Works and the concerns that members have as citizens, workers and taxpayers. You will be welcome to use the sample text or use your own words – ones that describe the impact of SAMS
SAMS Update Letter from Local 543: Jessie Simonetti
I wanted to update members on what CUPE Ontario and what CUPE Local 543 have been doing with respect to SAMS and more importantly what we still need to do on a go forward basis.
As a bit of a recap, CUPE Ontario and the Social Service Workers Co-ordinating committee (SSWCC) has been persistent in its message with the Minister that SAMS is seriously flawed.
SSWCC developed a working group of 10 members from across the province who are either experienced caseworkers or LBE’s or SME and on 06 February, 2015 met with the Assistant Deputy Minister. At that meeting, OMSSA was present as observers. A total of 79 recommendations were developed by CUPE Members along with a demand to have SAMS work with voice assisted software such as dragon for those members who require accommodations.
As we all know, the Minister has since announced that they are asking Price Water House Cooper to perform an independent review of SAMS. The Minister has assured CUPE Ontario that CUPE’s working group will be involved in the independent review process.
CUPE Ontario and SSWCC is working with OMSSA as well as with OPSEU regarding our concerns with SAMS. On March 2, 2015 a Phone Town Hall meeting occurred for all CUPE Members who work with SAMS. This phone conference call provided an update as well as allowed members to ask questions or make comments.
CUPE Ontario has a dedicated link on its website specifically on SAMS. All of the 79 recommendations made by CUPE Members are listed on that link. Check it out. CUPE Ontario
CUPE has set up a secure and confidential email address so that staff can share their experiences, comments or “impact statements” about your SAMS experiences. The chair of SSWCC – Carrie Lynn is the only person to access these emails. So if you want to share your experiences or impact statements please do so at: sams@cupe.on.ca (Please ensure that no client identifying information is revealed). Your comments or submission will be confidential.
On Thursday March 12, 2015 all Social Service Workers across Ontario will be engaged in our CODE Red campaign in which we will all wear RED to work. This is clearly symbolic but it will send a very clear message across the province that we as staff are seeing red about SAMS. It also is a very easy thing to do to show our collective support for each other. So let’s support each other during this stressful time and wear red to work on 12 March, 2015 (Thursday)
As we have heard a report will be going to City Council soon. Local 543 intends to have a delegation to speak on the matter. As OW workers, we should be present at Council so that our councillors know we have concerns with SAMS. We can also speak on the matter of SAMS when delegates have the opportunity to address Council. If you would like to be a delegate, please contact the Local as soon as possible. Regardless, come out and let’s support each other when the report goes before Council. Wearing RED when we attend the Council meeting will certainly make a statement.
On 6 March, 2015, your President and I were contacted by the local newspaper for an interview. We discussed some of the problems with SAMS for our clients, its impact on staff and the community, as well as the municipality.
Please spread the word about Code Red on Thursday 12 March and the need to attend the Council meeting of 23 March, 2015.
In solidarity
Jessie Simonetti
Local 543 and SSWCC representative
Retirement Security for Everyone. Get the Job Done!
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) has long been a cherished pension savings vehicle for Canadians. Established in 1965, it complimented the Old Age Security (OAS) benefit.
The CPP doesn’t come free; we and our employers all pay for it through payroll deductions. However, these deductions are pre-tax and modest when we consider the benefit they provide later in life.
So what are we asking the Government to do?
What we are asking for is simple and achievable.
We are asking the Federal government to increase contributions to the CPP by 3% over a period of seven years for both employees and employers.
And, to increase immediately the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 15% to lift all seniors out of poverty. This would be funded by reducing Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) tax subsidies.
As an aside, it is worth noting that Canadian’s are gouged by RRSP investment fees, and there is no guarantee of the pay-out when Canadian’s retire – not a great savings vehicle at all.
Why are we asking for increases to the CPP and GIS?
Now more than ever, in an era of vanishing employer pensions plans, reduced to non-existent post retirement benefits, less and less affordable housing, rising living costs, and regressive austerity measures, seniors are forced to make very tough decisions. Some have to decide between buying their medications or buying groceries or paying rent.
Poverty has a staggering impact on all aspects of life: mentally, emotionally, and physically, collectively and individually. Those in poverty tend to have poorer health outcomes leading to increased usage of the health care system. They become trapped in a dynamic that supports and grows the cycle of poverty for them and their family members. Poverty decreases participation in fundamentally important social functions such as community engagement, wellbeing, and democracy in general.
