Greens leader Adam Bandt has pitched his party as an “effective” partner for the Albanese government if it faces a minority at the upcoming federal election. The latest polling has suggested Labor will likely fail to secure a majority at the election, expected to be held before May 17. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out working with the Greens , the minor party has floated the idea of a Greens-backed Labor government. Mr Bandt stressed the need for collaboration across party lines during an interview with ABC’s Afternoon Briefing on Tuesday. “We now have a situation where more and more people are voting for (candidates) other than the two major parties,” he said. “I think that then means we have a more diverse parliament, but I think then that puts an obligation on those of us who are in there to then work together. “What we are doing is very much saying, it is possible when there’s goodwill to reach practical outcomes that will be a real benefit to people and to the planet.” In response to the claims, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said Mr Bandt was getting “ahead of himself” on Wednesday. When the Prime Minister was asked by Sky News if he would contemplate sharing government with the Greens last month, he said, “I've ruled that out”. “I'm the only candidate for prime minister seeking a government in our own right and there'll be no deals with the Greens,” Mr Albanese said. “I want a majority Labor government and the best way that that can be achieved is by people voting Labor in the election when it's held.” The parties have, however, worked together and the Greens recently struck a deal to help the government move through 31 bills in the last sitting week of the year. In exchange, the minor party was able to secure $500 million in social housing upgrades and commitments from Labor not to fund fossil fuels through Future Made in Australia. The cooperation has not always been rosy, however, as the Prime Minister recently scuppered a Greens-Labor deal to establish a federal Environmental Protection Agency. Labor also recently walked away from negotiations with the Greens over its crucial housing bills, before the minor party agreed to them anyway. In the event of a minority Albanese government, Mr Bandt suggested written assurances on reform and policy from Labor would hold “a lot of merit”. “Working out what the benefits will actually be for people and knowing how then the next three years would map out – that would be the priority,” he said. The Greens leader acknowledged a Labor-Greens coalition was “very unlikely” but said he would seek a “stable, progressive and effective” relationship. The Greens, with its core focus on sustainability, has ruled out any cooperation with the Coalition, despite rising emissions under the Albanese government. “The Greens position will be (to) keep Peter Dutton out and push the next government to act on things like health and housing and climate and housing,” he said. While acknowledging that emissions have worsened under the current government, he argued a Dutton-led administration would be “even worse” for the environment. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pushed for zero-emissions nuclear energy in Australia, although he has yet to provide costings for the policy.
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The Los Angeles Rams awoke to some troubling news on Monday morning, just hours after their blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football . According to NFL Network’s Clayton Holloway, wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson, a key contributor to the Rams offense this season, and one of Matthew Stafford’s favorite targets, was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to a release from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) West Valley Area office, Robinson, 30, was cited and later released to a responsible party. The incident occurred around 5:13 a.m. on northbound US-101, where CHP officers observed a white Dodge sedan clocking speeds north of 100 mph. After initiating a traffic stop, officers identified the driver as Robinson and reported signs of alcohol impairment. The arrest is a stark contrast to Robinson’s standout performance just hours earlier, where he caught a touchdown pass in the Rams’ losing effort at SoFi Stadium. The loss marked another frustrating chapter in what has been an uneven aseason for the Rams, who have struggled to find consistency in a tough NFC West division. Robinson, now in his ninth NFL season, has been one of the bright spots for Los Angeles this year. Leading the team with six touchdown receptions, the veteran wideout has been a reliable target for quarterback Matthew Stafford, recording 26 catches for 384 yards over 11 starts. His role as a leader on the field has been evident, making this incident all the more disheartening for fans and teammates alike. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Robinson spent six years in Kansas City, where he earned a Super Bowl ring. A journeyman since, he had a one-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Rams in 2023. His experience and knack for finding the end zone have made him a valuable piece in Sean McVay’s offense. Monday’s arrest is a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with being in the public eye, especially for athletes who serve as role models both on and off the field. While details about the incident are still emerging, the Rams organization has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Robinson’s arrest. For now, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how this situation is handled moving forward. The NFL’s personal conduct policy could come into play, and any potential disciplinary actions from the league or the team remain to be seen. For a franchise looking to rebound from a disappointing loss, this incident adds another layer of adversity. And for Robinson, a moment of poor judgment threatens to overshadow a career marked by resilience and productivity.
Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal with the industry being squeezed by discount chains and other competition. Public companies are under a lot more scrutiny and if private, the Nordstrom may have more leeway in reviving a department store chain that has been attempting to reinvigorate sales for years. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, or about $4 billion in all, representing a 42% premium on the company's stock as of March 18, when reports of a potential transaction was reported by the media. The acquiring group will also pick up more than $2 billion in Nordstrom debt. The traditional department stores have suffered in the face of withering competition from giants like Walmart and Target, as well as a host of fast-fashion bands and Amazon.com . Nordstrom rivals Macy's and Kohl's have been pressured by major investors to make huge changes in order to return more profit to shareholders. Sales at Nordstrom have essentially flatlined over the past decade or so and it announced last year that it was closing all of its Canadian stores and cutting 2,500 jobs as it winds down operations in the country. Nordstrom first announced plans to expand to Canada in 2012 and opened its first store in Calgary at CF Chinook Centre in September 2014. The offer announced Monday tops the previous $23-per-share bid that the Nordstrom family and Mexican retail group, El Puerto de Liverpool, made in September. The board also plans to authorize a special dividend of up to 25 cents per share, based on Nordstrom’s cash on hand immediately prior to and contingent on the close of the transaction. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025, at which time the company's shares will no longer trade publicly. “While a change in ownership does not automatically remedy all of the problems with the department store operation, it will allow the family and their backers to take a long-term view of the business and make necessary investments and changes away from the short-term scrutiny of public markets,” wrote Neil Saunders, Managing Director of GlobalData, in a note to clients. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, with members Erik and Pete Nordstrom, part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recusing themselves from that vote. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Erik and Pete Nordstrom are the fourth-generation leadership at the Seattle retailer, which was founded in 1901 as a shoe store. Erik is the company’s chief executive and Peter is president. After opening 23 new stores so far this year, the company now operates a combined 381 Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in the U.S. Nordstrom shares fell about 1.5% Monday, but they are up 34% this year on rumors of a family takeover. The company's stock is still down considerably from post-pandemic highs above $40 per share. In May of this year, Bruce Nordstrom, a retail executive who helped expand his family’s Pacific Northwest department store chain into an upscale national brand, died at age 90 . He was one of several Nordstrom family members who in 2017 made a push to take the company private, proposing to buy out the 70% of the department store’s stock they didn’t already own. Those talks failed in 2018 but earlier this year, his sons started another series of buyout negotiations , leading to Monday's announcement.
For the second straight Major League Baseball offseason, a norm-shattering contract has been the talk of the winter, with Juan Soto agreeing with the New York Mets on a $765 million, 15-year deal that’s the richest in baseball history. It comes almost exactly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers forked out a princely sum of $700 million on a 10-year, heavily deferred deal for two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. They are believed to be the two richest contracts in pro sports history. The way it’s going, a contract approaching $1 billion doesn’t seem out of the question. But several factors are working against it — at least in the near future. There’s reason to believe the megadeals for Ohtani and Soto are unicorns in the baseball world. Both players are uniquely talented, surely, but both also had unusual circumstances propelling their value into the stratosphere. Ohtani is the greatest two-way player in baseball history, capable of improving any team on both sides of the ball. He’s also the rare baseball player who has true international appeal. His every move ( like his unexpected marriage announcement ) is followed closely in his native Japan, adding another 125 million potential fans who buy merchandise, watch him play and help fill the Dodgers’ coffers. Then there’s Soto — a four-time All-Star and on-base machine who won a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019. The X-factor for him is he became a free agent at the prime age of 26, which is extremely hard to do under current MLB rules. Players have to