Dec. 19, 2002 

New deal extends Driver Exam conversions to more members
A new settlement between OPSEU and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) will mean classified jobs for more unclassified employees at Driver Exam Centres (DECs).

As reported in FRONTlines, the Grievance Settlement Board (GSB) ruled Oct. 24 that unclassified workers do not lose their right to be converted to classified status (Article 31.15 of the collective agreement) just because their work is slated to be privatized. In October, the GSB ordered the immediate conversion of all unclassified DEC employees who had completed 18 months of service before Sept. 17, 2002.

For the full story...

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Dec. 16, 2002

In Answer to the $25 Question
The Local 232 Executive has had a few inquires to regarding members receiving $25.00 from the Union. 

This was a decision made by another Local to deal with the majority of their members being spread across various work locations, including the 1 Stone Road Complex, and NOT being able to meet together at the same time. The $25 per member allocation assists the smaller work units in being able to meet as a work unit. 

Local 232 is located primarily at the 1 Stone Complex and is able to call a general members meeting for everyone to meet at the same time and place. 

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Dec. 11, 2002 

Pay delay for reclassified court workers
It all sounds a little too familiar.
Two months after most OPSEU members in the Ontario Public Service finally got the money owed to them under the new collective agreement, over 400 court workers are still waiting to get the money owed to them since they were re-classified in June.

On June 27, FRONTlines reported that OPSEU and the government had signed a deal to reclassify 429 OPSEU members in the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG). Some 349 OAG-6s were to be reclassified as OAG-8s. A further 80 judges' secretaries, working as OAG-8s, were to be reclassified as OAG-9s.

The settlement has not changed. But none of the OPSEU members have seen the higher wages (and attached retro pay) they are supposed to get.

What's the hold-up this time?
Originally, the wage hikes for the reclassified court workers were held up while OPSEU members waited for the employer to deliver on the wage hikes bargained in the new collective agreement. The employer reasoned that it did not make sense to reclassify people to a higher level while the wage rates were still the ones from the old contract.       

For the full story...

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Nov. 29, 2002

Bill 198 saga turns bizarre as Ecker pushes for changes that "will never be proclaimed"
Does this seem weird to you?
Ontario Finance Minister Janet Ecker continues to push the Legislature to pass changes to Ontario pension laws even though she says - in writing - that they will never be proclaimed into law.

The changes to the Pension Benefits Act are part of the giant Bill 198. If enacted, they would make it easier for some employers to grab pension surpluses that, under current law, rightfully belong to pension plan members (Bill 198 would not affect pension plans that spell out that employees own any surplus or some part of it, e.g., the OPSEU Pension Trust, the CAAT Pension Plan, or the Canadian Blood Services pension plan).

For the full story...

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Nov. 22, 2002 

Ecker needs your advice on pension issues
Janet Ecker has been getting bad advice.
Ontario's Minister of Finance has tabled changes to the Pension Benefits Act (PBA) that could hurt hundreds of thousands of Ontario workers with pension plans.

Current pension case law gives employees strong claims over any and all pension surpluses. Bill 198, introduced Oct. 30, would severely weaken those claims in favour of employers. Bill 198 would:

• take the final authority for protecting members' plan surpluses away from the courts and give it to the Superintendent of Pensions, a Finance Ministry Employee;
• let Cabinet - and the lobbyists who influence it - set the rules that would allow employers to take pension plan surpluses;
• allow employers to withdraw pension surpluses, exposing the plan to the risk of underfunding; and
• allow employers to withdraw pension surpluses without employee consent.

The planned changes to the PBA do not affect pension plans that spell out that employees own any surplus or some part of it, e.g., the OPSEU Pension Trust, the CAAT Pension Plan, and the Canadian Blood Services pension plan. The Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) also says it is not affected by the changes. Workers with their pensions in other plans may not be so fortunate.

Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) president Wayne Samuelson has led a strong campaign against the pension changes in Bill 198.

Samuelson is urging all workers with pension plans, union or non-union, to tell Janet Ecker to leave the pension system alone. "Too many employers are caught up in a feeding frenzy of greed," Samuelson wrote in today's Toronto Star. "Fortunately, employees know that the money belongs to them."

Contact:

Janet Ecker, Minister of Finance
Frost Building South, 7^th Floor,
7 Queen's Park Crescent
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1Y7
Telephone: (416) 325-0400
Fax (416) 325-0374
E-mail: janet_ecker@ontla.ola.org

Board moves to protect OPT    
The OPSEU Executive Board has taken precautions to defend the OPSEU Pension Trust from a potentially disastrous change to Ontario pension law.

In October, the union learned of a proposed law that would allow some pension plans to drain assets from other pension plans. Specifically, when a worker was divested from one employer to another, the pension plan at the new employer would be able to take assets connected to that worker - including any surplus - out of the pension plan at the old employer.

Since most workers in Ontario are divested out of the Ontario Public Service - and the OPSEU Pension Trust - this could amount to $1 billion in lost assets for the OPT.

The feared change did not appear when Bill 198 was tabled Oct. 30. The union is still waiting for confirmation that it has been shelved for good. Ask Janet Ecker about her plans for this, too.

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Nov. 4, 2002 

Renewal under way as OPS delegates elect MERCs
A weekend aimed at renewing OPSEU's leadership in the Ontario Public Service has done exactly that. The OPS conference drew 500 union members to Toronto Nov. 2-3 to plan strategy and elect new Ministry leadership teams. Delegates from every Ministry attended.

Half of the 22 Ministry Employee Relations Committees (MERCs) will have new Chairs following Sunday's elections. The committees could also use a new name, OPSEU president Leah Casselman told delegates. "I think we should clarify the mandate of the Central Employee Relations Committee and of all our ERCs," she said in a speech Saturday. "ERCs do not exist just so we can 'have relations' with the employer. I think we should start calling them 'Enforcement and Renewal Committees,' and I would be very interested to hear back from any ERCs who put that suggestion on the table in their next meeting with the employer."

MERC chairs were elected Nov. 3 as follows:

* Agriculture and Food: Doug Peebles

The Agriculture and Food Team also includes:
Mitch Nagel, Vice Chair
Emily Hitchcock, Member
Phyllis McTaggert, Alternate
Kathleen Salazar, Alternate
Carolyn Vining, Alternate

For the full story on the OPS Conference...

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Oct. 25, 2002 

Grievance win nets classified jobs for driver examiners
Scores of unclassified driver examiners have won classified jobs in the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) in an OPSEU grievance victory.

The grievance applies to unclassified workers who had completed 18 months of service before Sept. 17, 2002.
Paul Dunseith, OPSEU chair of the MTO Ministry Employee Relations Committee, estimates 150 to 200 workers will qualify for conversion under yesterday's ruling from the Grievance Settlement Board (GSB).

For the full story...

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Oct. 8, 2002

Alert! Tories plan law on pension transfers
Ontario's Tory government is set to table a new law that will affect the pensions - and pension plans - of hundreds of thousands of Ontario workers. It may affect yours.

The proposed new law relates to workers with pension plans at one employer who are transferred to a new employer with a new pension plan. Under the planned law, employers would have the power to trigger the transfer of all funds connected to the pensions of transferred workers from their old pension plan to their new one.