From an economic standpoint, an increased CPP and GIS would be greatly beneficial to the economy. Studies have shown that the last major CPP increase resulted in an economic boom. It not only benefited retired Canadians, but it helped grow, support, and sustain the economy.
In an age where employer funded pensions plans are being diminished or removed altogether by employers, where RRSP’s are not being utilised by most Canadians, and where neither offer the returns or the stability necessary for most Canadians, it is absolutely vital to have a universal plan that can be accessed by all Canadians.
The CPP is a very large and well invested pension fund that delivers stable returns. In this case, bigger is absolutely better. Its good growth is assured when the economy is doing well and it is able to easily whether down turns when the economy is not doing well.
The CPP is portable, so no matter where you are in Canada, it goes with you.
Look around; we are regarded as an aging country. If we continue on this current path, things will certainly get worse for our seniors. They are our neighbours, our fellow citizens; after a lifetime of hard work, they deserve to enjoy their later years with dignity and with our thanks.
What can you do?
- Call your Member of Parliament Tell them you support the CLC’s position on phasing in the doubling of the CPP. Ask them to support it.
- Call your Provincial Representative and ask them to support the CLC’s proposed change to the CPP.
- Assist with the campaign, Sign up online (for more information click on the CLC link below).
- Join the Facebook page “Retirement Security for Everyone”.
- TALK TO CO-WORKERS in your workplace and ask them to call their MPs and provincial government representatives. Ensure this campaign is discussed at your union meeting.
- Write a letter to your local newspaper.
For more information on the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and Canadian Medical Association (CMA) supported campaign, “Retirement Security for Everyone, Get the Job Done”, please click on the link below.
SAMS – Minister makes surprise announcement…..
Minister makes surprise announcement after hearing from frontline CUPE Members. See below:
Ministry of Community Ministère des Services
and Social Services sociaux et communautaires
Minister’s Office Bureau du Ministre
Hepburn Block Édifice Hepburn
Queen’s Park Queen’s Park
Toronto ON M7A 1E9 Toronto (Ontario) M7A 1E9
Tel.: (416) 325-5225 Tél.: (416) 325-5225
February 10, 2015
To: All front-line staff in Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program offices
From: Dr. Helena Jaczek
Minister
Three months ago, the Ministry of Community and Social Services began implementing the Social Assistance Management Systems (SAMS) to administer Ontario Works, the Ontario Disability Support Program (OSDP), and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities.
SAMS will deliver social assistance programs more efficiently and consistently. It’s a key component of the transformation of Ontario’s social assistance system. I want to thank all of you – the staff who are implementing this important change – for your dedication and commitment to excellence in serving your clients through this transition. I know the implementation thus far has been challenging and I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to eliminate barriers or problems that may be causing you frustration. I am also keenly aware that a better, quicker and more responsive system is a common goal that we’re working towards.
Over the past several weeks, I have visited a number of ODSP and Ontario Works offices across the province. I have experienced first-hand, alongside workers the challenges with SAMS and listened to your experiences during the transition. I have also had dozens of conversations with mayors and other municipal officials clearly expressing their concerns and the concerns of their staff.
Your voices have been heard. The implementation of SAMS must be improved.
In the coming weeks and months, my ministry will be taking specific actions to deal with immediate issues and improve the implementation of SAMS.
We will select an independent, third-party advisor who will provide further advice and assistance, evaluate our progress and recommend actions to help us reach our goals. Municipal partners and staff delivering services to clients will be fully engaged in this review.
I have asked my Deputy Minister and other ministry officials to increase engagement with front-line staff and initiate widespread face-to-face discussions with staff at 30 locations across the province for their insights and understanding of SAMS. This will help us in resolving implementation issues to ensure SAMS meets the needs of you and your clients.
The Technical Working Group, which we have already established with our municipal partners to help us identify and prioritize the challenges with SAMS implementation, will use a front-line users working group to increase the direct engagement of Ontario Works and ODSP front-line staff on system improvements.
All of this will take place at the same time as the project team is continuing to put into place the solutions to issues already identified.
In the coming days, the senior leadership of my ministry and the SAMS initiative will be following up with you about the steps I have just outlined.
Moving from a system like SDMT to an advanced one like SAMS is a challenging yet important change. It will allow us to improve service for the people we are working to help, streamline business processes, enhance program integrity and respond more quickly to policy and program changes at a reduced cost. I hope that through this letter and our actions in the coming weeks and months that you will see both an improvement and our unwavering commitment to implementing the best system for you and your clients. The lessons we are learning through this implementation will also help us inform similar government projects in the future.
