January 14th, 2009

Dear Members,

 As you know, we are having a General Meeting this Friday, the 16th, with a social to follow.

 It is crucial for you to know what happened at the bargaining table prior to the Christmas break.  As well, management has shifted significantly in their willingness for transparency and access to the books.

 We need you right now.  We need to inform you, but we also need your input and feedback on where we as a membership intend to go with negotiations.  As all are well aware, this is a round of bargaining like no other.  We need you and your attendance to help form and plan our objectives.  Our success at the close of this bargaining should reflect full membership participation.

 I know many of us are grappling with new courses to teach and adjusting to being back after the break, but I encourage you to make every effort to attend this General Meeting.

 Please note that the ETEA has become an Institutional Member in good standing of BC TEAL.  We will be discussing this briefly at the meeting.  In the meantime, please refer to the postings on the union boards.

 As for the social, it’s the Kingston again, guys!  Your Executive and Bargaining Committees are looking forward to food, drink and merrymaking with you.  Please come out!

In Solidarity,

 Bari Blackhart,

President, ETEA