But while the money attached to each member would be transferred, the pension benefits would not.
This is very important to people who transfer from a pension plan with better benefits to one with lesser benefits. For example, the OPSEU Pension Plan administered by the OPSEU Pension Trust (OPT) offers several features found in few other plans. This is thanks largely to the fact that its plan members have control over how their pension surpluses are spent. The OPT plan has features like the Factor 80 early retirement plan.

What happens when members transfer to a plan like the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, known as OMERS? All of the money attached to their OPT pension goes to OMERS, but the pension plan they get is the OMERS plan. No Factor 80. Same money. Less pension.

For the full story...

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Sept. 26, 2002

New contract is on the web
The new OPS collective agreement is now on the OPSEU website. You can access the complete document at:
OPS Collective Agreement
Printing the book will take a bit longer. This requires more graphic design work, proofreading and actually printing the document.

Focus on enforcement
Ministry divisional meetings are taking a new approach this year.
"We want to emphasize the new focus on contract enforcement," said OPSEU President Leah Casselman.
All the meetings are being held the weekend of Nov. 2-3, with the first day being a combined session for delegates from across the OPS.

For the full story...

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Sept. 16, 2002

Plan members win as Executive Board approves 
OPT improvements
$467 million extends Factor 80, helps stabilize rates

"The maximum benefit for the maximum number of members for the maximum period of time."
That's how OPSEU Executive Board Member (Region 6) Bill Kuehnbaum describes the latest changes to the OPSEU Pension Trust (OPT). At its Sept. 12 meeting, the Board allocated the $467 million in recent gains in the pension plan to:

* improve pension benefits;
* shore up the long-term financial health of the plan; and
* continue a modified contribution reduction for plan members over the next three years.

The Executive Board based its decisions on 14,000 completed surveys that plan members sent in in August.
"The three groups in the plan - active members, deferred members, and retirees - all placed the highest priority on immediate benefit improvements, followed by rate stabilization and continuation of the contribution reduction," said Kuehnbaum, who sits on the Board's Pension Liaison Committee with Region 5 Board Member Nancy Pridham. "These changes reflect the priorities of survey respondents."

For the full story...

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Sept. 11, 2002

Contract meat inspectors ruled crown employees
The Ministry of Labour has ruled that per-diem or contract meat inspectors are indeed crown employees for the purposes of the Employment Standards Act (ESA.)

Jo-Anne O'Hara, a former contract meat inspector from Peterborough, has been relentless in her pursuit of justice and workplace health and safety for contract meat inspectors.

O'Hara received a letter from MOL saying "the 'per diem' meat inspectors are employees" of the crown under the ESA.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has maintained that the "part-time" meat inspectors (who work up to 60 hours per week) were not employees, and were not entitled to employment rights including the right to belong to a union.

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Aug. 27, 2002 

OPSEU sues government over pay delay
OPSEU has given notice of a legal charge against the Ontario government over wages owing to 45,000 public servants since the eight-week strike this spring.

Both sides ratified an agreement which said members would see their increases "as soon as reasonably possible" after ratification, but the government says it can't fix members' pay until the pay of Oct. 10 - more than five months after the strike was settled.

"This is unconscionable," said OPSEU President Leah Casselman. "People who lived on strike pay for eight weeks need the increase now, not in five months' time."

For the full story...

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July 22, 2002 

Members protest pay hold up
OPSEU’s “PAY UP NOW” campaign is picking up steam.

About 40 members gathered today in Toronto to call on Management Board Chair David Tsubouchi to hand over the pay increases and retroactive pay he agreed to on May 5.

“The new Premier says he wants a new relationship with labour, and with his employees,” OPSEU President Leah Casselman told the crowd. “Our message to the new Premier is that if you want to have a new relationship, send somebody to the table who wants to make it happen.”

OPSEU’s policy grievance on the matter will be heard at the Grievance Settlement Board on July 31 and Aug. 1.

The government now says the Aug. 1 paycheques will include an extra amount equal to a 3.5 per cent pay increase, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2002. But all other money owing would still not be paid until Oct. 10.

Casselman said the government is completely ignoring the money owed to unclassified workers, people at the top of their pay range, those on Long Term Income Protection, and those who will receive extra “special case” raises.

Casselman urged OPSEU members across the OPS to keep up the pressure through workplace and public events.

“We need to keep up the pressure, through demonstrations and lobbying and whatever it takes, to get our money now and to make sure this kind of jerking around never happens again,” she said. “It’s not acceptable.”

More “PAY UP NOW” buttons (mailed to OPS stewards last week) may be ordered by contacting Mary-Anne Diadamo at OPSEU head office at 1-800-268-7376, extension 664. Ask for stickers, too.

For the full story see Frontlines Pdf copy

Locally as a support campaign, a petition (Group Grievance) has been started and is making its way through OMAF at 1 Stone Rd. If you haven't seen it yet, check with a Steward on your floor (don't have one - consider volunteering to be one).

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July 8, 2002 

OPSEU Pension Trust Surplus
How will you use $467 million? That's your share of the latest surplus in the OPSEU Pension Trust. 

Attention locals and strikers: Cash those cheques! Members continue active lobbying.

Full Details in Frontlines -
Pdf copy -

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June 4, 2002 

Delegates Vote to Rebuild the Strike Fund
Convention delegates have confirmed a commitment to rebuilding OPSEU’s depleted strike fund.

This sets in place an automatic temporary levy whenever the strike fund dips below $30 million. The temporary levy stays in effect until the fund is back up to $30 million.

At the start of the OPS strike, the strike fund sat at $27 million, but by the end of the strike, the fund was depleted.

Interest free loans from other unions, including the National Union of Public and General Employees and the United Steelworkers of America, must also be repaid.

While the 45,000-member OPS bargaining unit has a contract that runs until the end of 2004, there are three other large units which will be in bargaining in 2003. They are the 7,500 members of community college faculty, the 6,000 college support staff group, and the 1,800 members who work for the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

The levy will take effect June 15. For someone earning $36,000 a year, it amounts to less than twenty cents a day, or about a cup of coffee a week.

For Full details

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May 7, 2002 

Return-To-Work Q&A
Questions and answers about your rights and protections as you return to work after the OPS strike.

For more details

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May 5, 2002 

Public Service Employees Ratify Contract
Ontario Public Service employees have ratified a new collective agreement with the Ontario government, ending the 54-day strike. 

The provincial vote results are as follows:

• Central bargaining unit (all employees): 78 per cent voted to accept the May 2 tentative agreement. Voter turnout was 52 per cent.
• Unified category (comprising the former Administrative, Institutional & Health Care, Office Administration, and Technical/Operational & Maintenance categories): 81 per cent voted to accept the contract; turnout was 55 per cent.
• Corrections category: 74 per cent voted to accept the contract; turnout was 75 per cent.

The employer had ratified the contract already.

Members will report to work on Monday, May 6. Those on shifts will be back on the job at the beginning of their first scheduled shift.

Media Release -

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May 3, 2002 

LOCAL 232 CONTRACT VOTE
Saturday May 4, 2002
11 am to 3 pm
Guelph Regional OPSEU Office
291 Woodlawn Road West - Block 3C
(Woodlawn Road between the Hanlon
and Silvercreek PKWY N)

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May 2, 2002 

Bargaining Team Reaches a Tentative Agreement with Ontario government
Recognizing that we have all been on strike for almost eight weeks, your Central Team is asking you to vote on this employer offer. The employer made it clear to us at 0100 hours on May 2, 2002 that this was a “take it, or leave it” offer. 

