The election is over
and we have a lot of work to do
Dear sisters and brothers:
I want to say a big “thank you” to all the OPSEU members who
got involved in the recent provincial election campaign. Whenever we stand
up for strong public services, a strong democracy, and the rights of working
people, I know we are doing the right thing. This isn’t just true at
election time. It’s true all the time. And now, with the election over, we
have a lot of work ahead of us.
Our first job is to hold the re-elected Dalton McGuinty
government to its commitments. First among these is his commitment to
collective bargaining rights for part-time and sessional workers at our
community colleges. Next week, OPSEU will officially launch the biggest
union organizing drive in Ontario history. When we do, we will be calling on
the McGuinty government to support this drive, and these workers, in every
way possible.
Meanwhile, collective bargaining continues. We have several
big contracts coming up for renewal. In August 2008, our college support
bargaining unit’s contract expires. In December 2008, our contract for the
Ontario Public Service expires. In March 2009, our contract at the LCBO is due
up for renewal, as is our central contract for hospital professionals. For
college academics, contract expiry is August 2009, and for our folks at the
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, it's December 2009. And of course
we have scores of contracts coming up across Ontario at units that do not
bargain centrally.
It’s a big job. Protecting public services, organizing new
members, and negotiating and enforcing collective agreements is a lot of
work. But here’s the good news: We’re good at it. I look forward to working
together with you to continue representing the interests of OPSEU members.
In solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
President, OPSEU
