Sector 3 newsletter: December 2024

Greetings Sector 3 Boards of Education and Cultural Institutions!

It’s hard to believe that it is already December – before we know, it will be 2025!

As we end 2024, we would like to update you on some sector news.

Save the date!

Local Presidents/Highest Ranking members within Boards of Education will be invited to join the Sector 3 executive virtually on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, to discuss local issues and upcoming events.

Watch for the Call Out in January to register.

Cultural Institutions’ Presidents/Highest ranking officials will be invited to join us in May. More details to follow.

Did you know?

Proof of illness & medical documentation

As outlined in the Central portion of the Collective Agreement, C 10.00 I) Proof of Illness, medical documentation may be requested by the employer.

  • A Board may request medical confirmation of illness or injury and any restrictions or limitations any Employee may have, confirming the dates of absence and the reason thereof (omitting a diagnosis). Medical confirmation is required to be provided by the Employee for absences of five (5) consecutive working days or longer.
  • Where an Employee does not provide medical confirmation as requested or otherwise declines to participate and/or cooperate in the administration of the Sick Leave Benefit Plan, access to compensation may be suspended or denied. Before access to compensation is denied, discussion will occur between the Union and the school board. Compensation will not be denied for the sole reason that the medical practitioner refuses to provide the required medical information. A school Board may require an independent medical examination to be completed by a medical practitioner qualified in respect of the illness or injury of the Board’s choice at the Board’s expense.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your employer, please contact your Local Union representative.

ROM discounts

OPSEU/SEFPO members get discounts at the Royal Ontario Museum!

Save 15% off Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) admission. Buy your timed tickets online and use promo code OPSEU.

OPSEU/SEFPO members now SAVE 15% on select new one-year* ROM memberships.

ROM members receive unlimited free admission to galleries and special exhibitions all year long. Plus, enjoy exclusive previews of exhibitions and galleries, advance booking opportunities, discounts, and so much more. Join today online and save 15% with promo code OPSEU. Offer expires March 31, 2025.

Royal Ontario Museum Bargaining Update

Congratulations! OPSEU/SEFPO Local 543 ROM (Full-Time) has ratified a new Collective Agreement!

After a hard round of bargaining, a deal was reached in late August which included the highest wage grid improvements ROM has seen in over 20 years, improvements to many aspects of the benefits plan, further Bill 124 remedy, additional leave days, and a signing bonus.

Don’t delay, sign up to the member portal today!

The basic building blocks of collective power is each one of us! Your local and sector want to connect with you! We’re committed to building participation in the sector.

Please take a minute to:

  • Sign a membership card: If you don’t have an OPSEU/SEFPO membership number of card sign a membership card and encourage your colleagues to sign one as well!
  • Sign up for the OPSEU/SEFPO Member Portal: The Member Portal gives you secure online access to services and member information. It’s where you’ll find important information about your union! Be sure to update your contact info on the Member Portal so we can connect with you about the things that matter most to you!

Stay informed!

Visit opseu.org where you’ll find the latest news, campaigns, educational opportunities, event postings, information from your sector, and so much more!

On behalf of the Sector 3 Boards of Education and Cultural Institutions executive, we want to wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday break. We encourage you to take some time to rest and enjoy your time with family and friends. We are looking forward to a successful 2025 and wish you Happy New Year.

In solidarity,

Your Sector 3 Division Executive

Melody Hurtubise, Acting Chair
Susan Richarz, Secretary
Donna Caissie, Treasurer
Rebecca Bailey, Member at Large
Kelly Martin, Member at Large
Bonnie Eddy, Member at Large

Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on what’s happening in OPSEU/SEFPO Boards of Education and Cultural Institutions – Sector 3!