CAAT Tales (the podcast)

SLC Faculty Local 417
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“CAAT Tales: Heard Loud and Local”From grievances to game shows, bargaining to member spotlights—this is your SLC Faculty Local 417 in stereo. Tune in for empowering stories, urgent updates, and the voices of the people who’ve got your back.

  1. 54m ago

    S2E40: CAAT Tales: Turning up the Heat (Bargaining, Community, Part-time Power & Spicy Truths)

    Local 417 was pulled in two directions on Monday, Nov. 2. Members set bargaining priorities at the demand set general meeting. At the same time, faculty and support staff packed a Cornwall town hall to defend St. Lawrence College ahead of the Fleming merger. Julie White also talks with Greg Dickson about the first-ever part-time and sessional contract. She closes with Jeremy Fernie on why worker stories build more solidarity than facts and figures. In this episode Demand set meeting (1:35):About 45 members attended, and over 150 completed the bargaining survey. Employment stability was the top priority for full-time and partial-load members (55%), followed by workload (25%). President Gillian Axten also covers the SWF and the push for part-time pay alignment. Cornwall town hall (7:01):Gillian, Treasurer Carla Kingston Floyd, Denise Nielsen and Local 418 President Amanda Shaw describe a packed room. College President Glenn Vollebregt said the merger takes effect April 1, 2027 and that "we are not going anywhere." The guests note that the Minister of Colleges and Universities, Nolan Quinn, was absent. They also discuss campus service cuts and community solidarity. Part-time and sessional bargaining (20:19):Greg Dickson, Vice Chair of the bargaining committee, covers the local demand set process and the provincial final demand set on Dec. 5–6. He walks through the three proposals tabled at the seventh session: grievance and arbitration, no harassment or discrimination, and employee records. He also covers the employer's answer on AI disclosure. The next bargaining date is Nov. 16. Storytelling with Jeremy Fernie (31:45):Jeremy, of Local 245, answers a rapid-fire round, then explains why worker stories outperform executive messaging and polished graphics. He shares the Maureen picket-line video (180,000 views), a Mohawk picket-line conversation, and tips for getting hesitant workers to share. His advice: start with who you know, and ask your local for a social channel. Timestamps 0:28 Intro and episode preview1:35 Demand set general meeting7:01 Cornwall town hall20:19 Greg Dickson on part-time bargaining31:45 Jeremy Fernie: rapid fire41:49 Why storytelling beats facts and figures55:22 Encouraging precarious workers to speak up1:02:45 Jeremy's handles and closing thoughtsKey takeaways Employment stability is members' top bargaining priority, with workload second.Part-time and sessional faculty are still without a first collective agreement. Local demand sets feed the provincial final demand set on Dec. 5–6.Authentic worker stories travel further than scripted or flashy content.Links and contact Local 417 on Instagram: @SLC FacultyJeremy Fernie's local: @OPSEU245 on Instagram. His personal handle is @JeremyFerniePart-time bargaining team: ptbargaining2025@gmail.comComplete Local 417 merger survey

