A Newsletter from OPSEU Local 500
June 2021

In March of 2020, the world was engulfed in by the Covid-19 Pandemic on a scale not seen since the Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919. From the day the Pandemic was declared all members of OPSEU Local 500 have been on the front lines of the crisis experiencing the hardest challenges of your careers. You have all been dealing with redeployment and reassignment of your duties, additional health and safety procedures, to follow, and facing the unknown on a daily basis. You are all heroes to CAMH, your Union, families and friends. You have stayed incredibly committed to your patients and to each other! Work volumes have increased, and the stress on frontline health care workers, whatever your jobs has been enormous. The employer has been accommodating non-clinical staff to work from home, though many of you have been seen at the COVID screening stations set up across CAMH. As the President of OPSEU Local 500 I have been awed, humbled and moved by your enormous efforts and sacrifices.

Throughout the pandemic members of the Local have been given invaluable support by the OPSEU co-chair of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee; Carol Mundley. Thank you Carol for all your hard work in support of our members.

The pandemic has caused hospital across the province to see revenue generating streams dry up. CAMH was not immune to this and is running a deficit. Ontario hospitals are forbidden by law from running deficits. CAMH, to balance the books laid off contract staff across the organization. IMG members took the brunt of the layoffs. Half of the Local’s members in Public Affairs were laid off as well. There were NO cuts to front line clinical staff. The OPSEU Staff Rep and I fought the layoffs very hard. The number of layoffs were significantly reduced, through other efficiencies being identified and vacancy management. I fought hard for enhanced entitlements for every member who was impacted in this round of layoffs.

The Local’s office has stayed open throughout the pandemic. We have shifted to representing members through virtual meetings online. We do have to respect social distancing the local office. However the office is open for members. Please call ahead to schedule to meet with myself or Chantelle. (Contact details at the end)

In Solidarity,
Thomas

Phase 1C Buildings and Engie Services

In the midst of the pandemic, the new C1 and D1 buildings were opened at the end of November. Members of the Local rose to the challenge as always and helped CAMH’s to move and settle into the new spaces. Five CAMH maintenance workers transferred to Engie Services, the custodian of the new buildings OPSEU Local 500 is now a composite Local. The Union preserved the Collective Agreement rights for our transferred and newly hired Engie members.

The moves into the new buildings have not gone entirely smoothly. Both Unions in pre-occupancy inspections had expressed concerns to the employer that the PICU nursing stations doors in the new units were not safe. After a serious incident, the employer is now in the process of replacing them with Dutch style doors. Non-clinical staff were shown workstations at a furniture fair two years ago. They did not materialize as presented then. Non-clinical staff are working in open spaces filled with desks that do not allow for privacy or undisturbed work. The new buildings advance patient care, unfortunately at the expense of sacrificing decent working spaces for non-clinical staff.

Happy Retirement Virginia!

Virginia Ittig-Deland, a long time Steward of the Local, co-chair of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee for College Street and Ursula Franklin sites and Acting Lead Steward for the Local since September 2020 retired on June 4, 2021 after a storied 45 year career working at Addiction Research Foundation and then CAMH. Virginia’s knowledge and experience, both as a Research Analyst with in-depth understanding of research work and her expertise in Health and Safety, developed over decades of experience, will be sorely missed. All of us at the Local will miss your wisdom, eloquence, consistently principled stands in support of our members, Virginia. You made a huge impact, and you are leaving really big shoes to fill! Enjoy your new chapter in life, Virginia!

Rossana Coriandoli, Rossana.Coriandoli@camh.ca will be taking over as OPSEU co-chair of the College and Ursula Franklin sites’ Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Thank you Rossana for taking on this important role supporting our members.
Welcome Back Chantelle!

Please welcome back Chantelle D’Mello. Chantelle was away on maternity leave since September 2020. We have been eagerly awaiting your return to support our members!

Scheduling a Vacation

With the summer vacation season approaching, I wanted to remind everyone of the Vacation Schedules language in the Collective Agreement. If you are having any challenges scheduling a vacation, please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of the LEC or a Steward for assistance.

