Tag: COVID-19
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President Thomas in Toronto Sun: Stop the pillaging and invest in our health-care system
The following Opinion Editorial by OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas was published in the Toronto Sun on January 6, 2021. Thomas: Stop the pillaging and invest in our health-care system We are at crossroads in this crisis. And why? Because of a generation of cost-cutting, retail politicians who savaged our health care system, a system…
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Joint letter to Minister of Health re Vaccination of Health Care Workers
In support of the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations, OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas and other leaders of Ontario’s healthcare unions and associations sent a joint letter to the government outlining key areas for consideration. Some of the issues raised included on-site administration of the vaccine, paid sick leave for health care workers, and clear direction…
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OPSEU/SEFPO to Ontarians: Support local businesses during lockdown
Toronto – OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is calling on everyone in Ontario to support local businesses during the province-wide COVID-19 lockdown that takes effect Boxing Day. “These are the folks who don’t have big corporations to backstop them,” said Thomas. “Big box retailers get government backing and can weather the storm, but local businesses…
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No loss of pay for OPS and Corrections members who test positive
OPSEU/SEFPO members working in the OPS and Corrections are now protected from losing pay if they test positive for COVID-19 and have to quarantine. “Front-line workers in the OPS and Corrections are risking their lives getting Ontarians through this pandemic – they shouldn’t have to risk their pay if they test positive,” said OPSEU/SEFPO President…
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This holiday season, give yourself the gift of rest – and of hope for a new, brighter year
Friends, As we approach the end of an extremely challenging year, we want to say thank you to all of our hardworking members for your courageous dedication to the people of Ontario. Many of you took, and continue to take, huge risks serving on the front lines of this pandemic. You deserve all the respect…
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OPSEU/SEFPO President to McMaster University President: Irresponsible research study must be abandoned
After learning of an irresponsible research study being conducted by McMaster University, “Medical Masks Versus N95 Respirators to Prevent COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers”, OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas has written to McMaster University President, Dr. David Farrar, demanding that this research project must end. “We don’t need a study that plays with the lives of…
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Uncovering the Truth: Our COVID Stories
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed longstanding inequities that have systematically challenged the physical, social, economic, and emotional health of racial and ethnic minorities and other equity-seeking groups that are bearing a disproportionate burden of COVID-19. Join OPSEU/SEFPO’s Equity Committees and Caucuses as they launch ‘Uncovering the Truth: Our COVID Stories’ – a series of…
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OPSEU/SEFPO among growing number of unions postponing elections
OPSEU/SEFPO is far from the only Canadian union to postpone elections and extend leaders’ terms, says National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) President Larry Brown. In an email to OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas, Brown says that the Canadian Labour Congress, BCGEU, SGEU, and MGEU are among the growing number of unions to…
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International Human Rights Day: Recovering better to shape our post-pandemic world
Thursday, December 10th is International Human Rights Day. There are very visible gaps in human rights protection and OPSEU/SEFPO is calling on elected leaders for justice and to bring change. This year’s theme is Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights. It’s a new call for action around the world concerning ongoing gender inequalities,…
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Board votes to extend leaders’ terms by an additional year
The health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic were a major factor in a decision by OPSEU/SEFPO’s Executive Board to extend the terms of everyone democratically elected during the 2019 Regional Meetings. President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says the decision was not made lightly. “The democratic right of the members to decide will always be a…
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OPSEU/SEFPO Local Presidents Tele-Town Hall brings union leaders together virtually
OPSEU/SEFPO leaders across Ontario took part in tele-town halls from November 30-December 3 to discuss challenges related to COVID-19 and what the upcoming year will hold for the union. President Warren (Smokey) Thomas and First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida were joined by regional vice-presidents for the nightly tele-town halls with Local Presidents and highest-ranking members…
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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women: Continuing the fight for Women’s empowerment
December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, a day inspired by the lives of the 14 young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal who were murdered because of their gender. Every year on this day, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting against all forms of violence against women.…
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Uncovering the Truth: Our COVID Stories
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed longstanding inequities that have systematically challenged the physical, social, economic, and emotional health of racial and ethnic minorities and other equity-seeking groups that are bearing a disproportionate burden of COVID-19. Join OPSEU/SEFPO’s Equity Committees and Caucuses as they launch ‘Uncovering the Truth: Our COVID Stories’ – a series of…
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International Day for Persons with Disabilities
Thursday, December 3, International Day for Persons with Disabilities, is a chance for OPSEU/SEFPO and its Disability Rights Caucus (DRC) to point out the significant challenges people with disabilities face. This year’s theme is “Not All Disabilities are Visible.” The COVID-19 pandemic has had a widespread and disproportionate effect on people with disabilities. It has…