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  • OPSEU/SEFPO Vacancy – Bilingual Negotiator (CAAT) (22) – 25.015

    • Title: Bilingual Negotiator (CAAT) (22)
    • Location: Negotiations (CAAT-A) Unit, Contract Negotiations Division, OPSEU/SEFPO Head Office, 100 Lesmill Road, Toronto, ON M3B 3P8
    • Reporting to: Supervisor, Negotiations (CAAT-A) 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 expert advice and guidance to staff, members and bargaining teams, and represents them in an advocacy role for collective bargaining and dispute resolution:
    • Represents members, units and locals in bargaining or contract dispute resolution forums in an advocacy/spokesperson role in relation to collective bargaining, job classification systems review, pay equity
    • Provides leadership to various bargaining teams, members, units, locals or divisional committees or meetings
    • Provides expert advice, opinion and training to staff, Executive Board members, bargaining teams, and members regarding bargaining/dispute resolution issues, job classification systems review, pay equity, and others
    • Develops and writes contract/dispute settlement language
    • Researches and prepares arguments and proposals for collective bargaining and related processes
    • Develops new, innovative bargaining/dispute resolution strategies and positions
    • Negotiates collective agreements and pay equity plans
    • Uses complex calculations, e.g. wage and benefits costing, retroactivity
    • Performs other related duties as assigned
    • Proficiency to carry out all duties and responsibilities in both English and French

    Qualifications

    • Advanced French language skills (written and oral)
    • Undergraduate degree and three years of related work experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
    • Knowledge of bargaining trends and techniques, case law, economic and political trends, settlements and related labour legislation
    • Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
    • Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the labour movement and social democratic principles
    • Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
    • Knowledge of structures, practices and procedures of employer groups, Ministries, Affiliates, and Boards/ Tribunals (e.g. Pay Equity Commission)
    • Advocacy and numeracy skills
    • Intermediate PC skills and knowledge of various software applications

    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.

    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.

    1. Complete the OPSEU/SEFPO Job Applicant Survey
    2. Applications must be sent to competitions@opseu.org quoting “25.015 – Bilingual Negotiator (CAAT) (22), Negotiations (CAAT-A) Unit” by 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) on March 21, 2025.

    Posting Date:   March 7, 2025

    apedersen

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  • OPSEU/SEFPO Vacancy – Owen Sound Staff Rep (56-33) – 25.010

    • Title: Staff Representative (56-33)
    • Location: Owen Sound Regional Office (Region 2), Negotiations Division, 100-1717 2nd Ave East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 6V4
    • Reporting to: Supervisor, Regions 1 & 2
    • 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

    Represents members and locals as Bargaining Agent in bargaining or dispute resolution forums in a resource, advocacy or spokesperson role. Represents members in grievance handling and delivers educational programs:

    • Provides advice to members and staff regarding bargaining/dispute resolution issues etc.
    • Negotiates contracts and other agreements
    • Develops and writes contract/dispute settlement language
    • Develops new, innovative bargaining/dispute resolution strategies and positions
    • Researches and prepares arguments and proposals for collective bargaining
    • Provides servicing support to organizing/re-organizing campaigns
    • Provides leadership and advice to members in strike preparation and strikes
    • Provides leadership in development of strong active locals and positive links within the labour community
    • Prepares for and facilitates educational programs
    • Attends and assists in general membership meetings and elections and votes as required
    • Performs other related duties as assigned

    Qualifications:

    • Undergraduate degree and four years of related work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
    • Knowledge of bargaining trends, settlements, labour and other related legislation, arbitration awards
    • Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
    • Requires labour and or community activism experience
    • Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the labour movement, social democratic principles, and strategies to create change
    • Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
    • Requires excellent facilitation, advocacy, numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills
    • Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages and internal databases
    • Requires initiative, self-direction, tact, and diplomacy skills
    • Requires excellent written and oral communication 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.

    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.

