w.e. union travel

W. E. Travel

• 233 West 1st Street,
• North Vancouver,
•  V7M 1B3
• T. (604) 969-5585
• http://wetravel.net/

WE Travel is Canada’s largest union owned and operated travel agency. We source the best union-approved travel deals,  and provide specialized travel services for union member travel, meetings and conferences.

Negotiate with union hotels and volume-buy accommodation blocks for meetings and conventions.

Streamline travel and accommodation bookings for meeting and conference planners.

Provide full service travel agency services for travel on air, bus, train, and car rental

Make all travel bookings according to your union’s travel policy and issue monthly reports.

Support union businesses and the labour movement.

Our clients include: Canadian Labour Congress, CUPE National, CUPE Ontario, CUPE BC, CEP National, Ontario Federation of Labour, Labour Education Centre, Canadian Media Guild, BC Federation of Labour, BC Government Employees Union, Columbia Institute, United Steelworkers of Canada, BC Teachers Federation, Public Service Alliance of Canada, BC Hospital Employees Union and the Health Sciences Association.

Union-owned and operated since 1971, WE Travel is a full-service travel and conference provider able to accommodate all your business and leisure travel needs. WE Travel serves the entire country with online booking and 24/7 telephone support. How can we help you?

Current Job Postings

CUPE O NTARIO  

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

May 29 to June 1, 2024

To book Air Canada or VIA Rail, please call WE Union Travel at 1-888-676-7747

Pour réserver Air Canada ou VIA Rail, veuillez appeler W.E. Syndicats Voyages au 1-888-676-7747.

hotel information

The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

Sweeping views of the city

Workout in our 24-hour fitness centre

Relax in our waterfall garden

Outdoor pool

From the moment you arrive at Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, you’ll feel a powerful sense of belonging and a deep connection to the lively city that surrounds you. Our recent transformation brings a new arrival experience, a lobby with town-square energy, world-class culinary experiences, open and collaborative workspaces, and over 130,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Experience the unbeatable comfort of our guest rooms and suites, work out in our 24-hour fitness centre, or relax in our waterfall garden. When you upgrade to the newly transformed 43rd floor Sheraton Club Lounge, you’ll find a place to connect with co-workers and gather with friends. Sweeping views of the city, complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and free Wi-Fi keep you fueled and connected throughout your day. Discover spaces and amenities that serve your desires as you gather as part of a community, whether you are here to work, meet, or relax.

Hilton Toronto 

Executive Lounge

indoor/outdoor heated pool

Fitness center

Find us in downtown Toronto, next to Osgoode Station. We are within 10 minutes’ walk of Union Station, CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Using public transit, St. Lawrence Market, Rogers Centre, and the Distillery District are 15 to 20 minutes away. Our indoor-outdoor pool is open all year.

INFORMATIONS D'HÔTEL

Localization

Hilton Toron to 

For more information regarding the covention, please contact CUPE Ontario.

For more information regarding accommodations, please contact W.E Union Travel.

W.E. Union Travel

Locally:  604-282-3945 | 613-366-4750 Toll Free: 1-833-778-9669  Email: [email protected]

contactez nous

Pour plus de renseignements sur la conférence, veuillez communiquer SCFP Ontario.

Pour plus d'informations sur l'hébergement, veuillez contacter W.E. Syndicats Voyages

W.E. Syndicats Voyages

Locallement: 604-282-3945 | 613-366-4750 Appel gratuit: 1-833-778-9669  Courriel: [email protected]

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WE Travel is Canada's largest union owned and operated travel agency. We source the best union-approved travel deals, and provide specialized travel services for union member travel, meetings and conferences.

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Your complete 2024 solar eclipse guide: Everything from TN start times to when the next one is

It's almost time for a total eclipse of the sun.

Tennesseans across the state have a chance to catch a (safe) glimpse of this celestial phenomenon this afternoon. And while the state isn't in the path of totality, it will still be a pretty spectacular view.

Unless you decided to take a road trip to the path of totality like millions of other people  to see the spectacle, you might still be wondering when exactly you should be taking a peak through your eclipse glasses or if you have time to put together a pinhole projector.

To get you through the day leading up to the main event, we've gathered all of the information that you could possibly need to know... and even some that you may not have known you needed.