This offer has great gains for unclassified members, maintains the integrity of our pension surplus and has some benefit improvements. However, it falls short of the improvements we had all hoped for.

Thank you for your support and determination. It has given us the strength necessary to come this far.

For details of the agreement - .

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Voting Details - Available on Friday
Voting will be conducted (over the weekend) by each Local in consultation with the OPSEU Regional Office. Local 232 most likely will be voting on Saturday May 4 at the regional office in Guelph - further details to follow after tomorrow's conference call with Local Presidents in the Guelph Service Area. Those members who do not live in the same area as they work (eg. live in Guelph and work in Toronto) will be able to do an out of Local vote.    

Vote results will be released provincially at 6 pm on Sunday May 5. Pending ratification OPSEU members would return to work on Monday May 6 or your next regular work day. 

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May 1, 2002 

OPSEU strike update: talks continue on two tracks
The union and the government are still negotiating towards a new collective agreement. There is no tentative agreement as of 5:00 p.m. today, but the union bargaining teams remain optimistic that a deal can be reached soon. Negotiations have begun on a back-to-work protocol.

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April 23, 2002 

Union lifts media blackout to boost drive for settlement
Bargaining – real bargaining – requires give and take. The bargaining team has moved on all of our positions in order to reach a fair settlement for you. They are  confident that they can reach settlement if and when Ernie Eves takes responsibility and plays an active role in these negotiations. He needs to rid the process of the bureaucrats, Kevin Wilson and Malcolm Smeaton and relieve David Tsubouchi of his responsibilities. Tsubouchi’s inability to offer any solution to this situation speaks volumes about his inadequacy as a leader in this process.

There are two prevailing issues preventing a settlement. It's not a collective bargaining problem, but a failure of political will. It is also personal on the part of the bureaucrats. We need to overcome both. In the normal course of bargaining, we could bridge the gaps between us and our employer. We need to bring this back to a business relationship and to do that, Ernie Eves must get rid of Kevin Wilson, the prevailing barrier to these negotiations.

The bargaining team will be contacting all of the cabinet ministers to inform them about what’s really on the table and how close we are and what we need to achieve a contract. We would ask that you contact your MPPs immediately and tell them about the differences.

The URGENT message to MPPs is available for faxing or emailing - .  

PDF copy - .

For a complete list of MPP contact information - .

For more information on the five major issues remaining in dispute; including both the Union's proposal and Employer's proposal - .

PDF copy - .

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April 22, 2002 

Union moves to speed pace of bargaining
Over the weekend, the bargaining team gave the employer a comprehensive offer for settlement.  

It is a significant move, because if the employer were to agree to the union’s position, we would be on our way to a new collective agreement.

Putting together a comprehensive offer for settlement involves taking a good hard look at each issue in dispute and deciding what moves the union can make in an effort to find an agreement.

It is not an easy process and it requires a tough analysis of the relative importance of every issue on the table.

Full story -

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April 19, 2002 

OPSEU makes farm call on Eves
The new premier was holding a “restricted” campaign media event at a farm near Caledon East Friday afternoon when about 20 OPSEU members from nearby Orangeville turned up.

Region 2 EBM Jay Jackson reports that two strikers had already gained access to the media event and asked Ernie some questions about the strike.

The OPSEU bunch were soon told to leave the property. They promptly set up a picket line on Airport Road, effectively sealing off the farm and Ernie for about two hours.

Members told the reporters they were there to question Eves about their contract.

After about an hour, Ernie tried to leave in his RV, and got out to talk to the strikers.

Eves said he’d directed Dave Tsubouchi to “alter” the government’s bargaining position.

Next stop on the Ernie tour is Orangeville on Monday evening, where Eves is set to attend an all-candidates’ meeting.

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OPSEU to Rally in Orangeville on Monday to get answers
The largest rally in Orangeville history will take place Monday as hundreds of striking OPSEU members converge on the city. Speakers for the rally include: 

Bruce Davidson, Concerned Walkerton Citizens

Doug Wilcox, NDP candidate, Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey

Josh Matlow, Liberal Candidate, Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey

Leah Casselman

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Guelph Fergus Picketers talk to Ernie 
Two of our members (Irma Armoogan-Lutkin and Norm Bazinet) from the 1 Stone Road picket line were able to speak directly to him during the "Queen's Park" media scrum. 

Ernie said that Minister Tsubouchi advised him that they had present an offer at the table last Wednesday. One of our members responded, by saying, if it was that good - then our bargaining team would have brought the offer back us and we wouldn't be out here.

Toronto Star coverage -  

2nd story - 

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April 17, 2002 

Photos from the Fergus Picket Line 
Debroah Whale Liberal Candidate for Waterloo Wellington stops by - Local Managers, "Gwenie and Lennie" join the line (thanks for the support guys!). 

 

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April 16, 2002 

Thousands of OPSEU members greet Ernie
OPSEU members along with our allies from the labour movement turned to greet new Premier Ernie Eves in Toronto yesterday. Twin marches up Bay St. and another up University Ave. converged on Queen's Park. There, a sit-down strike blockaded a major traffic intersection for two hours as police looked on. Eves received an impromptu visit from Leah Casselman and the chairs of our OPS bargaining teams. 

Photos -

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Response to Employer's Quick ("Lies") Facts
We invite all citizens of this province to express their concerns over the Employer's blatant lies of late. Please deliver your concern to the following Employer Representatives (details below): 
Wilson, Kevin
Phone: 416-325-1476 Fax: 416-325-1393 E-Mail: kevin.wilson@mbs.gov.on.ca
Address:
Kevin Wilson
Assistant Deputy Minister - HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
Ferguson Block
13th Flr
77 Wellesley St W
Toronto, ON M7A 1N3   

Tsubouchi, Hon. David H
Phone: 416-327-2333 Fax: 416-327-3790 E-Mail: david.tsubouchi@mbs.gov.on.ca
Address:
Hon. David Tsubouchi
Chair of Management Board of Cabinet - OFFICE OF THE CHAIR
Ferguson Block
12th Flr
77 Wellesley St W
Toronto , ON M7A 1N3   

Please advise them to (this strike could be resolved in 48 hours):

1. Respect the media blackout (which they violated first by leaking an internal memo to the Toronto media) 
2. Give the Employer's Bargaining Team the mandate to make a deal 
3. Get their hands off of the Employee's pension money 
4. Offer a better deal for the unclassified staff and part timers (rollover to classified status within 12 months) 
5. Term Classified - get rid of it... or at least strong language around its use (involve the MERC Teams for approvals of such positions) 
6. Offer a better Benefits package - it's far from acceptable - less than what AMAPCEO settled for 
7. A decent and fair wage offer    
   Deputy Ministers received an average of 13% per year ($152,229 to $194,832 within 2 years) - Assistant Deputy Ministers got an average of 8% per year over the past two years (source $100,000 club). MPPs are getting 36.6% - do we need to say anymore?   

OPSEU members should also be offered a signing bonus as part of a return to work protocol. 

