dev-os

Equity, News, Solidarity

Mike Greene Bio (Region 1 Mobilizer)

Mike Greene is a Child and Youth Worker at the Child and Parent Resource Institute in London, which is a tertiary level children’s treatment facility. The Child and Parent Resource Institute provides specialized assessment, treatment and targeted interventions for children and youth with complex special needs and mental health challenges.

Mike is currently the Local 112 President and has held this position since 2017. Mike has been the Worker Co-Chair for the Joint Health and Safety Committee at CPRI since 2015. Mike is currently the MCCSS Unified MERC Health and Safety Representative and is the current CPRI representative on the MCCSS Unified Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee. Previously, Mike was a Chief Steward and began his union activism as a shop steward.

Mike enjoys engaging with members of OPSEU/SEFPO and providing them with information and knowledge regarding their collective agreement and other legislative protections.

Mike believes that we increase our power as a union by developing an informed and active membership and that it is vitally important that union representatives listen to the needs and requirements of members.

Aleksander Illijoski Bio (Region 1 Mobilizer)

“Since joining the OPSEU as an Ambulance Communications Officer, Alex has thrust himself in the union and labour movement in the city. Alex is a Joint Health and Safety rep, a union steward and secretary for OPS Local 154, the Windsor Labour & District Council and an Area 1 Council delegate. In the secretary and mobilizer role, Alex has been active in empowering other union members to serve in union roles and contribute to the labour movement.

Alex has contributed to community building by serving on the Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach, first as a member and then as a board director as of January 2024. Alex has helped the club with organizing community events like the Taste of Tecumseh, Corn Festival, Fishing Derby and other events. Alex is also serving on the board for the Essex County Youth Diversion, an organization for providing effective prevention and intervention services to children and youth in Windsor-Essex. Alex has been a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor-Essex since May of 2021 and previously volunteered with The Village of Aspen Lake for 7 years.”

Novia Grant-Simon (Region 2 Mobilizer)

Novia started as a treasurer and steward and is now the vice president of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 219. Novia for the Ministry of Education at W Ross McDonald School for the Deafblind and Visually Impaired. This school falls under the umbrella of several Provincial and Demonstration Schools.

Novia has always had a passion for motivating and supporting others, so naturally being involved in the union was the right decision for her.

In 2015 Novia was invited to attend meetings for Region 2 Workers of Colour Caucus. Novia jumped right in getting involved; attending regular meetings, inputting ideas and executing tasks. Events such as our annual Black History Forum and BBQs are outcomes of Novia’s involvement. Novia had the honor and pleasure of sitting on the planning committee for the first ever Workers of Colour Caucus Conference. The committee has grown, and with growth comes change and once again, Novia was proud to be a part of the caucus, when they unanimously decided to change the name of the caucus to the Coalition of Racialized Workers.

Throughout her time as a union activist Novia has participated in mobilizing through the VOTE BETTER Campaign, she has attended various rallies, numerous educationals and has worked in an Acting position, as OPSEU/SEFPO Staff Rep for Region 2.

At W Ross McDonald School, Novia sits on the LERC committee as Co-Chair.

Novia is currently 1 of 14 OPS Unified mobilizers, for this round of bargaining and looks forward to the challenges and successes involved in mobilizing OPS Unified members.

Laura Thompson (Region 2 Mobilizer)

Laura is excited to be a first time Mobilizer!

Laura is an Educational Assistant at W Ross Macdonald School for the Blind and Visually Impaired through the Ministry of Education.

Laura’s involvement in OPSEU began a couple years ago when she joined the LERC committee with the idea that change begins the moment you stop waiting for someone else to start it. Last year, Laura became vice chair Area Co-ordinator for Region 2.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys a good true crime show, reading and attempting to maintain her sanity while keeping up with her husband, kids and plethora of dogs and cats.

Small actions build revolutions – start with one and build on it!

Chris McConnell (Region 3 Mobilizer)

My name is Chris McConnell (they/them), and I became involved in the labour movement because it stands for more than just better wages and benefits—it’s about building the power to address the deeper issues that shape our lives as workers. I’ve engaged as a mobilizer because the rank and file must actively lead and are the key to our power and success.

The phrase we often hear is, “You are the union.” It’s not a slogan—it’s a fact. Our decisions are driven by those who are engaged, pay attention, speak up and take action.

