Join the CAMH Black Employees Resource Group (BERG) for an open house September 7, 2022, 1:30 am – 2:30 pm.
Refreshments will be available.
The Black Employees Resource Group (BERG) was founded to empower staff to participate more fully in endeavours that will improve our mental and physical health through peer support.
This group aims to provide crisis support, mentorship, advocacy, capacity building, and professional development–thereby empowering Black staff to partake more fully in organizational initiatives that will contribute to a chance in culture and facilitate more equitable outcomes at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
BERG is an intentionally inclusive group that welcomes all Black employees, LGBTQ2S+ communities, persons with disabilities and all genders across sectors of CAMH.
Location: The Annex (near the community centre) Room 190 Email: BlackEmployees.ResourceGroup@camh.ca
To: Region 5 Local Presidents, L.E.C.s, and E.B.M.s From: Region 5 Education Committee
LOCATION: Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto, 475 Yonge St, Toronto ON, M4Y 1X7 DATES: Saturday, September 24, 2022 – 9:00AM to 5:00PM Sunday, September 25, 2022 – 9:00AM to 1:00PM (approx.)
CHILDCARE: Childcare will be available Saturday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM and Sunday from 9:00AM to the end of classes. Parent/Guardians MUST be on site at all times when utilizing childcare provided by OPSEU/SEFPO
COURSES: We are pleased to offer the following six courses:
Dismantling Anti-Black Racism The 1.5 day Dismantling Anti-Black Racism course will raise awareness, provide a better understanding, and include strategies to dismantle anti-Black racism (ABR). It explores the topics of what anti-Black racism is and provides Black history highlights for a deeper understanding of the history of slavery and its impacts today. The course addresses the need to confront white supremacy. Participants will understand how colonization and the socially constructed concept of race has affected Black people. Additionally, the course highlights past, present and future efforts to address anti-Black racism in the workplace and in OPSEU/SEFPO. In this introductory course, participants will develop skills and strategies in order to identify and intervene in situations of anti-Black racism. They will use case studies, videos, and real life scenarios to navigate difficult conversations. Participants will also have access to current terminology and be provided with tools to have (ABR) discussions that are important to engage in, especially with family members, fellow union members, neighbours and co-workers. This course will equip participants with the knowledge and ability to take action against anti-Black racism in our Union. This course is a core OPSEU/SEFPO educational component that is valuable for all Union activists to attend.
Duty to Accommodate 2: Making Accommodation Work Does your employer balk at providing proper accommodations? Has your employer challenged the medical information the member has provided? Is the employer asking members for independent medical exams? Do you hear grumblings from co-workers about the number of accommodations in the workplace? Building on the skills and information in the first course, “Duty to Accommodate: A tool for inclusive workplaces”, Making Accommodation Work: Duty to Accommodate 2 examines the challenges of supporting a worker in need of an accommodation. This course investigates strategies and skills for gathering information, challenging employer tactics used to prevent accommodations, developing a fair accommodation plan, and communicating with co-workers to build more workplace solidarity. While the course focuses mainly on the practical aspects of accommodation due to disability, many of the issues such as collective agreement language, attendance management programs, co-worker resentment apply to accommodation based on sex and family status as well. Note: Due to the volume of information about Duty to Accommodate, it is strongly advised that participants take “Duty to Accommodate: A Tool for Inclusive Workplaces” before Duty to Accommodate 2.
Stewards 1: Making a Difference in the Workplace This updated version of Stewards 1 includes a more detailed description and history of OPSEU/SEFPO’s equity-seeking groups. The course continues to support Stewards through a range of tools and practical activities. The key aims are to strengthen steward skills to orient a NEW employee to the union, have effective one-on-one conversations with a cross-section of members, develop a communications strategy to enlist diverse member involvement, and develop approaches to everyday workplace problems. Throughout the course, participants are supported as they develop a profile of their members, clarify the tasks of the steward, find resources and information in OPSEU/SEFPO, and understand the grievance process and their role in it. Participants must have completed Stewards 1 before registering in Stewards 2. Participants should bring their collective agreements.