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April 11, 2002 

Management Board leak to Toronto Media
Let's set the record straight - Get the message out - see below
Yesterday the employer leaked a Management Board memo to the Toronto media. The memo apparently told the managers that there has been "little progress" at the bargaining table, and that the strike could last another "two or three weeks."

So much for the media blackout on the talks. OPSEU responded that the strike could be settled in 48 hours if the government gave its team a mandate to make a deal.

Your bargaining Team is still at the table, but needs your help to persuade Management Board to bargain. To get a better deal, we'll need some heat out there. We've been bargaining, but the top five remaining issues still need to be resolved:

Wages
We haven't reached an agreement on wages. The employer still needs persuading to up its offer.

Part-timers/unclassified
They haven't offered anything for part-timers. They'll need persuading.

"Term" classified
The employer wants the freedom to hire any number of "term classified" people from outside the public service. We're against that.

OPSEU Pension Trust
We want to extend Factor 80 early retirement to Oct. 31, 2002, paid for with your share of the pension surplus money. Management is still opposing that.

And they still insist on their other pension take-aways.
They'll need persuading to get their hands off our pension money.

Benefits
The benefits package they offered is far from acceptable - less than what AMAPCEO settled for.

Get the message out.
That's the story. We are still at the table. We want to bargain a contract. This strike can be settled in 48 hours, if the government wants it to. 
We need members in the streets, in their faces, getting our message across.

Pick up the phone today and call your boss, David Tsubouchi, at (416) 327-2333. Advise him to give his bargaining team the mandate to make a deal - the strike could be settled within 48 hours - if he did! Then call your MPP with the same message. 

One of our members called and spoke to a "warm body" in the Minister's office, who recorded the call - then puts you through to the Minister's line (voice mail - which is picked up by himself or his EA).  

Here's another person to call (the MBS's spokesperson): Julie Rosenberg, MBS Communications, (416) 327-2793.

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April 10, 2002 

Get on the bus this Monday to go and greet Ernie!
Will Premier Ernie Eves make a difference? Will he give his negotiators the mandate to bargain an agreement? He'll need persuading.  On Monday, April 15, we will be at Queen's Park to greet the new Premier. Be sure to Join us. 

Get on the bus and be there. Your contract depends on it!

This is the day for Ernie Eves inauguration scheduled for about 2:00 to 2:30 pm.

 

The idea is to begin the rally at 1:00 pm at Queen's Park.   We would like to welcome the new premier and then invite Mr. Eves to address the assemblage or at least meet with President Leah Casselman following the inauguration.

 

Each Local needs to sign-up members for the trip and make commitment to the Guelph Regional Office by  noon on Thursday, April 11, 2002.

Guelph Regional Office
Ph: 519-837-3330

1-800-265-2660

Fax: 519-837-9187
Email: guelph@opseu.org

 

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April 8, 2002 

Talks Continue under a media blackout
So what does that mean?
When a mediator issues a blackout on bargaining, it means the mediator hopes that serious negotiations will take place.

If the sides are talking publicly about what is going on at the table, it can interfere with the job of coming to an agreement.

The privacy of the media blackout means that nobody is making assumptions about what is going on. Nobody is reading meaning into little bits of information. “They ordered tea instead of coffee. What does that mean?”

The work of negotiations is one of detail. The parties have to work out what they want to achieve, and then they have to come up with language that will make it happen.

In the process of negotiations, many things will happen.

One side will put a position on the table. The other side will probably take it away and discuss it. After that, they will return to the table and respond.

Sometimes positions are exchanged through the mediator, rather than across the table.

Sometimes a mediator can explore possible areas of agreement. This is along the line of trying to find out: “If they do this, will you do that?”

Everything that happens through the mediator is off the record. Only agreements that are made across the table count.

But the mediator can help to explore possibilities that the parties would not be prepared to present across the table if they didn’t think they would lead in the desired direction.

All of this works much better if it can happen in confidence. That is why serious bargaining usually takes place with a blackout.

When a blackout is lifted, it means one of two things: The parties have an agreement, or talks have fallen apart.

Obviously everyone is hoping for an agreement, not a breakdown in negotiations.

In the meantime, let the blackout do its work.

It means that both sides are still at it.

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April 1, 2002 

OPSEU and Management back to the Table on Tuesday
The following message was issued on Monday, April 1 by the Office of the Director, Labour Management Services, Ontario Ministry of Labour:

"At the request of the Mediators, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union and the Government of Ontario have agreed to return to the bargaining table on Tuesday, April 2, 2002 at 1:00 p.m.

The parties further agreed to the re-imposition of a Media Blackout, effective immediately."

The strike continues: OPSEU asks all OPS members to support their bargaining teams and maintain their strong picket lines, as usual.

Further information will be posted whenever it can be made available (even though this is April 1 - we're NOT fooling!). 

---

Our message is clear:

1. We have never left the bargaining table. The government left and we can’t bargain alone. It takes two to tango!

2. This is a strike about respect and integrity for unclassified staff.

3. We aren’t the kind of union that sells out our members.

4. This is a strike about control over our own pension surplus.

5. This is a strike about rebuilding a public service devastated by nearly seven years of Tory power.

6. This is a strike we will win.

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They understand in Walkerton

The mayor of the municipality of Brockton, which includes the town of Walkerton, has written to OPSEU about our members’ work. For the full story .

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Traveling BBQ to Visit 1 Stone Road on Tuesday
OPSEU Region 2's traveling BBQ will make a stop at the 1 Stone Rd line on Tuesday April 2, 2002 to serve up burgers and Hotdogs.

There will also be Solidarity guests from other Unions walking the picket line at noon as well.

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Mar 28, 2002 

No sheep dip, Batman!
For five days now, members of Local 232, with support from Local 233, have been turning away two van loads of non-essential workers from the OMAFRA site at the Wellington County Museum and Archives in Fergus.

The local manager tried to use the police to get them in, but the picket line told a different story to the Guelph Mercury - see the front page of the Mar 27 edition.

Also kept out is one double dipping Sheep Doctor (a vet who retired a couple of months ago under OPSEU’s Factor 80 plan).

CUPE support

The OMAFRA line in Fergus is grateful for support from CUPE Local 4392, the Association for Community Living - Guelph Wellington. Food and time on the line were much appreciated.

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Mar 22, 2002 

Fergus OMAFRA - 'Scab' Free Friday
The picket line located at the Wellington County Museum and Archives in Fergus, with the assistance of their brothers and sisters from Local 233 Corrections, scored a victory today. Picketers kept two vans loads of non essential workers (9 in total) at bay for about 1h 30 before the two vehicles gave up and drove off. The OPP Officer advised them that the picketers offered to let them get out of the vehicles and walk across the picket line - the offer was declined. So the Officer indicated the picketers could hold the non essential workers up for the rest of the day. After they left, the Worksite Rep completed a worksite inspection at the site. "Fuzzy Wuzzy", the Manager who's supposed to be in charge wasn't at all impressed with today's activities. It was colder inside the building than it was outside! 

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Mar 20, 2002 

The Inside 'Strike' is working well!
The Inside/Outside training held back in January is really coming home to roost for the Employer. From our sources, it seems that the Management at 1 Stone Rd are not that busy either, they describe it as lull similar to the period of time between Christmas and New Years. It seems they're too busy watching what's happening on the picket line. There's a plan already in the works to keep them busy. Those on the Region 2 mailing list, will have already received it. 