be in the big leagues for six years before testing free agency. The precocious Soto debuted at 19 with the Nats, making him part of a rare group of players who reached the highest level of professional baseball as a teenager. That accelerated his free agency timeline. It’s rare for players to debut that young, and rarer still for them to develop into stars and test the open market the first chance they get. Two recent examples are Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, who both reached free agency in 2019. Machado signed a free-agent record $300 million contract with San Diego, and Harper overtook him days later with a $330 million contract to join the Phillies. Most players debut in the big leagues from ages 22 to 26, which means free agency comes in their late 20s or early 30s. A typical example is Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who is one of this generation’s great players but didn’t hit the market until he was 30. Judge played three seasons of college baseball for Fresno State before getting drafted by the Yankees in 2013 at age 21 — already two years older than Soto was when he made his MLB debut. It took a few years for the budding superstar to reach the majors, and he was 25 when he had his breakout season in 2018, smashing 52 homers to earn AL Rookie of the Year honors. By the time he reached free agency after the 2022 season, he had already passed age 30. It’s a major factor that led to him signing a $360 million, nine-year deal with the Yankees, which seems downright reasonable these days after the Ohtani and Soto deals. Two major trends are colliding that will make it harder for guys like Soto to hit free agency in their mid 20s. First, MLB teams have been more likely in recent years to take college players early in the draft, betting on more experienced talents. Just 10 high school players were drafted among the top 30 picks in the 2024 draft. Second, teams are more eager to lock up young, premium talent on long-term deals very early in their careers, well before they hit free agency. Sometimes before they even reach the majors. Since Soto, just two players have debuted in MLB before their 20th birthday — Elvis Luciano and Junior Caminero. Luciano hasn’t been back to the majors since his 2019 cup of coffee. Caminero is now 21 and has only played in 50 big league games. Among those that debuted at 20: Fernando Tatis Jr. signed a $340 million, 14-year deal with San Diego in 2021, years before reaching the open market. Milwaukee’s Jackson Chourio got an $82 million, eight-year deal before even reaching the big leagues. Young stars Corbin Carroll ($111 million, eight years with Arizona), Bobby Witt Jr. ($288 million, 11 years with Kansas City) and Julio Rodriguez ($209.3 million, 12 years with Seattle) also got massive guarantees early in their 20s to forgo an early free agency. The exception and wild card: Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be a 26-year-old free agent next offseason. Guerrero hasn’t been as consistent in his young career as Soto, but a standout 2025 season could position him to threaten Soto’s deal. More likely is that the player to pass Soto isn’t in the majors yet — and might not even be in pro baseball. When 25-year-old Alex Rodriguez signed his record $252 million, 10-year deal with Texas in 2001, it took over a decade for another player to match that total, when Albert Pujols got $240 million over 10 years from the Angels in 2012. For many players, passing up life-changing money in their early or mid 20s is too enticing, even if it means that they might not maximize their value on the free agent market later in their careers. Soto was determined to test the market. He famously turned down a $440 million, 15-year offer to stay with the Washington Nationals in 2022, betting that he could make even more as a free agent. Not many players would turn down that kind of cash. Then again, that’s what makes Soto so unique. And it’s also why his $765 million deal could be the industry standard for some time.State nixes Boston Police’s firing of officer who attended Jan. 6 rallyFairfax Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Jennifer Porter Releases Article on Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian 12-09-2024 10:30 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Fairfax pedestrian accident lawyer Jennifer Porter ( https://jenniferporterlaw.com/what-should-i-do-immediately-after-being-hit-by-a-car-as-a-pedestrian-Northern-Virginia/ ), of Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, has shared crucial advice on what to do immediately after being hit by a car as a pedestrian. These insights are essential for victims seeking to protect their health and legal rights following such traumatic incidents. Pedestrian accidents can leave individuals in shock and confusion, unsure of the next steps to take. Fairfax pedestrian accident lawyer Jennifer Porter emphasizes the importance of immediate action, which