BPS Benefits and Appeals: Helping Members Navigate through the Fine Print Benefits are increasingly under attack from employers, insurers, the media and government. It’s time to protect these hard won working conditions. The BPS Benefits and Appeals course examines internal and external benefits and the many interactions they have with workers day to day lives. Additionally, the course provides skills for the union activist to support members in understanding and navigating their particular benefit situation. Lastly, the course explores what we can do as a union to defend and strengthen our collective agreements and the social safety net from current attacks. Participants should bring their benefits booklets and Collective Agreements to the course. Important Note: This course is not intended to create local benefits experts that do appeals. The course is intended to increase awareness and develop skills of local leaders to help support members with their benefits appeal issues.
Women in Activism: Staying Connected Are you a woman who wants to get involved in your Union but you are uncertain as to where and how to begin? Have you wondered how activists got into the position they are in and why they got involved? Do you have the energy and interest but lack the confidence in getting yourself elected to a position? Then this is a course for you. This new course will take you through the journey of successful women in unions and the political arena, how they got there and what they have achieved. You will understand your role as an activist gain confidence in taking the first steps and feel motivated in encouraging others to do the same. You will review your own time management strategies and work out a schedule for yourself. Through scenarios, role-play, interactive videos and checklists, you will understand the issues women have faced over the years; some of which still continue today. You will learn how to build on these wins to make further inroads for women. Suggested Pre-requisite – one elected activist and one partner who is not elected (take a closer look at who you may want to bring). This can be an encouragement to mentor others.
Health & Safety: Level One This course is designed for members and stewards who want to become more involved in health and safety activities in their workplace. There is a strong focus on health and safety legislation to enable participants to use the legislation effectively in their own workplaces. Participants work in groups to explore the legislation and to gain a better understanding of their rights and employers’ obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations. Participants are introduced to the concepts of hazard identification, assessment and control and develop a greater understanding of the components of an effective health and safety system.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Participant and Course Selection Process will be carried out in accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO Education Policy. Confirmation will only be sent to applicants who are accepted. Lost Wages will not be provided for this Educational. OPSEU/SEFPO’s 60km rule will be waived on Saturday – this means that if you live further than 60km from the hotel you are entitled to single accommodations on Friday and Saturday; if you live within 60km of the hotel you are entitled to single accommodations on Saturday night only. Please note that normally hotel accommodations are reimbursed at double occupancy, but due to ongoing health and safety reasons related to COVID-19, single accommodation will be approved for this Educational. As a reminder, in accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO policy, full Attendance is mandatory for participants at the educational. If you are unable to attend with Full Attendance without an acceptable reason, you will not receive credit for the course and your expenses (if any) may not be paid. Persons attending OPSEU/SEFPO meetings are requested to refrain from using perfume, cologne and other fragrances for the comfort of other participants. Participants are also to refrain from bringing nut products, bottled water and Coca Cola products to OPSEU/SEFPO Events. Officers of your L.E.C. mean President, Vice-President(s), Secretary, Treasurer, or Chief Steward. If you are a Local Officer, the signature of another Officer must be obtained. Applications without the required signatures will not be processed.
Applications must be received by: 4:00 p.m. August 26, 2022 ATTENTION: Susan Kesper, Fax: (416) 944-0288 or Email: R5educationals@opseu.org LATE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED
Download application form and detailed list of courses.
[**Please share this message with members and activists in your local and your Region 5 networks.**]
With less than two weeks to the June 2 Ontario election – and the advance polls open now through to May 28 – OPSEU members and our communities have A LOT at stake in this election.
Voting for Real Solutions for Workers and Our Communities Workers and our communities need real solutions NOW!
From stopping privatization, re-investing in health care, long-term care, education and public services, and overturning Ford’s Bill 124 and its 1% public sector wage cap…
To winning a livable minimum wage, paid sick days and enforceable rights for all Ontario workers, raising social assistance rates, restoring real rent control and re-investing in public and affordable housing
To standing up for indigenous, racialized and working-class communities, protecting the environment and taking urgent action on the climate crisis…
To ending subsidies for profitable businesses and raising taxes on big corporations and the super-rich…
All these options are on the table… IF the majority of workers choose to vote for the party that best represents our needs and our hopes for the future.
