This point-form history of OPSEU highlights the union's development from 1911 to 2005, from its beginnings as the Civil Service Association of Ontario (CSAO).

1910s

The Civil Service Association of Ontario is created as a coal-buying cooperative and social club and to discuss ways of improving the civil service.
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1920s & 30s

CSAO incorporates;  The Great Depression; the Second World war.
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1940s

Unions make major inroads in the private sector. New labour standards include the 48-hour week, paid vacations and improved workers' compensation.
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1950s

The civil service moves to a five-day week. 85 per cent of civil servants have joined CSAO. CSAO makes a militant push for bargaining rights, a grievance system and higher pay.
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1960s

CSAO registers as a union with the Ontario Labour Relations Board enabling it to organize in the private sector. The first contract for college support staff is signed. CSAO organizes its first group of “hospital paramedics” .
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1970s

OPSEU organizing moves into the ambulance sector. Further organizing takes the union to Children's Aid Societies, Associations for Community Living, school boards and child treatment centres.
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1980s

College support staff press Convention to establish a strike fund and a reasonable strike policy. Convention establishes the Provincial Women's Committee with a formal role in the union.
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1990s

The union responds to new technology by changing its communications with members. The OPS strikes for the first time.
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2000s

Walkerton water supply contamination. OPSEU celebrates 25 years, SARS epidemic hits Toronto.
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