not only aids in physical recovery but also bolsters any potential legal claims. "Knowing the essential steps to take immediately after an accident can help protect your health and preserve critical evidence," Porter advises in the article. The article outlines several critical measures to follow after a pedestrian accident. Jennifer Porter, as an experienced Fairfax pedestrian accident lawyer, underscores the first and most vital step: seeking immediate medical attention. Porter explains that even if injuries appear minor at first, underlying conditions could surface later. "Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, so getting checked by a healthcare provider can help identify any hidden issues," Porter states. Another key aspect highlighted by Jennifer Porter involves reporting the accident to the authorities to establish an official record. Calling 911 helps ensure that vital information is documented, which could be significant for any subsequent legal proceedings. Porter stresses that this step not only serves legal interests but also contributes to the injured party's safety and welfare. Collecting evidence at the scene is also emphasized by the Fairfax pedestrian accident lawyer. Porter encourages victims to take photos of their injuries, the vehicle involved, and the accident location. Capturing images of relevant surroundings such as traffic signs and roadway conditions provides a comprehensive overview of the incident. According to Porter, "A picture is worth a thousand words," making visual documentation an indispensable element in building a strong case. Jennifer Porter also discusses the importance of witness testimonies. If there are onlookers who witnessed the accident, gathering their contact information can be invaluable for future legal steps. Statements from these witnesses may provide additional perspectives that support the injured party's account of the incident. Securing a copy of the police report is another recommendation from Porter. This document contains critical details, including where and when the accident occurred and the responding officer's observations, which often play a crucial role in determining liability. While the police report is essential, Porter advises victims to collect their own observations and notes. "It is possible to present evidence that can override the officer's opinion," Porter notes, highlighting the importance of being proactive. Consulting with a personal injury attorney is the final step recommended in the article. Fairfax pedestrian accident lawyer Jennifer Porter explains that legal representation can help manage interactions with insurance companies, handle claims, and work towards fair compensation for the injured. Given that states such as Virginia adhere to contributory negligence laws, which can bar victims from compensation if they are found partially at fault, having a knowledgeable attorney is vital. Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, is committed to easing the burdens on accident victims. The firm prioritizes client well-being by handling communications with insurance adjusters, gathering evidence, and advocating for fair compensation. Porter's legal team can support clients through settlement negotiations or court proceedings, helping ensure that their rights are upheld at every stage. Jennifer Porter reinforces that the firm's dedication goes beyond just winning cases. "Our priority is to help you make a full and complete recovery from your injuries," Porter states. Porter's approach is designed to allow clients to focus on healing while the firm helps take care of the legal matters. About Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC: Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, is a law firm based in Fairfax, Virginia, well-versed in personal injury cases, including those involving pedestrian accidents. Led by Jennifer Porter, the firm is committed to advocating for victims and helping them secure the compensation necessary for their recovery. Through comprehensive legal support and dedicated representation, Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, strives to offer each client the compassionate and effective service they deserve. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehe_AqMfzmw GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=1633844614801486416 Email and website Email: jennifer@jenniferporterlaw.com Website: https://jenniferporterlaw.com/ Media Contact Company Name: Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC Contact Person: Jennifer Porter Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=fairfax-pedestrian-accident-lawyer-jennifer-porter-releases-article-on-steps-to-take-after-being-hit-by-a-car-as-a-pedestrian ] Phone: (571) 532-9070 Address:8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr City: Fairfax State: Virginia 22031 Country: United States Website: https://jenniferporterlaw.com/ This release was published on openPR.
