Your Central Team has spent a hectic week verifying information received from the employer. The employer has tabled documents containing changes to previous essential service agreements, and the team has been on the phones to local officials to corroborate the information.

This is an ongoing process, and affected locals can expect to hear from the Central Team within the next few weeks. Marg Simmons, chair of the OPS Central Team, is pleased with the progress so far.

“The information we have gotten from the members we have talked to has been extremely beneficial,” Simmons said. “We have incorporated the information we have received into our responses, and we want to thank all of the members we have contacted so far for their invaluable assistance.”

Surveys are on their way to members in the OPS to get their input on issues impacting this round of bargaining. Responses to this survey will give valuable information to the bargaining teams.

The leaflet, called “Plug Yourself In,” is part of OPSEU’s commitment to ensure that members are involved in getting the next OPS collective agreement. Take a few minutes and fill out the survey. Your input can help make your next contract a better one.

Expect to see the surveys in the first half of October.

Unclassified members span every category in the OPS. This contract is your contract too!

If you are an unclassified member, you need to get involved. The first thing you should do, if you haven’t already done so, is sign a union card. This ensures that you are on the list to receive information that will effect your job, and your future.

Solidarity in any group has a positive impact on issues at the bargaining table. Take the first step, and get informed!

The following OPS Mobilization and Service Area Coordinating Group (SACG) training sessions are scheduled:

Region 1: SACG Training OPSEU Regional Office, London

Region 3: OPS Mobilization Training Holiday Inn, Peterborough
Region 4: OPS Mobilization Training Four Points Sheraton, Kingston
Region 5: OPS Mobilization Training Colony Hotel, Toronto

More sessions are scheduled. Watch here for updates.

Don’t forget to attend the Public Service Fair on Sat., Sept. 29 on the North Bay waterfront. The event, starting at 11 a.m. at the Kiwanis Bandshell, will showcase the work performed by the Ontario Public Service, and features live music, free lunch and activities for the kids.

Speakers at the event include OPSEU president Leah Casselman, Bruce Davidson from Concerned Walkerton Citizens, Sharon Dion from Citizens Against Private Prisons and Ontario Federation of Labour president Wayne Samuelson. Central team chair Marg Simmons will also be on hand to discuss the impact of bargaining on the future of Ontario’s public services.

The event will conclude with a march to MPP Mike Harris’ constituency office. Those attending are to bring a donation for presentation to the local food bank.

Come out and enjoy yourself!

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.