I want to help more people recognize the power they already have. Too often, cynicism and distrust hold us back, leaving us unable to face challenges. We can change that. We can rebuild hope and create a shared path where every member knows their voice matters.

Alexander Miller (Region 3 Mobilizer)

Alexander Miller is the recently appointed president of Local 317, a Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) MERC member, and current Region 3 mobilizer. Father of a highly energetic three year old, Alex understands the importance of free time and family values, however Alex is strongly dedicated to ensuring the betterment of all OPS Unified members and their families. Unity, determination, and passion are a few core values that Alex brings to the mobilizing team.

Alex works for Ontario Parks and understands the importance of a workforce that may feel like their voices have never been heard. Becoming a member of the MECP MERC has given Alex the opportunity to enlighten others about the challenges facing members and to provide a voice to hundreds of unheard members. Alex believes that this is just the start as we move to mobilize the OPS Unified membership and we need the help and dedication from every member to ensure the success of this round of collective bargaining. Alex wants members to know that his inbox and phone are always available for any member and that as a mobilizer, he looks forward to talking to as many members as he can!

Kendall (Ken) Hopson (Region 4 Mobilizer)

Ken is marking 17 years as a dedicated member of the OPS Unified. He is currently in his second term as Vice President with Local.410, he also co-chairs the Employee Relations Committee and is an OSHA-certified co-chair for the Joint Health and Safety Committee at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in Ottawa.

Through his work with the Ontario Disability Support Program, Ken has gained a unique perspective on visibility and voice, reinforcing his commitment and dedication as a union champion. Ken embodies a “Ken-Do” attitude, always ready to act, mobilize, and unify OPS members.

Known for his stout advocacy for OPSEU and its members, Ken has held roles such as Steward, Secretary of Local 410, and Secretary for the Ottawa Area Council. He actively volunteers for community projects and has also been involved in past NDP elections.

As we approach a critical round of bargaining, Ken emphasizes the importance of active participation from all members. His inbox and phone are always open for meetings, discussions, or just to listen. Ken is eager to connect with as many OPSEU members as possible, regardless of their local, to ensure their voices are heard.

Oren Nimelman (Region 4 Mobilizer)

Oren works as a deckhand on the Wolfe Island Ferry in Kingston. He says that his role used to be able to support a family a generation ago, but it’s withered over time to a workforce heavily mired in fixed-term contracts and wages that can’t support the life that it used to.

Before coming to the OPS, Oren was an infantry reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces, worked in private-sector operations management, and he spent some time doing industrial sales. Shifting away from private-sector work, Oren gained experience in political organizing as a campaign’s handler for a federal campaign and a campaign manager during a provincial election. During a period of higher need, he briefly assisted in delivering and organizing aid projects in a crisis zone.

Oren has been a longtime supporter of unions and a strong public sector, and is a newer member of OPSEU/SEFPO.

He’s taken on this mobilizer role during contract negotiations because he wants our jobs to once again be something that a worker can build a stable, comfortable life around. Oren believes that if you work any role that contributes to society, you should be able to support a household off of an honest workweek. Oren thinks that the slow decay of how our work is valued, in a huge part, is the result of the labour movement weakening in strength.

He thinks it’s time to catch up.

In his spare time, he enjoys his 1980s-era motorcycle, hunting, hiking, canoeing, cooking for the people he cares about, silversmithing fun jewelry for his friends, and saying unrepeatable things to his broken printer.

Suzette Maxwell-Pemberton (Region 5 Mobilizer)

Suzette Maxwell-Pemberton is a Jamaican-born Canadian citizen. She grew up in a household that taught the values of “it takes a village” and in a community that exemplified the responsibilities as a citizen by “each one, teach one”. She is passionate about learning and educating our union membership so they too can fully equip and discerning about their future.

Suzette is employed at The Ministry of the Attorney General, Court Services Division in the Superior Court of Justice and currently employed as a Recording Management Coordinator.

In 2013, Suzette entered the world of Union and was elected a Steward for Local 526. Since then, Suzette has held the roles of, Local Secretary, President, JHSC Co-Chair, and LERC Co-Chair, Mobilizer, WHSC Instructor, and a Co-Facilitator for OPSEU/SEFPO Educational events.

