dev-os

dev enviro for os

  • Hospital Professionals Division holds ‘Better Care for our Future’ conference

    On Tuesday, December 3, the Hospital Professionals Division (HPD) held a healthcare public policy conference titled ‘Better Care for our Future’.

    Local Presidents and Highest-Ranking members of HPD attended the full-day event. Panel discussions focused on:

    • From dead last in Canada to the average: restoring public hospital capacity, stopping closures and protecting local services.
    • Rolling back privatization: experiences with re-publicizing/repatriating health care services that have been privatized.
    • Restoring and revitalizing Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and Public Health, Infectious disease prevention and health and safety in a COVID world.
    • Expanding the public as an antidote to privatization.

    Numerous healthcare experts and advocates shared their expertise during the panel discussions, including:

    • Professor Pat Armstrong (York University): a Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
    • Doly Begum, MPP: Ontario NDP Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough Southwest.
    • Darryl Galusha: RN and CEO of Geraldton District Hospital.
    • Rebecca Graff-McRae, PH.D (Parkland Institute): Research Manager for the Parkland Institute at the University of Alberta.
    • Michael Hurley (OCHU-CUPE): President of CUPE’s Ontario Council of Hospital Unions.
    • Alia Karim, Ph.D: Senior Research Officer at CUPE National.
    • Sara Labelle (HPD Chair): multidisciplinary Medical Laboratory Technologist with a specialty in genetics.
    • Natalie Mehra (Ontario Health Coalition): Executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition.
    • Danyaal Raza (University of Toronto and Decent Work & Health Network): Family physician, Assistant Professor, and incoming Primary Care & Health Policy Scholar at St. Michael’s Department of Family & Community Medicine.
    • Shalom Schacter, LLB: Rabbi and Union Labour Lawyer.
    • Adil Shamji, MPP: emergency physician and public policy advocate.
    • Abdu Sharkawy (University of Toronto): Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases Specialist at the University Health Network and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
    • Vivian Stamatopoulos (Ontario Tech University): Leading advocate for Long-Term Care residents in Ontario.
    • Dick Zoutman (Queen’s University): Emeritus Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Schools of Medicine at Queen’s University, past Inaugural Chief of Staff at the Scarborough Health Network and past Chief of Staff at Quinte Health.

    In every discussion, this was glaringly obvious: the business-model, privatization-focus that the Ford government is bringing to Ontario’s healthcare system will only make the healthcare crisis worse over time.

    The PC government’s failure to consult with healthcare professionals and policy experts has led to a chronically underfunded public system where hospitals are struggling to meet demand for care and healthcare workers are overworked and burnt out.

    By continuing to share insights and expertise about how we can build and strengthen the public healthcare system, we add fuel to the fire in our fight for better public healthcare!

    kmahabir

  • Hospital Professionals Division holds ‘Better Care for our Future’ conference

    On Tuesday, December 3, the Hospital Professionals Division (HPD) held a healthcare public policy conference titled ‘Better Care for our Future’.

    Local Presidents and Highest-Ranking members of HPD attended the full-day event. Panel discussions focused on:

    • From dead last in Canada to the average: restoring public hospital capacity, stopping closures and protecting local services.
    • Rolling back privatization: experiences with re-publicizing/repatriating health care services that have been privatized.
    • Restoring and revitalizing Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and Public Health, Infectious disease prevention and health and safety in a COVID world.
    • Expanding the public as an antidote to privatization.

    Numerous healthcare experts and advocates shared their expertise during the panel discussions, including:

    • Professor Pat Armstrong (York University): a Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
    • Doly Begum, MPP: Ontario NDP Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough Southwest.
    • Darryl Galusha: RN and CEO of Geraldton District Hospital.
    • Rebecca Graff-McRae, PH.D (Parkland Institute): Research Manager for the Parkland Institute at the University of Alberta.
    • Michael Hurley (OCHU-CUPE): President of CUPE’s Ontario Council of Hospital Unions.
    • Alia Karim, Ph.D: Senior Research Officer at CUPE National.
    • Sara Labelle (HPD Chair): multidisciplinary Medical Laboratory Technologist with a specialty in genetics.
    • Natalie Mehra (Ontario Health Coalition): Executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition.
    • Danyaal Raza (University of Toronto and Decent Work & Health Network): Family physician, Assistant Professor, and incoming Primary Care & Health Policy Scholar at St. Michael’s Department of Family & Community Medicine.
    • Shalom Schacter, LLB: Rabbi and Union Labour Lawyer.
    • Adil Shamji, MPP: emergency physician and public policy advocate.
    • Abdu Sharkawy (University of Toronto): Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases Specialist at the University Health Network and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
    • Vivian Stamatopoulos (Ontario Tech University): Leading advocate for Long-Term Care residents in Ontario.
    • Dick Zoutman (Queen’s University): Emeritus Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Schools of Medicine at Queen’s University, past Inaugural Chief of Staff at the Scarborough Health Network and past Chief of Staff at Quinte Health.

