Nine OPSEU member activists from across Ontario gathered at OPSEU Head Office in Toronto on Sept. 17 for the opening session of the 2018 Membership Development Trainee (MDT) program.
“OPSEU has always been and will always be a member-driven union,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas during his welcoming remarks to the participants. “Our strength is in our members. Strengthening the skills and abilities of members strengthens us all.”
The 12-week program is being delivered by the Member Education Unit, in co-operation with the Local Services Division, the Arbitration Unit and Staff Relations Unit.
Building on the success of last year’s program, the intensive assignments will allow these OPSEU members to experience working at OPSEU, while developing their trade union skills. It will also help create a pool of qualified and experienced applicants for future staff vacancies within the union.
“Developing our members is an investment that pays off now, and will continue to pay off for years down the road,” said OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida.
The program will continue until December 7, with participants splitting their time between head office and their home communities.