21.08 Vacation Schedules
CAMH will generally endeavour to accommodate the employee in scheduling vacations in accordance with specific periods requested. However, where the granting of all such requests would prejudice the efficient operation of the department, seniority will prevail in determining the time a specific employee’s vacation is scheduled.

Vacations may be taken at any time of the year between January 1 and December 31 inclusive. The vacation application schedule shall be posted by February 1 and completed by March 1 of each year. The final vacation schedule shall be posted by April 1 each year and once posted, changes may only be effected with the Employer’s agreement.

Vacation requests submitted after the vacation application period will be granted on a first come first served basis once the vacation schedule has been posted and subject to the efficient operation of the department. Vacation requests submitted after the vacation application period will be granted on a first come first served basis once the vacation schedule has been posted and subject to the efficient operation of the department. Requests shall not be unreasonably denied and CAMH will respond to such vacation requests within fourteen (14) calendar days.

In the interests of equity an employee may not utilize more than two (2) consecutive weeks of accumulated vacation/vacation credits during prime vacation time if it limits access to another employee during this time. This will not preclude the Employer from scheduling more than two (2) weeks where possible. In addition, an employee may not utilize the same vacation period two (2) years consecutively, in prime-time, if it limits access to another employee. Prime-time shall be defined as; March Break, June 15 –September 15 and the period from December 24 – January 2 inclusive.

Local 500 Executive Committee

Thomas Andersson, President
1001 Queen Street West Unit 1, B-2A,
416 535-8501 x32330
Thomas.Andersson@camh.ca / OPSEU.Local500@camh.ca

Tony Ivanoff, Vice-President
100 Stokes Street, 3rd floor
416 535-8501 x34935
Tony.Ivanoff@camh.ca

Chantelle D’Mello, Lead Steward
1001 Queen Street West, Unit 1 B-2A
416 535-8501 x33217
Chantelle.Dmello@camh.ca / OPSEU.Local500@camh.ca

Robert Edgar, Treasurer
100 Stokes Street, 6th floor
416 535-8501 x33277
Robert.Edgar@camh.ca

Yvonne Hinds, Secretary
160 Horner Avenue, Toronto South-West Detention Centre
416 535-8501 x36022 or 31916
Yvonne.Hinds@camh.ca

DATES:

Option #1 will run two consecutive 3 hour evenings Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021 and Wednesday Sept. 15, 2021 6:00 pm – 9:15 pm

Option #2 will run one day Saturday September 18, 2021 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

• ANY MEMBER may apply for this class. This is not limited to Stewards.
• Lost Wages will not be provided for this Educational.
• 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.
• Union Activity Form MUST be completed and signed by ONE LEC.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 4PM FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021 – LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

**Please be sure to submit your completed application to r5educationals@opseu.org in a timely manner as spots are limited and not guaranteed.**

Conference Call Out

Dear Young Workers:

The Provincial Young Workers Committee (PYC) invites you to submit your application for the 2021 Young Workers Conference! It will take place virtually on August 14, 2021. 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!

“Young Workers in the Post Pandemic World: How to Organize, Mobilize and Strategize using Digital Media” will provide today’s young workers and leaders in the labour movement with powerful tools for mobilization. This conference, including the guest speakers and related activities, will focus on how social media has changed traditional mobilization structures, increased the speed and interactivity of communication, and has transformed the landscape of campaigns and political protest.

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.

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 July 9, 2021. You can apply directly by logging onto OPSEU/SEFPO’s member portal. Only online applications will 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.

In solidarity,
Provincial Young Workers Committee (PYC)

About the Conference

The 13th Annual Young Workers Conference: “Young Workers in the Post Pandemic World: How to Organize, Mobilize and Strategize using Digital Media”

In recognition of the PYC’s motto, this event will EDUCATE, MOTIVATE and MOBILIZE young workers into action whether it is in their local communities, workplaces or in the labour movement.

