June 2002

To all TCHC staff:

As you know, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) has ordered a representation vote June 13 for TCHC inside staff, including the Office, Clerical and Professional Unit and the Security Unit of OPSEU 592. I welcome the OLRB’s decision to allow TCHC staff the opportunity to vote on which union will be representing them.

With OPSEU, you will have a collective agreement written by and for housing staff. You will have your own housing-oriented bargaining unit, in a housing staff-only local, unlike CUPE where your local executive would be elected from among 20,000 city workers.

OPSEU and Local 592 have fought hard against downloading, contracting out and privatization in social housing and across the entire public sector. We have 30 years of experience advocating for workers on housing issues. Remember, OPSEU has taken on the toughest employer in Canada – the Tory government – twice, and won decisive victories for our members.

I am confident that the elected officers of Local 592 and our experienced staff are the best team to negotiate a strong new collective agreement for you, and to fight on behalf of social housing staff.

We welcome new members to join with us and we know you will play a valuable role in building our union.

In solidarity,

Leah Casselman, President