April 22nd, Final Wrap Up

Brought to you by the OPSEU In Solidarity Editorial Committee

Couvrette: OPSECAAT Exists!

In a heartfelt and powerful speech to Convention delegates on Saturday, OPSECAAT President Roger Couvrette told delegates that OPSECAAT exists thanks to many people who have the desire to right an historical wrong. OPSECAAT, the Organization of Part-time and Sessional Employees of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology, was formed last November in response to the legislation that bans part-time college employees from joining a union. OPSECAAT’s mandate is to lobby the government to change this long-standing unfair law. Couvrette acknowledged that OPSECAAT owed its existence to many people; they include the OPSEU Executive Board, the CAAT Academic and Support Executives, OPSEU staff and those on the OPSEUCAAT Steering Committee. Couvrette also thanked the 15,000 full-time members of CAAT division, and those who attended the 2005 Convention that moved the resolution to devote the resources to wage this fight. Couvrette, joined on stage by OPSECAAT members who were at the Sheraton on Saturday, told the delegates that chronically underfunded colleges employ over 17,000 part-time workers across the province. He also pointed out that Ontario ranks nine out of ten provinces in funding per full-time college student. “How does the government get away with that?” Couvrette asked. “Just do the math. Ontario underfunds college education on my back, and on the backs of part-time workers who are singled out as a source of disposable cheap labour.” Couvrette vowed he would return to the OPSEU Convention and say two words: OPSECAAT won. He would ask everyone to stand, in solidarity, knowing that without OPSEU members’ unqualified support he would never have been in a position to utter those two wonderful words: OPSECAAT won.

Vice-Presidents ranked by the delegates

The last election vote of the Convention resulted in the rankings of the Regional Vice-Presidents. The Vice-Presidents are ranked from 2nd to 8th behind the 1st Vice-President/Treasurer. Each candidate gave an “extensive” one-minute speech as to why they felt they should receive the highest ranking. The results are:

David Rapaport 2nd Vice-President Bob Eaton 3rd Vice-President Gino Franche 4th Vice-President Jay Jackson 5th Vice-President Doris Middleton 6th Vice-President Sue Brown 7th Vice-President Jamie Tocker 8th Vice-President

Farewell and thanks

Delegates paid tribute to outgoing Executive Board Members Pauline Tapping (Region 3), Peggy Mayberry (Region 5), Richard Larcher (Region 6), John O’Brien (Region 7), and Joe Catroppa (Region 7). All outgoing Executive Board Members received a plaque in appreciation of the dedication and commitment while in office. They thanked their regions, the membership and Leah Casselman for the continued support and encouragement during their tenure. Casselman also received the award for her term as an Executive Board Member of Region 2.

Samuelson shines as Elections Chair

Ontario Federation of Labour President Wayne Samuelson was outstanding in his first stint as the chair of OPSEU’s 2007 elections. Samuelson managed to infuse humour throughout the sometimes lengthy election procedures while ensuring all rules of the process were strictly adhered to. Well done!

OPS bargaining procedures sparks hot debate

More than 200 Ontario Public Service (OPS) members met at end of convention on Friday to discuss changes to OPS bargaining procedures. An overwhelming number of participants spoke out against the Executive Board’s proposed changes. The Executive Board met on Saturday morning to discuss the feedback from the OPS Caucus. Changes were made and presented to the delegation as a timed debate. After much heated debate regarding an automatic member to the bargaining team from Region 5 and to represent flexible part time workers, the amended OPS bargaining procedures were overwhelming defeated. Clearly a contentious issue, a motion was put forth to reconsider. The motion for reconsideration was subsequently defeated. Eric Morin, Central Enforcement and Renewal Committee (CERC) Co-Chair, in his opening at the OPS Caucus, gave special thanks for Moira Cowan and Lynda Ferguson for their hard work and dedication to the Joint System Subcommittee (JSSC) and the classification moratorium.

Region 2 holds Jelani Justice captive

Region 3 lost their mascot, Jelani Justice, on Friday night to Region 2. In undisclosed negotiations, the ransom paid Saturday morning to return her to her rightful home, safe and sound, was $625.00. The monies paid were donated to OPSEU’s Live and Let Live Fund. Jelani is Swahili for mighty.

Who is here?

Delegates 820 Alternates 434 Observers 235 Retirees 7 EBMs 21 Committees 42 Solidarity Guests 15 Guests 37 Total 1611 Voting Delegates 890

Lots of debate Saturday

Saturday was a day for debate, with many resolutions and constitutional amendments arriving on the Convention floor. Here’s a brief summary of some of motions, along with those squeezed in during Friday’s elections.

Resolutions OPSEU will call upon the Government of Canada to meet Canada’s Kyoto targets for pollution reduction to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6 per cent below their 1990 level by 2012. Delegates carried this resolution and, through NUPGE, will encourage other affiliates to ensure Canada meets its targets. Delegates voted for OPSEU to condemn any attempt by government or healthcare providers to limit critical care, based on ability. OPSEU will continue to contribute to the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care and will continue to lobby for a not-for-profit child care program.

Constitutional Amendments Local general member meeting agendas will now include the reading of the statement of respect, read once the meeting is called to order. A Mission, Vision and Value Statement, a constitutional amendment put forward by the Executive Board, was defeated by the delegates. Many members agreed that the constitution already defines our vision. Locals will have access to French language services if their numbers justify or if they request the service. The oath for stewards has now been amended to read “To work for and defend members to ensure our workplaces are safe and free from harassment and discrimination.” A constitutional amendment that would require an Equity Liaison Officer in each local sparked fiery debate. Those in favour made points that this position was needed to ensure members’ rights were protected, while those against argued this would place an undue burden on locals and raised the possibility that the local could not operate if the position was not filled. In the end, delegates defeated the motion.

See you next year!

Your In Solidarity Team hopes that everyone enjoyed the 2007 Convention, and we look forward to bringing you updates again in 2008.

 Download this issue

Convention 2007 Index