Take a look at our complete guide to all things eclipse in Tennessee.

What time is the eclipse on Monday?

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.

In Tennessee, start time for the eclipse with vary depending on where you live in the state.

In Knoxville a nd East Tennessee the eclipse should start about 1:49 p.m. ET/12:49 p.m. CT.

In Nashville and Middle Tennessee , viewers can see the partial eclipse starting around 12:44 p.m.

In Memphis and West Tennessee , which will be the closest to totality, will start to see the eclipse around 12:37 p.m.

You can search by zip code to find the exact time for your location.

Do I need anything special to view the solar eclipse?

Looking at the sun without the right eye protection, for even a short time, can permanently damage the retinas  and even cause blindness, called solar retinopathy, according to  the American Academy of Ophthalmology .

For the eclipse, people should wear special eclipse glasses that let you view it without damaging your eyes. And if you don't have glasses available there are alternative ways to safely view the eclipse.

Here's a couple of last minute ways to view the eclipse safely:

Can I take a photo of the eclipse with my phone?

Yes, but only with a special filter to make sure your phone doesn't get fried.

Back in 2017, NASA provided  tips on how to immortalize the celestial event using a smartphone camera.  NASA said most smartphone photos you'll see won't generally look very good with the typical smartphone system, however there are steps you can take to create some out of this world photos.

NASA recommends making sure the image is properly focused, purchasing a zoom lens attachment and zooming out for a wide-angle view. You'll also need a filter to keep you phone and eyes safe.

For more tips on how to take photos safely without damaging your phone or your eyes, head here .

Radiation from the solar eclipse: Is it harmful?

Once the eclipse reaches totality, the visible corona emits electromagnetic radiation that can appear with a green hue, according to NASA.

"Scientists have studied this radiation for centuries. Being a million times fainter than the light from the sun itself, there is nothing in the coronal light that could cross 150 million kilometers of space ,penetrate our dense atmosphere and cause blindness," read NASA's eclipse misconceptions .

This radiation isn't harmful to us on Earth, but it if you look at the sun before totality could cause some damage to the retina if you aren't using proper eyewear to view it, according to NASA.

What are the major types of eclipses?

Here's a look at the main types of eclipses, according to NASA.

Total solar eclipse : When the moon passes between the sun and Earth, while fully blocking the face of the sun.

Lunar eclipse : When Earth is positioned between the moon and sun, Earth’s shadow falls upon the surface of the moon, dimming it and sometimes turning the lunar face a striking red over the course of a few hours, according to NASA.

Annular solar eclipse : When the moon passes between the sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Due to the fact that moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the sun and does not entirely cover the sun. As a result, the moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger bright disk, creating what looks like a ring around the moon.

Know your eclipse terms: What is an umbra? A penumbra? Here's some terms to know ahead of the 2024 solar eclipse

When is the next solar eclipse after Monday?

After April 8, we will have to wait a bit before we see another solar eclipse in the U.S.

According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on  Aug. 23, 2044 .

When is the next lunar eclipse?

According to Space.com, the next lunar eclipse with be a partial one  on Sept. 17.

It is expected to begin around 7:41 p.m. CT with the maximum point at 9:44 p.m. The partial lunar eclipse is expected to end around 11:47 p.m. CT. This one will be visible over Europe, much of Asia, Africa, North America, South America, the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic and Antarctica, according to  TimeandDate.com .

Where to buy solar eclipse glasses near me? Some locations may still have glasses for last-minute eclipse watchers

Today's the day when the moon's shadow will (partially) blot out the sun for millions of Floridians, and some of them may still be scrambling for eclipse glasses so they can safely look at it without frying their eyes. Where can you still find them?

You may have to call around, or do some driving. Many retail locations have been selling solar eclipse glasses this year and some places have been giving them away, but availability is "while supplies last" and that will be different for every place.

There's an eclipse today? The procrastinator's guide to viewing the solar eclipse in Florida

Where can I find eclipse glasses?

Here are some places to check. Remember, some may have sold out, and not all locations may have been carrying them. Make sure any eclipse glasses you buy are legitimate and include an ISO rating, an ISO number and an address, avoid any that say "NASA Approved," and test them before you look up .

7-Eleven, Buc-ee's, Circle K and more

You may not have to go farther than the end of your street. Many convenience stores and gas stations have been carrying eclipse glasses and may still have some in stock.