    Posting Date: March 7, 2025

    apedersen

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  • OPSEU/SEFPO Vacancy – Peterborough Staff Rep (56-34) – 25.011

    • Title: Staff Representative (56-34)
    • Location: Peterborough Regional Office (Region 3), Negotiations Division, 69 George Street North, Peterborough, ON K9J 3G2
    • Reporting to: Supervisor, Regions 3 & 4
    • 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

    Represents members and locals as Bargaining Agent in bargaining or dispute resolution forums in a resource, advocacy or spokesperson role. Represents members in grievance handling and delivers educational programs:

    • Provides advice to members and staff regarding bargaining/dispute resolution issues etc.
    • Negotiates contracts and other agreements
    • Develops and writes contract/dispute settlement language
    • Develops new, innovative bargaining/dispute resolution strategies and positions
    • Researches and prepares arguments and proposals for collective bargaining
    • Provides servicing support to organizing/re-organizing campaigns
    • Provides leadership and advice to members in strike preparation and strikes
    • Provides leadership in development of strong active locals and positive links within the labour community
    • Prepares for and facilitates educational programs
    • Attends and assists in general membership meetings and elections and votes as required
    • Performs other related duties as assigned

    Qualifications

    • Undergraduate degree and four years of related work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
    • Knowledge of bargaining trends, settlements, labour and other related legislation, arbitration awards
    • Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
    • Requires labour and or community activism experience
    • Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the labour movement, social democratic principles, and strategies to create change
    • Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
    • Requires excellent facilitation, advocacy, numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills
    • Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages and internal databases
    • Requires initiative, self-direction, tact, and diplomacy skills
    • Requires excellent written and oral communication 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.

    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.

    Posting Date: March 7, 2025

    apedersen

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  • Part-time & sessional faculty union certification update: Ballot boxes will open for vote count on April 11th and April 17th

    A short and exciting update to follow on the status of union certification for our part-time (PT) and sessional (SL) faculty colleagues! After years of advocacy and legal proceedings since the union drive began in 2017, we have received formal notice of the vote count from the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).

    In just a few short weeks, on April 11th and April 17th, ballot boxes will be opened for the official vote count.

    In other words, thousands of PT/SL faculty at Ontario’s colleges will formally be welcomed as new members of OPSEU/SEFPO as soon as April/May 2025. While further disputes and delays are always possible, we hope for a smooth transition into the next chapter of this organizing drive, where PT/SL faculty can build their union.

    In the interim, you can play a crucial role in setting the stage.

    Do you know PT/SL faculty at your college?

    Make sure they register for the upcoming Part-time and Sessional Faculty Town Hall on March 19th, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. EST. This town hall, sure to be the first of many, will help get members introduced to OPSEU/SEFPO, what it means to be unionized, and the fight ahead for faculty and support staff.

    Members can register here using their personal (i.e. non-work) email.

    OPSEU/SEFPO is looking for leaders ready to build the union!

    Do you have a PT/SL colleague in mind? They can express their interest by completing the Leadership Survey, available in both English and French.

    Every worker deserves a union, and we look forward to finally welcoming PT/SL colleagues into ours – there’s more power in a bigger tent!

    webpublisher

  • BloodLines Bargaining Bulletin: March 2025

    Since negotiations began, your OPSEU/SEFPO CBS bargaining team has been pushing for a fair and equitable agreement that reflects the needs and priorities of the membership. As we move forward with negotiations, we want to provide you with an update on the progress we have made so far and details on what lies ahead.

    Past Bargaining Dates:

    Your bargaining team and the employer have met on the following dates:

    • October 2-3, 2024
    • December 3-4, 2024
    • January 22-23, 2025
    • February 26, 2025

    During the meeting dates in January, your bargaining team presented the monetary proposals from the priorities that you identified. Our monetary package included demands for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living, improved vacation entitlements for both full-time and part-time members, increases in premiums and allowances as well as sick leave enhancements for all members. We also continue to push for meaningful enhancements to our job security language to combat the threat posed by Grifols and the ongoing privatization of blood collections in Ontario.

    We tabled these demands with the goal of achieving the best possible deal for the entire bargaining unit, one that recognizes us for the work we do and compensates us accordingly. Given the lack of meaningful movement from the Employer, the bargaining team made the decision to apply for conciliation to help advance negotiations.