    In every discussion, this was glaringly obvious: the business-model, privatization-focus that the Ford government is bringing to Ontario’s healthcare system will only make the healthcare crisis worse over time.

    The PC government’s failure to consult with healthcare professionals and policy experts has led to a chronically underfunded public system where hospitals are struggling to meet demand for care and healthcare workers are overworked and burnt out.

    By continuing to share insights and expertise about how we can build and strengthen the public healthcare system, we add fuel to the fire in our fight for better public healthcare!

    kmahabir

  • OPS Unified – Update on salary adjustments and Bill 124 retro payments

    This week the employer provided us with an update on the progress in implementing our new wage grid and retroactive payments following our Bill 124 wage re-opener award.

    While we are pleased that all OPS Unified members are now being paid at their new rate, one quarter – 25% – of our members have yet to receive the retro pay they are entitled to. That is thousands of members who have not received their remedy.

    The employer is now saying that they estimate these payments will not be made until the end of February 2025. Worse, as part of the employer’s plan, members on WSIB or LITP and retirees will be among the last to receive their retro pay.

    “Make no mistake – these are wages that were stolen from our members under Premier Ford’s unconstitutional wage suppression legislation, and it is on our employer to do the right thing and make sure our members receive their payments,” said CERC Chair Amanda Usher.

    While the employer claims to have brought in additional resources, they have clearly not done enough to meet their own timelines which originally indicated the payments would all be processed this fall.

    The CERC and all MERC chairs are meeting to discuss these delays and develop a plan to demand that retroactive payments be made sooner.

    “The Ford Government can figure out how to send every Ontarian $200 as an attempt to buy votes in the next provincial election but can’t even figure out how to pay their employees the wages that were stolen from them in a timely manner. They should stop focusing on shiny gimmicks and instead fix their mistakes and do right by dedicated public service workers,” added Usher.

    For more information on the OPS Unified Bill 124 Arbitration Award, click here.

    Katie Arnup

    ,

  • OPS Unified – Update on salary adjustments and Bill 124 retro payments

    OPS Unified – Update on salary adjustments and Bill 124 retro payments

    This week the employer provided us with an update on the progress in implementing our new wage grid and retroactive payments following our Bill 124 wage re-opener award.

    While we are pleased that all OPS Unified members are now being paid at their new rate, one quarter – 25% – of our members have yet to receive the retro pay they are entitled to. That is thousands of members who have not received their remedy.

    The employer is now saying that they estimate these payments will not be made until the end of February 2025. Worse, as part of the employer’s plan, members on WSIB or LITP and retirees will be among the last to receive their retro pay.

    “Make no mistake – these are wages that were stolen from our members under Premier Ford’s unconstitutional wage suppression legislation, and it is on our employer to do the right thing and make sure our members receive their payments,” said CERC Chair Amanda Usher.

    While the employer claims to have brought in additional resources, they have clearly not done enough to meet their own timelines which originally indicated the payments would all be processed this fall.

    The CERC and all MERC chairs are meeting to discuss these delays and develop a plan to demand that retroactive payments be made sooner.

    “The Ford Government can figure out how to send every Ontarian $200 as an attempt to buy votes in the next provincial election but can’t even figure out how to pay their employees the wages that were stolen from them in a timely manner. They should stop focusing on shiny gimmicks and instead fix their mistakes and do right by dedicated public service workers,” added Usher.

    For more information on the OPS Unified Bill 124 Arbitration Award, click here.

    Katie Arnup

    , ,

  • OPSEU/SEFPO in the News: Craigwood Youth Services workers calls for urgent action

    Jonathan Guider, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 166 President and BPS Corrections Chair, spoke with The Middlesex Banner regarding chronic short-staffing, low wages, heavy workloads and insufficient safety equipment at Craigwood Youth Services. Their employer’s response has consistently been that there is insufficient funding from the Ministry to resolve these issues. This puts both workers and youth at risk.

    Jonathan Guider, a member of the local union and a worker at the Ailsa Craig facility for 24 years, described the disparity between transfer-payment facilities like Craigwood and their counterparts operated directly by the ministry. “We do the exact jobs, except at Craigwood, I have to wear many more hats,” Guider said. He explained that workers juggle tasks such as cooking, cleaning, medication management, and counselling—all for a starting wage of approximately $19 an hour. In comparison, according to Guider, employees at direct-operated facilities earn upwards of $43 an hour with superior benefits and safety standards.

    The discrepancy in compensation and conditions has led to high staff turnover, burnout, and difficulties in recruitment. “The job comes with shift work on weekends, often stressful, violence, lots of responsibility,” Guider noted. “And yet, our wages remain significantly lower.”

