We have a momentous chance to move forward and get you the long overdue contract that you deserve. The decision is now in your hands. We need every member of the OPS to get out and cast a ballot.
Over the next three days, you have the power to deliver a strong rejection of this insulting contract offer. That will give your Central Bargaining Team the muscle to negotiate from a position of strength. We want to tell the employer that our members have stood as one, and shouted at the tops of their voices, “Enough is Enough!”
Last week, your Central Team was on the road attending information meetings. The response and attendance at these meetings has been nothing short of incredible. Here, in their own words, are the observations of your team members on what they saw and heard:
“We are riding an unprecedented wave of support across Ontario. Members have taken the challenge of protecting their hard earned benefits and pensions. Members have lost their fear and have taken ownership of their issues.”
Michel Chaumont, Region 6
“People in Region 4 have been coming out in droves, listening attentively and responding solemnly. They all get it. Unless we prod them, they don’t have any questions. Those in attendance at the meetings are telling us that members have already decided to vote NO.”
Jeff Bendig, Region 4
“Meetings are crowded, but there are very few questions about this insulting offer. The members really understand what’s at stake. They have the information to make the right decision. The support for the bargaining team is overwhelming.”
Marg Simmons, Region 2
“So far, all meetings have been wonderful. I was on this tour during the 1999 round of bargaining and the mood now doesn’t even compare to then. The level of disgust with the employer’s offer is much higher this time around. The members are better informed and better educated.”
Serge Valcourt, Region 6
“The meetings are well supported and the mood is positive. Members are shocked that the employer would table such a horrible offer. They simply cannot believe that their boss is treating them that way. One of the messages the members want to make very clear to the employer is ‘Don’t touch my pension.’”
Sandra Noad, Region 1
“Members don’t like the employer offer. There is something in it for everyone to hate. The rejection vote is there. Members in small towns realize that if they lose their job today, there’s nowhere else to go. They will support the bargaining teams.”
Joe Catroppa, Region 7
“I am thrilled with the support that I’ve received in Region 5. People are coming to the meetings in record numbers and are ready to reject this offer.”
Teri Breau-Auzins, Region 5
“The response that I’ve received has been tremendously positive. Members have turned their minds to the concept of saying ‘NO’ to get a better offer.”
Steve Nield, Region 1
“26 per cent of the OPS are unclassified members and this employer has ignored everyone of them! Voting ‘NO’ is just a formality. Give us the ballot.”
Darwin Lacelle, Region 4
“I’ve attended meetings with four members, and meetings with 500 members. People aren’t asking if the offer will be rejected, they are asking how long it will take to get a new offer when they reject this one. We sure have come a long way. Or maybe people are just tired of being disrespected, and used by this employer!”
Laurie Chapman, Region 3
“You know, the members realize that there really is a crisis in the public service, and it happens every two weeks when they open their paycheques. They will support us to get a fair deal.
Mark Kotanen, Region 1
“Members in the north are used to waiting for what they are due, and this is no different. They are prepared to turn this so-called offer down and wait for a real one.”
Jim Roland, Region 7
“Members get it. It’s as simple as that. They will support us at the table. We dare the employer to ignore us.”
Peter Wall, Region 6
An agreement between OPSEU and Management Board will assist members in getting time off to vote on Feb. 26, 27 and 28.
The employer has directed managers to be “reasonable and flexible” if employees request time off to vote. For example, if the poll is some distance away from the worksite, members may ask to report late or leave early, if voting before or after work. Also members may ask for time off during the workday if the poll is some distance from the
worksite, and it is expected that there will be a line-up. Depending on local voting arrangements and the location of the worksite, the time off requested may be as much as one to one and one-half hours.
The employer may deny this time off depending on cost or impact to local operations, but the intent of this agreement is to ensure that members are provided with the opportunity to vote.
Members are reminded that they must make the request to their supervisor in order to get time off.
You can contact the Central Team directly at (416) 815-1406, by fax at (416) 815-1412 or by e-mail at centralteam@opseu.org
Marg Simmons
Chair, L. 263, (905) 844-5239 (after hours)
Mark Kotanen,
Vice-chair, L. 128, (519) 336-6926 (after hours) mkotanen@tct.net
Jeff Bendig
L. 434, (613) 264-7580 (after hours), jeffbendig@hotmail.com
Teri Breau-Auzins
L. 506, (416) 721-2767 (after hours), teriauzins@rogers.com
Joseph Catroppa
L. 736, (807) 628-5147 (after hours), jncat@tbaytel.net
Laurie Chapman
L. 323, (705) 323-8172 (after hours), lchapman@bconnex.net
Michel Chaumont
L. 623, chaumont@attcanada.net
Darwin Lacelle
L. 447, 416 815 1406, dmlacell@nrtco.net
Steve Nield
L. 123, (519) 383-5643 (after hours)
Sandra Noad
L. 101, (519) 657-9518 (weekends), sanoad@rogers.com
James Roland
L. 720, (807) 345-4609 (after hours), jimrol@hotmail.com
Serge Valcourt
L. 634, (705) 497-4393 (after hours), opseu.634@sympatico.ca
Peter Wall
L. 638, (416) 815-1406
The Real Deal is your only accurate source of Central Team information during this round of bargaining. If you don’t read it here, you can't be sure it's true. Don’t rely on gossip and rumours. We will provide the facts.
The Real Deal will be available by fax, by e-mail, and on the OPSEU web site at www.opseu.org. To receive it directly, send your secure fax number to Lesley Williams at (416) 443-1762 or send your e-mail address to
lwilliams@opseu.org .
The Real Deal is authorized for distribution by Marg Simmons, chair, Central team, and Leah Casselman, president.
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