Hamilton Regional Office, Cooper’s membership centre
June 26, 2019
The Executive Board was called to order at 9:30 a.m. President Thomas was in the Chair. All members were present. Clarke Eaton, Advisor to the President, was also in attendance.
Agenda
The agenda was amended to add:
· Recommendation from Officers: Local 702 divide
- OPSEU events on website
Consent Agenda
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board adopt the OPSEU Executive Board Minutes May 22, 2019 and June 12, 2019 Web Conference.
Roll Call #1
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
Business Arising
Referral from the April 24, 2019 Executive Board meeting:
Francophone and Bilingual Convention Resolution (Resolution K2)
Whereas OPSEU makes great effort to be inclusive for all its members and provide services in both official languages French and English; and
Whereas OPSEU cannot be designated under the FLSA because the FLSA applies to those public service agencies that use public funds and that are designated by Government regulation; and
Whereas OPSEU has been working and will continue to work with the Francophone Committee to review the demands of the membership for francophone services;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU will implement the following recommendations as well as continue to provide current Francophone services
- as OPSEU forms are updated they be made available in both English and French
- as of 2021 all job postings be in both English and French
- within the next five (5) years the member portal be available in both English and French and implementation costing will be brought back to the board for approval
- perform a review of commonly used documents (such as collective agreements, equity committee conference binders, OPSEU course materials, bargaining bulletins, news releases, organizing flyers etc.) to determine, with the assistance of the Provincial Francophone Committee, which documents could be routinely translated into French within the next five (5) years and translation costing will be brought back to the board for approval
- review its staffing needs to determine whether the bilingual staff complement is sufficient to support the objectives outlined above and report back to the OPSEU Executive Board on any resources required (staffing, consultants, etc.)
- OPSEU staff will review the feasibility and process to amend the Union’s registered name “Ontario Public Service Employees Union” in a manner that would include both English and French names and will report back to the June 2019 Executive Committee meeting and the first Executive Board meeting after the June 2019 Executive Committee meeting
*report was provided
OPSEU Name Change
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas resolution K2 was referred to the executive board; and
Whereas the process has been clarified in order to change OPSEU’s name;
Therefore be it resolved that the President’s office undertake the necessary actions to effect the change in changing OPSEU’s name to Ontario Public Service Employees Union/Syndicat des employées et employés de la function publique de l’Ontario.
Roll Call #2
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
Treasurer’s Report
First Vice President/Treasurer Almeida presented the Treasurer’s Report, which addressed the following items:
- Financials
- Contingency Fund
- Defence Fund
- ODSP Fund – OPS Job Protection Fund
- ODSP Fund – MERC Action Plan
- ODSP Fund – OPS Redeployment Fund
- LBED – Anti-privatization Fund
Reconciliation and Trustee Audit Reports for groups outside of Locals
Moved by Almeida/Thomas
Whereas OPSEU and all its subsidiaries have financial obligations under the Corporations Act; and
Whereas Locals must submit Trustee Audit Reports (TARs) for review, filing and to receive funding; and
Whereas many groups outside of the Locals have membership fees that they collect from the Locals and the Membership; and
Whereas many groups outside of the Locals provide no TARs back to the Union centrally for auditing purposes.
Therefore be it resolved that All Terms of Reference (TOR) reflect the obligation of submitting TARs; and
Be it further resolved that Specifically any Divisions, Sectors, Area Councils, Committees and Caucus will have added into their Terms of reference (TOR) language, if additional funds are collected, that Trustee Audit Reports will be submitted to the central union for audit purposes; and
Be it further resolved that any Divisions, Sectors, Area Councils, Committees and Caucus that collect additional funds, must elect two trustees to review their finances and sign TARs; and
Be it further resolved that the two trustees are not to be part of the Executive of said Committee or Caucus; and
Be it further resolved that said TARs will encompass the year and will be submitted at least once annually, after November 30th but no later than December; and
Be it further resolved that until Trustees can be elected, the staff associated with Divisions, Sectors, Area Councils, Committees and Caucus will review documentation and submit to the First Vice Presidents and Treasurer Office (FVPT) for review and submission.
