About Us
To gain equality and achieve their goals, women
must work with and through their unions. History demonstrates
that by organizing into unions, working people have achieved
better wages, working conditions, benefits, job security, human
rights and equity protection.
The OPSEU Constitution guarantees the foundation
- A Provincial Women's Committee (PWC). Delegates in each
region elect a representative to serve on this committee.
Each union local is also encouraged to set up an
active women's committee (LWC). Its job is to highlight issues
of particular concern to female OPSEU members.
What is the mandate of the Provincial Women's Committee?
The PWC is an advocate for women within the
union, and especially at the local level. We often act as
advisors, mediators and investigators under OPSEU’s Harassment
and Discrimination Prevention policy. The PWC also initiates
campaigns in the workplace and community for women's rights.
The PWC is also available to work with the
bargaining teams on contract language regarding equity issues.
Equality for women and other equity-seeking groups is a central
thrust of all our work, both in the workplace and our
communities..
What can a local women's committee do?
-
Inform members about OPSEU's policy against Harassment
and Discrimination.
-
Seek out sisters who will run as stewards and officers
-
Identify and dissolve the barriers that block sisters
from participating. This means everyone, including sisters of
colour, First Nations sisters, lesbian sisters, disabled sisters
and those with families.
-
Work with the PWC rep in the region.
-
Organize educationals at lunch or after work on issues
like "bargaining for a family-friendly workplace" or health and
safety.
-
Support women in other workplaces and
other unions.
Develop strategies to encourage your community to
support public services.