Eclipse glasses have been spotted at 7-Eleven , Circle K, and Buc-ee's locations and many individual stores may have jumped on the opportunity.

Fake eclipse glases on sale online: Are yours safe? How to test before the April solar eclipse

Big chain stores such as Walmart, Lowes

Walmart has offered a wide variety of eclipse glasses in different styles, so has Target . However, all of the glasses on their websites are shipping only which will be a little late, so check your local store for availability.

Some other places where eclipse glasses have been spotted:

• Ace Hardware
• Cracker Barrel

Does Publix have eclipse glasses?

No, Publix did not carry eclipse glasses this year, according to a local customer service rep.

Warby Parker, Sonic offering free eclipse glasses

Prescription eyeglasses retailer Warby Parker began handing out free eclipse glasses at their locations on April 1 so definitely call first.

Sonic Drive-in locations are offering free eclipse glasses with the purchase of their new Blackout Sonic Float.

Does Amazon offer same-day delivery of eclipse glasses?

Online stores are great for fast service, but you may want to give it a miss this time. The   American Astronomical Society (AAS) does not recommend buying eclipse glasses online due to the number of counterfeit, unsafe glasses that have hit the market this year.

Shooting the eclipse with your phone: Can I take a photo of the eclipse with my phone? Yes, but take these steps so you don't fry it

Do I need to wear solar eclipse glasses?

If you plan to look directly at the sun, yes. Even a brief glance may cause temporary or permanent damage to your eyes and eyesight.

"Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer," NASA advises . "The concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury."

How can I tell if my eclipse glasses are legitimate?

If you didn't buy your eclipse glasses directly from one of the vetted venders on the AAS list or a trusted source, check the text on the glasses for the  ISO 12312-2 standard listing and the address of the company. But these can be copied.

Don't trust any glasses that say they are NASA Approved . NASA doesn't do that.

Test your glasses first by putting them on inside and looking at a strong light source. You shouldn't be able to see anything, according to the AAS, although very bright lights may show up but would be very faint.

Go outside, put them on, and look at sunlight reflections or glance at the sun very quickly. You shouldn't see anything around you and the sun should appear to be a "sharp-edged, round disk" that's comfortably bright.

Can I watch the eclipse without looking at it?

Yes! If you don't manage to get glasses in time, there are several ways to see the eclipse that won't risk your eyes with items you probably have around the home.

Anything with a round hole in it can be held up to cast an image of the eclipse onto the ground or a sheet of white paper. Pinhole projectors, colanders, a slotted spoon, a Ritz cracker, even lacing your fingers together.

Or you can look under a tree. The sun shining through tree leaves and branches creates its own pinhole projector, casting lots of little crescent-moon shapes on the ground.

What time is the eclipse in Florida?

The eclipse will last roughly 2½ hours in Florida, starting around 1:40 p.m. EDT and ending around 4:17 EDT. The time of maximum coverage will be just before 3 p.m. EDT for most of the state.

You can find eclipse times for your ZIP code on the map below, just tap your location:

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Travel Hacks to Travel Wisely

Traveling can be fun, but sometimes it can be stressful. Plan ahead with our travel hacks below to make your next trip your best trip!

Pre-trip Prep

Make sure your passport/visa is up to date

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to go anywhere if your passport or visa/ID is not up to date, so make sure your travel documents are all ready to go. Ensure your name matches on all documents, including your plane ticket. Check to see if the country you’re visiting requires a visa; some nations require these. Take a screenshot/photo of your passport or ID just in case you lose items during your trip. A screenshot/photo is available with and without internet access, meaning you don’t need an internet connection to view it. You never know when you might need this – better safe than sorry!

Keep important information in a safe place

Similar to keeping screenshots of your passport and visa handy, keep any pertinent travel information –  such as hotel confirmation numbers, itinerary information, flight information, etc. – in the Notes section of your phone in case you’re unable to connect to Wi-Fi or email when checking in. If you have printed out confirmations, tickets or travel information, take screenshots of those as well to keep on hand.

