Today I must face the finality of something I have not had to deal with in my 53 years of life. Today I am being “officially” told by my employer of 22 years that my employment is being terminated. I’ve known that this inevitability has been coming no for weeks and although I have struggled and come to terms with the economic impact on my family, I’m still battling the emotional and psychological impact of this experience.
Working and learning have always been important to me. My lifetime of work has shaped who I am and had a positive impact on my life experience. Without a vocation my life would be incomplete. In some ways I believe that work is and can be a life sustaining force. Maybe that’s why my emotional journey through this has been so surprising to me.
It is has been to proverbial roller coaster of emotions for me. At first it was denial and disbelief,and then came anger followed by the sadness. Hindsight clearly demonstrates that I have been actively grieving for months now, which is something that is not foreign to me. What is troubling to me is how at times I’ve been consumed with self-doubt. There are days when my self-worth and self-confidence have been seriously challenged. I continue to question many of my skills and abilities and often feel inadequate. For some reason I struggle with the belief that I am responsible for my situation when cognitively I know I’m not.
While in my mind I know that I will be the same person tomorrow and that my god given gift will still be there, my motivation to push forward is at times less than desired because of questions that linger. Am I a failure, a loser or no longer worthy of work? Again when I’m thinking rationally none of these apply.
I’m realizing that what I’m experiencing now has been experienced by millions around the world and I now stand in solidarity with them. I’m learning that although my work is very important to me it does not define me or my worth. I’m also learning that I can’t surrender power to an then employer because of some random decision taken by them to prematurely end my career as who has power over me is a decision that is fully in my control.
So I will continue to move forward as I must. I will retake control of my destiny and do I what I do best. Work for me and for those I love. I will find a way to make a lasting contribution because no employer can take away my humanity, dignity and purpose along with my paycheque.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Ontario Public Service Job Cuts will Impact North Bay
OPSEU Local 635 – North Bay
Media Advisory: Ontario Public Service Job Cuts will Impact North Bay
North Bay ON – July 13, 2011
Beginning on July 14 the McGuinty government will begin handing out pink slips to OPSEU represented employees working in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) across Ontario. Over 1000 jobs will be cut province wide and the city of North Bay will be impacted. Just what exactly the impact is for the North Bay area will not be known until OPSEU Members get their lay-off notices over the next couple of weeks.
“This round of cuts will have a far reaching and hurtful impact on communities” says Eric Morin, Vice President of OPSEU Local 635, North Bay. Not only will there be job cuts, but citizens will see service cuts as well.
Morin added, “Unlike previous job cuts, the McGuinty government is not offering access to voluntary exit to early retirement options. Sadly this will mean that many young skilled workers will bear the brunt of the lay-offs and will be left without a job. It could also mean that more young talent will leave the city in search of work.”
“This is a bad business decision by this government” says Morin. “When you consider that a significant portion of public service worker will qualify for pensions in the next three to four years, it makes no sense to fire people now only to start looking for new hires, who need to be trained, in a few short years.”
“Voluntary early retirement options make good business sense” Morin continued. “They allow older workers to retire and continue to make an economic contribution to their communities, while allowing young workers to keep their jobs and stay here in the city as well. It’s a real win-win.”
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced in last spring’s budget that they would cut the OPS by 1,500 positions between 2012 and 2014. This is over and above 3,400 positions to be cut by March 2012, announced in 2009 Budget.
“This is clearly a political move by the McGuinty Liberals to downsize and to prove he can match the Hudak Conservatives when it comes to their mean spirited promises to cut public service jobs”, says Morin. “The Premier is also going back on his promise to reduce the public service by attrition. Sadly this broken promise will hurt young working families now; it will further erode their future opportunities for good jobs in our region.”
-30-
Media Advisory: Ontario Public Service Job Cuts will Impact North Bay
North Bay ON – July 13, 2011
Beginning on July 14 the McGuinty government will begin handing out pink slips to OPSEU represented employees working in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) across Ontario. Over 1000 jobs will be cut province wide and the city of North Bay will be impacted. Just what exactly the impact is for the North Bay area will not be known until OPSEU Members get their lay-off notices over the next couple of weeks.
“This round of cuts will have a far reaching and hurtful impact on communities” says Eric Morin, Vice President of OPSEU Local 635, North Bay. Not only will there be job cuts, but citizens will see service cuts as well.
Morin added, “Unlike previous job cuts, the McGuinty government is not offering access to voluntary exit to early retirement options. Sadly this will mean that many young skilled workers will bear the brunt of the lay-offs and will be left without a job. It could also mean that more young talent will leave the city in search of work.”
“This is a bad business decision by this government” says Morin. “When you consider that a significant portion of public service worker will qualify for pensions in the next three to four years, it makes no sense to fire people now only to start looking for new hires, who need to be trained, in a few short years.”
“Voluntary early retirement options make good business sense” Morin continued. “They allow older workers to retire and continue to make an economic contribution to their communities, while allowing young workers to keep their jobs and stay here in the city as well. It’s a real win-win.”
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced in last spring’s budget that they would cut the OPS by 1,500 positions between 2012 and 2014. This is over and above 3,400 positions to be cut by March 2012, announced in 2009 Budget.
“This is clearly a political move by the McGuinty Liberals to downsize and to prove he can match the Hudak Conservatives when it comes to their mean spirited promises to cut public service jobs”, says Morin. “The Premier is also going back on his promise to reduce the public service by attrition. Sadly this broken promise will hurt young working families now; it will further erode their future opportunities for good jobs in our region.”
-30-
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Working Class Under Attack!