    At the February 26th session, little progress was made on key issues, highlighting the employer’s continued unwillingness to address our members’ concerns, and reinforcing our decision to file for conciliation. We remain committed to achieving a fair agreement and will continue to push the employer to recognize the value of your work.

    Upcoming Bargaining Dates:

    Future bargaining dates are scheduled for the following dates:

    • March 26-27, 2025 (with a government-appointed Conciliator present on March 26)

    We will return to the bargaining table on March 26 with the support of a Conciliator, and we remain hopeful that this process will lead to real progress. During these dates, we will continue to fight for improvements that matter most to, including work-life balance, fair treatment and job protections.

    Your support and solidarity are essential as we continue to fight for a fair and respectful contract and we will keep you informed every step of the way.

    Update your contact info today!

    Make sure your information is up to date so you get all the latest bargaining info. Forward this email on to your fellow colleagues if they didn’t get it!

    If you have not filled out a member application form, you can do so here:
    https://hub03.opseu.org/Forms/emaweb

    If you have, you can register for or update your information on the OPSEU/SEFPO Member Portal:
    https://members.opseu.org/

    Instructions on how to create a Member Portal account and update your info can be found here:
    https://shorturl.at/V9QXL

    In solidarity,
    Your Bargaining Team:

    Alberto Alvaro, Chair – albertoalvaro@live.ca
    Audrey Smith – anmsmith@hotmail.ca
    Alexis Victoria – alexis_v99@hotmail.com
    Brent MacPherson – bgmacpherson@hotmail.com
    Kevin Beresten – kberesten@gmail.com

    webpublisher

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  • BloodLines Bargaining Bulletin: March 2025

     

    Since negotiations began, your OPSEU/SEFPO CBS bargaining team has been pushing for a fair and equitable agreement that reflects the needs and priorities of the membership. As we move forward with negotiations, we want to provide you with an update on the progress we have made so far and details on what lies ahead.

    Past Bargaining Dates:

    Your bargaining team and the employer have met on the following dates:

    • October 2-3, 2024
    • December 3-4, 2024
    • January 22-23, 2025
    • February 26, 2025

    During the meeting dates in January, your bargaining team presented the monetary proposals from the priorities that you identified. Our monetary package included demands for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living, improved vacation entitlements for both full-time and part-time members, increases in premiums and allowances as well as sick leave enhancements for all members. We also continue to push for meaningful enhancements to our job security language to combat the threat posed by Grifols and the ongoing privatization of blood collections in Ontario.

    We tabled these demands with the goal of achieving the best possible deal for the entire bargaining unit, one that recognizes us for the work we do and compensates us accordingly. Given the lack of meaningful movement from the Employer, the bargaining team made the decision to apply for conciliation to help advance negotiations.

    At the February 26th session, little progress was made on key issues, highlighting the employer’s continued unwillingness to address our members’ concerns, and reinforcing our decision to file for conciliation. We remain committed to achieving a fair agreement and will continue to push the employer to recognize the value of your work.

    Upcoming Bargaining Dates:

    Future bargaining dates are scheduled for the following dates:

    • March 26-27, 2025 (with a government-appointed Conciliator present on March 26)

    We will return to the bargaining table on March 26 with the support of a Conciliator, and we remain hopeful that this process will lead to real progress. During these dates, we will continue to fight for improvements that matter most to, including work-life balance, fair treatment and job protections.

    Your support and solidarity are essential as we continue to fight for a fair and respectful contract and we will keep you informed every step of the way.

    Update your contact info today!

    Make sure your information is up to date so you get all the latest bargaining info. Forward this email on to your fellow colleagues if they didn’t get it!

    If you have not filled out a member application form, you can do so here:
    https://hub03.opseu.org/Forms/emaweb

    If you have, you can register for or update your information on the OPSEU/SEFPO Member Portal:
    https://members.opseu.org/

    Instructions on how to create a Member Portal account and update your info can be found here:
    https://shorturl.at/V9QXL

    In solidarity,
    Your CBS Support Bargaining Team:

    Alberto Alvaro, Chair – albertoalvaro@live.ca
    Audrey Smith – anmsmith@hotmail.ca
    Alexis Victoria – alexis_v99@hotmail.com
    Brent MacPherson – bgmacpherson@hotmail.com
    Kevin Beresten – kberesten@gmail.com

    webpublisher

  • On Int’l Francophonie Day, Practice your French with Us by Zoom

    The Provincial Francophone Committee is delighted to continue our Zoom evening series: Practice your French with Us by Zoom !!

    Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, these evenings are designed to help improve your French skills in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

    Evening calendar and themes:

    • Thursday, March 20, 2025 @ 7 p.m. – International Francophonie Day

    Details of the evening:

      • Title: Practice Your French with Us
      • Theme: International Francophonie Day
      • Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
    • Time: 7 p.m.

    RSVP to get a link

    newapedersen

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  • Worker Safety Engagement Tour – Windsor

    A team of our very own expert OPSEU/SEFPO staff from the areas of:

    • Health and Safety
    • WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board)
    • Pension and Insured Benefits

    Will be in your area to allow OPSEU/SEFPO members from every sector and Regional Staff to drop-in, meet and greet other members, ask questions of the visiting staff, check out resources, gather information and more.

    These staff members will be set-up in your Regional Office:

    •  March 10, 2025 at Windsor Regional Office – 3005 Marentette Avenue, Suite 130 Windsor Ontario N8X 4G1

    Members from all sectors will be encouraged to come out to meet, greet and ask any questions, like:

    • How to fire up your Local Joint Health and Safety Committee?
    • How does the right to refuse unsafe work operate?
    • Why should you care about pensions?
    • How to help members when a benefits, LTD claim or WSIB claim is denied?

    The OPSEU/SEFPO Worker Safety Unit is proud to bring a boost of energy, information and resources to OPSEU/SEFPO members where they work and live.

    webpublisher

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  • On Int’l Francophonie Day, Practice your French with Us by Zoom

    The Provincial Francophone Committee is delighted to continue our Zoom evening series: Practice your French with Us by Zoom !!

    Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, these evenings are designed to help improve your French skills in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

    Evening calendar and themes:

    • Thursday, March 20, 2025 @ 7 p.m. – International Francophonie Day

    Details of the evening:

      • Title: Practice Your French with Us
      • Theme: International Francophonie Day
      • Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
    • Time: 7 p.m.

    RSVP to get a link

    Rondeau, Nathalie

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  • Worker Safety Engagement – Kenora

    Printable PDF

    A team of our very own expert OPSEU/SEFPO staff from the areas of:

    • Health and Safety
    • WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board)
    • Pension and Insured Benefits

    Will be in your area to allow OPSEU/SEFPO members from every sector and Regional Staff to drop-in, meet and greet other members, ask questions of the visiting staff, check out resources, gather information and more.

    Staff members will be set-up in your Regional Office:

    • March 29th, 2025 at 11:00am – 6:00pm in  Clarion Lakeside Inn  (470 1st Ave S, Kenora, ON K0A 1L0)

    Members from all sectors will be encouraged to come out to meet, greet and ask any questions, like:

    • How to fire up your Local Joint Health and Safety Committee?
    • How does the right to refuse unsafe work operate?
    • Why should you care about pensions?
    • How to help members when a benefits, LTD claim or WSIB claim is denied?

    The OPSEU/SEFPO Worker Safety Unit is proud to bring a boost of energy, information and resources to OPSEU/SEFPO members where they work and live.

     

    webpublisher

  • OPSEU SEFPO Region 6 Hosts Provincial Francophone Committee at Cochrane Winter Carnival

    By Linda Kuizenga, Provincial Francophone Committee Chair

    OPSEU/SEFPO Region 6 proudly hosted the Provincial Francophone Committee at the annual Cochrane Winter Carnival, a beloved northern Ontario tradition. The event brought together members of the union and the community to celebrate winter, Francophone culture, and solidarity.

    One of the key highlights of the visit was a trip to the renowned Polar Bear Habitat, where committee members had the unique opportunity to meet Ganuck and Henry, the resident polar bears. The group also explored the heritage village, delving into the rich history of Cochrane, and visited the skidoo museum to learn about the evolution of snowmobiles, a staple of northern transportation.

