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.
more...
1920s & 30s
CSAO
incorporates; The Great
Depression; the Second World war.
more...
1940s
Unions make
major inroads in the private sector.
New labour standards include the
48-hour week, paid vacations and
improved workers' compensation.
more...
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.
more...
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”
.
more...
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.
more...
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.
more...
1990s
The union
responds to new technology by
changing its communications with
members. The OPS strikes for the
first time.
more...
2000s
Walkerton water
supply contamination. OPSEU
celebrates 25 years, SARS epidemic
hits Toronto.
more...
Executive Board Members
Past and Present Executive Board Members
more...
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