It’s been quite a year as things slow down for the holiday season, it’s a good time to be thankful for what we have and also thank those who we work with at OPSEU.
Yes there has been bad news. Together we face a government whose policies pose a significant threat to how we do our jobs.
But we also go into this holiday season with a lot to celebrate, here just a few examples:
- We’re growing. Our membership is at a record high.
- We punch above our weight. When OPSEU talks people listen. Our President is better known to Ontarians than most of Mr. Ford’s cabinet ministers (And Smokey has more credibility than all of them combined). Our profile has never been higher.
- We are a leader in the labour movement in removing barriers and fostering diversity so everyone can get the most out of their union.
In stressful times it’s natural that tensions rise. It can be true of any close-knit family and OPSEU’s family is no different than any other. We’re only human. But there are ways to counterbalance the stress we are all under.
This time of the year is a perfect opportunity to reach out and show your appreciation to those who keep OPSEU running.
Take a moment to thank your Local President. I’ve been a Local President, it’s one of the toughest jobs in any union. The folks who volunteer for Local President do so because they believe in solidarity, in working people and the public services we provide. They’ve stepped up for the cause.
You may not agree with every decision they make, but they deserve our appreciation for going the extra mile.
Stewards are the backbone of any union. They provide guidance, they’re there for you when the going gets really tough and they ask for nothing in return. Take a moment and send your steward an email or card thanking them for their efforts on your behalf.
Our sector and divisional executives and Executive Board members put in long hours promoting your interests and protecting your rights. Drop them a line.
And our staff at OPSEU work incredibly hard to give you first-class service. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the amount of effort it takes to keep all the balls in the air.
If you deal with a staff member regularly, take a moment and let them know how much you appreciate it. It means a lot.
And finally, I want to thank each and every one of you. You are the cornerstone of our incredible organization.
You pay the bills and you make it work. I feel privileged to come to work every day and give it everything I’ve got on your behalf.
We really are one big happy family at OPSEU and we should never lose sight of that. No matter what.
To everyone: have a great and joyous holiday season and let’s look forward to making next year better than the last. Like we always do.
In Solidarity,
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida
OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer
@OPSEUEddy