Tag: Solidarity
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Thank You – I got my start on the InSolidarity Committee and I’ll always be grateful
By Michael Hamilton, Ontario Federation of Labour Executive Vice-President and former member of the InSolidarity Committee and Local 376 Where to begin? I have been thinking long and hard about how to really convey the feelings that I have been experiencing over the last month and a half. In November 2025, I was elected as the…
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OPSEU/SEFPO Statement of Solidarity for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah
It is with sadness that once again that OPSEU/SEFPO recognizes the tragedy of yet another devastating climate emergency, this time in South and Southeast Asia. Cyclone Ditwah – cyclone is the term used for hurricane-force storms in the Indian Ocean – has impacted countries from Indonesia to Sri Lanka to Thailand with hundreds of people…
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The BPS is Taking Over Toronto! Here’s What to Expect
by Alexandrea Seggewiss, Local 715, inSolidarity Committee On November 14-16, members from the Broader Public Service’s multiple sectors will be descending on downtown Toronto for the division’s biennial conference and sector divisional meetings. Members can expect a fulsome conference built around this year’s theme of “Empowering Workers to Stand Together,” including speakers, presentations and panel…
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Message of solidarity for all those impacted by Hurricane Melissa
Dear members: As many of you will know, the worst hurricane ever to make landfall in Jamaica struck the island last week. The damage was extensive, with high winds approaching 300 km/h, accompanied by heavy rains and flooding. Hurricane relief efforts are on-going, not just in Jamaica but through Cuba and Haiti and the…
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Black Ontario Public Service Employees Network – Complete the Occupational Stagnation Survey Today!
The Black Ontario Public Service Employees Network (BOPSers) has launched an occupational stagnation survey as part of a broader initiative to better understand the factors contributing to occupational stagnation for Black employees within the OPS. Completing the survey will help BOPSers identify barriers to career growth and development, assess the effectiveness of current support systems…
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Join the Webinar! Funding Health, Advancing LGBTIQ Equality: Why the Global Fund Matters Now
Hello all members, OPSEU/SEFPO’s Live and Let Live Fund invites you to Join the HIV Legal Network and the Stephen Lewis Foundation on September 17, 2025, for a vital conversation on why the Global Fund’s replenishment is crucial for LGBTIQ health and rights worldwide. REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR: English: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/funding-health-advancing-lgbtiq-equality-why-the-global-fund-matters-now-tickets-1618750679859?aff=oddtdtcreator French: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/financer-la-sante-et-defendre-legalite-pour-les-personnes-lgbtiq-tickets-1688568988299?aff=oddtdtcreator What to expect: Learn how…
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Bearing Witness: Vicarious Trauma and Human Rights Violations in the Work
By Kris Weatherall, Local 304, Provincial Human Rights Committee Workers across Ontario’s public services—including paramedics, correctional officers, 911 operators, child protection workers—are regularly exposed to deeply disturbing events, many involving human rights violations. These professionals are tasked with protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining public safety, but in doing so, they often become second-hand victims of…
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We belong to a ‘union of unions’ called NUPGE – here’s why it matters
By Wendy Lee, Local 575, inSolidarity Committee As a member of OPSEU/SEFPO, you’re also a member of NUPGE? What even is a NUPGE? NUPGE is the acronym for the National Union of Public and General Employees in Canada and its slogan is “Unions for Public Good.” Think about NUPGE as a “union for unions.” In…
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Better Together: Indigenous Teachings, Collective Strength, and the Power of Youth Voice at Region 6’s Inaugural Equity Conference
By Rina Gulli, Disability Rights Caucus, Region 6 After Indigenous Circle members Lauren Fong and Crystalynn Bos facilitated a traditional smudge to purify and cleanse the conference space and participants, the inaugural Region 6 Equity Conference began—perfectly exemplifying its theme: “Better Together: Celebrating Indigenous Knowledge; Building Collective Strength.” The Conference was held June 27-29, 2025,on…
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Join JP Hornick for Draw The Line mass organizing call
OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick will be the voice of labour alongside other inspiring movement leaders — including David Suzuki, Eriel Deranger, Syed Hussan, and Rachel Small — on the Draw The Line mass organizing call on Aug. 14 at 8 pm EST. We’re drawing the line— for People. For Peace. For the Planet. If you…
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March 2025 Ice Storm Hardship Funds
Dear members, In May 2025, the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board passed the following motion: Ice Storm Whereas a highly destructive and otherwise consequential ice storm struck South Central Ontario at the end of March 2025. Whereas the storm caused significant property damage and lengthy power outages for hundreds of thousands of Ontarians, prompting several jurisdictions to…