Suzette has expressed that, as a mobilizer she has met so many amazing, erudite and beautiful members who have inspired hope, a sense of justice for a better tomorrow. But feelings and hope won’t get us a fair contract nor address all of our current economic and community needs. She is inspired by the words of the song by the Right Honorable Robert Nesta Marley:” Get Up! Stand Up! Stand Up for your Rights! Don’t Give Up the Fight! The path forward must be clear, this bargaining year, get organized, unit behind our bargaining team to ensure future success. Show up to demand a fair and deserving collective agreement. For Our Time is indeed Now!

Stephanie Purthill (Region 5 Mobilizer)

Since 2006, Stephanie has been employed at The Ministry of the Attorney General, Court Services Division, first in the Ontario Court of Justice as a Court Reporter 1 and, since 2008, in the Superior Court of Justice, initially as a Realtime Court Reporter 2 and currently as a Court and Client Representative (CCR).

Stephanie has served as a Steward for Local 526 first from 2013-2016 and again from 2020 to present and has held the roles of JHSC Co-Chair and LERC Member. Currently, she is a second-time Region 5 (R5) Mobilizer and a Greater Toronto Area Council (GTAC) Delegate. She holds a JHSC Certificate, WHSC Health & Safety Instructor Certificate, L1 & L2 Labour Community Activist Certificates, O4P Core Fundamentals Certificate, and is a trained R5 Educationals Co-Facilitator.

Stephanie is a strong proponent of member education, she herself having taken, and been the beneficiary of, myriad R5 Educationals and OFL Prevention Link, Labour Community Services, Oakville District Labour Council (ODLC), and WHSC courses. She strives each day to share her gained knowledge and information with members to likewise empower and engage them in union activism, not only for their own but also for the collective’s (OPS Unified) best interest. Moreover, Stephanie is intent on unifying members to build solidarity, to act “as one,” and to recognize that we, each and every one of us, ARE the union and so must unite and focus on organizing, fighting, and winning the fair and better Collective Agreement all members deserve.

Gabrielle Gagne (Region 6 Mobilizer)

Gabrielle began her journey with her union as a passionate and dedicated Donations Committee member. With a keen sense of community and a genuine desire to make a difference, she quickly gained the respect and admiration of her peers. Her enthusiasm and hard work did not go unnoticed, and soon she was appointed as the Donations Committee Chair. In this role, Gabrielle demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills.

As her commitment to the union grew, so did her responsibilities. Recognizing her potential, the members of her local union elected Gabrielle as their Vice President. In this prestigious position, she continues to advocate for workers’ rights, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. Her ability to foster collaboration and unity among members has been instrumental in driving the union’s success and growth.

Outside of her union duties, Gabrielle enjoys a well-rounded and adventurous lifestyle. In her spare time, she can often be found playing music and publishing her original music on Apple Music and Spotify, where her talent and creativity shine through. She also has a deep love for the great outdoors, and spends much of her free time camping, fishing, and hunting. These hobbies allow her to connect with nature and recharge, bringing balance to her busy and fulfilling life.

Through her dedication to her union and her love for her personal interests, Gabrielle exemplifies the qualities of a true leader and a well-rounded individual.

Michelle Outlon (Region 6 Mobilizer)

Michelle started with OPS in 2012 with the Ministry of Environment, then settled into a Ministry of Labour role as a Program Assistant. She’s mingled with Bear Techs across the province during a contract for the Ministry of Natural Resources, and has been engaged in public work from the beginning. In the educational scene, Michelle knows the school board well, and has chaired Parent Councils and organized fundraisers & school events. In recent years, Michelle has participated in Union activities ranging from her local Timmins & District Labour Council, to attending OPSEU events to recently being elected Vice President at her Local. She also currently sits as chair of the Region 6 Area Coordinating Group.

In her down time, Michelle is a scientist in the kitchen, concocting fermented beverages like Kombucha & root-beer Water Kefir. Being a small-town girl at heart, you can find her in her organic garden getting down with the bugs & rediscovering nature in between all the excitement of social events.

Having been certified for the Organizing 4 Power course, and being an avid learner of Union philosophies, Michelle is turning her attention towards changing the narrative on Unions & revitalizing the movement.

Stefanie Bourelly (Region 7 Mobilizer)

I started with the Ministry of Attorney General in 2017. I attended my first GMM in October 2017. I registered as a steward on that day, and since then i have developed my union activity greatly.

