Daily Updates

Day 1 - April 17, 2008

Brought to you by the OPSEU In Solidarity Editorial Committee.

Who we are:  Laurie Sabourin, Local 368, Karrie Ouchas, Local 340, Moira Cowan, Local 105, Edwin Mercurio, Local 526 and Felicia Metcalfe-Fahey, Local 681. Ex-officio members are: James Tocker, Executive Board Liaison and Don Ford, OPSEU Communications.

Leah Casselman Award presented for first time

Dennis Sands (Local 144), Wayne Easterbrook (Local 148), Annie Robert (Local 151), Nancy John (Local 161), Mary Kelly (Local 235) and Patty Markland (Local 448) and their locals are the proud recipients of the Leah Casselman Award, being presented in for the first time at the 2008 OPSEU Annual Convention. 

These locals and local presidents were uncompromising in leading and mobilizing members. Through their efforts, OPSEU members in developmental services achieved unprecedented wage increases and recognition for the work they provide. They inspired their members with strength, courage and determination through adversity.

Developmental service units across the province worked hard in 2007 to bring about awareness of under funding, understaffing and wage disparity in their line of work. Demonstrations, media activity, strike votes, strikes, conciliation and ratification were obstacles the members endured last year.

     Leah Casselman retired in 2007, having seen many accomplishments in her six terms in office. She was the first female president of OPSEU and the president with the longest tenure. The Leah Casselman Award is given to the Local and/or individual that exemplifies the spirit and intent of mobilizing to win.

Stanley Knowles Humanitarian Award

OPSEU honours Dr. Phillip Berger

The Stanley Knowles Award is presented by OPSEU to the individual or groups who exemplify the spirit, dedication and ideals of Mr. Knowles. Stanley Knowles was an opposition MP dedicated to social justice. Dr. Philip Berger is this year’s Stanley Knowles Award recipient. Dr. Berger is dedicated to raising awareness about social causes worldwide.

Early in his career, Dr. Berger researched and wrote about the psychological effects of torture and is the founder of the Canadian Medical Network-Amnesty International. He also founded the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture.

Dr. Berger stands in opposition of the privatization of health care and has spoken out in public meetings and issued many papers on the subject since the 1970s. He is a member of the Medical Reform Group, a group of physicians dedicated to the preservation of a national health care system in Canada.

Dr. Berger has been assisting those with HIV/AIDS since the onset of the epidemic in the 1980s. In 1992, he founded the Ontario HIV Project Centre Primary Care Mentoring Program, which assists inexperienced physicians treating patients with the disease.

His community involvement has included speaking about the treatment of heroin addicts, co-founding the Maggie’s Safe Sex Project for Prostitutes and volunteering to speak for the Toronto Jail Health Program for Inmates.

     In 2000, Dr. Berger was presented with the “Hero Award,” sponsored by the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, for his support and activism of the rights of gay rights.

     In 2005, Dr. Berger spent 7 1/2 months as the Team Leader of the Ontario Hospital Association’s AIDS initiative – the OHAfrica Project. Currently, Dr. Berger is a member of the Ontario Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS.

Without a doubt, Dr. Berger is committed to fighting social injustice, wherever it may happen, and promotes education and change to better the lives of those who need our help the most. He shares this passion in common with OPSEU ideals and is a true example of what the Stanley Knowles Award represents.

Honorary Lifetime Membership Award

Art Lane

Art Lane is a career labour activist. He began his career in the Civil Service Association of Ontario (CSAO) in 1966 and continued his activism when the CSAO became the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) in . Brother Art has represented members in a variety of executive positions within several locals. In 1984, he was ran for OPSEU President. Though he was unsuccessful in his bid for presidency, Brother Art graciously accepted a position as executive assistant to the elected president. He has held several OPSEU staff positions and ran as the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in Leeds-Grenville in 1990.

Art Lane’s “loyalty to this union is second to none,” states his nominator.

Jerry Chaykowsky

Energetic, hardworking, committed and positive are words used to describe Brother Jerry Chaykowsky. Brother Jerry has been actively protecting the interests of his members for decades and continues to do so as a leader within the Liquor Board Employees Division of OPSEU. His impressive union resume shows a history of leadership, with a focus on helping and educating members.

“Jerry’s work has literally saved lives,” claims one union brother, describing Brother Jerry’s dedication.

Pauline Tapping

Pauline Tapping, past Region 3 Vice-President, is a retired civil litigation clerk from the Newmarket Court House, Local 310.

Sister Pauline was inclusive in all she did.  She advocated fairness and justice.  Sister Pauline always put her members first.

Sister Pauline’s legacy of compassion and commitment continues to inspire future activists.

Live and Let Live Award

Hospitality host raises $10K for OPSEU charity

Kevin O’Shea, Local 428, is the hospitality host with the most...heart. He has been hosting his region’s hospitality suite at educationals, convention and other functions for the past eight years. Brother Kevin has committed his time hosting the hospitality rooms with an agenda to raise money for the Live and Let Live fund.

Brother Kevin and his volunteers have raised approximately $10,000 for the charity, supporting HIV/AIDS education, support and research in Ontario and sub-Saharan Africa. 

Human Rights Award

Joe Daniel champions rights for all

Joe Daniel, President of Local 506, brought passion and ingenuity to his position when he was elected in 2006. His commitments to activism and to ensuring the rights of his members are without question.

Brother Joe has challenged the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to adopt fairer policies dealing with equity issues. He challenged the Ministry’s self-defense program, which was overhauled to be more inclusive. He lobbied for changes to the use of equipment and uniforms for pregnant employees and for members requiring health accommodation. Brother Joe has challenged the Ministry’s interpretation of health reassignment language. He has helped female members end the cycle of harassment and discrimination in their workplace.

It wasn’t long before management attempted to discipline Brother Joe for his activism. He stood his ground, bringing about awareness and change within his own ministry and within the Ontario Public Service.

These are just a few examples of Brother Joe’s great and tireless efforts to improve the working lives of all members.

Joe Daniel continues at the helm of Local 506 and as the unofficial spokesperson for MTO.

Health and Safety Award

Health and safety a priority in Local 411

The worker representatives of the Joint Health and Safety Committee of the Ottawa Detention Centre, Local 411, exemplify teamwork and creative problem solving. They have successfully addressed the dysfunction of the committee experienced prior to 2006. 

The members have made great strides in improving health and safety in their workplace.

Their success story includes:

·         Promoting member education initiatives

·         Insisting management enact the Provincial search protocol

·         Recommending and following up with the implementation of multiplex cameras to reduce workload

·         Forcing the repair of fire exit cages to eliminate security risks

Members of the committee are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to continued progress.

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Convention 2008 Index