  2. Oct 28

    S2E39: CAAT Tales: "Merger. Merger. Merger." It's Showtime for Joint Task Group

    In this episode of CAAT Tales, host Julie White pulls back the curtain with local union presidents Gillian Axten (OPSEU Local 417 – Academic) and Amanda Shaw (OPSEU Local 418 – Support Staff) as they gear up for their very first Joint Task Force table meetings. They break down the recent College Conversations event - what was said, what was omitted, and announce the launch of a critical Joint Merger Survey. Later, we hear from SLC faculty sharing their top bargaining demands—from evaluation pretzels and SWF burnout to trades lab sizes and job security. Finally, Julie sits down with Veronica Attard, OPSEU/SEFPO Region 4 Executive Board Member and CAAT-Support leader at Algonquin College, to demystify union structure, break down education and childcare supports, and explain how taking on just one small task can make a massive difference. 05:00 – De-escalation & Dismissal: Calling legitimate worker anxiety "panic"07:26 – Saying "Merger" Out Loud: Why dropping "integration" changes the game09:00 – Moving Goalposts: April 1st deadlines, short runways, and support staff PDFsExpansion Programs & Phantom Classes: Dedicated labs or streamed HiFlex?Who’s Driving the Bus? StrategyCorp, Board of Governors extensions, and cost questionsManagement Work Streams: Why zero frontline staff were consultedLaunching the Joint Merger Survey: Arming your leaders with real data4-1-1 on 4-1-7: Nov 2nd GMM & Steward VacanciesMember Voices: Bargaining demands on SWF evaluation formulas, online class caps, trades safety, and partial-load/part-time equityInterview with Veronica Attard: The role of an OPSEU Provincial Executive Board MemberThe 200,000-Member Alphabet SoupMember Education & Training: From New Stewards to Workplace InvestigationsActivism for Introverts: Taking one small task off a local leader's plateVeronica’s Origin Story: Standing up to workplace bullying & filing nine grievancesRegion 4 Member Engagement & Final Wrap-UpImportant Dates & Action Items Take the Joint Merger Survey: Open to all OPSEU Local 417 (Academic) and Local 418 (Support) members across SLC and Fleming.Attend the General Membership Meeting (GMM):Date: Monday, November 2nd at 6:30 PM (Virtual via Zoom)Agenda: Reviewing survey results, voting on final local demand-set proposals and an update from Gillian on the first Task Force meetings. Links to the meeting were sent to your personal email on Monday, Oct. 26. No link? Contact a steward.Links & Resources Complete the Joint Merger Survey: Click hereSubscribe to CAAT Tales: Follow us on Riverside, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.

  3. Oct 21

    S2 E38: CAAT Tales: From Campus Expansion to Community Leadership

    This week on CAAT Tales, host Julie White unpacks the October 15 announcement from St. Lawrence College and Fleming College that promises expanded program offerings across both institutions. While the public message focuses on new programs, a closer look reveals that these are existing programs being duplicated and delivered at additional campuses. What does this mean for students, faculty, community campuses, clinical placements, and the broader SLC–Fleming merger? Julie sits down with Local 417 President Gillian Axten to explore the questions still waiting for answers. Later, in our Members Matter segment, we meet Aba Mortley, Program Coordinator and Professor in the Esthetics Program. Aba shares her journey from Trinidad to Kingston, her work as an entrepreneur and community advocate, her efforts to expand textured hair education, and why she decided to run for municipal office. Link - Municipal Candidate responses from Brockville, Cornwall and Kingston In This EpisodeSegment 1: The SLC–Fleming Program Expansion AnnouncementGillian Axten discusses: What the announcement actually means for students and facultyWhy duplicated programs are being described as expansionThe connection between program sharing and the SLC–Fleming mergerThe challenge of securing enough field and clinical placementsQuestions around infrastructure, capital spending, and donor-funded facilitiesWhether planning is keeping pace with public announcementsWhy institutional knowledge matters during times of rapid changeWhat gives faculty hope amid uncertaintyKey question: How does a college facing a fiscal crisis simultaneously pursue program expansion? Segment 2: Members Matter with Aba MortleyIn this conversation, Aba shares: Building community as a student, entrepreneur, and educatorRunning Chere Mere Spa and developing skincare productsSupporting textured hair education and inclusion initiativesTeaching, mentorship, and student successLeading award-winning Skills Ontario competitorsServing on community boards and advocacy initiativesRunning for Kingston City Council in the Kings Town districtWhy listening to community voices mattersThe importance of municipal voting and civic engagement Notable Quotes"If there was an evil villain doing that plan, at least there would be a flippin' plan." "Student success is related to their feeling of belonging." "See a need, bring people together, and work toward a solution." "Municipal is why your shocks aren't working today because you've gone through so many potholes." Topics Covered✅ College merger ✅ Program duplication and expansion ✅ Campus sustainability ✅ Clinical placements ✅ Community colleges in Ontario ✅ Faculty perspectives ✅ Student belonging and success ✅ Entrepreneurship ✅ Community leadership ✅ Municipal politics ✅ Civic engagement Connect With UsVisit SLC Faculty Local 417 for updates, advocacy work, and information affecting faculty, staff, and students. Have a story idea or member profile you'd like featured on CAAT Tales? We'd love to hear from you. Thanks for listening to CAAT Tales. If you enjoyed this episode, subs cribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