Over the years I have held roles that include Local Secretary, Local Vice president and Acting Local President. I am currently the 2nd VP of the Thunder Bay District Area Council, Region 7 resolutions committee Representative, the Provincial Human Rights Committee alternate, and Region 7’s equity committee Secretary. I have also sat on committees with Health and Safety as a certified member, and the Local Employee Relations Committee. I believe in advocating for members and bringing awareness and engagement to union activities, and now I hope to achieve this awareness as the new mobilizer of Region 7.

In my down time when not engaging in union activity, i love to go camping, spend time with my family and my dog, Finnigan Albus, attend concerts, and travel.

Ashlee Elliott (Region 7 Mobilizer)

“I’m Ashlee Elliott, and I am a mobilizer from Region 7. I have been a member of the OPS for 10 years, and have recently been elected as president.

I am also a member of MAG MERC, and I am the Vice Chair for the Region 7 ACG – meaning that I am an activist for the majority of my waking hours.

My goals in my activism work involve succession planning – prepping the leaders of tomorrow to take over high level union positions; education – teaching members and locals about how to support themselves; and communication – being transparent about discussions and including members of all levels of engagement into the conversation.

When I am not in union-mode I enjoy playing D&D, hanging out with my husband, and snuggling with my cats.”

Timmins Local Treasurer’s Course

Where: Timmins Membership Centre
When: May 31, 2025 from 9 am to 4:30 pm EST and June 1 from 9 am to noon
Deadline to register: March 28, 2025
Application form

Course Descriptions:

Local Treasurers Course

This course is aimed at Local Treasurers and Trustees who are either new to the role or experienced members who are seeking a “refresher course”. The goal is to give the necessary tools and education to Local Treasurers and Trustees in order for them to fulfill their roles in the Local. It will also draw on members’ experiences to solve problems occurring with the administration of Local funds.

*Note: This course only will be offered in person

Applications

Please complete this application form and email it to ssavage@opseu.org

Completed application forms must include the signed recommendation of a Local Executive Officer (an approval via email from an LEC will be accepted if a signature is not possible) and be received by the Timmins Regional Office no later than March 28.

Location

OPSEU/SEFPO Timmins Membership Centre – Entrance at Back of the Building
1-414 Algonquin Blvd. E., Timmins ON P4N 1B6. From 0900 to 1630 and 0900 to 1200.

Hotel

Hampton Inn Timmins
848 Riverside Dr., Timmins ON P4N 3W1 (705) 531-6000

A block of rooms will be held aside for this event, please make reservations under the group (links below) at a rate of $194.00 +tax OPSEU/SEFPO pays accommodation for members travelling 60 km or more. Members will be reimbursed for the cost of single occupancy. Members are responsible for payment of room upon checkout. Follow links below for booking.

Book prior to April 20, by clicking this link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=YTSRDHX&groupCode=CHHOP1 &arrivaldate=2025-05-30&departuredate=2025-06- 01&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Meals

Breakfast (full hot buffet) will be provided for those staying at the Hotel from 0600 to 1000 included in your stay. A lunch break will be taken; however, lunch will not be provided. Please be mindful of nut free policy should you bring a lunch.

Lost wages/ time off

Per past practice, lost wages will be paid for those members who are scheduled to work on these days or the nightshift before. Any claim for lost wages must be substantiated by proof from your employer.

Selection process – Education Policy Section 7 (Policy Manual)

The selection process will be in accordance with the Education Policy – Section 7 of the Policy Manual. All Local Presidents have an OPSEU/SEFPO Policy Manual. Please contact your Local President to review this policy. Applicants will be notified via email on or before April 7, 2025.

Cancellations

Notification by a member to cancel course attendance should be received by both the local president and the regional office no later than 48 hours before commencement of the regional school. When a member does not attend and the Regional office has not been notified 48 hours prior to the school’s commencement, the member will be assessed a $50.00 penalty. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration.

Family/Attendant Care

Family/Attendant Care will be reimbursed as per OPSEU/SEFPO policy as outlined on the back of the expense claim. Such allowance is not intended to reimburse the claimant for dependant/family expenses they would have normally incurred as a result of employment except where the absence exceeds the normal work day or week. Family/dependent care will be reimbursed as per OPSEU/SEFPO Policy Manual.

apedersen

Member Education>Courses>Region 6

Timmins Stewards Orientation

Where: Timmins Membership Centre
When: May 2, 2025 from 9 am to 4:30 pm EST
Deadline to register: March 24, 2025
Application form

Course Descriptions:

Stewards Orientation (1-day course)

Participants will receive a basic orientation to the role of stewards and other LEC members and will develop an understanding of the structure of OPSEU. Information about key union resources will be provided, as well as options for resolving workplace issues, including the steps of the grievance process and common labour terms and vocabulary. This one-day course provides new stewards with the tools to create a profile of the diverse members the steward represents, and an understanding of the questions to pursue after the course.