The event is open to all OPSEU/SEFPO members in good standing, regardless of their union experience, who identify as young workers. Members of equity-seeking groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Tentative Conference Agenda

Saturday, August 14, 2021

8:45 to 9:00 AM – Zoom Room opens

9:00 to 9:10 AM – Statement of Respect and Land Acknowledgment

9:10 to 9:30 AM – OPSEU/SEFPO President, Smokey Thomas and OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer, Eddy Almeida Conference Opening Remarks and Welcome

9:30 to 10:30 AM – Labour History and the structure of OPSEU/SEFPO

10:30 to 10:45 AM – Break

10:45 AM to 12:00 PM – Guest Speakers Nour Alideeb, Executive Director at University of Toronto Mississauga Students Union & Munib Sajjad, Political Organizer, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Discussing the pros and cons of organizing around social justice issues during a pandemic.

12:00 to 1:30 PM – Lunch

1:30 to 3:15 PM – Guest Speaker Saman Tabasinejad, Project Manager
Progress Toronto: Social media as a tool to engage members and to build and execute successful campaigns

3:15 to 3:30 PM – Break

3:30 to 4:30 PM – Break Out Rooms: Using the tips received from presentation #2, create social media campaign outlines for the following platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok.

4:30 PM – Wrap-up and adjourn

Apply to attend the 2021Young Workers Conference

Apply to attend the 2021Young Workers Conference FR

Reminder: deadline to register is July 9, 2021

Conference Call Out

Dear Young Workers:

The Provincial Young Workers Committee (PYC) invites you to submit your application for the 2021 Young Workers Conference! It will take place virtually on August 14, 2021. 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!

“Young Workers in the Post Pandemic World: How to Organize, Mobilize and Strategize using Digital Media” will provide today’s young workers and leaders in the labour movement with powerful tools for mobilization. This conference, including the guest speakers and related activities, will focus on how social media has changed traditional mobilization structures, increased the speed and interactivity of communication, and has transformed the landscape of campaigns and political protest.

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.

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 July 9, 2021. You can apply directly by logging onto OPSEU/SEFPO’s member portal. Only online applications will 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.

In solidarity,
Provincial Young Workers Committee (PYC)

About the Conference

The 13th Annual Young Workers Conference: “Young Workers in the Post Pandemic World: How to Organize, Mobilize and Strategize using Digital Media”

In recognition of the PYC’s motto, this event will EDUCATE, MOTIVATE and MOBILIZE young workers into action whether it is in their local communities, workplaces or in the labour movement.

The event is open to all OPSEU/SEFPO members in good standing, regardless of their union experience, who identify as young workers. Members of equity-seeking groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Tentative Conference Agenda

Saturday, August 14, 2021

8:45 to 9:00 AM – Zoom Room opens

9:00 to 9:10 AM – Statement of Respect and Land Acknowledgment

9:10 to 9:30 AM – OPSEU/SEFPO President, Smokey Thomas and OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer, Eddy Almeida Conference Opening Remarks and Welcome

9:30 to 10:30 AM – Labour History and the structure of OPSEU/SEFPO

10:30 to 10:45 AM – Break

10:45 AM to 12:00 PM – Guest Speakers Nour Alideeb, Executive Director at University of Toronto Mississauga Students Union & Munib Sajjad, Political Organizer, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Discussing the pros and cons of organizing around social justice issues during a pandemic.

12:00 to 1:30 PM – Lunch

1:30 to 3:15 PM – Guest Speaker Saman Tabasinejad, Project Manager
Progress Toronto: Social media as a tool to engage members and to build and execute successful campaigns

3:15 to 3:30 PM – Break

3:30 to 4:30 PM – Break Out Rooms: Using the tips received from presentation #2, create social media campaign outlines for the following platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok.

4:30 PM – Wrap-up and adjourn

Apply to attend the 2021Young Workers Conference

Apply to attend the 2021Young Workers Conference FR

Sign up for the Indigenous & Workers of Colour Conference 2021, hosted by the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, Saturday, June 12, 2021 9:45 am to 12:40 pm.

This year’s conference will be held virtually over Zoom and will feature a keynote address by Rosemary Power, Executive Director of Toronto Community Benefits Network.

Registration fee ($20) covered by OPSEU local 500. Download the application form and submit your completed form to ssimpson@labourcommunityservices.ca and copy  OPSEU.Local500@camh.ca. Read more at the conference website.