    The festivities continued with the Torch Light Parade, a magical evening gathering at the heart of town. Participants warmed up by a massive bonfire, enjoyed a stunning fireworks display, and indulged in complimentary hot dogs and hot chocolate, generously provided by the Lions Club. The sense of camaraderie and warmth in the crisp winter air was truly unforgettable.

    A major highlight was OPSEU/SEFPO’s participation in the Parade, where the union’s float paid tribute to the legendary Canadian comedic duo, Bob and Doug McKenzie. Adding to the festive spirit, members handed out hot chocolate packets to the cheering crowd, reinforcing the union’s commitment to community engagement and goodwill.

    The Winter Carnival offered a range of exhilarating activities, ensuring there was something for everyone. Attendees enjoyed a sugar shack, helicopter rides, horseshoe tournaments, sliding, and a thrilling polar bear dip, where brave committee and Region 6 board members took an icy plunge. Families delighted in kids’ games, Kitty Cat rides, and an energetic dance carnival that kept the festivities going well into the evening.

    The event not only celebrated winter fun but also reinforced the strong bonds within the union and the broader Francophone community. OPSEU/SEFPO Region 6’s participation showcased their dedication to cultural preservation, community involvement, and strengthening relationships within the region.

    As the Winter Carnival came to a close, participants left with cherished memories, a deeper appreciation for Francophone traditions, and a renewed sense of solidarity. OPSEU/SEFPO Region 6 looks forward to continuing its active involvement in cultural events that bring members together in meaningful ways.

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  • We’re worth fighting for! Coordinated bargaining in the broader public service is here and momentum is building!

    It’s time for workers in the Broader Public Service (BPS) to fight back!

    For decades, provincial governments have chronically underfunded community based social and health services and universities. In many cases this has been exacerbated by contracting the work out to private agencies.

    Because of this, the workers providing these critical services have had lower wages and poorer working conditions while the owners, shareholders and Executive Directors of these agencies have profited from the needs of our communities.

    Now, many of these services are at the breaking point – with service cuts and layoffs. We’ve seen partial and even full program cuts.

    That’s why workers in the BPS are coming together to demand the wage and funding increases we need. Because we are worth fighting for, and so are the services we provide.

    You may have heard about a cross-sectoral bargaining campaign – and it’s really kicking off!

    Units in Phase 1 of the campaign have served notice to bargain and many have already tabled coordinated demands! For more information on this campaign and why this is our moment, click here.

    Why the Broader Public Service?

    • We are some of the lowest paid workers in the public service, and most received little or no wage increases during the Bill 124 moderation period or remedy after the legislation was deemed unconstitutional and repealed. Other workers in the public service got increases of 6.5% or more to catch up for what was stolen from them under Bill 124. We deserve to catch up too!
    • We are the safety net that holds the province together and worth fighting for!

    Who’s coming together in this campaign?

    • Members across 8 sectors of OPSEU/SEFPO are coming together to build power in this campaign. They work in: Developmental Services, Children’s Aid Societies, Community Agencies, BPS Corrections, Universities, Child Treatment Sector, Community Health Care Professionals, and Mental Health and Addictions.
    • Workplaces whose Collective Agreements are expiring this spring, or have already expired, are forming the first phase of this coordinated bargaining effort!
    • If your agreement expires after this spring, you can join Phase 2 to work with other sectors too. In the meantime, you can support those going into bargaining right now.

    Why now? What’s at stake if we don’t do this campaign?

    Something’s got to give! Unless we take collective action we’re just going to see more of the same: more layoffs; recruitment and retention issues; services failing to meet the needs of our communities; and more people will continue to fall through the cracks.

    The race to the bottom will continue with more contracting of work to private agencies and underfunding our broader public service.

    The fragmentation of the broader public service will continue to weaken our bargaining power.  We will continue to negotiate with underfunded, small employers and have little to no real power unless we target the real employer and funder: the Provincial Government and Treasury Board.

    Solidarity works – stay tuned for more information!

    Keep an eye out for invitations to upcoming organizing meetings or opportunities to show your support for units near you who are building momentum at the bargaining table or hosting solidarity actions.

    Talk to your peers who are going into bargaining about how they’re building power for this campaign – this could be you next year! Our power is in our numbers!

    Katie Arnup

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