*Note: This course only will be offered in person

Applications

Please complete this application form and email it to ssavage@opseu.org

Location

OPSEU/SEFPO Timmins Membership Centre – Entrance at Back of the Building
1-414 Algonquin Blvd. E., Timmins ON P4N 1B6. From 0900 to 1630

Hotel

Hampton Inn Timmins
848 Riverside Dr., Timmins ON P4N 3W1 (705) 531-6000

Book prior to March 31st, by clicking this link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=YTSRDHX&groupCode=CHHOPS &arrivaldate=2025-05-01&departuredate=2025-05- 03&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Meals

Lost wages/ time off

Selection process – Education Policy Section 7 (Policy Manual)

Cancellations

Family/Attendant Care

apedersen

Events, Member Education>Courses>Region 6

Apply now for Timmins Local Treasurer’s Course, May 31 – June 1

Where: Timmins Membership Centre
When: May 31, 2025 from 9 am to 4:30 pm EST and June 1 from 9 am to noon
Deadline to register: March 28, 2025
Application form

Course Descriptions:

Local Treasurers Course

*Note: This course only will be offered in person

Applications

Please complete this application form and email it to ssavage@opseu.org

Location

OPSEU/SEFPO Timmins Membership Centre – Entrance at Back of the Building
1-414 Algonquin Blvd. E., Timmins ON P4N 1B6. From 0900 to 1630 and 0900 to 1200.

Hotel

Hampton Inn Timmins
848 Riverside Dr., Timmins ON P4N 3W1 (705) 531-6000

Meals

Lost wages/ time off

Selection process – Education Policy Section 7 (Policy Manual)

Cancellations

Family/Attendant Care

apedersen

Events, Member Education>Courses>Region 6, News

Table Talk #12 – Join us March 20 on Table Talk with President JP Hornick

Who: You, Your Bargaining Team and OPS Unified mobilizers

When: Every third Thursday of the month from 7 pm to 8 pm EST (6 pm CST)

Where: Zoom

Why: To keep the lines of communication open

This month we’ll be joined by guest speaker JP Hornick, President of OPSEU/SEFPO, as we discuss OPS Unified Bargaining updates and the political context in which our bargaining is taking place.

The Employer is noticing that OPS Unified is Organizing to Win.

Get involved and talk about bargaining with your co-workers! Ensure you are on your lunch/break and outside of the workplace when you have union discussions about bargaining. This one-on-one organizing is vital to help OPS Unified achieve a high membership participation in bargaining! Remember not to use employer equipment for union activities.

The employer continues to dismantle the OPS by privatizing, downsizing and closing facilities. The employer often attempts to divide us and intimidate our members to stop them from participating in union activity.

We won’t let them -Unified we win, divided we fail!

Now is the time to educate yourselves on your union activity rights as spelled out in our Collective Agreement.

Article 3.2 of the OPS Unified Collective Agreement states that, “there shall be no discrimination or harassment practiced by reason of an employee’s membership or activity in the Union”.

It is your right to be a signed up and active member of your union, whether you are fixed term, seasonal, or a full-time employee. These rights were hard fought, and we need solidarity to maintain them. Collective Agreements are only useful if you exercise your rights and enforce them.

If you feel you are being targeted due to bargaining actions, it is imperative you speak with your union steward, president or your area staff representative.

Important links

Update your member information on the OPSEU/SEFPO Member Portal
Join your regional Area Coordinating Group (ACG).
Review the EES Guide
Complete the EES Form and send it to unifiedopsbargaining@opseu.org
Keep up to date on bargaining at:
- OPS Unified Bargaining
- Previous Table Talk Issues

OPS Unified

OPS Unified | Instagram, Facebook | LinkTree

Call to action

What are you Unified for?

Post, share and subscribe

Facebook and Instagram logos

“UNIFIED FOR bargaining a better contract, to stop privatization and strengthen public services.”

“Tell us what you’re Unified For”

Mobilizer Update

Let’s extend a warm welcome to the new mobilizers who have joined us. Your involvement is essential in building solidarity, keeping members informed, and ensuring a strong bargaining process. We look forward to working together to win as OPS Unified members.

