31 May 2024 – On May 29 and 30, the Education Technical Office and Professional (ETOP) Council at Unifor’s national office in Toronto placed a significant focus on mental health. With over 30 delegates from approximately 10 locals across the country, the council emphasized reducing stigma and changing the dialogue around mental health in the workplace.
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training
The first day featured SafeTalk sessions, where delegates received suicide awareness and prevention training. The training, facilitated by Paul Nugent from the Canadian Mental Health Association, highlighted the importance of advocacy and awareness, especially in light of the ongoing stressors from the pandemic and the current affordability crisis. Nugent emphasized the need to address the core issues that lead to suicidal thoughts, aiming to mitigate the risk of suicide by tackling these deeper challenges.
The Working Mind Course
On the second day, the Mental Health Commission of Canada led a session on “The Working Mind,” an evidence-based course aimed at changing perceptions and behaviors around mental health. The course focused on increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging conversations about mental health in the workplace. ETOP Council Chair Emily Heikoop highlighted the importance of understanding the interplay between mental health and the work environment, noting that the workplace itself can contribute to mental health issues.
Support and Recognition
Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier addressed the council, acknowledging recent bargaining successes, including the resolution of the GreenShield strike in Windsor and Toronto. Poirier commended the members for their resilience and historic gains.
Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi discussed Unifor’s involvement in the Ontario Health Coalition’s rally at Queen’s Park and the ongoing challenges in various sectors. Hashi also highlighted the importance of adapting to changes in the ETOP sector, including technological advancements and the impact of AI, and reiterated Unifor’s support for its members.
Additional Resources and Support
The council also received insights from various Unifor departments, including Communications, on mobilizing resources during bargaining and strikes. Information was shared about mental health education from the union’s Paid Education Leave program and work-from-home resources from the Research department. In a show of solidarity, the executive voted to donate $500 to support the ongoing MDA Space strike in Brampton, Ontario, which began on April 8.
Conclusion
The ETOP Council’s focus on mental health training underscores the importance of creating supportive workplace environments. By addressing stigma and providing critical resources, Unifor aims to foster better mental health among its members and ensure they have the necessary tools and support to navigate their professional and personal challenges effectively.
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