Moved by Labelle/Usher – Amendment:
In the 2nd resolve add “or bylaws” after “language” and in the 5th resolve strike “after November 30th but no later than December”
Roll Call #3
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
The question was called on the motion as amended:
Whereas OPSEU and all its subsidiaries have financial obligations under the Corporations Act; and
Whereas Locals must submit Trustee Audit Reports (TARs) for review, filing and to receive funding; and
Whereas many groups outside of the Locals have membership fees that they collect from the Locals and the Membership; and
Whereas many groups outside of the Locals provide no TARs back to the Union centrally for auditing purposes.
Therefore be it resolved that All Terms of Reference (TOR) reflect the obligation of submitting Trustee Audit Reports (TARs); and
Be it further resolved that Specifically any Divisions, Sectors, Area Councils, Committees and Caucus will have added into their Terms of reference (TOR) language or bylaws, if additional funds are collected, that Trustee Audit Reports will be submitted to the central union for audit purposes; and
Be it further resolved that any Divisions, Sectors, Area Councils, Committees and Caucus that collect additional funds, must elect two trustees to review their finances and sign TARs; and
Be it further resolved that the two trustees are not to be part of the Executive of said Committee or Caucus; and
Be it further resolved that said TARs will encompass the year and will be submitted at least once annually; and
Be it further resolved that until Trustees can be elected, the staff associated with Divisions, Sectors, Area Councils, Committees and Caucus will review documentation and submit to the First Vice Presidents and Treasurer Office (FVPT) for review and submission.
Moved by Nancekivell/Strachan – Amendment:
Change the 2nd last resolve to read:
“Be it further resolved that beginning in 2019, said TARs will encompass the current calendar year and will be submitted at least once annually; and”
Roll Call #4
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
The question was called on the motion as amended:
Whereas OPSEU and all its subsidiaries have financial obligations under the Corporations Act; and
Whereas Locals must submit Trustee Audit Reports (TARs) for review, filing and to receive funding; and
Whereas many groups outside of the Locals have membership fees that they collect from the Locals and the Membership; and
Whereas many groups outside of the Locals provide no TARs back to the Union centrally for auditing purposes.
Therefore be it resolved that All Terms of Reference (TOR) reflect the obligation of submitting Trustee Audit Reports (TARs); and
Be it further resolved that Specifically any Divisions, Sectors, Area Councils, Committees and Caucus will have added into their Terms of reference (TOR) language or bylaws, if additional funds are collected, that Trustee Audit Reports will be submitted to the central union for audit purposes; and
Be it further resolved that any Divisions, Sectors, Area Councils, Committees and Caucus that collect additional funds, must elect two trustees to review their finances and sign TARs; and
Be it further resolved that the two trustees are not to be part of the Executive of said Committee or Caucus; and
Be it further resolved that beginning in 2019, said TARs will encompass the current calendar year and will be submitted at least once annually; and
Be it further resolved that until Trustees can be elected, the staff associated with Divisions, Sectors, Area Councils, Committees and Caucus will review documentation and submit to the First Vice Presidents and Treasurer Office (FVPT) for review and submission.
Roll Call #5
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
- Summary Report
- Other Business
President’s Report
Internal Issues
Board members time off
Discussion
College Support Part Time Negotiations Procedures
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the CAAT (Support) Part-Time Negotiations procedures as outlined in the attached document.
Roll Call #6
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy —
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 20 for 0 against
LBED Anti-privatization committee meetings
Moved by Thomas/Van Zetten
Whereas the Ford government is pushing a privatization agenda that threatens the long-term survival of the LCBO; and
Whereas the LBED Anti-Privatization Committee designs, develops and co-ordinates the anti-privatization activities of the Division;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the funds as outlined in the attached proposal from the LBED Anti-Privatization Fund, in order to enable the Committee to carry out its vital work engaging LBED members and allies in the campaign against the privatization of alcohol sales.
Roll Call #7
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy —
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 20 for 0 against
ERFP Campaign-Sector 3 Education Sector engagement
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waives the 30-day notice for expenditures in excess of $20,000.