Please welcome our new mobilizers.

The Bargaining Team would also like to sincerely thank all current, returning and past mobilizers for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to supporting our members. Your efforts have played a vital role in strengthening our collective voice and advocating for fair working conditions. We value your leadership and know that you will continue to unify members.

Join us
Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Bargaining Team is maintaining a list of your questions sent in by email, at Table Talk Thursdays and other meetings. We know that many members may be asking similar questions so the team is compiling a FAQ for OPS members.

If you have any bargaining questions, feel free to send them to unifiedopsbargaining@opseu.org and/or attend Table Talk Thursdays.

We’ll be sharing the FAQ very soon (and continuing to add to it as more questions come in) and adding it to our LinkTree!

Question from a recent Table Talk: When was Notice given to the employer? What was the rationale for the timing?

The Bargaining Team is required under the Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement (CECBA) to provide two Notices to Bargain. The first Notice was for the parties to begin bargaining Essential and Emergency Services. That notice was sent in June 2024, within the legislated timeline.

This started the Essential Service bargaining process. We are currently negotiating Essential and Emergency Services. In accordance with our bargaining procedures Essential and Emergency Service agreements must be completed first.

In addition, the parties are also obligated to send a second Notice to Bargain to bargain the Collective Agreement. This second Notice to Bargain was sent by the union on December 12, 2024 to avoid a “roll over” of the current Collective Agreement. This process adheres to the legislated timeline.

The current Collective agreement will remain in effect until a new collective agreement is ratified or a strike or lockout occurs. In the event of a strike or lockout the Collective Agreement is suspended until the ratification of a new agreement.

The Bargaining Team did this to preserve your rights. As the Notice to Bargain was filed prior to December 31, 2024, your rights to any potential retroactive award/retro pay is protected.

Did You Know?

OPS Unified Bargaining Team has a caucus room at Convention?

Yes! We are meeting Thursday April 24^th at 5 pm…see you there!

We’ll provide updates on bargaining, our campaign and Demand Set.

Get Unified

Download one of these posters to add to your Union Board!

In Solidarity,

On behalf of the OPS Unified Bargaining team
Amanda Usher — Chair
Leslie Aiston — Vice Chair

apedersen

You can review bargaining timelines under the CCBA and a glossary of terms here.

Bargaining, News, Table talk

College Part-Time Support Staff Bargaining Update: Conciliation begins May 1st

Bargaining Bulletin #9:

The bargaining table looks different for every sector, but one thing is true across the board for workers: our bosses never want to give us more than what they have to. Nothing is freely given, and nothing changes without a collective push – we have to take our own path, and we do it through our union. In the current crisis facing the college system, that collective solidarity is crucial.

If you’re ready to help us push, join our mobilizing committee! You don’t need any experience to get involved, just the desire for better: for yourself, and for your colleagues. Everyone is welcome – reach out to caatsptbargainingteam@gmail.com to join!

We’re nearly a month out from the last classes of the winter term, so here are some important updates on the status of negotiations and what lies ahead.

Conciliation begins May 1^st

The parties have secured their first day of conciliation – May 1st, 2025 – with a conciliation officer appointed by the Ministry of Labour.

At any point during negotiations, the union or employer may ask the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) to appoint a Conciliation Officer under Ontario’s Colleges Collective Bargaining Act (CCBA). This process is otherwise known as conciliation, a common occurrence during collective bargaining.

A Conciliation Officer is an impartial third party brought in to help the parties find mutually agreeable solutions to outstanding issues and reach an agreement. If the parties have not reached a settlement through negotiation, then conciliation is a required step. Conciliation can last one day or much longer, depending on the progress or lack of progress made.

Workers know we’re worth more: province-wide tour

Over the course of January and February, your CAAT-S PT Bargaining Team and Divisional Executive embarked on a province-wide tour to connect with members directly on the ground.

After visiting 16 colleges in all 7 regions, we’ve heard your support for key, shared demands still on the table – including better wages, and paid sick days – and the action you’re willing to take to get the deal we deserve.

What’s next for CAAT-S PT?

Further bargaining updates will follow our first day of conciliation – May 1^st – but we’re staying busy in the interim. More opportunities for members to plug in are in the works, including a Student Town Hall, so keep a look out for the invite once details are confirmed.

There’s no substitute for getting organized – it’s the winning formula, time and time again, and it’s how we’ll set a new standard for part-time support staff across Ontario.