    Click here to read the full article.

    kmahabir

  • OPSEU/SEFPO in the News: Craigwood Youth Services workers calls for urgent action

    OPSEU/SEFPO in the News: Craigwood Youth Services workers calls for urgent action

    Jonathan Guider, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 166 President and BPS Corrections Chair, spoke with The Middlesex Banner regarding chronic short-staffing, low wages, heavy workloads and insufficient safety equipment at Craigwood Youth Services. Their employer’s response has consistently been that there is insufficient funding from the Ministry to resolve these issues. This puts both workers and inmates at risk.

    Jonathan Guider, a member of the local union and a worker at the Ailsa Craig facility for 24 years, described the disparity between transfer-payment facilities like Craigwood and their counterparts operated directly by the ministry. “We do the exact jobs, except at Craigwood, I have to wear many more hats,” Guider said. He explained that workers juggle tasks such as cooking, cleaning, medication management, and counselling—all for a starting wage of approximately $19 an hour. In comparison, according to Guider, employees at direct-operated facilities earn upwards of $43 an hour with superior benefits and safety standards.

    The discrepancy in compensation and conditions has led to high staff turnover, burnout, and difficulties in recruitment. “The job comes with shift work on weekends, often stressful, violence, lots of responsibility,” Guider noted. “And yet, our wages remain significantly lower.”

    Click here to read the full article.

    kmahabir

  • Region 3 Weekend Educational, Feb 1 and 2, 2025

    Printable PDF and application form

    The Region 3 Educational to be held on February 1 & 2, 2025 at the Fern Resort Ltd. – 4432 Fern Resort Road, Ramara, ON L3V 0Z1. (705-325-2256)

    Please note: You will receive a confirmation letter if selected. At that time, you will also receive the time-off request form and childcare request form for completion.

    For your application to be considered, it must be sent to the email region3@opseu.org by Friday December 6, 2024, by 4:30pm. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

    Human rights accommodation request form

    this is a cover

    Course information

    Courses times:

    • Saturday, February 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, February 2,  9 a.m. – noon.

    Advancing Union Issues through Labour Management Committees

    Often union-side members become cynical about labour management committee work because the employer refuses to meet or follow through on action. This course aims to strengthen the skills of labour management committees to solve workplace problems and build the union, whether management is cooperating or not.

    A variety of activities are used to clarify the union-building potential of LMC’s, to assess the effectiveness of a labour management committee, and to strengthen skills to move a workplace complaint to resolution at the LMC. Attention is paid to a) arguing an issue; b) addressing management tactics; c) using the LMC to communicate with members; d) strategies to mobilize members to back LMC work; e) connecting LMC work to bargaining and mobilizing work in the Local. Participants should bring their Collective Agreements to the course.

    Duty to Accommodate 1 – A Tool for Inclusive Workplaces

    Provincial legislation and existing case law require employers and unions to provide accommodation short of undue hardship. This interactive course examines the roles and responsibilities of the employer, the union and the member in accommodating members with disabilities and all other protected groups under the Ontario Human Rights Code. It builds activists’ skills to support members requiring accommodation, and to deal with employer resistance to accommodation in the workplace.

    The Indigenous Journey: Walking Together: Part One

    Would you like to learn more about Indigenous peoples? Do you know that the First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples have differences in their traditions, beliefs, communities and cultural identities as well as some commonalities?

    Through activities, inspired by the teachings and traditions of Indigenous peoples, we will take you through an overview of the lives of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as well as allow you an opportunity to share in some of their stories.

    You will take a journey of examining both historical and current relationships between Indigenous people and governments within Canada and the world today. If you would like to share in the rich history of Indigenous peoples and spend time understanding why being an ally is important, this course will offer that opportunity.

    Basic Grievance Handling for Union Building

    This course is designed to examine the grievance process from a workplace organizing perspective. Grievances are opportunities to build the union. This hands-on course helps members analyze situations to decide whether a grievance is the best approach.

    Participants will learn about different types of grievances and the remedies available through the grievance/arbitration process. They will develop technical skills in writing, processing grievances and practice communication to assess whether a member’s rights have been violated. Participants should bring their Collective Agreements to the course.

    Event information

    Application

    • Application forms must be signed by the Local President or Designate, and received by the Region 3 email address region3@opseu.org no later than Friday December 6, 2024 by 4:30pm. Application forms & accompanying documents must be fully completed and received on time to be considered.

    Cancellations

    • A member cancelling participation must notify their Local President and region3@opseu.org as soon as Members are responsible for cancelling hotel reservations and any associated cost for late cancellations.

    No Call/No Show

    • Members who do not cancel their participation with the Regional Office within forty-eight (48) hours of the event start date, will be assessed a fifty-dollar ($50) penalty and will not be eligible to attend the next Extenuating circumstances will be considered.