Alert your bank/credit card company

If you’re taking your debit or credit cards, find out whether you need to give them a heads up that you will be travelling outside of the country. Otherwise, they may put a fraud alert on your account. You don’t want to be in a foreign country with no access to your funds or worse, have your card canceled due to suspicious activity. You can often notify your bank or credit card carrier online or by calling them directly. Usually, the card you purchased airline tickets and/or hotel or vacation home accommodations with should be okay to use with no worries.

Download Google Translate to help with language barriers

In an ideal world, you’d learn (or already know) the language of where you’re visiting, but even the most lingual of us will struggle sometimes to communicate. Use the Google Translate app to help when the right words just aren’t coming to you or you don’t know the language at all. There are many translation apps available now, so test Google Translate and others before you travel to see which one you like best.

Plan how to get around the cities you visit

Prior to your trip download a map of your location to keep offline from Google’s Maps app to your tablet or phone, so you can navigate without trying to connect to Wi-Fi, which is often spotty and unreliable in certain places.

Look into buying a transport pass from the cities you will visit, and use unlimited public transport to get around. A travel pass will often end up being cheaper and will allow you to skip long lines. Still, think you need a car? Garage Pointer and Turo allow you to connect with locals who own cars and are willing to rent them to you to use while visiting.

Visiting a major city? Consider purchasing a CityPass. City passes are a great way to explore cities, allowing entrances to attractions/destinations (included in your pass) and often offer discounts on meals at local restaurants and cafés.

Plan Out a Capsule Wardrobe

Choose clothing that is basic and functional enough to work double or even triple duty to cut down on bag space. “Travel capsule” wardrobes like this can ensure you only need a carry-on, thus removing the horror of lost luggage and making it easier to travel from country to country if you’ll visit a number of places while abroad. Roll your clothing to save space, use packing cubes, and even give the Marie Kondo way of folding a go. Wear your bulkiest clothing (jackets, boots, hat) on the plane, leaving more room for souvenirs in your case!

Pack your essentials in your carry-on, such as electronics, medications, a toothbrush, an extra pair of underwear, an empty water bottle, and some snacks. This way you can avoid paying higher airport prices for a bottle of water and food, when you can fill up a reusable bottle at the water fountain. Plus, you can use this water to stay hydrated during your flight.

Pack a USB Charger

Pack a power bank to make sure you’re connected while traveling. There’s nothing worse than running out of phone battery in a foreign place. Forgot your wall plug? Most TVs have USB connections so you can charge your device through the TV.

Enjoy Your Stay

Stay like a local

Use sites like AirBnb, VRBO, Booking, and others to live like a local. Ask your hosts for tips for grocery stores, eateries, things to do, etc. Many hosts are more than happy to tell you their favorite locations, giving you the insider secret to allow you to truly immerse yourself in the culture.

Shop for groceries at local supermarkets to discover new foods and products, and pick up some essentials for your stay. Try Tours By Locals or AirBnb Experiences to experience activities hosted by locals. You might even make a friend in the process.

Try to eat locally only; eating local cuisine will save you money and can help you find new favorite dishes you might want to cook for yourself when you get home. Really immerse yourself by taking a cooking class. You’ll learn the stories behind the dishes, support the local community, and most of all enjoy a delicious meal.

Send money to yourself at your destination

Don’t get stuck exchanging currency at the airport – yawn, long lines – or have to remember to exchange money prior to your trip. Western Union’s TravelWise allows you to send money to yourself at your destination while locking in your exchange rate. Pick up at any of our 500,000 agent locations and avoid the fear of carrying lots of cash while traveling.

Money transfers are easy, secure, and reliable, and you can do it all from your phone using our Western Union mobile app . You can also use one of our retail locations or our website .

Give away your change

On your last day, spread some karmic good by giving away your leftover currency to people in need, from local musicians, tipping your server extra for your last meal, or to those less fortunate. Leaving is always hard, but this may just make you smile all the way home.

Send money with the Western Union mobile app

Download the app

Use our money transfer app to send money internationally for pick up in cash or to a bank account anytime, from anywhere.

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Conferences

Click a listing to book in with that conference

CUPE ON Fall School   OCT 01, 2022  | Toronto – Sheraton Centre

National Sector Council Conference 2022   OCT 03, 2022  | Ottawa

CUPE ON Young Workers Conference   OCT 13, 2022  | Niagara Falls

CUPE ON Health & Safety/ Injured Workers Conference NOV 15, 2022  | Windsor

CUPE ON Trades Conference NOV 21, 2022  | Niagara Falls

CUPE ON Women’s Conference Nov 28, 2022  | Toronto

Book your group’s flights for your next union event. If you flying solo or booking less than (5) flights at a time, use out book now button below.