As part of its continued effort to drive sustainability in the maritime industry, German container line Hapag-Lloyd succeeds in reducing both emissions and operational costs through implementing Shipshave’s In Transit Cleaning of Hull (ITCH) solution, with the results documented and confirmed by class society DNV. In order to independently verify the benefit of proactive fouling removal, Shipshave in cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd commissioned DNV to analyse operational performance data from two Hapag-Lloyd container ships equipped with the ITCH solution. The vessels are of 8,749-TEU and 18,800-TEU, respectively, of different ages and with different trading profiles. The analysis included data harvested from both vessels over a 17-month period, allowing for an in-depth consideration of ‘trend over time’ to examine whether Hapag-Lloyd’s proactive approach to hull cleaning delivered a representative and consistent result. In its report following the assessment, DNV confirms that both ships achieved a significant fuel saving and reduction in emissions based on improved energy efficiency. According to the DNV study, the actual reduction in fuel and emissions varied between them due to their different dimensions and operating profile, but both were impressive. One saw a staggering 16% improvement in performance equal to a reduction in fuel consumption of approximately 8.4 tons per day – which equates to removing the emissions of over 4,900 fossil-fuel-driven cars over the same time period. The other vessel showed better initial performance but still achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of just under 5%. The performance was maintained over time by regularly using the ITCH unit. These key figures clearly demonstrate how Hapag-Lloyd is maintaining its leadership in sustainability and efficiency, managing fouling to reduce drag and lower emissions for long-term benefits. “We are very pleased that this analysis from DNV confirms our internal assessment of the result achieved by the implementation of ITCH. This method reflects our proactive approach to reducing emissions caused by biofouling,” said Nikhilesh Bhatia, Director Fleet Energy Efficiency, being responsible for the ITCH project at Hapag-Lloyd. Over the assessment period, the ITCH system successfully managed hull biofouling, by initially reducing resistance. Additional fouling would accumulate over time without repeated hull cleaning. Proactive grooming prevents future degradation of vessel performance due to fouling re-growth. This long-term effect was not accounted for in the analysis and is likely to underestimate the total economic benefit of proactive cleaning with ITCH. Nevertheless, Return on Investment (ROI) from the ITCH system for the two vessels was under 3 months at sea in these cases. “The findings of this case study emphasize the critical role of minimizing biofouling in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. As outlined in our recent Maritime Forecast to 2050 report, regular or proactive hull cleaning remains one of the most effective strategies to achieve this goal,” said Dr. Uwe Hollenbach, Senior Principal Consultant at DNV Maritime Advisory, Ship Performance Center, Hamburg. Hapag-Lloyd’s Nikhilesh Bhatia said: “This is an excellent example of how Hapag-Lloyd promotes sustainable maritime transport, by implementing innovative technology leading to reduced emissions and improved financial performance both in the short and long term.” In summary, Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to sustainable shipping through innovative green technologies such as ITCH show the company’s dedication to responsible shipping practices. With ITCH, prioritising sustainability with a clean hull will lead to a healthier ocean, planet, and strengthen the bottom line. Source: Shipshave
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Dexter: Original Sin will take audiences back in time to find out how the man became the monster — er, the monster-slayer — in the Showtime thriller. The prequel series, which premieres on Paramount+ with Showtime on Friday, December 13, takes place 15 years before we first met Dexter (then played by Michael C. Hall , who still narrates the new series) in the original Dexter . Taking over the title role in this iteration is Patrick Gibson , who has the character’s steely-eyed stares and smug sauntering style down to a science. With new characters being introduced in some familiar settings, the new series will bring some new details about Dexter’s past to light, but it will also inevitably retread some familiar territory from the first show, which had ample flashbacks. Here’s what to remember about Dexter ‘s past before Dexter: Original Sin . Dexter didn’t find out until he was a fully grown serial murderer that he had a big brother who was also running around slaughtering people. The Ice Truck Killer who stalked Dexter was actually Brian Moser, his slightly older