Local presidents from across the province gathered at OPSEU’s Head Office for two back-to-back sessions of the Orientation for Local Presidents on October 23-24 and 27-28, 2014.
Staff from a number of departments were invited to speak and share information about the work they do and what resources are available for locals. Local presidents learned about local finances, the grievance and arbitration process, equity issues, health and safety, and collective bargaining. They also focused on the importance of communication in the local.
Local presidents who take this orientation always tell us how much they appreciate the opportuntiy to get together with other local presidents and share their experiences, challenges and solutions with each other. These sessions were no exception. The participants discussed ways to engage the members of their local, recruit stewards and other activists, create and/or amend effective local bylaws, and navigate challenging conversations and situations that come up in their locals.
At the end of an activity-packed two days, the local presidents were presented with their course certificates and offered words of advice and encouragement by 1st Vice-President/Treasurer Eddy Almeida.