Call to book : Vancouver 1-800-663-4703 | 604-123-4567 Ottawa 1-888-676-7747 | 647-123-4567

Book your group’s hotels for your next union event. If you travelling solo or booking less than (5) Rooms at a time, use our book now button below. Call to book : Vancouver 1-800-663-4703 | 604-123-4567 Ottawa 1-888-676-7747 | 647-123-4567

W.E.Travel is a Canadian-owned, Canadian union company. We service Unions Canada-wide, booking their hotels and flights for conferences or any type of union travel. We have offices in Ottawa and Vancouver, so we can better serve Canadian Unions coast to coast.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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What time to watch the solar eclipse 2024 in New Jersey

The eclipse is coming to the Garden State.

While New Jersey won’t see a total solar eclipse this afternoon, it isn’t going to be left out of the biggest celestial event of the decade.

The moon will make its way between the sun and the Earth in the rare phenomena around 3:30 p.m., giving the state nearly 90% totality.

The closest area to New Jersey that will see a total solar eclipse is Buffalo in the western part of New York, which will see the sun completely covered by the moon for three minutes and 31 seconds from 3:18 to 3:21 p.m., according to NASA .

The New York metro region won’t see a total eclipse until 2079.

New Jersey residents will begin to see the phenomena around 2:10 p.m. and it will last until 4:36 p.m., according to NASA.

Shortly before 3 p.m., viewers will see roughly a third of the moon covered, creating a crescent shape.

By 3:25 p.m., the sun will be 90% covered by the moon before it begins to drift northward up the sun and completely disappearing by 4:36 p.m.

There are many places to enjoy a solar eclipse party, including Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, which claims to be hosting the “largest astronomy party” in the state.

The bash begins at 1 p.m. and those attending will have multiple ways to view the celestial event, including through one of the 10 telescopes on site, if weather permits, the center announced on its website .

It is also offering a live webcast from NASA showing the eclipse and hand out viewing glasses, among other celebratory events.

The Morris Museum Astronomical Society will also offer telescope viewings as will the Rowan University Edelman Planetarium in Glassboro.

Bell Labs in Holmdel will also be hosting a short viewing party from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., where it will allow people up on its roof deck to view the eclipse, as well as stream it in the main atrium.

If a science center isn’t your thing, but the beach is, fear not! Jersey has you covered!

The Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook is hosting a party on the beach. Free glasses will also be handed out.

Even though New Jersey isn’t seeing a total eclipse, it is imperative that you wear special glasses to protect your eyes from the blinding sun.

Plenty of places across the Garden State are offering free eclipse glasses, including all Warby Parker locations , as well as many local libraries , including Sussex County and Caldwell Library.

Most eclipse glasses are reminiscent of the 3D movie glasses you get at the theater, but they won’t make the eclipse appear right in front of you, but rather protect the eyes from staring at the sun.

It might be tempting to look at the sun without protective eyewear due to the darkness, but optometrists warn against it, saying they typically see more patients coming in complaining of blind spots or blurry vision after the phenomena.

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April train strikes won’t be the last, union boss warns

Exclusive: ‘when you’ve got the mandates that we have 22 months into a dispute, you can’t help but feel that you’re in it for the long haul’, says mick whelan, article bookmarked.

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As the latest round of strikes by train drivers begins across 14 rail firms, their union boss has warned of more stoppages to come in the long and bitter dispute over pay and working arrangements.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef , told The Independent : “We are forced to raise the profile of the dispute on a regular basis.”

The government says it has offered a “fair and reasonable” deal that will increase train drivers’ average salaries from £60,000 to £65,000.

But the union leader said he felt “incredibly empowered” by repeated large majorities in favour of continuing strikes.

“I don’t want to be in dispute,” he said. “But when you’ve got the mandates that we have and the support that we have 22 months into a dispute, you can’t help but feel that you’re in it for the long haul.”