brother who was not adopted (or even mentioned) by Harry. Dexter only found out about Brian because the Ice Truck Killer left clues that were tailored to catch his attention — reminding him of scenes from his past as part of the Morgan family. Laura Moser was the single mother to Brian and Dexter and worked as a confidential informant for Harry and the Miami-Metro Police Department against the Colombian cartel. She was brutally dismembered right in front of Brian and Dexter, who were left wading in her blood inside a shipping container. Harry adopted Dexter as his own upon finding him in the container, but Brian was sent into the foster system. In flashbacks in Dexter , it became clear that he was not a normal teenager with typical feelings or tendencies. In fact, he had an innate bloodlust that his father recognized and tried to quell with hunting trips, to the exclusion of his daughter Debra. Harry wanted to protect Dexter from himself — particularly his self-destructive impulses. 'Dexter: Original Sin' Clip Reveals Dex's First Day on the Job Though Harry tried to find other ways for Dexter to quench his thirst for blood, so to speak, he soon gave in and encouraged him to kill someone when he discovered Nurse Mary was poisoning Harry and other patients in the hospital after his heart attack. Once Dexter began to kill, Harry worked hard to create a framework for his adoptive son to work within that, if he followed it to the letter, would keep his morality and freedom intact. The rules included being certain that the mark was worthy of being murdered and leaving no trace of evidence behind. Even after Harry’s death, Dexter worked to strictly adhere to this code in every kill. Randy Tepper/Showtime Dexter repeatedly revealed that he felt empty on the inside, and it was Harry who taught him to feign normal human feelings and social interactions around others — even if it meant faking a smile in his own family photos. Little by little throughout Dexter , we learn that Harry Morgan had several affairs while married to Doris, including with Laura Morgan and another confidential informant. Though Harry is definitely the most common star of Dexter’s flashback memories, his adoptive mother Doris is also a fixture of his past. She died when Deb was 16 and didn’t know about Dexter’s violent tendencies, even if she didn’t totally understand him at times. Dexter: Original Sin , Series Premiere, Streaming, Friday, December 13, Paramount+ with Showtime, Sunday, December 15, 10/9c, Paramount+ with Showtime More Headlines: 8 Things to Remember About Dexter’s Childhood Before ‘Original Sin’ Ryan Seacrest Reveals Dating Status to Shocked ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestants Your Chance to Win ‘Blue Bloods’ Collector’s Issue Signed by Bridget Moynahan Holly Robinson Peete Makes ‘Home Alone’ Confession in ‘LEGO Masters Holiday Bricktacular’ Sneak Peek (VIDEO) ‘Jeopardy!’ Boss Announces Solution to Big Tournament of Champions Problem
TORONTO (AP) — The Utah Hockey Club said players were forced to walk to their game against the Maple Leafs after their bus got stuck in Toronto traffic Sunday night. The team posted a video on social media of team members walking to Scotiabank Arena, with player Maveric Lamoureux saying the bus was “not moving at all.” Several city streets had been closed during the day for the annual Santa Claus parade. The Maple Leafs earned their fourth consecutive win by defeating Utah 3-2. The viral incident prompted Ontario Premier Doug Ford to call the congestion “embarrassing” and “unacceptable,” highlighting his government’s plan to address the city’s gridlock through bike lane legislation. It wasn’t the first time a Toronto visitor had to ditch their vehicle to make it to an event on time. In June, former One Direction band member Niall Horan had to walk through traffic to get to his concert at Scotiabank Arena. AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl[Source: Ministry of Health & Medical Services, Fiji / Facebook] Nadi Hospital has launched a comprehensive range of in-house counselling services designed to address a variety of critical issues. These services are aimed at individuals facing challenges such as self-harm, domestic violence, sexual assault, anxiety, stress management, grief and loss. The hospital has the support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to offer these essential services. The Church fully funded the renovation of the Empower Pacific counselling center at Nadi Hospital, a significant project costing over $90,000. This renovation has transformed the facility into a supportive environment for those in need. Empower Pacific has placed two experienced professional counselors and one dedicated social worker at the hospital. They are providing compassionate and confidential counseling services to the community, ensuring that individuals can seek help in a safe and nurturing setting. The renovated counseling center opened on November 22.