    Child care/Elder/Dependant Care

    • Members will be reimbursed for family care (childcare/ elder care/dependent care) at a rate of $15.00 an hour to a maximum of $220.00 in a 24-hour period.
    • Childcare claims will be honoured for children up to and including age 16, for whom the member is a guardian.
    • Care may be provided by friends/family, professional or commercial services, or any other arrangement satisfactory to the member making the Claims may be verified and must be signed by the service provider. A spouse is excluded from the list of eligible care providers.
    • Members who have responsibility for elderly/dependant persons living with them as part of their family may claim for their care.
    • Members will be reimbursed for family/attendant care at $15.00 an hour, to a maximum of $220.00 in a 24 hour period.
    • This policy covers the expenses for persons over the age of 16, permanently residing with, and under the care of a member, who are differently-abled and/or A spouse is excluded from the list of eligible care providers.
    • If childcare is requested through OPSEU/SEFPO at the Educational, all paperwork must be completed and submitted, and the child must be in attendance with the If the child is not in attendance, you will be responsible for the full cost of their accommodation and the cost of meals at the Resort.

    Expense claims

    • The Member Portal is the quickest way to have your expenses processed. Please see the E-Claim tutorial in your Members Profile under the Documents menu.
    • If you choose to use a paper expense claim – only one event is allowed on each form and can be submitted to Claims@opseu.org. Multiple events on one form will be returned to the member for correction.

    Hotel

    A block of rooms has been reserved at Fern Resort Ltd. and is based on OPSEU/SEFPO policy of single accommodations.

    • Once acceptance to the educational is confirmed, Members are responsible for booking their own accommodations directly with Fern Resort no later than January 15, 2025. Bookings after this date are subject to availability and regular hotel room rates will apply. To book your room at Fern Resort Ltd. call (705) 325-2256. (At the time of reservation there will be a deposit required of $150 per person.)
    • If members are unable to attend, they are responsible for cancelling their
    • Hotel Accommodations are not approved for members living within 60 Kilometers of the hotel location.

    Meals that are included in the room rates will not be allowable expenses even if you do not eat at the resort. Fern Resort Ltd. will be providing Dinner on Friday (must be added with reservations at the time of booking), Saturday Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch Buffet) & Dinner, and Sunday Breakfast (Buffet breakfast).

    Additional Guests – please notify the hotel directly to let them know you are bringing additional guests so we can make the appropriate meal arrangements. Please note that accommodations and meals for additional guests will not be reimbursed. (Friday Night Only children are free as per the Fern Resort Ltd.) The All-inclusive Rates Per Person for Friday, as per the Fern Resort Ltd are as follows: Single occupancy: $313.35, Double occupancy $260.01 and Companion Rate for Friday is $206.68 per person. These rates include Friday night accommodations, including Breakfast on Saturday served in the Heritage Dinning, coffee, tea, juice and milk at breakfast, parking, WIFI and use of multiple sports and recreation amenities.

    Friday dinner can be added with reservations at the time of booking. $48 per adult, $25 per child aged 1- 12 plus 18% Event Services Fee and HST per person. The Companion Rate is for an adult guest staying at Fern Resort Ltd. but not attending the meetings.

    Saturday Night rates include the meals listed above. Single occupancy is $418.69, Double occupancy is

    $365.35, Companion/Spouse occupancy is $312.02, Children from 1-3 are $92.00, Children from 4-12 are $182.68, and Children from 13-17 are $274.68.

    Children must be registered and attend the on-site childcare to have their accommodations and meals reimbursed.

    Additional meal rates will be charged in advance of arrival. Upon check-in, participants and paid guests will be provided with a bracelet, allowing them to eat with the group.

    • Please note: As per the Fern Resort Ltd – No Pets allowed, only Service Dogs. *

    OPSEU/SEFPO members are responsible for notifying the hotel directly of any special accommodations or dietary restrictions required by guests or children of the member.

    Check-in time: after 4 p.m. on Friday

    Checkout time: by 11:00am on Sunday.

    Time-Off/Lost Wages

    Lost wages will be reimbursed for shift workers only in accordance with current OPSEU/SEFPO policy. Documentation must be submitted with your claim.

    Own time is not paid for a weekend education.

    Time off arrangements – Time-Off Request forms will be provided for completion with the confirmation letter if selected.

    Statement of Respect

    Harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated at OPSEU functions.

    Whenever OPSEU members gather, we welcome all peoples of the world. We will not accept any unwelcoming words, actions or behaviours against our union members. We accord respect to all persons, regardless of age, creed, political affiliation and racialization including and not limited to People of African descent, Black, Caribbean, South Asian, Asian, women, men, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of ethno-racial groups, people with disabilities, gays, lesbians, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, and gender diverse persons, Francophones and all persons whose first language is not English.In our diversity we will build solidarity as union members.

    If you believe that you are being harassed or discriminated against, contact the Facilitator or Instructor for immediate assistance.