  4. Oct 14

    S2 E37: CAAT Tales: Municipal Momentum and Mindful Moments

    A high‑stakes municipal election collides with a moment of deep uncertainty for Ontario’s colleges. In this two‑part episode, Local 417 President Gillian Axten breaks down what candidates in Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall are saying about campus cuts, the Fleming merger, and the future of regional postsecondary education. Then, longtime graphic design faculty member and mindfulness practitioner Erin Boyce joins Julie for a conversation about educator burnout, trauma‑sensitive wellness, and the small rituals that keep us grounded. Plus: sourdough, gravel bikes, and Erin’s past life as a Kingston vocalist. ⏱️ Chapter Markers (Suggested Timing)00:00 — Opening & Episode Overview Julie sets the stage for a two‑part conversation on municipal advocacy and educator wellness.00:28 — Municipal Elections & College Crisis Why this election matters for Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall campuses.03:13 — Introducing Gillian Axten Local 417 President joins to discuss the union’s municipal strategy.03:59 — Why Faculty & Support Staff Are Working Together Gillian explains the goals behind the candidate questionnaire.06:20 — Why Brockville & Cornwall Are at a Breaking Point The economic lifeblood of smaller campuses—and what’s at risk.08:47 — Early Candidate Responses (Brockville & Cornwall) What candidates are saying about cuts, campus underutilization, and local industry needs.11:24 — Kingston Candidate Insights Culinary, tourism, trades, and the impact of program loss.12:54 — How Members Can Use the Friday Digest Where to find full responses and how to engage candidates at the door.14:18 — Should the College Be Leading This Work? Gillian’s candid take on funding, transparency, and collaboration.15:59 — The Merger Table: Seat but No Dinner Updates on the union’s role in merger discussions.17:12 — Segment Two: Introducing Erin Boyce Educator, designer, mindfulness practitioner.17:34 — Rapid‑Fire Warm‑Up Coffee, bedtime rituals, books, sourdough, biking, and Erin’s band days.23:02 — Erin’s Path to Teaching From Toronto’s design scene to SLC faculty.27:26 — Graphic Design in the Age of AI Why design principles matter more than ever.28:48 — Wellness in Education Today Burnout, uncertainty, and systemic pressures.32:17 — What Educators Can Do Now Community, self‑compassion, and trauma‑sensitive mindfulness.35:10 — Closing Reflections Naming our worth, noticing our needs.Links of Interest: Patrice Palmer's Teacher Self Care Manual (second ed) SLC Faculty Local 417 website

  5. Oct 7

    S2E36: From the CBC to the CEC: A Week of Merger Movement

    A merger, a messaging pivot, and a historic bargaining fight. Host Julie White speaks with Local 417 President Gillian Axten and Provincial Part-Time/Sessional Bargaining Team Vice Chair Greg Dickson to unpack some of what’s happening across Ontario’s colleges. Segment 1 — What was really said (or not said) on Ontario MorningGillian analyzes the Oct. 5 Ontario Morning segment where St Lawrence College's President & CEO spoke with Ramraajh Sharvendiran about the upcoming college merger. The segment also featured Local 351 President Marcia Steeves from Fleming College. The sudden shift to “rural college” brandingCuts in Brockville and Cornwall despite rural messagingGrowth claims vs. real job losses and program suspensionsStrategyCorp’s influence on efficiency measures and integrationCurriculum transfer concerns: placements, credentialing, workloadThe union’s successful push for a seat at the planning tableSegment 2 — Provincial Bargaining UpdateGreg Dickson reports from the sixth bargaining session for part‑time and sessional faculty: No new proposals from the CECNo answers to union questionsNew union language tabled on health & safety and Union College CommitteesProtections against reprisal for reporting unsafe labsWhy coordinated power across all CAAT divisions matters this roundMember Action ItemsComplete the Provincial Academic Bargaining SurveyWatch for merger task‑force updatesBe aware that integration emails route through StrategyCorp, not local management00:00 – Intro: Rural branding & merger framing 00:27 – CBC interview recap 03:10 – Cuts vs. rural messaging 05:34 – Growth narrative vs. job losses 07:52 – Behind‑the‑scenes planning 10:18 – Curriculum transfer & placements 13:10 – Guarantees for students vs. staff 15:37 – Partial‑load reductions 17:06 – Rural campuses as anchors 18:13 – Gillian’s takeaway 21:55 – Bargaining survey push 24:18 – Integration emails → StrategyCorp 25:12 – Provincial bargaining segment 25:42 – No new proposals from CEC 27:42 – Health & safety language 29:30 – Lab overcrowding & reprisal protections 31:25 – Union College Committees Relevant Links: 🔗 Hear Glenn Vollebregt and Marcia Steeves talk about the Merger CBC Ontario Morning segment with Ramraajh Sharvendiran 🔗 Provincial FT/PL Academic Bargaining Survey (closes Friday) Bargaining Survey 2027 🔗 CAAT-A PT/SL Bargaining Hub (see what's been tabled) PT SL Bargaining Hub