Most of you have known me for many years and know that I’m not an alarmist and the politics of fear is not something I subscribe to. However, as someone who reads about and studies the social fibre and politics of our country extensively, I believe that it is by obligation to share with you my assessment of politics currently in Ontario. To put it plainly and simply, our way of life is under attack.
As we move to a fall election in Ontario, the two so called front running parties are quickly moving their agenda further to the right of the political spectrum. This move to the right is bad news to working women and men across the province. It will be the worst possible news for those thousands of people who will pay with the loss of their jobs. Here is just a small sample of what they have planned.
The McGuinty Liberals have already begun their assault on the Ontario Public Service. They have broken their promise to not surplus employees and reduce the OPS only through attrition. To this point they have announced nearly 2000 lay-offs for this year alone. They have also appointed a commission that will look at “restructuring the OPS”. Don’t be fooled or misled by this government speak. The commission’s purpose is to reduce the size of the OPS through job reduction along with the divestment and privatization of thousands of good paying jobs. None of this is about saving money. It is about is about putting as much money as possible in the pockets of their friends and major contributors on Bay Street. In fact, if it was about saving money they would put a halt the tax cuts they promised to Ontario’s richest corporations.
The Hudak Conservatives are promising the same for Ontario but plan to take it a step further. They have announced a full attack on trade unions by legislating how unions spend their dues. If successful their law will prevent union campaigns that call for the protection of public services or challenge the government’s actions action against the poor and marginalized. It will prevent unions from publically holding them accountable when they disregard human rights or place people at risk as the Conservatives did in Walkerton in the 1990s. Hudak is Mike Harris with a better smile and an insatiable need to attack working values.
There is only one option as we move toward a provincial election. That is to support the only party created by working people and that has historically fought for our interest, the New Democratic Party of Ontario. Everyone needs to get involved in this election, especially if you believe in working and middle class values. Do whatever you can. Attend nomination meetings, rallies and events. Work on a campaign, be active in social media, write letters or make a financial contribution. It is far easier to prevent election of the McGuintys and the Hudaks than it is to fight them once they are elected. Simply look to the attack on working people in Wisconsin, Ohio and New Jersey as evidence of what may be in store for all of us. PLEASE SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
As we move to a fall election in Ontario, the two so called front running parties are quickly moving their agenda further to the right of the political spectrum. This move to the right is bad news to working women and men across the province. It will be the worst possible news for those thousands of people who will pay with the loss of their jobs. Here is just a small sample of what they have planned.
The McGuinty Liberals have already begun their assault on the Ontario Public Service. They have broken their promise to not surplus employees and reduce the OPS only through attrition. To this point they have announced nearly 2000 lay-offs for this year alone. They have also appointed a commission that will look at “restructuring the OPS”. Don’t be fooled or misled by this government speak. The commission’s purpose is to reduce the size of the OPS through job reduction along with the divestment and privatization of thousands of good paying jobs. None of this is about saving money. It is about is about putting as much money as possible in the pockets of their friends and major contributors on Bay Street. In fact, if it was about saving money they would put a halt the tax cuts they promised to Ontario’s richest corporations.
The Hudak Conservatives are promising the same for Ontario but plan to take it a step further. They have announced a full attack on trade unions by legislating how unions spend their dues. If successful their law will prevent union campaigns that call for the protection of public services or challenge the government’s actions action against the poor and marginalized. It will prevent unions from publically holding them accountable when they disregard human rights or place people at risk as the Conservatives did in Walkerton in the 1990s. Hudak is Mike Harris with a better smile and an insatiable need to attack working values.
There is only one option as we move toward a provincial election. That is to support the only party created by working people and that has historically fought for our interest, the New Democratic Party of Ontario. Everyone needs to get involved in this election, especially if you believe in working and middle class values. Do whatever you can. Attend nomination meetings, rallies and events. Work on a campaign, be active in social media, write letters or make a financial contribution. It is far easier to prevent election of the McGuintys and the Hudaks than it is to fight them once they are elected. Simply look to the attack on working people in Wisconsin, Ohio and New Jersey as evidence of what may be in store for all of us. PLEASE SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Response from the Premier Regarding G20 Secret Law
Some time ago, you wrote to me about security during last summer's G20
summit in Toronto. I appreciated hearing what you had to say about
events during the gathering of world leaders, and would like to provide
you with an update on recent steps that our government has taken.
Last September, we asked former Ontario Chief Justice Roy McMurtry to
lead an independent review of the Public Works Protection Act (PWPA).
Our government released his report in April.
Mr. McMurtry concluded that the PWPA should be repealed and replaced
with legislation specific to court security and energy infrastructure. I
want you to know that our government will act on all of his
recommendations.
We will begin consultations on replacement legislation necessary to
protect vital infrastructure, as Mr. McMurtry recommended. Our objective
and commitment are to ensure the security of our essential
infrastructure while protecting civil liberties.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this information with you. Please
accept my best wishes.
Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
summit in Toronto. I appreciated hearing what you had to say about
events during the gathering of world leaders, and would like to provide
you with an update on recent steps that our government has taken.
Last September, we asked former Ontario Chief Justice Roy McMurtry to
lead an independent review of the Public Works Protection Act (PWPA).
Our government released his report in April.
Mr. McMurtry concluded that the PWPA should be repealed and replaced
with legislation specific to court security and energy infrastructure. I
want you to know that our government will act on all of his
recommendations.
We will begin consultations on replacement legislation necessary to
protect vital infrastructure, as Mr. McMurtry recommended. Our objective
and commitment are to ensure the security of our essential
infrastructure while protecting civil liberties.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this information with you. Please
accept my best wishes.
Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
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