Unfortunately, as promised, AUPE invaded our home. We had been told that they would be there for only 1 hour - 12:30 to 1:30. They didn't stop until past 2:30, and it was past 3:30 before the last of them left.
More on that in future posts, but for now, permission has been given from one person to share what they wrote on their facebook page.
I'm listening to the caterwauling of the AUPE gangsters as they completely block the stairway leading to my grandchildren's home with their rude, substantial backsides. They are all over the grass and walks and stairways and front stoops of the townhouses across the street from our highrise. I hate it that my lifelong, unequivocal support of unions has been turned around by this episode, but so it has. I also hate it that, if even one politician shows up to support them, there will go my support for that party, which, at this point, has one of its only provincial representatives from this riding. These union-paid picketers are like cockroaches, now singing "O Canada". They sing "We stand on guard for thee" (Canada). Who stands on guard for us? Are we not part of Canada?
For now, here are more of the signs Artspace members put up, trying to get their voices heard. Did it work?
Not with AUPE.
In fact, the new leader was heard to comment that, while nice and colourful, the things written on them might make their members feel bad. The suggestion was that AUPE picketers, and all the people they invited to invade us at our private homes, might somehow be offended by what these signs said.
To those reading this, go ahead and leave a comment at the end (yes, they are moderated) and give your opinion.
(due to the number of photos, they are being split up into different posts)
Feeling
safe in our
homes..
A right
not a
fight!
We are
Hostages
In our
Homes
Thanks
I am proud to live here
This is NOT
A Corporate
Office
This IS
OUR
HOME
Co-op
Strong
Peace
Be
The
Change
Artspace
Strong
Thanks,AUPE
Every day you are
Here, We get STRONGER
Thank You
-Security
-Replacement
Staff
Just to add some commentary on this one: the security staff has a very limited role in what they are allowed to do; basically, make sure nothing gets violent, really. Many of us are positive they, and all their video recording, is likely the only reason things have not been any worse than they have been. They are amazing. Today, they were out in full uniform, complete with protective vests, in stifling heat. Quite a few of them are Muslims, fasting for Ramadan, so they couldn't even drink water. They are really great people.
As for the replacement staff, they have experienced the brunt of abuse from the picketers, from being blocked for exorbitant lengths of time in the security vehicle, while being yelled at and told they are garbage and other nasty things, to returning to their vehicles to find they had been stalked, with their photos and threatening messages waiting for them. Yet when they are here, they cheerfully provide the most excellent care.
The level of care our user members are getting has shown them a standard of care they had not experiences before, and it has been eye opening.
AUPE:
Please
Please
Get Your
Facts
Straight
The other board has information that will be posted once received.
This is our HOME
AUPE is
Holding us
Hostage
In our
Homes!
Do Not Underestimate
US
We know more than we say
Think more than we speak
Notice more than you
Realize
This one deserves some extra commentary.
There is an often unconscious assumption made by the able-bodied (unless they happen to have friends or family who are disabled) when finding themselves dealing with someone with a physical disability. Particularly when that disability affects their ability to speak. People just sort of assume that this inability to speak demonstrates a mental disability. Sometimes, a physical disability can indeed cause a person to struggle with their thoughts - especially if they must be heavily medicated as well - and people make the mistake of assuming they are less intelligent as a result. On top of that, when faced with someone who struggles to speak, it makes the listener uncomfortable, even if they aren't willing to admit it.
As a consequence, people who have difficulty speaking their thoughts are treated as if they have no thoughts; they are treated as if they are stupid, or they get ignored, brushed off, etc.
It is also assumed that if a person's body is weakened by a physical disability, then their spirits are weakened as well.
Nothing could be further than the truth.
Some of the strongest people live in the frailest of bodies.
Do not underestimate them.
Which makes this next sign most fitting.
About 1/3 of our
members use
SAIL so that they
can continue
to LIVE
Independant
LIVES
We are blessed to know
these talented, gifted, unique,
inspiring, confident, enthusiastic
creative, compassionate, people.
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