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OPSEU has been a pioneer in the struggle for
workers who face discrimination based on gender, age, race, sexual
orientation, disability and other factors unrelated to their work |
OPSEU locals, sectors and regions are central to the
work of the union,
but other elected and volunteer
groups play a
major part as well.
More information on all the groups listed here
is readily available on the OPSEU web site.
Equity groups
OPSEU has been a pioneer in the struggle for workers
who face discrimination based on gender, age, race, sexual
orientation, disability and other factors unrelated to their work.
The union is always trying to strengthen its capacity to represent,
organize and protect members of all groups – at work, in the union,
and in society at large.
Members oversee the union’s equity work through
three provincial committees and four caucuses.
The work of the Provincial Human Rights Committee,
the Provincial Women’s Committee, and the Provincial Young Workers
Committee is mandated by the OPSEU constitution. Each of these
committees has one member elected from each OPSEU region.
The union also funds meetings and activities of the
Aboriginal Circle, the Disability Rights Caucus, the Workers of
Colour Caucus, and the Rainbow Alliance (which represents lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgendered, and queer members).
The activities of the three provincial committees
and four caucuses are supported by staff of the OPSEU Equity Unit.
The Francophone caucus
Many OPSEU workplaces operate exclusively in French,
and many more function in both English and French. The Francophone
caucus is an effective advocate for French speakers in OPSEU.
Solidarity Funds
In a globalized world, OPSEU members have a strong
desire to take action on issues beyond the borders of Ontario and
Canada. To this end, the union administers two international
solidarity funds. The Social Justice Fund sponsors solidarity
exchanges and funds development projects in Africa, Asia, the
Caribbean, and Latin America. The Live and Let Live Fund provides
funding to organizations battling HIV/AIDS in Africa and in Ontario.
Both funds are overseen by a Board consisting of the President of
OPSEU, three Executive Board Members, and one member from each of
the Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Women’s Committee,
and Provincial Young Workers Committee.
Retired Members’ Division
OPSEU’s Retired Members’ Division is mandated by the
constitution to provide a forum for retired members to meet and make
recommendations for action to the union. The Division publishes its
own newsletter, Autumn View.
In Solidarity and Informed Newsletters for OPSEU
(INFO)
Published four times a year, In Solidarity is the
official newsletter for OPSEU stewards and activists, written and
designed by elected members. The five-member committee, assisted by
an Executive Board Member and assigned staff, also operates Informed
Newsletters for OPSEU (INFO) to help OPSEU locals publish their own
newsletters. INFO sponsors the Editors’ Weekend, a conference held
each October to provide communications training to local activists.
OPSEU Enterprises
OPSEU Enterprises sells union-made clothing, travel
mugs, pins, pens, keychains and other items for anyone who wants to
wave the OPSEU flag at home, at work, or anywhere else. OPSEU
Enterprises also offers negotiated discounts to members on cell
phone plans, home and auto insurance, travel, and legal services.
Visit
http://www.opseu.org/merchandise/merchandise.htm to find
out more.
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