The Party that Stands Up for Working People That’s why OPSEU/SEFPO and our Greater Toronto Area Council have joined the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and other major public and private-sector unions to urge members to consider voting for the Ontario NDP as the one party that has committed to stand up for working people and our issues.
Wondering Where to Start? > Check out OPSEU’s election site for members at www.BuildON2022.org to read more about the key issues for OPSEU members, access other election resources, and register for updates. > Next, click here to learn about the NDP’s platform, and connect with the NDP candidate in your riding, for more information, to take a lawn sign, make a donation or volunteer with the campaign. (To confirm what riding you live in, go to: www.elections.on.ca.)
Engage with Your OPSEU Contacts > Next, share this message – and what you’ve learned – with members in your local and your fellow OPSEU activists, and encourage them to plug in and help mobilize votes for public services, good jobs, workers rights… and the NDP.
Join an OFL Labour Canvass in Your Area > Click here for information and to sign up for an OFL labour canvass where you can join other union allies to reach out to voters in key ridings.
Organizing for Change: Key Ridings in (and around) Region 5 For union members, it’s one of our super powers – and one of our most popular chants:
“The bosses have the money (and they have the lies), but WE have the power when we organize!”
So, GTAC is encouraging members and activists like you to support, volunteer for and/or donate to NDP campaigns in target ridings in and around Region 5. We’ve identified 27 ridings below that are either i) currently held by the NDP or ii) are “swing” ridings where the NDP has a real opportunity to win. We have also highlighed ridings where OPSEU members are running for the NDP.
What all these ridings have in common is that support from OPSEU members’ can help make a real difference in the riding – and in which party forms our next government. That’s where YOU come in!
> PLEASE SEE BELOW for a list of target ridings, the candidates and links to their websites. With almost two weeks until E-Day, we can help make the difference together. So, please check the list, click the link to contact the campaign nearest you, and let them know you are with OPSEU and want to lend a hand!
1) CURRENT NDP RIDINGS (in and around Region 5) Where the NDP candidate won in the last election. OPSEU candidates* are highlighted in yellow.
2) SWING RIDINGS(in and around Region 5) Where the NDP has a strong chance of winning and OPSEU members’ support can make the difference. OPSEU candidates* are highlighted in yellow.
The OPSEU/SEFPO Provincial Young Workers Committee (PYC) invites you to submit your application for the 2022 Young Workers Conference! It will take place from August 12-14 at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Toronto. In addition to welcoming previous conference participants, we would like to extend a special invitation to those who have not attended in the past. We welcome all members who identify as young workers, 35 and under. We look forward to meeting you!
“Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Louder: We are the RIGHT NOW” will celebrate today’s young workers and leaders in the labour movement. Many are local presidents and influential members of their communities. This conference will focus on developing leadership skills that are meant to last a lifetime. Guest speakers will inspire but will also challenge young workers to examine their own strengths and weaknesses especially when it comes to setting their own professional and personal goals. Workshops and related activities will focus on self-advocacy, public speaking and political action.
Event participants will be selected by the PYC with assistance from the Equity Unit. The selection process will try to achieve a diverse group of attendees, representative of the young workers within our membership. All applicants will be contacted in June and will be advised of the status of their application.
Do not miss this opportunity to network, learn, share experiences and have some fun. Please submit your application no later than end of day on May 29, 2022. You can apply directly by logging onto OPSEU/SEFPO’s member portal at: https://members.opseu.org/. Only online applicationswill be accepted for this event. We will be applying the criteria as set out in questions 1-10 of the application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For any additional requirements, please contact the Equity Unit directly at youngworkersconference@opseu.org
Appel de candidatures pour la conférence des jeunes travailleurs
Bonjour,
Le Comité provincial des jeunes travailleurs (CPJT) de l’OPSEU/SEFPO vous invite à soumettre votre demande de participation à la Conférence des jeunes travailleurs 2022! La conférence se tiendra du 12 au 14 août, à l’hôtel Courtyard by Marriott, au centre-ville de Toronto. En plus d’inviter chaleureusement les participants de la conférence précédente, le CPJT lance une invitation toute particulière aux personnes qui n’ont encore jamais participé à nos conférences. Nous acceptons les demandes de tous les jeunes travailleurs et travailleuses de moins de 35 ans, qui sont membres de l’OPSEU/SEFPO. Nous avons hâte de vous rencontrer à la conférence.
