Table Talk Newsletter Issue #8
Precarious Workers – Get Empowered
Fixed Term (FXT), Seasonal (SE), Seasonal Recurring, Contract and Part Time (PT)
You are OPS Unified, and you are an integral part of the public service in Ontario.
A significant number of our members deliver services in parks, courts, wildland fire, fisheries, education, ambulance, communications, Service Ontario to name a few. And yet, too many are precariously employed.
Precarious workers form over 40% of the more than 30,000 members in OPS Unified, depending on the time of year.
This erosion of full-time permanent jobs in the services that support the people of Ontario is shameful.
For years, the employer has made our workforce more and more precarious by:
- refusing to fill full-time vacancies;
- not extending seasonal contracts;
- paying inadequate wages and benefits;
- and manipulative recruitment strategies.
There are many causes of our frustration at work: incredible backlogs, unrealistic performance expectations, low wages, understaffing, and turnover leading to burnout.
You are highly skilled professionals who are experienced and qualified.
You deserve a strong and fair Collective Agreement.
Precarious Workers – Join the fight! Get UNIFIED!
Update your registration online, complete the Phase 1 Survey, join your ACG chat and attend the monthly Table Talk Thursday meeting.
Reach out to a mobilizer if you have any questions.
- Make sure your voice is heard on issues that matter to you: complete your Phase 1 Demand Set Survey. The deadline to fill out the survey is December 16th. To complete the survey click here.
- Print and post this newsletter on your union board
- Print this poster and put it up on your union
WHO: The bargaining team would like to invite Unified members to Table Talk Thursdays.
WHAT IS TABLE TALK THURSDAYS: Table Talk Thursdays are Zoom sessions where YOUR bargaining team shares updates and insights with union members about ongoing negotiations and activities. Join us to stay informed and engaged with the latest news and developments.
WHERE: It happens over ZOOM.
WHEN: This happens every third Thursday of the month from 7 pm to 8 pm EST (6 pm CST).
The next session will be December 19, 2024.
WHY: Keeping lines of communication open! Table Talk Zoom sessions are where YOUR bargaining team shares our updates on what’s happening at the table and our broader campaign work within OPS Unified.
Next week’s Table Talk is the last one in 2024! Join us to stay informed and engaged with the latest news and developments.
Can’t Attend Table Talk Thursdays? Here’s How to Stay in the Loop
Winning a transformative contract will take all 30,000+ members of OPS Unified getting involved. Your participation is crucial.
We’re committed to open and transparent communication. If you are unable to attend Table Talks, here are a few ways to stay up to date:
- Designate members to join the Table Talk and share updates through an informal table talk discussion in your local.
- Reach out directly to the bargaining team at UnifiedOPSBargaining@opseu.org or ask in one of the seven regional Area Coordinating Group Signal chats. The engagement in these channels has been incredible!
- Dive into the process: be creative and share your ideas.
This is your union, and the bargaining team is committed to keeping it member-driven. Keep the questions and ideas coming!
Check it out! Celebrating the Success of the OPS Unified Divisional Conference
Our divisional conference was held on November 16th and 17th in Toronto. At the conference, members elected their Ministry Employee Relations Committees (MERCs) and their Central Employee Relations Committee (CERC).
For more information, click here.
Did you know that our Constitution allows each working area to elect as many Stewards as they want? (Article 29)
OPS Unified Now Has Promotional Items on ShOPSEU
Show a unified front in your workplace with simple collective actions – coordinate your team wearing OPS Unified swag!
The bargaining team knows that your action is our strength from displaying your collective agreement on your desk to organizing a Unified lunch or sporting new OPS Unified gear. Every action strengthens our fight for a fair contract.
Check out ShOPSEU for new promotional items and hit “Contact Us” to place an order or request gear. Locals can also explore customizable options with Cavan for OPS Unified-branded apparel.
Delayed and disappointed.
Update on salary adjustments and Bill 124 retro payments
Members are frustrated. Over 25% of OPS Unified members won’t receive Bill 124 retro pay on time.
Payment is delayed again, with no firm deadline, because the employer fails to deliver on their own committed timelines.
Grievances are being filed. Please join your Regional ACG for more information.
As 2024 comes to a close, your bargaining team wishes you a Unified 2025
In Solidarity,
On behalf of the OPS Unified Bargaining team
Amanda Usher — Chair
Leslie Aiston — Vice Chair
Newsletter Issue #8