Workshop preference:

• Environmental racism – facilitated by Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
• Migrant worker & the impact of COVID – facilitated by Santiago Escobar or United Food and Commercial Workers
• Land acknowledgements & reconciliation – facilitated by OPSEU Indigenous Circle
• Challenging racism & racial trauma: Tools and resources – facilitated by the City of Toronto’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit
• Mental health in the workplace & accommodations – facilitated by OPSEU

We will be extending the changes made to our payment and coding for COVID-19 in alignment with, and to enhance, the Ontario COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit, which covers three paid days for casual and part-time workers who are ill, or who are getting tested or vaccinated for COVID-19.

Through to June 30, 2021, CAMH will cover applicable staff members’ pre-scheduled shifts missed for reasons related to COVID-19, including:

COVID-19 self-isolation awaiting results of a COVID-19 test due to COVID symptoms or community exposure (up to two days)

COVID-19 diagnosis of the employee (up to 10 days)

COVID-19 self-isolation due to confirmed high risk exposure in the community (up to 14 days)

Health, Safety and Wellness will be careful to review documentation prior to confirming paid leave for employees affected by COVID-19, so it is very important to remember that the responsibility rests with the employee to contact Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW.covid@camh.ca) and to provide all necessary proof of need for self-isolation, testing and diagnosis, to help ensure continuity of pay.

Dear OPSEU/SEFPO RPNs and Healthcare workers,

As part of OPSEU/SEFPO’s RPN Divisional Council’s commemoration of Nurses Week 2021, we would like to invite all health care members to two special presentations being offered during the week.

On Tuesday, May 11th from 1-2pm please use the link below to join a presentation by Dr. John Bradford, Founder Forensic Psychiatry, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who will be speaking about Vicarious Trauma and PTSD: an occupational risk for nurses and other mental health professionals.

Meeting information:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://opseu-org.zoom.us/j/98905828587

Meeting ID: 989 0582 8587
One tap mobile
+14388097799,,98905828587# Canada
+15873281099,,98905828587# Canada

Dial by your location
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 613 209 3054 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 204 272 7920 Canada
855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free
Find your local number: https://opseu-org.zoom.us/u/aqSIFGwao

In addition you are invited to join us on Thursday, May 13 from 1-2pm for a presentation from Tammy Whelen from the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin who will be presenting on Compassion Fatigue and will offer practical strategies for identifying and dealing with the costs of caring.

Please use the link below to join this session via zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://opseu-org.zoom.us/j/93800114852

Meeting ID: 938 0011 4852
One tap mobile
+16473744685,,93800114852# Canada
+16475580588,,93800114852# Canada

Dial by your location
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 204 272 7920 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 613 209 3054 Canada
855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free
Meeting ID: 938 0011 4852
Find your local number: https://opseu-org.zoom.us/u/ac3OiYhLaQ

Are you an RPN? Enter your name into a draw for your chance to win a $100 pre-paid credit card. Five winners will be announced on Saturday May 15th.

RSVP with your full name, local, mailing address, and email to Nadia Shahabun at nshahabun@opseu.org, OPSEU/SEFPO Support Staff.

Visit the OPSEU/SEFPO RPN Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OPSEURPN/ in order to join the daily discussions and be sure to follow our page.

Please note that if you miss any of these sessions we will work on posting a recording on our Facebook page for your convenience.

We at OPSEU/SEFPO recognize and value the immeasurable efforts you all have made over the past year.

Looking forward to commemorating Nurses Week with you and thank you again for all that you have given during these trying times.

In solidarity,

Lucy Morton, Chair of the RPN Occupational Division, OPSEU/SEFPO

Jill McIllwraith, Chair of the Health Care Divisional Council, OPSEU/SEFPO

Chères/chers IAA et professionnels/les de la santé de l’OPSEU/SEFPO,

Dans le cadre des célébrations de la Semaine nationale des soins infirmiers 2021 organisées par le conseil de la Division professionnelle des IAA de l’OPSEU/SEFPO, nous invitons tous les membres des soins de santé à deux présentations spéciales offertes au cours de la semaine.

Le mardi 11 mai, de 13 h à 14 h, veuillez utiliser le lien ci-dessous pour vous joindre à une présentation du Dr John Bradford, fondateur de la psychiatrie légale, Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada, qui parlera du traumatisme indirect et de l’état de stress post-traumatique (ÉSPT) : un risque professionnel pour le personnel infirmier et autres professionnels de la santé mentale.