    Scent, Peanuts and Nut-Free Policy

    Workers are becoming sensitized to chemicals, scented products and certain foods such as peanuts, peanut butter, pecans, walnuts, many chocolate bars and energy/nutrition bars.

    For many individuals, attending conferences, meetings etc. and being exposed to perfumes, other strong scents and certain foods can pose serious health risks such as asthma attacks, respiratory problems and/or migraine headaches.

    In the interest of the health and safety of the sisters and brothers whose health may suffer from any of these exposures, we ask that you refrain from wearing or using scented products, peanut and nut products at all OPSEU/SEFPO events and OPSEU/SEFPO locations.

    apedersen

    , , ,

  • Region 3 Weekend Educational, Feb 1 and 2, 2025

    Printable PDF and application form

    The Region 3 Educational to be held on February 1 & 2, 2025 at the Fern Resort Ltd. – 4432 Fern Resort Road, Ramara, ON L3V 0Z1. (705-325-2256)

    Please note: You will receive a confirmation letter if selected. At that time, you will also receive the time-off request form and childcare request form for completion.

    For your application to be considered, it must be sent to the email region3@opseu.org by Friday December 6, 2024, by 4:30pm. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

    Human rights accommodation request form

    Course information

    Courses times:

    • Saturday, February 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, February 2,  9 a.m. – noon.

    Advancing Union Issues through Labour Management Committees

    Often union-side members become cynical about labour management committee work because the employer refuses to meet or follow through on action. This course aims to strengthen the skills of labour management committees to solve workplace problems and build the union, whether management is cooperating or not.

    A variety of activities are used to clarify the union-building potential of LMC’s, to assess the effectiveness of a labour management committee, and to strengthen skills to move a workplace complaint to resolution at the LMC. Attention is paid to a) arguing an issue; b) addressing management tactics; c) using the LMC to communicate with members; d) strategies to mobilize members to back LMC work; e) connecting LMC work to bargaining and mobilizing work in the Local. Participants should bring their Collective Agreements to the course.

    Duty to Accommodate 1 – A Tool for Inclusive Workplaces

    Provincial legislation and existing case law require employers and unions to provide accommodation short of undue hardship. This interactive course examines the roles and responsibilities of the employer, the union and the member in accommodating members with disabilities and all other protected groups under the Ontario Human Rights Code. It builds activists’ skills to support members requiring accommodation, and to deal with employer resistance to accommodation in the workplace.

    The Indigenous Journey: Walking Together: Part One

    Would you like to learn more about Indigenous peoples? Do you know that the First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples have differences in their traditions, beliefs, communities and cultural identities as well as some commonalities?

    Through activities, inspired by the teachings and traditions of Indigenous peoples, we will take you through an overview of the lives of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as well as allow you an opportunity to share in some of their stories.

    You will take a journey of examining both historical and current relationships between Indigenous people and governments within Canada and the world today. If you would like to share in the rich history of Indigenous peoples and spend time understanding why being an ally is important, this course will offer that opportunity.

    Basic Grievance Handling for Union Building

    This course is designed to examine the grievance process from a workplace organizing perspective. Grievances are opportunities to build the union. This hands-on course helps members analyze situations to decide whether a grievance is the best approach.

    Participants will learn about different types of grievances and the remedies available through the grievance/arbitration process. They will develop technical skills in writing, processing grievances and practice communication to assess whether a member’s rights have been violated. Participants should bring their Collective Agreements to the course.

    Event information

    Application

    • Application forms must be signed by the Local President or Designate, and received by the Region 3 email address region3@opseu.org no later than Friday December 6, 2024 by 4:30pm. Application forms & accompanying documents must be fully completed and received on time to be considered.

    Cancellations

    • A member cancelling participation must notify their Local President and region3@opseu.org as soon as Members are responsible for cancelling hotel reservations and any associated cost for late cancellations.

    No Call/No Show

    • Members who do not cancel their participation with the Regional Office within forty-eight (48) hours of the event start date, will be assessed a fifty-dollar ($50) penalty and will not be eligible to attend the next Extenuating circumstances will be considered.

    Child care/Elder/Dependant Care

    • Members will be reimbursed for family care (childcare/ elder care/dependent care) at a rate of $15.00 an hour to a maximum of $220.00 in a 24-hour period.
    • Childcare claims will be honoured for children up to and including age 16, for whom the member is a guardian.
    • Care may be provided by friends/family, professional or commercial services, or any other arrangement satisfactory to the member making the Claims may be verified and must be signed by the service provider. A spouse is excluded from the list of eligible care providers.
    • Members who have responsibility for elderly/dependant persons living with them as part of their family may claim for their care.
    • Members will be reimbursed for family/attendant care at $15.00 an hour, to a maximum of $220.00 in a 24 hour period.
    • This policy covers the expenses for persons over the age of 16, permanently residing with, and under the care of a member, who are differently-abled and/or A spouse is excluded from the list of eligible care providers.
    • If childcare is requested through OPSEU/SEFPO at the Educational, all paperwork must be completed and submitted, and the child must be in attendance with the If the child is not in attendance, you will be responsible for the full cost of their accommodation and the cost of meals at the Resort.

