OPSEU/SEFPO

Newletter, Table talk

Government needs to stop treating heroes like zeroes

Many public service workers rush towards emergencies. Why do we abandon them when their courage causes them mental harm? By Wendy Lee, Local 575, InSolidarity Committee Violence. Extreme distress. Catastrophic injuries and wounds. For many front-line workers, these are an inevitable part of the job, taking an inevitable toll on their mental health. And yet,…

Health and Safety, Pension and Benefits

PTSD, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

Sign this petition by Jan 16 to demand the federal government enforce the Canada Health Act in Ontario

The Ontario Health Coalition is urging people to sign a petition demanding the federal government enforce the Canada Health Act in Ontario. The petition closes Friday, Jan 16 at 4:40 pm EST — Please sign and share the petition now! More than 9,000 people have signed on our petition to the federal government, demanding that…

Campaigns

Save Public Health Care

College Part-time and Sessional Faculty: Welcome to your union

History of Unionizing Part-Time and Sessional Faculty For decades, College faculty were divided into two groups: those who were unionized and those who weren’t. Full-time and partial-load faculty have long been unionized and represented by OPSEU/SEFPO under the Colleges Collective Bargaining Act (CCBA) since 1971. However, part-time and sessional (PT/SL) faculty—whose presence in the sector…

Meet the College Faculty Part-Time and Sessional Bargaining Team

From June 19 to 20 of 2025, part-time and sessional delegates from across the province attended the Pre-Bargaining Conference, where your bargaining team was elected. Patricia Tuff, L352/562, Chair – she/her/they Patricia is a Child and Youth Care Practitioner and Social Worker who brings compassion, collaboration and a deep commitment to community well-being. She is…

Virtual Region 6 Education – Stewards 1: Making A Difference in the Workplace

A virtual Region 6 Education – Stewards 1: Making A Difference in the Workplace has been scheduled for Friday March 6, 2026 from 9 am to 4:30 pm EST. Application form Course Descriptions: Stewards 1: Making a Difference in the Workplace This course supports stewards through a range of tools and practical activities and includes…

January 6, 2026

Member Education

OPSEU/SEFPO Annual Convention 2026 Parking Passes for Attendees

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is now accepting Parking pass orders for the OPSEU/SEFPO Annual Convention 2026! Order Online Now! Onsite orders will not be permitted. Simply use this specialized link to order now: www.mtccc.com/opseu Online ordering is available until Thursday, April 9, 2026, at midnight. Save Money! Discounted rates of $19/day are available until…

January 6, 2026

Convention

Submit your local’s Convention 2026 Credentials Form by Mar 6

Please download and complete the Convention 2026 credentials form, and then email it to convention@opseu.org by Mar 6, 2026. The downloadable form also contains a section for locals that which to use their rebate for time-off for alternates and observers.

January 6, 2026

Equity and Human Rights, Events

Convention

Join the Resolution Writing Zoom Room on January 12, 2026!

Hello everyone! All OPSEU/SEFPO members are invited to attend the Region 7 Young Worker Resolution Writing Zoom Room on January 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The Zoom session will focus on writing effective OPSEU/SEFPO resolutions that can lead to real change within the union. Participants will learn how to turn ideas, concerns, and workplace experiences…

January 5, 2026

Region 6 Educational in Sault Ste Marie

Application form Application deadline: January 28, 2026 by 04:30 pm Send via email to supportstaffSSMarie@opseu.org Note: Applications need signature or email approval from Local LEC Course Descriptions: Mandatory Equity Plenary Session February 28, 2026 from 0830 to 0930 All participants will be required to attend this information session prior to attending the course of their…

January 5, 2026

Media release, Save Our Colleges

Member Education

Hundreds of faculty and support staff at Conestoga College handed lay-off notices before the holidays – province has to step in, says OPSEU/SEFPO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, ON – The union representing Ontario college faculty and support staff, OPSEU/SEFPO, is calling for immediate intervention by the province after Conestoga College issued nearly 400 lay-off notices last week. “We’ve just lost over 20 percent of our experienced, full-time faculty right before the holidays – and the chilling reality is…

Andy Pedersen

December 23, 2025

Bargaining, Campaigns, Media

Locktalk #21: Heading into mediation in February

Printable / Bulletin board version Since our last bargaining dates in November, we have been awaiting confirmation of the employer’s agreement on a third-party mediator. These discussions began in October, and after nearly 8 weeks we finally heard back from the employer that they’ve agreed to utilize Mark Wright to assist the parties through mediation. We…

Andy Pedersen

December 22, 2025

Newsletter

“Our worst fears have come true, CEO Patricia Kyle and the Ford Government have blood on their hands”: Workers mourn loss of life at Central West Specialized Developmental Services

Today, workers at Central West Specialized Developmental Services are mourning the tragic loss of life of a beloved client. For weeks, workers have been raising alarms over unsafe and unsanitary conditions inside of facilities at 53 Bond Street. In September, management forcibly relocated residents with developmental disabilities from their group homes to crowded central facilities, which created high stress and dangerous conditions for clients and workers. “We…

Andy Pedersen

Media

Media release

A holiday message from OPSEU/SEFPO

We wish you a very Happy Holiday and a joyful New Year! Friends, As the end of the year approaches, we want to take the time to wish all OPSEU/SEFPO members and their families a happy holiday and a restful end of the year. There is no question that 2025 was marked by enormous challenges…

Andy Pedersen

PHO Laboratories Back in the Spotlight for Closure

In late 2023, the Auditor General released a report with the recommendation to close six out of eleven Public Health Ontario (PHO) laboratory sites. These recommendations were made in the name of modernization and without regard for the threat these closures would pose to health infrastructure and resilience of smaller and rural communities. Since these…

Andy Pedersen

OPSEU/SEFPO aviation workers negotiate substantial wage increases after years of fighting for the future of Ontario’s wildfire response

In the aftermath of a gruelling wildfire season in Ontario, 94 OPSEU/SEFPO members working in Aviation and Forest Fire and Emergency Services have negotiated substantial wage increases after years of fighting for the future of Ontario’s wildfire response. “This outcome serves as a reminder to our employer that when OPS members fight, we fight to…

Andy Pedersen

Collective Agreement

LBED – Winter 2025 – ECHO – Holiday Greetings

A message from your Chair, Greetings, As we navigate through our busy season in an increasingly competitive and challenging marketplace, I want to remind everyone to work at a safe and controlled pace. It’s far too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season resulting in injury. Work smart, be…

Meet your 2025-2027 LBED Divisional Executive

Colleen Macleod, Sector Chair In 1997, Colleen began her career with the LCBO as a casual, a classification she held for 11 years. In 2007, Colleen got involved in the union and rose to be President of one LBED’s largest locals, 5107. A passionate leader, Colleen has mentored dozens of activists: locally, regionally and across…