Roll Call #8
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy —
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 20 for 0 against
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas The Educational resource Facilitators of Peel (ERFP) affiliated with OPSEU on May 21, 2019; and
Whereas ERFP represents approximately 4,000 Educational Support Workers in the Peel District School Board; and
Whereas OPSEU and ERFP will continue to discuss other venues for further cooperation and integration including further affiliation, merger, or transfer of bargaining rights; and
Whereas ERFP Constitution stipulates that 2/3 of the membership vote for such agreement; and
Whereas it is critical that OPSEU increases the union’s profile within both the Education sector and ERFP membership;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU’s Executive Board approve the funds as outlined in the attached proposal from the Contingency Fund to support the outlined mobilizing and organizing strategy which would result in gaining and reinforcing confidence, connections, support, future votes of ERFP members, and building OPSEU as the union of choice for Boards of Education support workers; and
Be it further resolved that the Lobby day and Violence in the Workplace proxy campaign section of the proposal and costs associated be discussed at the September Board after the summer layoff and open period.
Roll Call #9
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy —
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 20 for 0 against
2019 LBED Summer Ad Campaign
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waives the 30-day notice for expenditures in excess of $20,000.
Roll Call #10
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy —
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 20 for 0 against
Moved by Thomas/Van Zetten
Whereas the PC Caucus will take the summer off to continue their misinformation campaign about the LCBO and privatized alcohol sales; and
Whereas the LBED Anti-Privatization Committee wants to ensure the public has accurate information about this valuable asset; and
Whereas Doug Ford’s agenda threatens the profits that help pay for public services, the health and safety of our communities, and the jobs of LBED members;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the funds as outlined in the attached proposal from the LBED Anti-Privatization Fund, to enable the Division to mobilize in our communities and workplaces and to stand up for quality public services and decent jobs in our communities.
Roll Call #11
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy —
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 20 for 0 against
Afternoon
The meeting resumed at 1:33p.m.
OPSEU Childcare Policy – Alcohol Consumption
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas OPSEU provides childcare annually at convention; and
Whereas the purpose of childcare at convention is to provide a safe space for children allowing members to participate fully in convention business; and
Whereas alcohol and drugs are dangerous substances for children and should not be brought into any childcare centre; and
Whereas the health and safety of our children should be paramount;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU childcare policy be amended to include notice to all parents that alcohol is strictly prohibited from being brought into proximity of any child care activities; and
Be it further resolved that failure to abide by this policy will result in the offending parties’ children being removed from childcare and asked to leave event pending investigation.
Moved by Strachan/Kwok – referral to the President’s office to come back to the September Board with the whole childcare policy including changes discussed.
Roll Call #12
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
Final Report of the Resolutions Committee
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Be it resolved that the recommendation from the Resolutions Committee be moved as recommended.
Moved by Nancekivell/Maclam – Amendment:
That Resolution C1 be moved from Against to FOR
Whereas bargaining team alternates frequently have to step in at the last minute and sit on the actual bargaining team; and
Whereas some alternates have been denied bargaining team training which leaves them ill prepared to then be a bargaining delegate; and
Whereas Social Mapping Recommendation #59 suggests developing innovative strategies for supporting workers in the equity groups and contingent workers to participate in the bargaining process and on bargaining teams; and
Whereas Social Mapping Recommendation #22 c) (iii) states that alternates attend some meetings with the delegate/officer or serve as alternate when there are temporary absences; and
Whereas some alternates are currently receiving training while others are not;
Therefore be it resolved that effective immediately all members elected to bargaining teams, including alternates receive bargaining team training, to be paid for by central OPSEU
Moved by Labelle/Usher – Amendment:
add into last resolve “(limited to the first 2 alternates)”
Roll Call #13
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy against
Arvelin, Ed against
Doran, Dave against
Elliott, Len against
Finucane, Drew against
Kwok, Kingsley against
Labelle, Sara against
Langford, Tara against
Maclam, Kenneth against
Maszczakiewicz, Tara against
Morton, Lucy against
Nancekivell, Laurie against
Perron, Janel against
Rondeau, Nathalie against
Smith-Rice, Erin against
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie against
Thomas, Warren against
Usher, Joel against
Van Zetten, Jennifer against
DEFEATED 2 for 19 against
The question was called on:
moving Resolution C1 from Against to FOR
Moved by Morton/Elliott – referral of Resolution C1 to the First Vice President/Treasurer’s office for costing and to be brought back to the Board.