For all the latest information on what's (not) happening on the inside -

We have also received some disturbing information from the *%@#s (insert your own word) at 1 Stone as to what management is saying to them on the inside.  As a friendly heads-up reminder - Management needs to be staying neutral with members of the OPSEU bargaining unit during this Labour dispute. Senior ministry management staff need to reinforce this message with all the managers. Enough said! 

Traveling BBQ to Visit 1 Stone Road on Thursday
OPSEU Region 2 now has a traveling BBQ which will make it's first stop at the 1 Stone Rd line on Thursday March 21, 2002 for an ole fashion barbeque.

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Mar 13, 2002 

If you thought Wrestlemania was a really big event this weekend in Toronto! 
Welcome to OPSEUMANIA!!!

1 Stone Road Complex resembles an armed camp!
You would think that a war has broken out at the OMAFRA Building in Guelph or they've converted it into a correctional facility. All of the parking lots and entrance ways have been closed off with barricades. 

Benefits - Members, all of your benefits have been covered by your union. OPSEU made a deal with the Employer to cover benefits. For more info .

Will I get paid on Thursday, Mar 14? 
Yes - for more details.

So what's the strike all about?
We didn’t want a strike. We still don’t, but the government has left us with no option. They simply didn’t understand that you can’t ignore an 88 per cent strike vote.

This strike is fundamentally about three things: The 3 Rs!

1. Renewal of the public service
2. Respect for employees who do the work
3. Rejection of employer take-aways - 10 millions dollars worth!

The employer has proposed almost $13 million in cuts to benefits (based on their costing) in return for “improvements” worth less than $3 million. The employer has proposed to create “term classified” positions that would block current employees access to promotions and permanent jobs. The employer has proposed to take away their employees’ ability to use their own pension surplus money as they wish. The employer has proposed to make it much more difficult for casual (unclassified) employees to get converted. The employer has proposed to make it much more difficult for employees to get jobs through postings.

For all the details, including the Union's proposal and the Employer's proposal as of Mar 12 .

Press Release Mar 13 - Government Employees withdraw services across Ontario.

Frontlines for Mar 13 -

The Real Deal for Mar 12 -

The CorrectView for Mar 12 -

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Mar 11, 2002 

Mediator orders media blackout - talks continue
As of 7:30 pm yesterday, Mar 10, Mediator John Mather has ordered a media blackout. Talks continue. 

Be sure to check back here for any updates from the bargaining table - as soon as we know - it will be posted here as well as on the main OPSEU website.

Locally we are prepared for a Strike - Just Bring it on!
Thanks to all those members who came out yesterday in stormy weather for the picket sign party. You should see all the picket signs!  The sign up for picket duty has been phenomenal as is the cooperation between Locals at 1 Stone Road! We're ready to rumble! 

On Tuesday Mar 12, management will likely hold meetings with everyone in the building - you should be aware that the OPSEU has not entered into any protocol agreement with local management as of yet. The Locals were hoping to hold a meeting at 4:30 pm - just to update you.  However, we are unable to get the conference centre until 5:30 pm. If that changes rather quickly, we'll let you know the best we can. Unless you hear differently through our phone tree system - report for picket/strike duties on Mar 13. 

If for whatever reason you haven't given your home phone number to your Stewart or Information Contact for the phone tree system - please do so immediately. 

Actors return to home positions
Those members acting in AMAPCEO or Management positions and those acting OPSEU positions- be prepared to step down on Mar 13 and return to your position until the conclusion of the strike! 

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Mar 8, 2002 

Strike clock is now running - 5 days to Mar 13, 12:01 am
The Employer is not moving! Though they did table another offer on Tuesday to the Team. It was unchanged from their pre-vote offer, with the exception of an additional 0.5% for pay for performance. That's raises the employer's pay for performance to 1 percent, which is equivalent to $8:00 per week (before taxes) and remember not everyone would get it.  

The employer's so-called "new and improved" offer does not address any of our issues - issues that you said were important to you. As promised, your Central Team remains committed to negotiating a collective agreement. Unfortunately, you don't get that alone. There is an employer on the other side who is committed to bargaining a collective agreement. Every indication thus far is that they are not. 

For the full story

For the news release

 

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Mar. 6, 2002

Strike deadline approaching - so make some noise!
The Bargaining Team is asking ALL Locals to ensure that their strike committees are up and running, that the picket line rosters are completed and that everyone is plugged in to the mobilization campaign. 

You would think that an 88 percent strike mandate would get us an 88 percent improvement in the employer's offer. Unfortunately, the employer doesn't seem to be listening, as they have not moved from their concessionary standpoint.

The Team will continue to negotiate if and when the employer wants to entertain that idea. To this point, the employer has not. If we have no agreement, we will be on strike. The employer needs to hear you!

For the full story

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Guelph OPSEU Locals
Picket Sign Party
Sunday Mar 10, 2 pm

Guelph OPSEU Office - Membership Room 
(back entrance)

291 Woodlawn Rd, Unit 3 (at the back) 
between Silvercreek and the Hanlon (Hwy 6)

Bring your picket sign slogans 
with you and/or email them to:  
opseu232@web.ca

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Mar. 2, 2002

OPS to government: NO!
Thank you to everyone who came out and voted. You overwhelmingly rejected the employer's insulting offer, thus giving strength to the Team to go back to the bargaining table and start real negotiations!  

In fact members have voted 88 per cent to reject a contract offer from the provincial government and to give the bargaining team a strike mandate.

In a province-wide vote held Feb. 26 to 28, OPSEU members committed themselves to a contract that will start rebuilding the public service in Ontario. The turnout was 71 per cent of the bargaining unit.

For more information see - The Real Deal or The Correct View .  

For the news release - .

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Information kept strictly confidential
Earlier this week, a memo to all staff was sent out by the employer with regard to OPSEU receiving names, addresses and phone numbers for all employees. OPSEU gained access to this information after an order was written by the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

The release of this information from the employer is a common practice with nearly all trade unions. It is done for administrative purposes, such as distributing information and facilitating contract offer and ratification votes.

Please be assured that ALL member information received by OPSEU is kept strictly confidential. OPSEU respects members' rights to privacy, and information is never released outside of the organization without your express permission.

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Strike Question and Answers
For information regarding Benefits for OPSEU members in the event of a strike or lockout or for the pdf copy, click on the URL: 
http://www.opseu.org/ops/bargaining/BenefitsQA2002.PDF

For information about strike pay for OPSEU members in the event of a strike or lockout  or for the pdf copy, click on the URL: http://www.opseu.org/ops/bargaining/StrikePayQA2002.PDF 

The latest edition of The REAL DEAL (a weekly update on bargaining) is available at the following link: 

For a look at the Union's proposal and the Employer's proposal at the bargaining table, click on the following links (pdf files):
http://www.opseu232.org/pdf/agenda_union.pdf
http://www.opseu232.org/pdf/agenda_employer.pdf

Mar. 4, 2002

BBQ AND INFO RALLY

MAPLEHURST CORRECTIONAL CENTRE

HIGHWAY 401 / 25

THURSDAY MARCH 7^th, 2002

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

COME OUT AND MEET CORRECTIONS CRITIC

DAVE LEVAC, M.P.P. – BRANT

 MEET MEMBERS OF YOUR 
CORRECTIONS BARGAINING TEAM

Feb. 27, 2002

Time Off For Voting - Up To One and One-Half Hours
There is an agreement between Management board and OPSEU regarding time off for voting on this contract offer. 