  6. Sep 30

    S2E35: CAAT Tales: Surveys, Policies and Requirements, Oh My!

    In this episode of CAAT Tales, Julie breaks down the September 29 "Integration Engagement" email and what it really means for faculty and support staff at St. Lawrence College. Local 417 President Gillian Axten and Local 418 Support President Amanda Shaw unpack the survey, the lack of transparency, and the growing precarity facing workers during the SLC–Fleming integration. This episode also tackles two major faculty responsibilities at St. Lawrence College: conflict of interest (COI) disclosure and maintaining professional currency under AC407. Julie sits down with Local 417 President Gillian Axten and Lead Steward John Holmes to break down what counts as outside work, when disclosure is required, and how faculty can navigate the overlap between real‑world practice and college policy. Then, in our Steward Profile series, we meet Owais Aziz, whose journey from student activism to disaster‑relief medicine to teaching at SLC reveals a life shaped by courage, community, and deep commitment to collective care. Plus: the latest 411 on 417, including a fall GMM save‑the‑date and a reminder to complete the faculty demand‑set survey. Links of Interest: Send your thoughts on the college merger to: integration@sl.on.ca Fill out the college's survey: https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/integration AC 407 FT/PL Demand Set Survey (PT and SL are welcome to complete it too!)

  7. Sep 23

    S2E34: CAAT Tales: Coordinated Bargaining 101 and Why Your SWF Matters

    In this episode, we site down with Ben McCarthy (Part-Time Academic Lead Steward, OPSEU Local 556) to unpack the growing movement toward coordinated bargaining across Ontario's 24 public colleges -- why the silos are cracking, what's shifting at the bargaining table, and how the rank-and-file members can strengthen this sector-wide strategy. Later in the episode, Julie is joined by Local 417 President Gillian Axten and Lead Steward John Holmes for a deep dive into Winter SWF season: evaluation factors, overtime traps, cross-campus assignments, and what faculty need to watch as the draft SWFs roll out. Links of interest: CAAT-A Collective Agreement Connect with a Steward here

  8. Sep 22

    S2E33:CAAT Tales Special Episode: Answering Merger-Related Questions

    “We’ve been stuck in a stalemate… fighting to get a seat at the table.” “There is obviously an ongoing theme that we don’t know some things yet.” This special edition of CAAT Tales brings together all four OPSEU Local Presidents from St. Lawrence College and Fleming College to respond directly to the questions raised during the historic Sept. 10 joint town hall — a gathering that drew hundreds of faculty and support staff across both institutions. With the proposed April 1, 2027 merger looming, and with workers still shut out of planning discussions, this episode offers the clearest picture yet of what the presidents know, what they don’t, and what they’re fighting for. Featuring: Marcia Steeves, Local 351 (Support – SLC)Amanda Shaw, Local 418 (Support – SLC)Michael Benedict, Local 352 (Academic – SLC)Gillian Axten, Local 417 (Academic – Fleming)Together, they tackle your questions about OPSEU’s role, legal challenges, employment stability, program futures, political pressure, and how members can stay informed in a rapidly shifting landscape.

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About

“CAAT Tales: Heard Loud and Local”From grievances to game shows, bargaining to member spotlights—this is your SLC Faculty Local 417 in stereo. Tune in for empowering stories, urgent updates, and the voices of the people who’ve got your back.

Information

  • Creator
    SLC Faculty Local 417
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SLC Faculty Local 417
  • Show Website
    CAAT Tales (the podcast)

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