April 2001 Memo to HHPD Local Presidents

Dear Sister/Brother:

This is an exciting time of many changes in OPSEU. One of these changes is the Network for Better Contracts (NBC). This new initiative provides a multi-faceted approach to improving our union through continuous learning and networking so that we are more prepared at the bargaining table, in arbitration and in our political struggles. The Hospital Health Care Professionals Division (HHPD) has embraced this approach and has recently re-evaluated our entire central negotiations process.

As a result, I have the great pleasure of inviting you to the first ever Pre-Bargaining Conference (PBC) for the HHPD. We want to provide you with an opportunity to meet and talk to your colleagues from across the province about workplace issues, arbitrations, collective agreement strengths and weaknesses. In addition we want to explain the central process for those who have never participated, as well as examine other collective agreements both within OPSEU and in other unions (e.g. CUPE, ONA, SEIU). Our hope is that by providing you with a forum to discuss these issues, common themes will become apparent and this will give you a better framework to focus your local demand set meeting.

This conference is intended to be of use for every bargaining unit in our Division – those who have participated in central bargaining in the past, those who are thinking of joining the central process next round for the first time, and those who have no intention of coming into the central process. This conference will benefit everyone because regardless of whether your bargaining unit intends to bargain centrally or locally, the themes – goals – problems are often common across the province and we want everyone to have the tools and strategies to negotiate effectively.

So put June 16 on your calendar and I’ll look forward to seeing you in Toronto!

Aimee Axler

Chair, Central Bargaining Team, HHPD

Related Information:

>> Central Bargaining Process - How it works
>> Central Salary Rates
>> Central Collective Agreement (note: this file is in .pdf format.  You will require Acrobat Reader.  If you do not have this free reader, please click here).