Listen to the interview with Mick Whelan on Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

In the current bout of industrial action, train drivers are walking out region by region – on Friday mainly affecting the West Coast Main Line, on Saturday the East Coast Main Line and Great Western Railway, and on Monday hitting London commuter services.

Most train operators are cancelling all services on the days they are affected by strikes.

In addition, drivers are refusing to work overtime on five days, leading to more cancellations.

The dispute hinges on the union’s demand for a no-strings pay rise followed by local negotiation on changes to working arrangements – which are traditionally “sold” to train operators for additional increases.

But the government says that with rail revenue currently £8m per day lower per day than in 2019, any wage rise must be contingent on cost-saving changes to working practices.

Aslef has not negotiated with the train operators, who are represented by the Rail Delivery Group, for a year. Mr Whelan characterised the offer made then as: “Give up every national agreement, give up every local agreement, give up the right to negotiate a future and we’ll give you a 20 per cent pay cut, which didn’t fly, strangely enough, with our members.

“That maybe explains why we get such high mandates since that point in time.

“We’re in a period of mismanaged decline by this government and by the people who operate on their behalf.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table.”

But Mr Whelan said: “We don’t want to be in dispute, nobody wants to be losing money.”

Asked about a poll on social media suggesting a significant number of people will change the way they travel as a result of the strikes, the Aslef leader said: “That’s unfortunate but we’re here to represent train drivers.”

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said: “Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people’s lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

“We want to resolve this dispute, but the Aslef leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-Covid.

“We continue to seek an agreement with the Aslef leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute.”

As the strikes got under way, tens of thousands of commuters on the Great Western Main Line between Reading and London Paddington faced a chaotic start to the day due to a freight train derailment.

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When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on Monday, one of the most hotly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years.

Weather permitting , millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada will have the chance to see the moon slip between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light .

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “path of totality” that measures more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent. Along that path, the moon will fully obscure the sun, causing afternoon skies to darken for a few minutes.

Follow live updates on the solar eclipse

In all other parts of the continental U.S., a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. Exactly how big a bite depends on the location.

The first spot in North America that will experience totality on Monday is on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA .

After moving northeast across Mexico, the eclipse’s path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Slivers of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

In Canada, the eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

The timing of the eclipse and the duration of totality varies by location. Most places will experience around 2 minutes of darkness, but the longest periods of totality are typically in the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest stretch of totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in an area northwest of Torreón, Mexico.

Below is a list of timings for some U.S. cities along the path of totality, according to NASA .

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m. CT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Partial eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT and totality at 1:45 p.m. CT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m. CT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Partial eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT and totality at 1:56 p.m. CT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 2:00 p.m. CT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 1:59 p.m. CT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Partial eclipse begins at 12:45 p.m. CT and totality at 2:02 p.m. CT.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. ET and totality at 3:16 p.m. ET.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Burlington, Vermont: Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m. ET and totality at 3:26 p.m. ET.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.
• Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET and totality at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Other resources can also help you figure out when the various phases of the eclipse will be visible where you live, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com .

If you plan to watch the celestial event, remember that it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, including through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Special eclipse glasses are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent permanent eye damage.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

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Following program cuts, new West Virginia University student union says fight is not over

FILE - West Virginia University students lead a protest against cuts to programs in world languages, creative writing and more amid a $45 million budget deficit, Aug. 21, 2023, outside Stewart Hall in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham, File)

FILE - West Virginia University senior Mailyn Sadler leads a protest in the university’s free speech zone outside the Mountainlair student union against cuts to programs in world languages, creative writing and more amid a $45 million budget deficit, Aug. 21, 2023, in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham, File)

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Sophomore Christian Adams expected he would be studying Chinese when he enrolled at West Virginia University, with a dream of working in labor or immigration law.

He didn’t foresee switching his major to politics, a change he made after West Virginia’s flagship university in September cut its world language department and dozens of other programs in subjects such as English, math and music amid a $45 million budget shortfall.

And he certainly didn’t expect to be studying — or teaching fellow students — about community organizing.

But the cuts, denounced as “draconian and catastrophic” by the American Federation of Teachers, catalyzed a different kind of education: Adams is co-founder of The West Virginia United Students’ Union. The leading oppositional force against the cuts , the union organized protests, circulated petitions and helped save a handful of teaching positions before 143 faculty and 28 majors ultimately were cut.