Renseignements sur la présentation :

Présentation : Dr John Bradford – Semaine nationale des soins infirmiers
Heure : Le 11 mai 2021, de 13 h à 14 h, heure de l’est (États-Unis et Canada)

Cliquez sur ce lien pour vous connecter à la réunion Zoom
https://opseu-org.zoom.us/j/98905828587

ID de la réunion : 989 0582 8587
Accès direct avec mobile
+14388097799,,98905828587# Canada
+15873281099,,98905828587# Canada

Composez selon votre emplacement
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 613 209 3054 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 204 272 7920 Canada
855 703 8985 Canada sans frais
Trouvez votre numéro local : https://opseu-org.zoom.us/u/aqSIFGwao

De plus, nous vous invitons à vous joindre à nous le jeudi 13 mai, de 13 h à 14 h, pour une présentation de Tammy Whelen, de l’Association canadienne pour la santé mentale (ACSM) de Peel Dufferin, qui donnera une présentation sur l’usure de compassion et proposera des stratégies pratiques pour la reconnaître et la surmonter.

Cliquez sur le lien ci-dessous pour participer à cette présentation via zoom.

Présentation : Tammy Whelen – ACSM de Peel Dufferin
Heure : Le 13 mai 2021, à 12 h, heure de l’est (États-Unis et Canada)

Cliquez sur ce lien pour vous connecter à la réunion Zoom
https://opseu-org.zoom.us/j/93800114852

ID de la réunion : 938 0011 4852
Accès direct avec mobile
+16473744685,,93800114852# Canada
+16475580588,,93800114852# Canada

Composez selon votre emplacement
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 204 272 7920 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 613 209 3054 Canada
855 703 8985 Canada sans frais
ID de la réunion : 938 0011 4852
Trouvez votre numéro local : https://opseu-org.zoom.us/u/ac3OiYhLaQ

Êtes-vous une/un IAA? Inscrivez votre nom pour participer à un tirage au sort et courir la chance de gagner une carte de crédit prépayée de 100 $. Les cinq gagnant(e)s seront annoncé(e)s le samedi 15 mai.

RSVP avec votre nom au complet, section locale, adresse postale et courriel à Nadia Shahabun à : nshahabun@opseu.org, OPSEU/SEFPO, personnel de soutien.

Visitez la page Facebook des IAA de l’OPSEU/SEFPO à : https://www.facebook.com/OPSEURPN/ afin de participer aux discussions quotidiennes et pour suivre notre page.

Veuillez noter que si vous manquez l’une de ces sessions, nous essayerons de publier un enregistrement sur notre page Facebook pour votre convenance.

À l’OPSEU/SEFPO, nous reconnaissons et apprécions les efforts incommensurables que vous avez toutes et tous déployés au cours de la dernière année.

Dans l’attente du plaisir de célébrer la Semaine nationale des soins infirmiers en votre compagnie, nous vous remercions une nouvelle fois pour tout ce que vous avez fait durant ces périodes éprouvantes.

En solidarité,

Lucy Morton, présidente de la Division professionnelle des IAA, OPSEU/SEFPO

Jill McIllwraith, présidente du Conseil divisionnaire des soins de santé, OPSEU/SEFPO

opseu.org | sefpo.org

OPSEU/SEFPO applauds the recent guilty verdict against Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. We acknowledge that the verdict was newsworthy because it disrupts a continuous pattern of white supremacy persistent in North American criminal justice systems. We agree with U.S. President Joe Biden that “we cannot stop there.” It is way past time that white leaders of Canadian institutions remove our collective knees off the necks of Black, Indigenous and racialized groups.

Since the murder of George Floyd, OPSEU/SEFPO stepped up its efforts to dismantle anti-Black racism beginning with a tele-town hall in July of 2020. We listened to the lived experiences of Black members and staff and escalated our efforts to increase the representation of Black and racialized staff at all levels of the organization. We need to put muscle behind our words. Intentional and bold steps are needed to uproot anti-Black racism from all institutions.

