Tag: COVID-19
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Vulnerable communities must be prioritized in pandemic recovery: OPSEU/SEFPO
OPSEU/SEFPO is calling on the government to protect women, Black and other racialized communities from falling further and further behind in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been over a year since the start of the pandemic and women, Black and other racialized communities have been the hardest hit in terms of job loss.…
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This Easter, renewed resolve and renewed hope
This is the second spring of the pandemic. As we head into our second Easter, we remember the spirit of the holiday’s celebration: renewal. We have endured so much over the past year. Isolation. Anxiety. And loss. But throughout, we have risen to all the challenges we’ve faced. As committed public sector workers, OPSEU/SEFPO members…
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Vaccines – a tool to end the COVID-19 pandemic
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that there is always new information coming from all sorts of platforms. Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish real information from misinformation. Join Prevention Link for a conversation with Dr. Andréane Chénier who will translate scientific information into plain language and will guide us through…
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OPSEU/SEFPO observes the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Wednesday, March 24, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, is a day that sadly hits close to home. The protection and guarantee of human rights have not been respected, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Affordable healthcare, for example, is a fundamental…
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Want paid sick days? Join a union.
The following piece by OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas was published in the Toronto Sun on Saturday, March 20, 2021. Click here to view the print-friendly PDF version. Want paid sick days? Join a union. It’s been a heck of a year; for many, it’s been the worst year. But from the trials and tribulations…
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OPSEU/SEFPO puts out welcome mat for COVID vaccinations
Toronto – OPSEU/SEFPO is again leading the way by offering to provide space to the City of Toronto to assist in public inoculations efforts. President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is proposing a newly acquired and renovated building in north Toronto (155 Lesmill Rd) as a COVID vaccination centre. “OPSEU/SEFPO’s 170,000 members have been bravely and dutifully working on the…
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Postsecondary COVID-19 help a good start – keep investing in the future: OPSEU/SEFPO
Toronto – The union representing thousands of members in Ontario’s publicly funded colleges and universities is welcoming funds the province is offering the postsecondary education sector to cope with the financial hit of COVID-19. “We commend the government for recognizing the importance of investing in the public sector when our colleges and universities are hurting due to COVID. We are also facing the…
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President Thomas welcomes new long-term care funding as ‘great news’: OPSEU/SEFPO
Toronto – OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas welcomes the news that Ontario’s Long-Term Care sector will get a massive injection of funding, and says Ontario’s government is moving in the right direction by building up capacity in the public, not-for-profit sector. The Ontario government has announced it will invest $933 million in 80 new long-term…
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March 11 marks National Day of Observance for COVID-19
The federal government has declared Thursday, March 11 as a National Day of Observance to remember the people who have lost their lives due to COVID-19 and to recognize the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on all Canadians. OPSEU/SEFPO stands in solidarity with the families who have lost loved ones, including the family of…
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Thomas urged government to help adult learners
OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says that while government has poured significant investment and energy into helping students stay safe and healthy during the pandemic, adult learners are being left behind. “As you read this, thousands of adults across Ontario are struggling against huge odds to become productive and prosperous members of our communities. New…
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Letter to President Thomas from the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario
Below is a letter sent to OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas by Michelle Hoad, CEO of the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario. The letter expresses support for OPSEU/SEFPO’s news release of March 5 in which President Thomas calls for “immediate and significant funding to expand the capacity of Ontario’s public health laboratories.” Click here…
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Some college faculty, staff should be in Phase II of vaccine roll-out
In a joint letter, OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas and College Employer Council CEO Graham Lloyd urged the government to include college faculty and staff who work with students in Phase II of the vaccine roll-out, along with teachers and other education staff. “We are jointly taking this opportunity to emphasize that college faculty and…
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‘Capacity’ is the keyword when it comes to laboratory testing: OPSEU/SEFPO
Toronto – OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says a serious lack of capacity for laboratory testing is the real story behind a media report on the premier’s decision to override medical advice and open COVID-19 testing to all Ontarians last spring. A Globe and Mail report of testimony given to the independent commission looking into…
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Members’ music video spreads pandemic gratitude and hope
A pair of OPSEU/SEFPO members have spearheaded an inspiring music project called Living on the Edge that gives thanks to all the front-line heroes helping us through the pandemic and sparks hope that, together, we’ll come out stronger on the other side. “This was a community based project which started in Windsor Essex with some…
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On World Day of Social Justice, justice for gig and remote workers
The COVID pandemic has shown us how unjust our world remains, dividing us more each day between the haves and have-nots. With a long and proud history as a social justice union, OPSEU/SEFPO has always been dedicated to reducing these divides. On February 20, the World Day of Social Justice, we stand with the United…