With your help, we will continue to deliver quality service, and provide the support social assistance clients need to become more independent and improve their lives.
Sincerely,
Dr. Helena Jaczek
Minister
Attachment: SAMS Implementation Action Plan
——————————————————————————————————————–
Social Assistance Management Systems (SAMS) Action Plan
In the coming weeks and months, the Ministry of Community and Social Services will be taking specific actions as outlined below to deal with immediate issues and improve the implementation of the Social Assistance Management Systems (SAMS).
1) Appointment of a Third-Party Advisor
The Ministry will be bringing in a third-party advisor to conduct an independent assessment of SAMS implementation up to this point, as well as the Ministry’s plan to improve system functionality and associated business processes as the implementation proceeds. The advisor will be consulting with municipal partners and front-line ODSP staff. The advisor will provide the Minister with an interim report by March 31, 2015, which will include short-term priorities to address the most urgent issues with the system and recommendations for further redesign and possible future improvements. A final report is due by April 30, 2015, with more comprehensive recommendations for the future of the system.
2) Staff and Engagement
In addition to engagement already undertaken, the Deputy Minister of Community and Social Services and other Ministry officials will be conducting extensive face-to-face engagement with Ontario Works and ODSP front-line staff at over 30 locations across the province over the next two months. This will help to solicit input about system issues and ensure SAMS meets the needs of social assistance delivery partners and clients.
3) Front-Line Users Working Group
A Technical Working Group, made up of municipal and provincial front-line staff, managers and technical staff, will continue to help the Ministry identify and prioritize challenges transitioning to SAMS. This group will be supported by the creation of a front-line users working group to get further input on system improvements from Ontario Works and ODSP front-line staff.
4) System Improvements
The Ministry will be implementing a number of additional prioritized system improvements over the next two months. These include:
- Improving the way the system calculates outcomes using converted data.
- Reducing the complexity of re-granting cases that have already been in the system.
- Improving the Accuracy of some Letters
Issues being addressed have been prioritized based on frontline ODSP and Ontario Works’ staff input as well as technical support teams, which were deployed to all sites to identify performance issues. It is anticipated that cumulatively, and in addition to changes already implemented, these improvements will have a significant positive impact on user experience. The improvements will also address performance issues with specific screens and functions identified through on-site testing in December.
5) Training Support
The Ministry will be working with delivery agents to provide further supports including training and troubleshooting assistance.
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G:\Social Services Sector\2015 Social Service Sector\Municipal SS\SAMs\SAMS Action Plan-Feb 2015.docx
About the Social Assistance Management System
What is SAMS?
SAMS or the Social Assistance Management System is the new software program being used by social services agencies, such as Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program), across Ontario . These are vital services provided by the Province and municipalities.
Since the introduction of this QUARTER BILLION DOLLAR software in late 2014, havoc has been the best way to describe the impact this program has had on both the recipients and the dedicated staff who now use the program. It is understandable that a new program of this size and complexity will have some technical issues from time to time. However, this program has characteristics that make it fundamentally flawed and perhaps even unsafe to use.
Workers describe once simple tasks, completed with minimal mouse clicking in the old software, now require double or more mouse clicking to complete the same tasks. The process takes much longer and the risk potential for RSI’s (Repetitive Strain Injuries) are now much higher.
CUPE Local 543, CUPE Ontario, and CUPE National have grave concerns about the impact this is having on those recipients in need, who are amongst the most vulnerable in our society. Stories of recipients not receiving their social assistance benefit are as equally disturbing as the stories of people, who are not OW or ODSP clients, receiving large unsolicited payments.
As for the workers, many of whom are CUPE members, we are no less concerned. For these members/workers, who have dedicated their lives to helping those in need, it has been an especially emotional and difficult time. Our members know the impact that a missed or incorrect payment as on their clients and their clients families. Our social services members work in an extremely stressful and high pressure environment in the best of times. Now, stories of OW workers crying at their desk, feeling helpless to service their clients properly, is not uncommon.
This is the impact of one software program. A program that cost taxpayers ONE QUARTER BILLION DOLLARS. How did we get to this juncture? Where is the accountability? How is it possible that this program was the best put forward by a vendor? Please use the link below to contact your MPP, the Minister responsible, and the premier to ask those very questions and to make your concerns known.
To access more information on SAMS please click on the media and CUPE links.