Roll Call #14
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth against
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie against
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken against
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 18 for 3 against
Moved by Usher/Labelle – Referral of Resolution EB17 to the President’s office with instruction to investigate if we would be supporting private enterprise with the restoration of Ontario’s green energy act.
Whereas Research shows that climate change is a significant threat to the well-being of people in Canada and across the globe, in terms of health, environment, and resources; and
Whereas a recent United Nations IPCC report indicates a 12-year timeline to reverse the major impacts of climate change by moving away from fossil fuel dependence, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 45% below 2010 emission levels and net zero emissions by 2050; and
Whereas Youth in Canada see climate change as one of the most important issues affecting their lives moving into the future; and
Whereas OPSEU is committed to values of social justice and community activism;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU advocate for a transition to a low-carbon or carbon-neutral economy provincially and federally; and
Be it further resolved that OPSEU advocate for the restoration of Ontario’s Green Energy Act, which provided good jobs to Ontarians and expanded Ontario’s solar and wind energy supply; and
Be it further resolved that OPSEU provide support to grassroots community groups organizing around a transition to a low-carbon economy.
Roll Call #15
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 20 for 0 against
Moved by Elliott /Finucane – Amendment:
That Resolution B4 be moved from For to AGAINST
Whereas currently during the OPSEU convention time available for Ministry Employee Relations Committee (MERC), OPS, BPS, CAAT-A, CAAT-S Equity Committee meetings and Caucus meetings are limited to lunchtime breaks and other inconvenient meeting times; and
Whereas meetings with Ministry Employee Relations Committee (MERC), OPS, BPS, CAAT-A, CAAT-S Equity Committee meetings and Caucus’ occurs on an annual basis, in person during OPSEU Convention;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU add a half day prior to Convention to be exclusively used for the meetings of the Ministry Employee Relations Committee (MERC), Ontario Public Service (OPS), Broader Public Service (BPS), Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology – Academic ( CAAT-A), Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology – Support (CAAT-S), Equity Committees and Caucus’. The money for these meetings is to be drawn from the Convention budget line.
Moved by Labelle/Maclam – Referral of Resolution B4 to First Vice President/Treasurer’s office to come back to the Board with costing
Roll Call #16
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave against
Elliott, Len against
Finucane, Drew against
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara against
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy against
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken against
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren against
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 13 for 7 against
Moved by Maszczakiewicz/Nancekivell – Amendment:
Under Resolution EB13 add at the end of the final point “with the provision that existing contracts not be unwillingly open prior to the date of expiration”
Whereas the Ministry of Community and Youth Services (MCYS), and the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS), have been restructuring children’s aid societies, children’s mental health and developmental services sectors; and
Whereas MCSS and MCYS have not provided adequate base funding increases to transfer payment agencies that deliver social services to society’s most vulnerable for years; and
Whereas more than 12,000 children and youth in Ontario are currently waiting months to access children’s mental health units, and due to chronic underfunding, many children and are forced to seek treatment in hospitals; and
Whereas developmental services agencies have undergone nine years of zero budget increases to community agencies and predominantly operate with a part-time work force; and
Whereas a $110-million class action lawsuit was launched against the Ontario government in 2017 for failing to eliminate the years-long wait list for support services for adults with developmental disabilities; and
Whereas children’s aid societies continue to face operating pressures which adversely impact on workers and service provision under the new funding formula, resulting in agencies going into deficit;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU demand that the Ontario government:
• dramatically increase investment in social services in the broader public sector; and
• strike central provincial bargaining tables for children’s aid societies, developmental services and children’s treatment centres with the provision that existing contracts not be unwillingly open prior to the date of expiration.