The employer has directed managers to be "reasonable and flexible" if employees request time off to vote. Members can either request to come in late, leave early, if voting before or after work. Also members may ask for time off during the work day if the poll is some distance from the worksite (which in this case is across the city), and it is expected there will be line ups (especially over the lunch). Time off requested may be as much one to one and one-half hours.

The intent of the agreement is to ensure that members are provided with the opportunity to vote. Members are reminded that they must make the request to their supervisor/manager in order to get the time off.

Note that the Local is providing a shuttle service from 1 Stone Rd to the polling location between noon and 2:30 pm in order to assist members in getting to the polls to vote. We trust the Employer will live up to the agreement between Management Board and OPSEU.

The Shuttle will pickup and drop off at the South Ring entrance by the Tribunal Office.

Feb. 25, 2002

Guelph Service Area - All Locals

Vote Logistics -

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Vote Locations 
across the Province -

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Voting 
Cambridge/Kitchener 
OPSEU Locals 230, 231, 246
Wednesday, Feb 27, 2002 

Howard Johnson, Blair Room, 1333 
Weber Street East, Kitchener

10:00 am - 8:00 pm

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Voting
Guelph OPSEU Locals 232, 233, 257 
 Thursday, Feb 28, 2002 

Steel Worker's Hall, (now called Harpos)
89 Dawson Road, Guelph 

7:00 am - 8:00 pm

Directions from 1 Stone Road -  right on Stone Rd West - right on Edinburgh (about a 10-15 minute drive, note you will see the new St. Joesph Hospital building on the right just before turning left on Speedvale), left on Speedvale Ave West, left on Dawson, Steelworkers Hall is on the left.

Make Your No Vote Count 
for more money in Your pocket!

The higher the percentage of members that vote and the higher the NO Vote, the better the next offer will be!

Give your NO Vote to send the Bargaining Team back to
the table for an ‘A’ Contract - which You deserve!

Feb. 22, 2002

OPS bargaining issue sheets available on-line
The OPSEU web site now features a set of 12 up-to-date issue sheets, based on the Employer's Feb 14 offer, outlining some of the key issues on the bargaining table in negotiations between OPSEU and the Ontario government. Each issue sheet includes a brief summary of one issue, along with the actual contract language tabled by the employer and union bargaining teams. The sheets are conveniently designed to be easily downloaded for copying and distribution in your workplace.  Check them out on the OPSEU website .

Feb. 21, 2002

Contract Information Meetings TODAY in Guelph at the Legion  
Barry Scanlon, Chair of the Corrections Bargaining Team will be hand at tonight's meeting to talk about what's in and more importantly, what's NOT in the Employer's offer.  

Barry will explain the importance of coming out to vote next Thursday and giving the Bargaining Team a high 90%+ NO vote and what that means for you in getting an 'A' Contract offer out of the Employer. 

Be sure to attend one of three information sessions starting at 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion - 919 York Road, Guelph 

Directions - From the 1 Stone Road Complex, take Stone Road east, past the U of Guelph, turn left on Victoria Road, turn right on York Road - Hwy 7 east (Tim Hortons is on the corner - notice the Public Services billboard on the left) - go past the Guelph Correctional Centre, the Legion is next driveway on the right.  

Be sure to tell another member about tonight's meeting and take two members with you to the meeting.  

For members at 1 Stone Road - please remind them that all of this information is posted in the Kitchenettes on every floor and on this website.

Next week on Thursday Feb 28, be sure to remind two members about the importance of coming out and voting at the Steelworkers Hall (now called Harpos) on Dawson Road (From 1 Stone Rd, right on Stone Rd West - right on Edinburgh {about a 10-15 minute drive, note you will see the new St. Joesph Hospital building on the right, just before turning left on Speedvale}, left on Speedvale Ave West, left on Dawson) in Guelph. If members require a ride to the polls, be sure to let your Steward or Emily Hitchcock know and the Local will arrange for a ride. 

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Information Meeting 
Guelph OPSEU Locals 226, 232, 233, 257 
Feb 21, 2002 

Royal Canadian Legion 
919 York Road, Guelph  

4:30 - 5:30 pm
6:00 - 7:00 pm
7:30 - 8:30 pm

Feb. 17, 2002

Information Meeting 
Cambridge/Kitchener 
OPSEU Locals 230, 231, 246
Feb 20, 2002

Howard Johnson, Colonial Room
 1333 Weber Street East, Kitchener

5:30 - 6:30 pm
7:00 - 8:00 pm

Feb. 15, 2002

Employer's Contract Offer Available Online
Members looking for information on the Ontario government's Feb. 14 contract offer to OPSEU members in the Ontario Public Service can read the latest edition of Table Talk, our bargaining bulletin, on the web . From there you can also link to the full text of the employer's offer, also on the OPSEU web site. Table Talk will be translated, laid out, and at our printer within 24 hours. Paper copies should be en route to OPSEU members beginning in the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 16.

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Bargaining Team Unanimously Recommends 
Rejection of the Employer's Offer
Your Employer sent a clear message on Thursday morning: They're not going to work to renew the public service, respect you or address your issues until you make them - and they don't think that you can do it either! 

The Employer has made a move on wages - the first time the team has seen an offer! They are offering 1.95% in each year of a three-year agreement. In addition to the wage offer, they have proposed an increase of up to 0.5% in the first year, if we give them concessionary language on job postings and unclassified conversions.  It must be encouraging to our unclassified members, who make up 30 per cent of the OPS, to know that the Employer is willing to sell them out for 0.5 percent. We, however, are NOT! 

There's been no response to the special cases. Pay for performance is still there but in different form. There were no specifics details tabled on benefit improvements. Factor 80 was a big NO unless you are surplussed. They also want to prevent us from using our surplus (our money) to extend Factor 80 for our members. The Term Classified proposal is still on the table, with no mention of wages.

"Give us that NO vote," says Marg Simmons, Chair of the Central Bargaining Team. "Give us the tools we need to bring you the contract that you and your families deserve." 

Do you think there's a better offer to be had? We do! On Feb 26, 27, 28 - mark your ballot NO. 

The Real Deal -

History of Bargaining - Learn the lessons to get an 'A' Contract -

Employer's Offer Feb 14, 2002 -

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Feb. 12, 2002

Bargaining Team calls for Strike Vote - Feb 26, 27, 28
After several attempts to bargain with the Employer, your team has made a decision to call for an offer and a “no board report”.  That means that the Conciliator, 48 hours from today, will deliver the Employer's offer on every issue that the team table with them on Dec 18. A “no board report” means that conciliation has failed, and that one party has recognized that we must move forward.

The employer has not made a wage offer nor have they responded to any other monetary issues that are before them. We have said from the beginning that Management Board chief negotiator Kevin Wilson and his hired help would not bargain with us until we showed them that we were serious about our demands, about what we deserve, and about what our families deserve! So it's time to show them what we're made of.

A strike vote on the Employer's offer will take place over Feb. 26, 27, 28. As well, in Region 2 there will be information meetings held on the offer Feb 19 to 25. Locations for the meetings and the vote will be finalized soon then posted on our website. 