To this end, OPSEU/SEFPO launched a long-term Employment Equity program led by a multi-racial team with many years of anti-racism experience. The Employment Equity Team is facilitating mandatory dismantling anti-Black racism training for OPSEU/SEFPO senior leadership, staff and the Executive Board. As a concrete step forward, we made permanent a number of Black and racialized staff at various levels of the organization to increase representation and remove existing disparities between permanent and temporary positions. These proactive steps were met with resistance from those who prefer to hold on to the status quo and maintain their privilege and power. However, OPSEU/SEFPO remains committed to uprooting white supremacy despite any resistance. This is simply the right thing to do and it is long overdue.

Many of us are haunted by the final words of George Floyd, “I can’t breathe.” OPSEU/SEFPO is proud to step up as a leader among labour unions and stand up to all those resistant to change. We will continue to do this as a Union and as an employer until all members and staff can breathe freely.

The great abolitionist Frederick Douglass reminds us that “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and never will.” We will not stop demanding until it is done!

OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas
OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida

OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas sent the following letter to Premier Doug Ford today.   April 19, 2021   Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario  Room 281  Legislative Building, Queen’s Park  Toronto, ON M7A 1A1    Re OPSEU/SEFPO calling on Ford government to legislate paid sick days for all   Dear Premier Ford,   This is our third message to your office in as many days. Desperate times require extraordinary measures. If there is a time when we must communicate effectively as a province, and act swiftly as a society, it is now.   At OPSEU/SEFPO, we’ve put politics aside in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration. We understand that working together is the only way we can defeat this crisis and emerge triumphant on the other side. Name-calling and public shaming won’t resolve our current crisis. And together, we’ve made progress.   We asked your government to walk back on arbitrary police powers, and you have. We spoke out against the closure of playgrounds, and you listened. We’ve raised the alarm about Ontario’s capacity crisis, and the federal Liberals have pledged to send health care workers to help. We’ve pushed to get more needles in arms, and you lowered the age of eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine to 40.   All of this marks significant progress. However, we’ve now reached a crucial moment in the fight against this pandemic.   The path to recovery requires smart decisions and legislating paid sick days is a smart decision. Paid sick days save lives. The experts all agree, including Toronto’s chief medical officer of health, that paid sick leave is an essential protection for workers on the front lines of the pandemic – especially those in low-wage and precarious positions with little to no job security.   Everyone needs paid sick days. They keep workers, and our communities, safer. And what’s more, the vast majority of Ontarians support legislated paid sick days for all. What we need now, is political leadership. You’ve said no in the past, but I am sure you can see that the state of the province today requires a different response.   As the case numbers continue to rise, firmer action is needed. Indecision won’t save lives – vaccines and paid sick days will. The public, and Ontario’s public sector workers, are watching closely. Unless repealed, Bill 124’s wage cap would mean that public sector workers can’t even negotiate more sick days, without taking a further cut to their wages. These are the same front line workers you’ve repeatedly held up as heroes throughout the pandemic.   Well Premier, heroes deserve respect and dignity. At the very minimum, they need paid sick days. That does not just go for unionized workers, non-unionized workers need paid sick days too. That’s the best way they can protect themselves while earning a living, and protect the public as well. Last month, more than 600 workers at Amazon in Brampton got COVID-19, but very few cases were reported. How much safer would we all be, Amazon workers, their families, and the public, if these workers had been allowed to take paid sick days? We can’t force workers to decide between making a living and living at all.   Premier, you know what the right decision is here. At least for the duration of the pandemic, legislate paid sick days and protect this province, its workers, and their families. It’s your chance to take leadership across the country and light the way for all the provinces and territories to follow. Legislate paid sick days now. Cast ideology aside and pivot as needed. Only then are we in it all together, but more importantly, we will be out of all this together, faster.   Sincerely,    Warren (Smokey) Thomas President, OPSEU/SEFPO C. Hon. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health

OPSEU/SEFPO has launched an ad campaign to support Ontario’s vaccine rollout and encourage Ontarians to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“It’s undeniable that the COVID pandemic has hurt us all,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “It has taken a toll on our economy, on our health, on our well-being, and even on our very lives. “We’re calling on all OPSEU/SEFPO members – and all Ontarians – to get their shot as soon as possible,” said Thomas. “Because the way out of this is together.”