Roll Call #17
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 20 for 0 against
Moved by Perron/Steinbrunner – Amendment:
Under Resolution P1 add “non-voluntary” after “that” in the resolve
Whereas the majority of Correctional Officers and members of various other categories within and beyond the Corrections Division have for long years derived a substantial portion of their income from overtime hours worked; and
Whereas benefits in retirement are no longer covered for Corrections staff; and
Whereas a Correctional Officer, whose base salary is just over $70,000/year may earn up to $175,000/year by working most available shifts; and
Whereas that same Officer with 20 years of service will retire with a pension of $28,000/year, with 25 years’ service, $35,000/year and with 30 years’ service, $42,000/year; and
Whereas the poverty line for life in Toronto and area has been estimated to be approximately a $17/hr wage, which translates to $35,360/year, and a living wage in the region is estimated to be as much as $21.75/hour ($45,240/yr);
Therefore be it resolved that non-voluntary overtime earnings be made pensionable under the OPTrust as soon as reasonably possible but before the beginning of fiscal 2020.
Roll Call #18
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy —
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len against
Finucane, Drew against
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara against
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth against
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy against
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren against
Usher, Joel against
Van Zetten, Jennifer against
Carried 12 for 8 against
Moved by Elliott/Labelle – Referral of Resolution P1 to the President’s office to come back with some information on plantex and sponsors agreement
First Vice President/Treaurer Almeida in the Chair
Roll Call #19
Ainsworth, Anna against
Almeida, Eddy against
Arvelin, Ed against
Doran, Dave against
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth against
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy against
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren against
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer against
Carried 13 for 8 against
Moved by Smith-Rice/Maclam – Amendment:
Under Resolution B2 in the 1st resolve change “two” to “one”
Whereas pay equity is the law; and
Whereas OPSEU has a large number of back logged pay equity plans in maintenance and development; and
Whereas a large percentage of OPSEU members are female and working in female dominant careers; and
Whereas attaining and maintaining pay equity plans increases the dues OPSEU receives; these positions will effectively pay for themselves;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU will fund two additional full time Pay Equity Officer positions; and
Be it further resolved that these positions remain in place until every bargaining unit has completed their pay equity plans including maintenance.
Len Elliott in the Chair
Roll Call #20
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara against
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie against
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 19 for 2 against
President Thomas in the chair
Moved by Langford/Smith-Rice – Amendment:
Resolution M16 be moved from Against to FOR
Whereas new members often want their union number quickly for enterprise discounts, and locals need to be able to add members who sign cards electronically, to their email lists for communications;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU release to Local Presidents the private email address and union number, on the membership list available through Member portal; and further, that the list be available by download as an Excel spreadsheet as needed.
Moved by Steinbrunner/Arvelin – Referral of Resolution M16 to the President’s office to get legal advice and make sure we are not breaking any laws and be brought back to the next board
First Vice President/Treasurer Almeida in the Chair
Roll Call #21
Ainsworth, Anna against
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley against
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie against
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie against
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 16 for 4 against
Moved by Labelle/Ainsworth – Referral of Resolution B2 to the First Vice-President/Treasurer’s office to figure out accurately what staffing and resource needs are in order to implement the actual completion of pay equity.
Whereas pay equity is the law; and
Whereas OPSEU has a large number of back logged pay equity plans in maintenance and development; and
Whereas a large percentage of OPSEU members are female and working in female dominant careers; and
Whereas attaining and maintaining pay equity plans increases the dues OPSEU receives; these positions will effectively pay for themselves;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU will fund one additional full time Pay Equity Officer positions; and
Be it further resolved that these positions remain in place until every bargaining unit has completed their pay equity plans including maintenance.