    Expense claims

    • The Member Portal is the quickest way to have your expenses processed. Please see the E-Claim tutorial in your Members Profile under the Documents menu.
    • If you choose to use a paper expense claim – only one event is allowed on each form and can be submitted to Claims@opseu.org. Multiple events on one form will be returned to the member for correction.

    Hotel

    A block of rooms has been reserved at Fern Resort Ltd. and is based on OPSEU/SEFPO policy of single accommodations.

    • Once acceptance to the educational is confirmed, Members are responsible for booking their own accommodations directly with Fern Resort no later than January 15, 2025. Bookings after this date are subject to availability and regular hotel room rates will apply. To book your room at Fern Resort Ltd. call (705) 325-2256. (At the time of reservation there will be a deposit required of $150 per person.)
    • If members are unable to attend, they are responsible for cancelling their
    • Hotel Accommodations are not approved for members living within 60 Kilometers of the hotel location.

    Meals that are included in the room rates will not be allowable expenses even if you do not eat at the resort. Fern Resort Ltd. will be providing Dinner on Friday (must be added with reservations at the time of booking), Saturday Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch Buffet) & Dinner, and Sunday Breakfast (Buffet breakfast).

    Additional Guests – please notify the hotel directly to let them know you are bringing additional guests so we can make the appropriate meal arrangements. Please note that accommodations and meals for additional guests will not be reimbursed. (Friday Night Only children are free as per the Fern Resort Ltd.) The All-inclusive Rates Per Person for Friday, as per the Fern Resort Ltd are as follows: Single occupancy: $313.35, Double occupancy $260.01 and Companion Rate for Friday is $206.68 per person. These rates include Friday night accommodations, including Breakfast on Saturday served in the Heritage Dinning, coffee, tea, juice and milk at breakfast, parking, WIFI and use of multiple sports and recreation amenities.

    Friday dinner can be added with reservations at the time of booking. $48 per adult, $25 per child aged 1- 12 plus 18% Event Services Fee and HST per person. The Companion Rate is for an adult guest staying at Fern Resort Ltd. but not attending the meetings.

    Saturday Night rates include the meals listed above. Single occupancy is $418.69, Double occupancy is

    $365.35, Companion/Spouse occupancy is $312.02, Children from 1-3 are $92.00, Children from 4-12 are $182.68, and Children from 13-17 are $274.68.

    Children must be registered and attend the on-site childcare to have their accommodations and meals reimbursed.

    Additional meal rates will be charged in advance of arrival. Upon check-in, participants and paid guests will be provided with a bracelet, allowing them to eat with the group.

    • Please note: As per the Fern Resort Ltd – No Pets allowed, only Service Dogs. *

    OPSEU/SEFPO members are responsible for notifying the hotel directly of any special accommodations or dietary restrictions required by guests or children of the member.

    Check-in time: after 4 p.m. on Friday

    Checkout time: by 11:00am on Sunday.

    Time-Off/Lost Wages

    Lost wages will be reimbursed for shift workers only in accordance with current OPSEU/SEFPO policy. Documentation must be submitted with your claim.

    Own time is not paid for a weekend education.

    Time off arrangements – Time-Off Request forms will be provided for completion with the confirmation letter if selected.

    Statement of Respect

    Harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated at OPSEU functions.

    Whenever OPSEU members gather, we welcome all peoples of the world. We will not accept any unwelcoming words, actions or behaviours against our union members. We accord respect to all persons, regardless of age, creed, political affiliation and racialization including and not limited to People of African descent, Black, Caribbean, South Asian, Asian, women, men, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of ethno-racial groups, people with disabilities, gays, lesbians, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, and gender diverse persons, Francophones and all persons whose first language is not English.In our diversity we will build solidarity as union members.

    If you believe that you are being harassed or discriminated against, contact the Facilitator or Instructor for immediate assistance.

    Scent, Peanuts and Nut-Free Policy

    Workers are becoming sensitized to chemicals, scented products and certain foods such as peanuts, peanut butter, pecans, walnuts, many chocolate bars and energy/nutrition bars.

    For many individuals, attending conferences, meetings etc. and being exposed to perfumes, other strong scents and certain foods can pose serious health risks such as asthma attacks, respiratory problems and/or migraine headaches.

    In the interest of the health and safety of the sisters and brothers whose health may suffer from any of these exposures, we ask that you refrain from wearing or using scented products, peanut and nut products at all OPSEU/SEFPO events and OPSEU/SEFPO locations.

    apedersen

    , ,

  • Local Presidents and Vice-Presidents Orientation – Feb. 19-21, 2025 and Feb 24-26, 2025

    Two sessions of the OPSEU/SEFPO Local Presidents/Vice- Presidents Orientations are scheduled on February 19-21, 2025, and February 24-26, 2025.