Le thème de la conférence : « Être vus, être entendus, être plus forts : c’est NOUS MAINTENANT », mettra en lumière les jeunes travailleurs et travailleuses et les chefs de file du mouvement syndical d’aujourd’hui. Beaucoup président une section locale et sont des membres influents de leurs communautés. Cette conférence mettra l’accent sur le développement des compétences en leadership qui sont censées durer toute une vie. Des conférenciers invités inspireront les jeunes travailleurs et travailleuses et les inciteront également à examiner leurs forces et faiblesses, en particulier lorsqu’il s’agit de fixer leurs objectifs personnels et professionnels. Les ateliers et les activités connexes porteront essentiellement sur l’autonomie sociale, l’art de parler en public et l’action politique.
Les participants à la conférence seront sélectionnés par le CPJT en collaboration avec l’Unité de l’équité. Dans le cadre du processus de sélection, nous nous efforcerons de choisir un groupe composé de jeunes travailleurs et travailleuses, qui sera représentatif de l’effectif du syndicat. Nous communiquerons avec toutes les personnes ayant envoyé une demande en juin pour les informer de l’état de leur demande.
Ne manquez pas cette occasion de réseauter, d’apprendre, de partager vos expériences et de vous amuser. Veuillez soumettre votre demande au plus tard le 29 mai 2022 en fin de journée. Vous pouvez envoyer votre demande directement en passant par le portail des membres de l’OPSEU/SEFPO à : https://members.opseu.org/. Seules les demandes en lignesont acceptées pour cet événement. Veuillez noter que nous appliquerons les critères stipulés en fonction des questions 1 à 10 du formulaire de demande. Toute demande incomplète sera refusée. Pour toutes questions additionnelles, veuillez communiquer avec l’Unité de l’équité à : youngworkersconference@opseu.org.
OPSEU/SEFPO’s condolences go out to the families of the victims of the latest deadly mass shooting in Buffalo, New York.
On Saturday, ten innocent Black lives were targeted in broad daylight inside a supermarket. Another three people were injured. This was a racially motivated act of terror and needs to be named for what it is: white supremacy.
The shooter reportedly spoke of the same racist, white supremacist agenda heard from those responsible for the fatal shootings in New Zealand and Quebec.
These acts of violence are not new or isolated. Black people in the United States, and across North America, continue to fight for their basic human rights. These acts of violent extremism are attempts to instill fear and break the spirit of the Black community. This was a deliberate act and it sought to harm and kill Black people in a community with a high percentage of Black members. This isn’t just gun violence; this is anti-Black racism.
These shootings are an urgent reminder that more must be done to address the continued rise of white supremacy. Hate crimes, acts of violence and hate speech continue to grow at a rapid speed across North America, including in Ontario.
There are daily encounters where Black families, Black children, Black women and men continue to be targeted for the colour of their skin. This is a vicious cycle of violence and hatred that continues to repeat itself. White supremacy has no place in our workplaces, unions, schools or communities. It’s not enough to denounce it, we must act to stop it in its tracks. OPSEU/SEFPO joins the Black community across this province and nation as allies in support of this necessary work.
OPSEU/SEFPO is committed to dismantling anti-Black racism and to do the work to become an anti-racist union. OPSEU/SEFPO offices have lowered their flags to half-mast as a sign of solidarity and respect to the victims and their families. Today and always, Black Lives Matter.