Roll Call #22
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
Moved by Maszczakiewicz /Maclam – Amendment:
Under Resolution L7 delete the 1st resolve
Whereas the pilot program, of Universal Basic Income was launched last year by the province’s Liberal government, and was intended to last three years; and
Whereas the Government ended the program on March 31, 2019, and the recipients have received their last payment. Approximately 4,000 people in Ontario began getting a supplement in October 2017 to bring them to at least 75 percent off the poverty line. That translates to a minimum annual income of $17,000 in Canadian dollars, approximately $13,000 for single people, and $24,000 for married couples; and
Whereas the Basic Income pilot was not in existence long enough to collect any data. Lisa MacLeod, Ontario’s Minister in charge of social services cited the high costs of the project, $150 million in Canadian dollars, as the reason for the cuts and said it was “clearly not the answer for Ontario families.” Data from the experiment was not provided to back up that statement. She went on to make a promise of a better plan within 100 days of the end of program. However, Jagmeet Singh stated, “the premature end of the pilot will make it impossible to amass enough data to determine how effective a basic income program could be in lifting Canadians out of poverty.” Furthermore, it was an incentive towards empowering and motivating people who already had 50 cents clawed back for every dollar earned from a job. Singh also called on the Federal Government to step in and fund the remainder of the basic income pilot project in Ontario to have a wholesome data set, examine some of the challenges and some of the benefits that are raised from the basic income program, and gather evidence to make a decision as opposed to scrapping the program;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU along with the Provincial Women’s Committee, create a task force to develop strategies, create a database, conduct a risk assessment looking at the correlation between poverty and mortality rates in the Province of Ontario. This task force will be made up of individuals from OPSEU, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and like-minded community partners; and
Be it further resolved OPSEU will continue to advocate to preserve the Basic Income Project and will petition and lobby the Ontario Government to reinstate the Basic Income Project.
Moved by Ainsworth/Labelle – Amendment to amendment:
add “and expand” after “reinstate”.
Roll Call #23
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
The question was called on the amendment as amended:
Roll Call #24
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 20 for 0 against
Moved by Thomas/Almeida – Referral of Resolution C2 to First Vice-President/Treasurer’s office for cost analysis
Whereas the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) continues to face aggressive governmental attacks on the hard-won Collective Agreement benefits and support for its members; and
Whereas the Doug Ford Government has already clearly indicated its position to further attack and reduce the Ontario Public Service (OPS); and
Whereas the members of the Ontario Public Service provide valuable, professional, and affordable services to the people of Ontario;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU send a clear message to the current and future provincial governments on its resolve to support all members in labour disputes by increasing the current strike pay by $2.50 per hour and dependent care by $5.00 per week to the following:
– $12.50/hr (from $10.00) for the first 3 weeks totaling $250.00 per week and to $17.50/hr. (from $15.00) totaling $350.00 per week for the 4 th week onwards.
*Based on 4hrs. per day and 20 hrs. per week minimum of recorded strike line activity.
– $55.00/week (from $50.00) dependent care.
Roll Call #25
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
President Thomas in the Chair
Moved by Labelle/Usher – Resolution J4 be moved from Against to FOR
Whereas OPSEU is committed to providing educational programs that empower our member’s rights and collective agreements; and
Whereas in Ontario, approximately 22% of jobs could be characterized as precarious work and approximately 33% of part-time workers are in positions with low wages, no benefits, no pension, and
Whereas precarious workers, active in the Union, should not have to make the decision as to whether they will commit to attending educational to further their activism or remain available to possibly work during that period; and
Whereas Section 6.2 of section 7 of the OPSEU Policy Manual states shift workers will be provided lost wages for attending educationals on regularly scheduled work days (April 8-10, 1999 c. p. 7);
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Policy Manual be amended to include reimbursement of wage claims for precarious workers, who do not have regularly scheduled shifts and rely on call-ins for work; and
Be it further resolved that precarious workers, attending OPSEU educationals, do not have to comply with a deadline to submit wage claims prior to the event.