Under Ontario law and a 2001 agreement between OPSEU and the government, the earliest possible legal strike or lockout deadline falls eight working days after completion of the vote. In this case, that date is Mar. 13, 2002. During those eight working days, mediation will occur and hopefully real bargaining will take place. The Team has NOT set a strike deadline. 

“We are here to negotiate on behalf of the OPS,” said Marg Simmons, chair of the Central Team. “We want to negotiate a collective agreement not a strike. Should we recommend that you reject the offer, we know that you will be with us and mark your ballot accordingly.”

For additional info: News Release
The Real Deal -
Press Conference -

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As of 2 am today, AMAPCEO reached a tentative agreement with the Employer. For details go to www.amapceo.on.ca

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Feb. 11, 2002

Lunch 'n' Learn with Leah Casselman Standing Room Only
Today's Lunch 'n' Learn with OPSEU President, Leah Casselman generated a huge response from members, so much so, it was standing room only in the conference centre of the 1 Stone Road Complex in Guelph. 

Just prior to the Lunch 'n' Learn, Leah held a news conference with Steve Peters, MPP, and the Liberal Agriculture and Food Critic to talk about the  public service crisis, specifically meat inspection as well as the best way to build a strong public service by supporting the people on the front lines. 

For a copy of the Press Release  

For news coverage of the story - The Guelph Mercury
The Record (KW) -

The Guelph Mercury - Letter of the Day from a former contract Meat Inspector -

There was a bit of a discrepancy from sources as to whether there were 120 or 130 contract inspectors, with a high turn over rate - it's a bit of moving target!

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Feb. 8, 2002

Casselman To Visit Guelph, Milton and Kitchener on Monday Feb 11
OPSEU President, Leah Casselman will be meeting with Local 232 & 257 members for a Lunch 'n' Learn at 12 noon (rerun at 1 pm) in 1st Floor Conference Centre (Note the location change from 205/207) of the 1 Stone Road Complex in Guelph. OPSEU Members from other Guelph work sites are invited to attend.

Prior to the Lunch and Learn, Leah will be holding a news conference with Steve Peters, MPP, and the Liberal Agriculture and Food Critic to sign OPSEU's MPP pledge to Rebuild Ontario Public Services, in this case, the focus is on Food Inspection in the province of Ontario.  

Ontario now has eight full-time provincial meat inspectors, down from 150 in 1996. Ontario has laid off all its Farm Products Inspectors.

In the afternoon, Leah will be meeting with members and touring the (new) Maplehurst Correctional facility in Milton. 

In the evening, the tour heads to Kitchener where she will be meeting with OPSEU members at the Howard Johnstons Motel on Weber St. E. Kitchener from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

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Local 232 Re-elects Executive and Welcomes Five New Stewards
At Local 232s General Membership meeting today, the members confirmed the current Executive and elected 5 new Stewards. 

Congratulations to the re-elected Local 232 Executive: Emily Hitchcock, President; Mitch Nagel, Vice President; Marjorie Matthews, Secretary; Doug Peebles, Treasurer; Katie Meagher and Karen Edwards as the Trustees.

Feb. 5, 2002

OPS bargaining issue sheets available on-line
The OPSEU web site now features a set of 12 up-to-date issue sheets outlining some of the key issues on the bargaining table in negotiations between OPSEU and the Ontario government. Each issue sheet includes a brief summary of one issue, along with the actual contract language tabled by the employer and union bargaining teams. The sheets are conveniently designed to be easily downloaded for copying and distribution in your workplace.  Check them out on the OPSEU website .

Feb. 4, 2002

If in the event of a Strike - Question and Answers
For information regarding Benefits for OPSEU members in the event of a strike or lockout or for the pdf copy, click on the URL: 
http://www.opseu.org/ops/bargaining/BenefitsQA2002.PDF

For information about strike pay for OPSEU members in the event of a strike or lockout  or for the pdf copy, click on the URL: http://www.opseu.org/ops/bargaining/StrikePayQA2002.PDF 

The latest edition of The REAL DEAL (a weekly update on bargaining) is available at the following link: 

For a look at the Union's proposal and the Employer's proposal at the bargaining table, click on the following links (pdf files):
http://www.opseu232.org/pdf/agenda_union.pdf
http://www.opseu232.org/pdf/agenda_employer.pdf

Jan. 31, 2002

Membership Meeting Rescheduled To Next Friday Feb 8
Due to the inclement weather outside today and the outlook for Friday, we are rescheduling tomorrow's membership meeting to next Friday Feb 8 at 12 noon (rerun at 1 pm). Note the elections will be held during the first meeting, so if you are unable to attend and would like to let your name stand for a position or as a convention delegate, please indicate so in writing to Emily Hitchcock, President OPSEU Local 232. 

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Jan. 28, 2002

More - Inside/Outside Training Feb 2/3 - Milton 
Due to an overwhelming popularity, OPSEU is adding on one more Inside/Outside Training session in Milton at the Grand Chalet Restaurant and Banquet Hall. Region 2 now has over 200 members trained in Essential Services / Strike preparedness. 

To register, download the attached registration form (pdf file), complete and fax it to the Guelph Regional office at 519-837-9187 by Friday Feb 1, 2002. 

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Local 232 Newsletter Available Online
To obtain the Local 232's newsletter - (pdf file).

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Decertification - Return to Stockwell Campaign 
Remember the decertification information that the Hon. Chris Stockwell, Minister of Labour had the Employer email to members before Christmas? Well, OPSEU members take note, we would like you to fax, email or mail back to the Hon. Chris Stockwell a copy of the attached form (pdf file). We've made it available as a word document (doc file) as well.

In returning the decertification info to Stockwell, remember you received it via the Employer's equipment. While you're at it - send a complaint about Stockwell's obnoxious piece of legislation and a copy of the decertification info to your local MPP. 

Hon. Chris Stockwell,
Minister of Labour
400 University Avenue, 14th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1T7
416 326-7600
Fax: 416 326-1449
Email: chris_stockwell@ontla.ola.org

MPP's Contact List   MPP's Email List

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Jan. 24, 2002

Central Team Applies for Conciliation 
As a result of the Employer's total disregard and lack of respect for the work you (our members) do "to keep the lights on" in the work place just to try and  deliver Ontario's Public Services, which after 6 years of cut backs as the Provincial Auditor has cited in his report - as critical, especially with Ontario's food safety and road safety. The Central Team has taken a decisive step to get proper recognition for your issues at the bargaining table.  For the complete details - check out today's edition of The Real Deal .

Thanks for all your efforts in supporting the bargaining team to date - it's time to step it up! Decorate the inside of your office cubical, wear OPSEU buttons and black on Tuesdays. Be creative! Be sure to look for the
"Enough is Enough" CD/DVD playing on a computer near you! Remember to attend the Local's general membership meeting on Friday, Feb 1, 2002 in the 1st floor conference centre at noon (light lunch provided). 

There's another Inside/Outside training session this weekend (Jan 26/27) in Milton and Brantford. Contact the OPSEU Regional Offices either in Guelph at (519) 837-3330 or 1-800-265-2660 or by email guelphmob@opseu.org to register.