In solidarity,
JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President Laurie Nancekivell, OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer Peter Thompson, OPSEU/SEFPO Coalition of Racialized Workers, Chair
To: Region 5 Local Presidents, L.E.C.s, and E.B.M.s From: Region 5 Education Committee
DISMANTLING ANTI-BLACK RACISM
The 1.5 day Dismantling Anti-Black Racism course, provided over three evening sessions, will raise awareness, provide a better understanding, and include strategies to dismantle anti-Black racism (ABR). It explores the topics of what anti-Black racism is and provides Black history highlights for a deeper understanding of the history of slavery and its impacts today. The course addresses the need to confront white supremacy. Participants will understand how colonization and the socially constructed concept of race has affected Black people. Additionally, the course highlights past, present and future efforts to address anti-Black racism in the workplace and in OPSEU/SEFPO.
LOCATION: Virtually on Zoom (a link will be provided to all participants in advance of class)
We are pleased to offer the following session: DATES: This course will run three consecutive evenings: May 24, 25 & 26, 2022 from 6:00 pm – 9:15 pm
·The Participant and Course Selection Process will be carried out in accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO Education Policy.
·When registering, participants MUST confirm that they have their own computer with proper internet connections (training can NOT be completed over a cell phone).The computer must have a camera which remains ‘on’ during the training.
·This virtual training is being delivered via http://www.Zoom.us and participants must download the free Zoom software in advance of the training.
·Confirmation will be sent to applicants who are accepted.
·As this meeting is being held virtually, no expenses outside of Family/Care Attendants claims (if required) will be reimbursed except in special circumstances where expenses have been pre-approved.
·To inquire further about pre-approval, please email OPSEURegion5EBMs@gmail.com
·Lost Wages will not be provided for this Educational.
As a reminder in accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO policy, full Attendance is mandatory for participants at the educational. If you are unable to attend with Full Attendance without an acceptable reason, you will not receive credit for the course and your expenses (if any) may not be paid.
On Thursday, April 28, Arbitrator Joliffe rendered his decision on CUPW’s National Grievance against Canada Post’s mandatory vaccination practice. The Arbitrator ruled against CUPW and dismissed the national grievance.
In his decision, which we are currently analyzing, the Arbitrator expressed that CPC’s vaccination practice “has been and continues to be a reasonable exercise of management rights and responsibilities under the collective agreement and pursuant to its obligations under the Canada Labour Code.”
In his decision, Arbitrator Joliffe noted that the Union, in exercising our representational responsibilities, was never in agreement with the practice in its current form.
This isn’t the outcome we wanted. We recognize that members will continue to face hardships due to the practice and we will continue to represent their interests as best we can in the current context. We will now take the time to analyze the decision in detail before deciding our next steps, which we will communicate with members.
Please see below for info on these important events: MAY 1 – Join OPSEU/SEFPO & the OFL to Speak Up for Good Jobs, Worker’s Rights, Public Services and Strong Communities12 PM – Toronto May Day Rally & Feeder March to Queen’s Park2 PM – OFL Queen’s Park Rally for a Workers-First Agenda
MAY 14 – Build the Fight for Climate Justice & the Environment1 PM – Emergency in Ontario: Rally & March for Climate, Communities & NatureSAVE Our Community Courthouses
Send an email to support the campaign to keep the community courts in Scarborough, North York and Etobicoke open!
SAVE THE DATE – MAY 18 – GTAC Delegates & Activists MeetingPanel Discussion: Climate Justice, the Environmental Crisis and the Ontario Elections – What’s at Stake for Working People
Please share this information with your OPSEU Region 5 networks.
