Thirty-eight new Local Presidents met earlier this month to get an overview of how OPSEU functions and to share ideas and strategies for challenging management in today’s climate of austerity.
They met with staff members from the different departments of OPSEU where they received first-hand information on how the units function and where to go for help when needed.
The first batch of Presidents met with OPSEU President Smokey Thomas. He shared with them the current landscape of the Union and the Province. Thomas congratulated them for stepping up to do the difficult job of monitoring and safeguarding their rights and those of the members they assist, under their respective collective agreements.
Management’s stall and delay tactics, distracting members and denying rights under the collective agreement were some of the issues members identified. Strategies for dealing with divisive tactics, conflict and accommodations were also discussed.
These 38 dynamic local presidents asked questions, presented on discussion segments and expressed their gratitude for getting the networking opportunity to strengthen and hone their skills.
The second batch of Presidents met with OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer Eddy (Eduardo) Almeida, who thanked them for taking on their new role and also tackled questions from those who wanted answers to specific issues.
In the evaluations, local presidents indicated that they now have a better understanding of OPSEU’s resources, know where to go for help and how to access pertinent information from OPSEU’s website.