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( MENAFN - The Conversation) Five years ago, I began a research project into emotional labour , compassion fatigue and burnout in Alberta's educational workers. The results from the earliest study suggested a wide scope of emotional and mental distress among teachers, educational assistants, school leaders and support staff. This distress has been documented globally and across Canada , suggesting educator mental and emotional well-being continues to decline and interventions are needed. Read more: Commit to a 'wellness streak' to help manage work stressors Recently, my research team analyzed the specific interventions that our 4,000 survey respondents used to manage their symptoms of compassion fatigue and burnout. Educational worker respondents were recruited online through Alberta Teachers' Association and internal newsletters and social media. Responses were collected across three periods (2020, 2021 and 2023). We defined intervention as a practice or strategy used to address distress or suffering. Overwhelmingly, our respondents indicated that they used self-directed or individual interventions to deal with workplace distress such as going to a gym, walking alone, talking to friends and spouses or pursuing hobbies. While individual interventions are one part of dealing with distress, a single person cannot self-care themselves out of the effects of a toxic workplace or organizational culture. In their recent book, The Burnout Challenge: Managing People's Relationships with their Jobs , workplace burnout experts and emeriti professors of psychology Christina Maslach and Michael P. Leiter used the canary in the coal mine metaphor to illustrate this point. Similar to how miners used canaries to indicate the presence of toxic gas in the mine, the large number of absences of adults from their workplaces suggests a toxic environment. But, here's the catch: you can rescue the canary by bringing it to fresh air, but if you put that canary back into the toxic mine, it will become sick again. So, while individual interventions can help temporarily relieve workplace stress, the workplace itself also needs to address the root problems. In our survey, we asked participants to share strategies they use to support workplace well-being. Over 40 per cent of respondents added“improving work and classroom conditions” when asked if there was anything else they wished to tell researchers about their experiences with compassion fatigue, emotional labour or burnout. In addition to prioritizing adequate resourcing for schools, there are clear opportunities for educational systems to integrate organizational and school-based interventions for employees, such as providing professional development opportunities or micro-programs that target and relieve workplace stressors. Such organizational resources were the least-mentioned forms of support our survey participants currently use, but improving school and system culture could have the greatest impact on employee attraction and retention . A opportunity for building well-being appeared as a new trend in the most recent analysis of our data. Over the three data collection points, more respondents wrote“getting outside” as an“other” form of intervention they were using to feel better. This insight led me, with collaborators Nadeen Halls, a teacher consultant, and Patrick Hanlon, from the Werklund School of Education Academic Support Offices, to develop a pilot a“Walk and Learn” professional learning workshop for burned out educators. We mixed two interventions, environmental and organizational, to create a walk for local teachers so they could learn about compassion fatigue and burnout while going for a walk on trails outside Calgary in Treaty 7 territory , also home to Métis Regions 5 & 6 . As a part of the walk, we carefully selected sit-spots along the trail for reflective journaling on workplace well-being. This combined experience of physical activity and quiet reflection appeared to have a positive effect on the participants. In our post-walk feedback, 100 per cent of participants expressed appreciation for this type of professional learning. At our most recent walk in October, we had two returning participants - high praise from teachers who do not like to take the same session twice! The design of the walks has been critical. We are flexible about the trail we select, making changes to suit the abilities of all our walkers. We arranged the walks through a local chapter of the Alberta Teachers' Association and also some school staff teams so that the walks were scheduled during the regular school day rather than during the evening or on weekends. I also secured some funding to purchase items such as mittens, toques, tissues, and bleacher-style cushions to ensure the overall comfort of the walkers. After listening and reflecting on compassion fatigue and burnout, participants would walk and discuss the impact of these psychological hazards with their peers and colleagues. They shared their strategies to support their own and their students' well-being. Read more: Heartbreak becomes burnout for teachers when work is turbulent Maybe of the highest importance, participants have noted that the walks have helped them realize they are not alone in their suffering. These conversations between walkers created social support , a starting point for improving workplace culture. The popularity of the walks led us to design a podcast learning series so others could enjoy the benefits of movement and learning. The HEARTcare Podcast and Learn series aims both to teach about important concepts related to workplace well-being while prompting listeners to be physically active and mentally engaged. Unprompted feedback from podcast listeners has been positive. Our next step is to investigate the podcasts' usefulness as a professional learning tool and strategy for stress relief. Taking one walk or listening to one podcast is not the magic wand or cure-all that will save education. But evidence suggests that higher daily step counts have positive mental health benefits and connecting with other people through activity can improve physical well-being. So, don't be afraid to walk into stress in this year - and be sure to bring a friend or colleague. It might be the only steps you need to take to feel better. MENAFN23122024000199003603ID1109025349 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. 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