MAY 1 – Join GTAC & OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick at these Important Labour/Community Events
1) Toronto May Day Rally & Feeder March – 12 noon Join OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick and labour & community activists from across Toronto to celebrate labour solidarity, build the campaign for workers’ rights, good jobs for all, social & climate justice and an end to cut backs and austerity… and join the feeder march to the OFL/Justice for Workers Mass Rally at Queen’s Park When: Sunday, May 1, 12 noon Where: Toronto City Hall/Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W. at Bay St (Queen Subway) March: Starts at 1:30 pm, arrives at Queen’s Park at 2 pm Download the OPSEU flyer & share with your local OPSEU Meet-Up: Join us at 11:45 am inside Nathan Phillips Sq., east side, beside the large ramp up to the City Hall rooftop garden (see site map). – Bring your OPSEU flags and noisemakers! – Join, like and share the Facebook event Volunteers Needed: Please let us know in advance if you can help with I) Sign-Making Team – Sat. April 30, 2pm, 31 Wellesley St. (materials provided) II) OPSEU Set Up & Marshaling – Sun. May 1, 11:30 am, Nathan Phillips Square, east side. – Please email us at gtac@opseugtac.cato confirm if you can help on either or both days. Please include your name, local number, personal email and cell #.
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2) OFL/Justice for Workers Mass Rally for a Workers-First Agenda – 2 pm May 1 is the traditional day when working people rally to build solidarity and commit to the fight for a better future for all. It’s also just one month before Ontario’s June 2 election! That’s why the Ontario Federation of Labour and Justice for Workers have declared May 1 a Provincewide Day of Acton for a Better Ontario. It’s time to ramp up our campaign for worker’s rights, decent work, a $20 minimum wage, affordable housing, well-funded public services, climate justice, and an end to racism and oppression. When: Sunday, May 1, 2 pm Where:Queen’s Park, South Lawn at College St & University Ave (Queen’s Park Subway) – Bring your OPSEU flags, signs and noisemakers! – Join, like and share the Facebook event – For info on the Toronto rally, flyers & graphics: https://ofl.ca/event/may-1-toronto/ – For info on events in communities across Ontario: https://ofl.ca/event/may-1/
MAY 14 – Emergency in Ontario: Rally & March for Climate Justice, Communities & Nature – May 14, 1 pm
Join GTAC, Climate Voice, Environmental Defence, and a broad coalition of environmental, labour & community organizations for a mass rally to demand climate justice, and defend nature, the environment and healthy, sustainable communities in Ontario. Join us to make the environment, the climate crisis and a just transition to a net-zero carbon future key issues during and after the Ontario election. Where: Queen’s Park, South Lawn When: Saturday, May 14, 1 pm – Bring your OPSEU flags and noisemakers! – Join, like and share the Facebook event OPSEU Meet-Up: Join us at 12 noon at the OPSEU Toronto Regional Office, 31 Wellesley St. East to build some signs, have a snack, and march together to the rally at Queen’s Park. Planing to join us? Please RSVP to gtac@opseugtac.ca!
Stop Doug Ford’s Plan to Close Community Courthouses in Scarborough, North York & Etobicoke
On April 21, OPSEU President JP Hornick joined representatives of the Ontario Crown Attorneys Association, the Society of United Professionals, and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations to call on the Ford government to halt its plans to close three community courthouses in North York, Etobicoke, and Scarborough. (See some of the news coverage here.)
Closing these local courthouses will only increase the systemic barriers that working class, Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities face in achieving equal access justice and equal treatment before Ontario’s courts. The planned closing – and the transfer of these courts’ caseloads to the New Toronto Courthouse in downtown Toronto – also represents a real threat to public and workplace safety and the jobs of OPSEU members and others who work in Toronto’s provincial courts.
SAVE THE DATE! Join GTAC at Our Monthly Delegates & Activists Meeting – May 18
Key agenda items include: > Panel Discussion: Climate Justice, the Environmental Crisis and the Ontario Elections – What’s at Stake for Working People > Updates on the June 2 Ontario election & outreach to OPSEU members and our communities for a workers-first agenda. More details to come. Hope to see you there!
Read this summary of new arbitrator decisions related to COVID-19 vaccination policies implemented by employers across Canada. These decisions are summarized by MathewDinsdale Global HR Lawyers and include decisions upholding these vaccination policies and a decision on who should bear the cost of testing and whether employees should be compensated for the time they take to test. A decision was also released upholding the termination of an employee who refused to get vaccinated as required by a Public Health Order for health care workers.
opseu500.ca 