In solidarity,

Your College Support Part-Time Bargaining Team:

Noor Askandar, L557, George Brown College, Chair (she/her)
Sara McArthur, L241, Mohawk College, Vice-Chair (she/her)
Doreen Follett, L416, Algonquin College (she/her)
Torsten Hamelin, L557, George Brown College (he/him)
Aliza Kassam, L557, George Brown College (she/her)
Paula Naylor, L612, Sault College (she/her)
Natalie Williams, L245, Sheridan College (she/her)

Follow us on social media for regular updates:

Instagram: @CollegeSupportPT Facebook: @CollegeSupportPT

#MoreThanMinimum #NotaSideHustle #CollegesRunOnPTpower

webpublisher

Bargaining>Bargaining News, News

Apply now for Timmins Stewards Orientation on May 2

Where: Timmins Membership Centre
When: May 2, 2025 from 09 am to 4:30 pm EST
Deadline to register: March 24, 2025
Application form

Course Descriptions:

Stewards Orientation (1-day course)

*Note: This course only will be offered in person

Applications

Please complete this application form and email it to ssavage@opseu.org

Location

OPSEU/SEFPO Timmins Membership Centre – Entrance at Back of the Building
1-414 Algonquin Blvd. E., Timmins ON P4N 1B6. From 0900 to 1630

Hotel

Hampton Inn Timmins
848 Riverside Dr., Timmins ON P4N 3W1 (705) 531-6000

Meals

Lost wages/ time off

Selection process – Education Policy Section 7 (Policy Manual)

Cancellations

Family/Attendant Care

apedersen

Events, Member Education>Courses>Region 6, News

OPSEU/SEFPO Vacancy – Communications Officer #5 (42-05) – 25.005

Title: Communications Officer #5 (42-05)
Location: Communications Unit, Political Action, and Education Division, OPSEU/SEFPO Head Office, 100 Lesmill Road, Toronto, ON M3B 3P8
Reporting to: Supervisor, Communications Unit
Search Type: Open to all OPSEU/SEFPO members and the community (First consideration to be given to OPSEU/SEFPO members)
Salary: $1,994.00 to $2,215.00 per week (Range 4 – Pro-Tech)
Working Conditions: As provided in the OPSSU/OPSEU/SEFPO Collective Agreement

Principal Duties:

Provides public relations and communications expertise. Acts as lead hand/mentor for campaigns officers and mobilizers:
Provides public relations and communications expertise to OPSEU/SEFPO and its members
Crafts and develops strategic messaging to advance the goals of the organization
Develops and implements communication and PR strategies
Writes, edits and designs a variety of in-house publications and a wide range of information materials
Prepares speeches for senior leaders, briefs, news releases, bulletins and pamphlets
Scans a variety of media sources
Acts as media spokesperson for OPSEU/SEFPO
Writes and costs proposals for Executive Board
Liaises with affiliates, community organizations, coalitions, government agencies as required
Uses graphics, typography and design to produce OPSEU/SEFPO publications
Edits and proofreads materials prepared by other staff
Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in Communications and three years related work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Knowledge of contemporary communications strategies, news media, the communications environment, various communication tools and their uses, polling and public opinion
Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
Understanding of and commitment to labour movement and social democratic philosophy
Understanding of and commitment to the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
Knowledge of labour and government issues
Knowledge of graphic design principles
Requires advanced PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
Requires tact and diplomacy skills

OPSEU/SEFPO supports employment equity. Racialized workers, women, Indigenous workers, LGBTQ2S+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For the purpose of statistical data collection, applicants are strongly encouraged to voluntarily self-identify. OPSEU/SEFPO’s diverse workplace also supports Francophone workers and young workers.

In your application, please include any relevant factors that you want us to consider when exercising discretion in accepting your application under Article 11.02.02 and/or Article 11.02.03.

A total of 60% or greater in the competition process must be achieved to obtain the position.

All applications must be sent in either as Word documents or as a PDF.

Please advise should you require any accommodation to participate in this competition.

Applications:

Required: Applicants must complete the two-step submission process noted below. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from consideration.

Complete the OPSEU/SEFPO Job Applicant Survey

Applications must be sent to competitions@opseu.org quoting “25.005 – Communications Officer #5 (42-05), Communications Unit” by 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) on March 12, 2025.

Posting Date: March 26, 2025

apedersen