E13 - CAAT Tales: Creativity, Coding & Collective Power

Creativity, Coding, and Collective Power: Chris Trimmer, Dale Gartshore & James DupuisThis episode marks a turning point for CAAT Tales as we expand our spotlight to include the growing movement of part‑time and sessional faculty across Ontario’s colleges. With certification finally secured after eight long years, a new division is taking shape—and the work of organizing, connecting, and building power is happening right now.We open the show with Steward Chris Trimmer, whose mix of psychology, music, data, and student‑centred teaching sets the tone for how creativity and advocacy can intersect on campus. But the heart of this episode is our deep dive into the province‑wide mobilization underway for part‑time and sessional faculty.Dale Gartshore from Local 125 joins us to unpack the historic 2017 vote, the sealed ballot boxes, and the overwhelming 71 percent mandate that finally became official in 2024. Dale walks us through what certification means, why EMF signings are the engine of this moment, and how the upcoming 24‑college roadshow is designed to build relationships, strengthen composite locals, and prepare for a first collective agreement that truly reflects the needs of precarious faculty. Watch for them coming to SLC campuses in early April!Finally, James Dupuis opens up about the Game Programming industry, sharing his passion for working with students and problem-solving. He admits that Professor isn’t a role he thought he’d see on his resume when he was in high school, but it is a role he’s found comfort in.💡 Why This Episode MattersPart‑time and sessional faculty now have a certified division, a bargaining team, and a province‑wide organizing plan—and this episode helps set the stage for what comes next. It’s a moment of momentum, clarity, and collective purpose, and we’re bringing it directly to the members who will shape the first agreement.Chapters:01:01 Getting to Know Your LEC: Chris Trimmer04:39 Chris's Path to Teaching at SLC07:40 Music, CBT, and Teaching Philosophy09:40 Joining Local 417 & the Data Group13:51 Collaboration across the College15:32 Launching Part Time & All In15:51 Meet Dale Gartshore17:24 The Climate for Part-Time Faculty20:19 Solidarity In Action22:52 Growth of Part-Time Faculty & Precarity25:07 The Roadshow and Member Engagement28:37 Preparing for a First Collective Agreement34:46 The CAAT Family42:56 Is it a Gripe or a Grievance?44:26 Member Spotlight - Meet James Dupuis50:22 Growing in the Game Programming Industry56:04 The Madden-ing Years59:55 Shaking the Dislike for Presentations01:02:28 Game Programming is Much More than GamingYouTube Code for Music clearance: NPXY0YQVYZIJHMOW