Jan. 23, 2002

Casselman To Visit Hamilton Next Monday
OPSEU President, Leah Casselman will be in Hamilton at the Connaught Hotel (Connaught Room) on Monday Jan. 28, 2002 at 7 PM speaking with members about our campaign to Rebuild Ontario's Public Services and restore its ability to protect public safety and the public interest. 

Members will tell you that a strong public service needs people who are committed to careers in the public service, and you get commitment from people when you show them you have the same commitment to them. People need recognition and respect for the work they are doing. 

Members of the bargaining team will also be on hand to give an update on what's happening or not happening at the bargaining table.

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Media Training Provides Insight for Members
All of the Member Mobilizers, Staff Reps and EBMs gather in Toronto yesterday to pick up the latest tips and tricks, do and don'ts of working with the media to obtain coverage of OPSEU events and getting our message across to the public.

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Local 232 General Membership Meeting Feb 1, 2002
The Local will be holding a general membership meeting on Feb 1, 2002 at 12 noon to elect Stewards, the Executive and delegates to this year's convention. A light lunch will be provided. A Bargaining Update will be included as part of the meeting too. At 1 pm we will rerun the meeting (except the elections) for those members unable to attend at noon. 

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Membership Update - Committees / Phone Trees 
The Stewards are currently updating our membership lists, so if you receive a memo with either a membership card or change of address form attached, please complete it and return it to your Steward before the end of January.  In addition, please provide us with your home phone number so if we need to communicate a message through our phone tree, we can get in contact with you.  

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Strike Vote = 'A' Contract
If required, when the Bargaining Team calls for a strike vote, it’s used to measure the mandate the Bargaining Team has from the membership. It does NOT mean that the membership will automatically go out on strike. Far from it, a high percentage of contracts, where there’s strong a strike mandate, are settle without a strike/lockout-taking place.  A strong mandate of 90%+ gives the Team that much more leverage at the table in negotiating an 'A' contract for members. 

In the auto industry, they take a strike vote before ever sitting down at the table – that’s how they bargain in that sector.  In the Public Service, the strike vote is taken near the end of process.

In 1999 only two thirds of the membership voted – of that about 67% voted in support of their bargaining Teams. In the end, the Employer’s offer (post strike vote) – our current agreement was base on that level of support given to the team. This around, when it’s called for – let’s give the Team a 90-95% strike vote and watch how the Employer responds! Note there will only be one vote taken prior to a strike (if required).

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Did You Know - Helpful Hints
If you hadn't thought of it - be sure you put off any major purchase until after the contract is ratified - have your prescriptions filled - kids dental appointments completed - buy extra toilet paper (dry goods, extra) with the next 3 pay cheques. As well, talk to your financial institution about their policy on skipping loan/mortgage payments, if necessary - it's better to be prepared - just in case (you never know what the future holds)! 

Jan. 21, 2002

Inside/Outside Training Overwhelming Success
Thanks to all those members and Stewards who gave up their weekend to attend Region 2's Inside/Outside Strike Prep Training this past weekend in Guelph and St. Catherines. The cross pollination of creative ideas (especially those of Corrections) will prove to be very effective in maximizing pressure on the Employer to bargain an "A" contract. 

Region 2 will be running this training again this weekend (Jan 26/27) in Milton and Brantford. If you haven't signed up and would like to, please contact the OPSEU Regional Offices either in Guelph at (519) 837-3330 or 1-800-265-2660 or by email guelphmob@opseu.org or Hamilton (905)525-5527 or 1-800-263-8827.

Jan. 18, 2002

Grievance settlement hikes OPS mileage
A grievance settlement has resulted in a significant increase in mileage rates for members in the OPS. The old and new rates for Northern and Southern Ontario are shown in the grid below. The increased rates will apply, retroactively, to all travel expenses claimed after April 1, 2001.

Note these rates only apply from April 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001. A permanent increase to the mileage rate is being pursed at the bargaining table. 

System Officers - The Information Technology Working Group (a subcommittee of CERC) met on Jan 7, 2002 with four representatives of the OPS Employer from the Negotiations Secretariat and the Corporate Chief Information Office (CCIO). 

A report of what happened at the meeting is available on the OPSEU website -  

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Jan. 16, 2002

Local Update -AMAPCEO is holding a special day tomorrow (Jan 17), we would encourage you to show your solidarity by wearing OPSEU buttons, etc. 

In observing the AMAPCEO negotiations, the Employer is becoming very aggressive with them. According to the AMAPCEO website (www.amapceo.on.ca) the Employer has filed for the "No Board" report which puts them in a legal Strike/Lockout position 17 days after it's issued. We would estimate that to be approximately Feb 4, 2002 (or sooner!).

The fact that the Employer is becoming increasing aggressive with AMAPCEO makes our Inside/Outside training even that much more crucial for Stewards and members to take the training, even if there isn't any Essential Services in our work place. There's still time to sign up for this weekend's course in Guelph or next weekend in Milton. 

What’s Ahead? A MPP lobby is the next phase (rebuilding the Public Service) of the OPSEU bargaining campaign – Primary MPP targets have been established in each region. If you are interested in participating in this campaign, please contact the OPSEU Regional Mobilizers in the Guelph office at (519) 837-3330 or by email guelphmob@opseu.org .

Phone Polling-Viewpoints Research is conducting a poll on behalf of OPSEU of the membership as we move forward in bargaining. So if you happen to get a phone call regarding a poll on behalf of OPSEU – it’s legit! Co-operating with the survey is a big help to our OPS bargaining teams.

Supporting YOUR Team -Be sure to wear your OPSEU buttons and dress in black on Tuesdays! Let’s show support for the Bargaining Team and keep your Manager conscious to the fact that bargaining is taking place. If you were not aware – your Manager “plays for the other side” – they report through a lead person back to Management Board what’s going on in the workplace (it’s all part of their bargaining strategy).

Jan. 14, 2002

Local Update - We now have a new website address - it's www.opseu232.org .

Jan. 7, 2002 

Local 232's Doug Peebles has joined the Guelph Mobilization (MOB) team for the next 6 weeks to promote bargaining activities in Region 2.  

Be sure to wear your OPSEU buttons and dress in black on Tuesdays!

INSIDE/OUTSIDE Training for Local Stewards in Region 2 is scheduled for the weekend's of Jan 19/20 (Guelph/St. Catharines) and Jan 26/27 (Brantford/Milton), a mail out has been sent out to all OPS Stewards in  Region 2.

This is a course about strategies and tactics to maximize our pressure on the Employer. You will work on developing strategies to deal with essential services. As well, you will know your rights in the workplace during essential services and on the picket line. You will identify the supports your Local must have in place in the event of a strike. 

Your Local should identify at least two representatives: an 'inside' and an 'outside' picket captain to attend the training.

For further details, talk to your Local Service/Staff Rep. or Member Mobilizer in the Guelph Office.

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Jan. 2, 2002 

Local - Happy New Year! Even though our contract expired on December 31, 2001, it stays in effect until a new collective agreement is ratified by the membership.

To keep up to date on bargaining, why not join the Local's mailing list (ListServ). We've added a new 'Subscribe/ Unsubscribe' page to our site to make it easier to join the list. 

To subscribe - or for directions on obtaining a personal email address - be sure to check at the bottom of this page.

As well, for more bargaining information, be sure to check out 'The Real Deal' on the OPSEU Corporate site.

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For previous postings from 2001 -

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