    This three-day workshop will give Local Presidents and Vice-Presidents the skills and tools they need to help them fulfill their leadership role within the union and navigate OPSEU/SEFPO’s organizational structure, systems, supports and resources.

    • Session 1
      • Wednesday, February 19, 2025 9AM – 5PM
      • Thursday, February 20, 2025 9AM – 5PM
      • Friday, February 21, 2025 9AM – 3PM
    • Session 2
      • Monday, February 24, 2025 9AM – 5PM
      • Tuesday, February 25, 2025 9AM – 5PM
      • Wednesday, February 26, 2025 9AM – 3PM
    • Location
      • 100 Lesmill Road, North York (Head office)
    • Application deadline
      • Thursday, Dec 12, 2024

    Eligibility Criteria:

    All Local Presidents and Local Vice-Presidents who have not taken the Local Presidents Orientation are eligible to participate. The selection process will ensure equitable representation from all the regions. If there are more applications than available spaces, selection will also consider the order of date of election as Local President/ Vice- President within each region.

    Please note that the course is only open to elected, currently serving Local Presidents, Local Vice-Presidents and Acting Local Presidents.

    Please advise us of your interest in attending this course by emailing presidentsorientation@opseu.org before end of day, Thursday, December 12, 2024, and include the following details:

    • First and Last Name
    • Local Number
    • Email Address
    • OPSEU/SEFPO Union Number
    • Date Elected
    • Elected Position (Local President or Vice-President)
    • Which session you’d like to attend
    • Please indicate which group(s) you identify with:
      • A racialized person (i.e. Black, East Asian, South Asian)
      • A non-racialized person (white)
      • A person of Indigenous ancestry (Métis, Inuit, and First Nations)

    Please note that if you are not selected for this session or notify us that you are unable to attend at this time, we will add you to a list to inform you of the next session. If you are accepted, you will receive a registration package with all the details and access to the portal to register.

    Any applications received after the end of day, December 12, 2024, will not be considered for this session.

    If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the Education unit at education@opseu.org.

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  • Local Presidents and Vice-Presidents Orientation – Feb. 19-21, 2025 and Feb 24-26, 2025

    Two sessions of the OPSEU/SEFPO Local Presidents/Vice-Presidents Orientations are scheduled on February 19-21, 2025, and February 24-26, 2025.

    This three-day workshop will give Local Presidents and Vice-Presidents the skills and tools they need to help them fulfill their leadership role within the union and navigate OPSEU/SEFPO’s organizational structure, systems, supports and resources.

    • Session 1
      • Wednesday, February 19, 2025 9 am – 5PM, plus a 7PM to 9PM workshop
      • Thursday, February 20, 2025 9AM – 5PM, plus a 7PM to 9PM workshop
      • Friday, February 21, 2025 9AM – 3PM
    • Session 2
      • Monday, February 24, 2025 9AM – 5PM, plus a 7PM to 9PM workshop
      • Tuesday, February 25, 2025 9AM – 5PM, plus a 7PM to 9PM workshop
      • Wednesday, February 26, 2025 9AM – 3PM
    • Meeting room
      • Large Training Room – 100 Lesmill, North York, ON (Head office)
    • Hotel:
      • Pan Pacific Toronto
      • 900 York Mills Road, Toronto, ON M3B 3H2
      • Phone: 1 416 444 2511
      • Single rate: $179.00 +taxes
      • Meeting Room:
      • Parking: Parking free at head office, $18 per day at Pan Pacific *Note: valet parking receipts are not a reimbursable claim.
    • Applications now closed

    Hotel Room Bookings

    In accordance with the OPSEU/SEFPO policy (Section 10.1-5), any member who resides further than 60 kilometers from the event may request that OPSEU/SEFPO make their hotel reservation on their behalf by completing the Hotel Registration section when registering for the event in the OPSEU/SEFPO Member Portal.

    If you attend the evening workshops, the 60 kilometers rule is waived for members who live within 60km, and hotel accommodation will be approved. Sign-in will be required to claim hotel accommodation.

    OPSEU/SEFPO will be booking all hotel rooms centrally. Delegates will be reimbursed for single room hotel accommodation.

    Members are also responsible for payment of their hotel room upon check out as there are no charges billed back to OPSEU/SEFPO. Please save your itemized receipt and submit it with your Membership Expense Claim Form.

    Please also notify the Conferences and Travel Unit of any special accessibility needs that you may have with respect to your hotel room.

    Any additional nights outside of this policy must be pre-approved by the Conferences and Travel Unit, regardless of Region or distance from the event.

