November saw two groups of OPSEU local presidents take part in orientation training in Toronto. The Membership Education Unit hosted the two three-day events, which gathered 40 local presidents to meet with OPSEU staff from various units who provided information as to how their units can support to local presidents in their union work.
The presidents expanded their knowledge about how to navigate OPSEU, networked with presidents from other locals, developed strategies for facing the employer in the workplace and identified strategies for building stronger local systems and structures.
The participants commented that they left the training motivated to return to their locals with enhanced knowledge on their roles and responsibilities, how OPSEU functions, and how the various departments can help them represent their members. The local presidents were particularly pleased with the connections they made with each other in the training sessions.
Presidents were warmly welcomed and congratulated by the OPSEU Executive Board in swearing-in ceremonies held on the final day of both workshops.