In July 2024, OPSEU/SEFPO was given notice that NOWU – a predatory, sham union whose hallmark is building its ranks by raiding other unions – was targeting our hospital service bargaining unit in OPSEU/SEFPO Local 374 at Mackenzie Health, attempting to force a decertification vote.
Following a concerted campaign by members and OPSEU/SEFPO to inform workers that a move to NOWU flushes away your bargaining power for a bargain-bin union, we begin 2025 celebrating good news: we won.
On Thursday, January 9, we received notice that the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) had decided to confirm and finalize NOWU’s request to withdraw both their Certification/Displacement Application & the Unfair Labour Practice (ULP) Complaint – imposing a one (1) year bar on any further certification applications for this unit.
The practice of “raiding” forgoes the meaningful work of grassroots organizing and is entirely disconnected from the principles underpinning trade-unionism. NOWU raids unions so that they get your dues from day one, without the work of getting to a first contract.
This news represents a huge win for workers at Mackenzie Health, who have built on a strong contract with OPSEU/SEFPO for the last 20 years.
NOWU is a disgraced name in the labour movement, without the presence or power to push employers or lobby the government to make the changes needed in Ontario’s health care system. NOWU’s resume is a long string of broken promises: leaving workers at Humber River, Mount Sinai, and Michael Garron hospitals waiting years for a wage increase, and in some cases a contract; bargaining concessions; losing grievances; and lining their own pockets with member settlements.
Over the last months, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 374 members have been hard at work, building a stronger union: electing a new Local Executive Committee (LEC) and stewards; overhauling local by-laws; electing a bargaining team; holding local demand-setting; and preparing fresh proposals while bargaining dates are secured.
This is the dedicated, everyday work that charts the course forwards – the work NOWU is unwilling to do.
As bargaining heats up, OPSEU/SEFPO is ready to fight for the wage gains and benefits enhancements members need at the table – and we have the track record to prove it.