    Human Rights Accommodation Request Form

    Should you require a human rights accommodation or have an existing accommodation under the Human Rights Code, please complete and submit a OPSEU/SEFPO Human Rights Accommodation Form in full. Session 1 Human Rights Accommodation Form | Session 2 Human Rights Accommodation Form

    Family, Dependent and Attendant Care are covered expenses for this event for those who require it at the event or at home.

    OPSEU/SEFPO Child Care Policy

    OPSEU/SEFPO undertakes to provide childcare services, when requested, at all union educationals, conventions, regional, divisional, and demand-setting meetings where the membership requests are at least three weeks prior to the event. Members who bring their children to OPSEU/SEFPO sponsored functions should normally be required to use the on-site childcare service if it is available.

    The three-week notice will ensure adequate time to process advances when requested. If no requests for on-site childcare are received three weeks prior to the activity date, childcare arrangements for on-site child care may not be made. If members then bring children to the event without the required notice, the member should be responsible for making his/her own childcare arrangements.

    Forms

    Members are to complete their Event Registration, Hotel Booking and Child Care Registration through OPSEU/SEFPO’s Member Portal.

    Attached you will find the following documentation:
    1. Session 1 Advance form | Session 2 Advance form
    2. Session 1 Human Rights Accommodation Form | Session 2 Human Rights Accommodation Form
    3. Member Portal Quick Intro
    4. Event Registration Tutorial
    5. Online Expense Claim Tutorial

    Eligibility Criteria:

    All Local Presidents and Local Vice-Presidents who have not taken the Local Presidents Orientation are eligible to participate in these regular orientation sessions.

    Please note that if you applied for either of these two sessions, but were not selected for either but interested in a future session, please email presidentsorientation@opseu.org

    The selection process will ensure equitable representation from all the regions. If there are more applications than available spaces, selection will also consider the order of date of election as Local President/ Vice- President within each region.

    Please note that the course is only open to elected, currently serving Local Presidents, Local Vice-Presidents and Acting Local Presidents.

    Please advise us of your interest in attending this course by emailing presidentsorientation@opseu.org before end of day, Thursday, December 12, 2024, and include the following details:

    • First and Last Name
    • Local Number
    • Email Address
    • OPSEU/SEFPO Union Number
    • Date Elected
    • Elected Position (Local President or Vice-President)
    • Which session you’d like to attend
    • Please indicate which group(s) you identify with:
      • A racialized person (i.e. Black, East Asian, South Asian)
      • A non-racialized person (white)
      • A person of Indigenous ancestry (Métis, Inuit, and First Nations)

    Please note that if you applied for either of these two sessions, but were not selected for either, we will add you to a list to inform you of the next session.

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  • OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle Call for Representatives in Region 1, 2, 4 and 7

    The OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle invites OPSEU/SEFPO members who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) to apply for a position on the OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle to fill vacancies in Regions 1, 2, 4 and 7.

    The role of the regional representative on the Indigenous Circle is to create and maintain networks within the region, to develop and promote programs, to encourage First Nation (Status or Non Status), Métis and Inuit members to participate in union activities and to increase the awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues throughout the OPSEU/SEFPO membership.

    Selection Process

    The Member Equity Unit will ensure an anonymous selection process.

    The Indigenous Circle will select a new representative from Regions 1, 2, 4, and 7 based on the following considerations:

    • previous activist experience;
    • willingness to share cultural knowledge to the Indigenous Circle and OPSEU/SEFPO; and
    • openness to learning various Indigenous cultural activities.

    To be considered, please complete the questionaire below by 5pm on Monday, January 6.  Alternatively, you can download and complete this Word document and email it to the Member Equity Unit at equity@opseu.org no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025.

    If you have any difficulty reading the application, please contact the Member Equity Unit at equity@opseu.org

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  • OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle Call for Representatives in Region 1, 2, 4 and 7

    OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle Call for Representatives in Region 1, 2, 4 and 7

    The OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle invites OPSEU/SEFPO members who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) to apply for a position on the OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle to fill vacancies in Regions 1, 2, 4 and 7.

    The role of the regional representative on the Indigenous Circle is to create and maintain networks within the region, to develop and promote programs, to encourage First Nation (Status or Non Status), Métis and Inuit members to participate in union activities and to increase the awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues throughout the OPSEU/SEFPO membership.

    Selection Process

    The Member Equity Unit will ensure an anonymous selection process.

    The Indigenous Circle will select a new representative from Regions 1, 2, 4, and 7 based on the following considerations:

    • previous activist experience;
    • willingness to share cultural knowledge to the Indigenous Circle and OPSEU/SEFPO; and
    • openness to learning various Indigenous cultural activities.

    To be considered, please complete the questionaire below by 5pm on Monday, January 6.  Alternatively, you can download and complete this Word document and email it to the Member Equity Unit at equity@opseu.org no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025.

    If you have any difficulty reading the application, please contact the Member Equity Unit at equity@opseu.org

    apedersen

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