Welcome to our 15th anniversary year. You are visiting us at an exciting time. Over the past three years we have been on an organizing drive, and we now have three units in the ETEA. ILSC was certified on June 20th,1995, so this Sunday represents fifteen years, five collective agreements, and continuing efforts to raise the reputation of ESL teachers and to create a professional community. Language Studies Canada (LSC) joined ETEA on February 9, 2008, and Pacific Language Institute joined ETEA on May 29, 2009. We now have about 180 members. If this is your first time on our site, you will see that there are links to many educational and union websites, and a number of subject headings that will interest you. Try “You Need a Union” and check out the videos of people like yourselves who have been united in their desire to be treated with respect, win benefits, improve working conditions, and work for job security. If you are already a member, we invite you now to enjoy our anniversary year, contribute to our community in any way possible, and take responsibility for being a member of ETEA. Let’s make it an enjoyable and productive year for all! 

Michael Wicks

President

ETEA

November 22, 2009

 

Dear Members,

 

I am thrilled to announce that ETEA welcomed a new local, Bodwell Language School, on Friday, November 20^th.  They will be ETEA Local 4!!  The Organizing Committee works tirelessly to build a sense of professionalism within the ESL industry and to extend the benefits, security and community, that being a member of ETEA provides.  I am so proud that ETEA Local 1 teachers were the ones to begin this organizing drive.  Congratulations and thanks everybody!

 

The spirit of volunteerism has always been the foundation of the union movement, and ETEA Local 1 is no exception.  Without the absolute dedication and hard work of past, present and future members, ETEA would not be what it is today.  Many of you approach us (the Executive Committee) with really fabulous ideas on how to improve ETEA.  These suggestions are appreciated, but the Executive Committee is unable to implement them without your help.  We are attaching a list of committees and their functions, and would love it if some of you would join.  I am constantly surprised by the variety of interests, talents, and perspectives of our membership.  I know the ETEA could benefit from every one of you.

 

The Executive Committee will be calling a General Meeting in the near future.  As always, your continued support is appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

Karen McCullough

ETEA Local 1 President

As our webpage undergoes renovation, our temporary ETEA contact email is eteasecret@yahoo.ca

We are happy to announce that the ETEA membership has voted strongly in favour of the ratification of our next contract. Thank you for your patience and support over the last months. 

January 28, 2009

 

Dear Members,

 

On January 12^th and 13^th, ETEA resumed collective bargaining with ILSC management.  As a consequence, and as you might expect, we have further decisions to consider.  At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it is vitally important that your presence be counted.  Everyone on the Bargaining Committee (that includes your Executive, by the way) has generated a number of potential directions we can take when we go back to the table on February 10^th.  As stated in the last memo, this round of negotiations comes with a unique set of challenges. We depend on your input to form and set our objectives. 

 

Our membership has shown strong solidarity over the last several months and your attendance and participation at meetings have been greatly appreciated.  You have been there, raised your concerns and voiced your opinions.  This has set the tone and direction of our negotiations. As we are nearing a critical juncture in bargaining, we need your voice, now, more than ever.

 

We (Karen and I) will be visiting the campuses this Friday at lunch to answer any questions and to give you a gentle (perhaps a little firmer than gentle) nudge to join your membership on February 4^th at BCIT, Room 840 at 4:30.

 

Please do everything you can to attend this very important meeting.

 

We count on your continued support. 

 

 

In Solidarity,

 

 

Bari Blackhart                   Karen McCullough

President            Vice President