Disappointed, they say their work is far from done. Led by many first-generation college students and those receiving financial aid in the state with the fewest college graduates, members say they want to usher in a new era of student involvement in university political life.

“Really, what it is for WVU is a new era of student politics,” Adams said.

The movement is part of a wave of student organizing at U.S. colleges and universities centering around everything from the affordability of higher education and representation to who has access to a diverse array of course offerings and workplace safety concerns.

The university in Morgantown had been weighed down financially by enrollment declines, revenue lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and an increasing debt load for new building projects. Other U.S. universities and colleges have faced similar decisions, but WVU’s is among the most extreme examples of a flagship university turning to such dramatic cuts, particularly to foreign languages.

The union called the move to eliminate 8% of majors and 5% of faculty a failure of university leadership to uphold its mission as a land-grant institution, charged since the 1800s with educating rural students who historically had been excluded from higher education. A quarter of all children in West Virginia live in poverty, and many public K-12 schools don’t offer robust language programs at a time when language knowledge is becoming increasingly important in the global jobs market.

As the school continues to evaluate its finances, the union plans to keep a close eye on its budget, mobilize against any additional proposed cuts and prepare alternative proposals to keep curriculum and faculty positions in place.

Another key goal is monitoring and influencing the school’s search for its new president after university head E. Gordon Gee retires next year. Gee, the subject of symbolic motions from a faculty group that expressed no confidence in his leadership, said last year the curriculum cuts came at a time of change in higher education, and that WVU was “leading that change rather than being its victim.”

Higher education nationwide has become “arrogant” and “isolated,” he said, warning that without change, schools face “a very bleak future.”

Union Assembly of Delegates President and Co-Founder Matthew Kolb, a senior math major, said his group doesn’t want a new president who believes running the school as a corporate or business entity is the only option for getting things done properly.

“We know, when push comes to shove, the results of that are 143 faculty getting shoved off a cliff with one vote,” he said.

Adams, a north central West Virginia native who was the first in his family to attend college immediately after high school, said he could transfer to another institution and continue his studies in Chinese. But much of the reason he chose WVU was because of a commitment to the state and a desire to improve its socioeconomic outlook.

“A lot of West Virginians feel trapped in West Virginia and feel like they have to leave — not a lot of people choose to stay here,” Adams said. “I made the conscious decision to go to WVU to stay here to help improve my state.”

The cuts meant reaffirming that commitment, “despite basically being told by my state’s flagship university that, ‘Your major is irrelevant, it doesn’t matter, it’s not worth our time or money to teach.’”

Student union organizations have existed for hundreds of years worldwide. Commonly associated in the U.S. with on-campus hubs where students access dining halls, club offices and social events, in the United Kingdom the union also takes on the form of a university-independent advocacy arm lobbying at the institutional and national level.

Members say they envision the West Virginia United Students’ Union similar to those in the U.K., and it’s a concept they want to help grow.

That has meant a lot of work behind the scenes, strategizing to keep students interested and engaged and building relationships with the university campus workers union, student government and other organizations.

That work with the union helped keep up student morale as they watched faculty scramble to find new jobs and rewrite curriculum, student Felicia Carrara said.

An international studies and Russian studies double major from North Carolina, Carrara said she and many of her peers chose West Virginia University because it was affordable.

“The fact that we would now have to pivot to try and find the scholarships and other money to be able to afford an education anywhere else, or just not get a degree at all or get a degree that’s really bare bones. It’s just really disheartening,” she said.

“When you come to higher ed, you think things are going to be better than they were in high school and in middle school,” she said. “And it’s very sad finding out that they’re not.”

Andrew Ross, a senior German and political science double major, will be the last graduate to major in the language.

A 31-year-old nontraditional student who transferred to WVU in 2022 after earning an associate’s degree, Ross learned about the proposed cuts days after he returned home from a summer program in Germany he attended with the help of a departmental scholarship.

Ross, now the student union’s assembly of delegates vice president, said the cuts “felt like getting slapped in the face.” The university told him to drop the German major. He’s proud of his effort to finish the degree after twists and turns, but it’s bittersweet.

“In some ways and it makes me sad because I hope there isn’t someone who is still growing up that can’t have this experience — we all deserve it,” he said. “This university isn’t just failing me, it’s failing the state.”