Roll Call #26
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy against
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew against
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth against
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy against
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken against
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren against
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 15 for 6 against
Moved by Thomas/Almeida – Amendment:
Under Resolution EB6 in the 3rd resolve remove “the NDP as” and add “the party that most aligns with our interest;”
Whereas the federal government is the primary funder of Ontario’s public services and therefore has significant influence over the working conditions of Ontario’s public service workers; and
Whereas the federal election is scheduled to take place on or before Monday, October 21, 2019; and
Whereas voter turn-out rates in federal elections have been very low over the past two decades, sometimes below 50 per cent; and
Whereas OPSEU’s 155,000 members could have a meaningful impact on the outcome of the election;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU strongly encourage all of its members to vote in the federal election; and
Be it further resolved that OPSEU provide all of its members with resources and information that will help them make an informed choice about which candidates will be most likely to support strong and effective public services; and
Be it further resolved that OPSEU recommend to our members that they consider voting for the NDP as the party that best represents the interests of working people, quality public services and strong, inclusive communities in the 2019 election.
Roll Call #27
Ainsworth, Anna against
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave against
Elliott, Len against
Finucane, Drew against
Kwok, Kingsley against
Labelle, Sara against
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth against
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie against
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie against
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken against
Strachan, Edie against
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel against
Van Zetten, Jennifer against
DEFEATED 8 for 13 against
Recess
The Executive Board recessed at 4:03 p.m. All members were present.
June 27, 2019
The Executive Board was called to order at 9:07 a.m. President Thomas was in the Chair. All members were present. Clarke Eaton, Advisor to the President, was also in attendance.
First Vice-President/Treasurer Almeida in Chair
Moved by Thomas/Elliott – Resolution EB18 be moved from For to REDUNDANT
Whereas on April 4, Ontario Treasury Board President Peter Bethlanfalvy announced the Ontario government’s plans to launch “a series of consultations with a specific focus on our public sector bargaining agents… to explore how compensation growth can be managed in a way that results in wage settlements that are modest, reasonable and most importantly sustainable”; and
Whereas , Bethlanfalvy stated that “through these discussions with our province’s public sector employers and bargaining agents will directly inform our government’s next steps to responsibly manage growth in compensation… Examples of these next steps could include measures, such as:
· Voluntary agreement to wage outcomes, lower than the current trend
· Trade-offs that will lead to reductions in compensation costs, and;
· Consideration of legislative measures”; and
Whereas these consultations and the government’s proposed “next steps” represent a direct threat to:
· the high quality, accessible public services our communities depend on
· the jobs, wages and working conditions of the more than one million Ontario public sector workers who deliver those services in communities across Ontario
· the negotiated collective agreements, and the constitutionally protected right to free collective bargaining, including the right to strike of every OPSEU member and hundreds of thousands of other public sector workers; and
Whereas OPSEU is committed to defending our right to members’ full, democratic participation in free collective bargaining, including through the election of bargaining teams, the democratic demand-setting process, and the right to vote to ratify or reject any changes to their collective agreements;
Therefore be it resolved that under no circumstances will OPSEU participate in discussions or negotiations with the government on any possible agreement that would open up our collective agreements or reduce our members’ negotiated wages, benefits and working conditions, or result in any other to any “trade-offs” that would undercut our members’ jobs, wages, and working conditions, or the quality of the vital public services we deliver to our communities; and
Be it further resolved that if the provincial government announces any plan to use legislation to reopen existing contracts, impose cuts to public sector wages or jobs, or suspend free collective bargaining and the right to strike for any group of OPSEU members, OPSEU will use all necessary means to prevent, resist and defeat such an attack; and
Be it further resolved that in light of the government’s threat to reopen existing contracts, impose cuts to public sector wages or jobs, and/or suspend free collective bargaining across the public sector, OPSEU will call on and work with our labour allies and the Ontario Federation of Labour to proclaim a “solidarity pact” and a plan of action for coordinated solidarity actions by all labour affiliates – together with our community allies – to take all necessary actions to prevent, resist and defeat such an attack on our public services and the public sector workers who deliver them and any efforts of privatization of public services.
Moved by Labelle/Ainsworth – Amendment:
Strike the first Resolve
Roll Call #28
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
The question was called on moving EB18 from For to REDUNDANT as amended:
Roll Call #29
Ainsworth, Anna against
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley against
Labelle, Sara against
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken against
Strachan, Edie against
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel against
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 15 for 6 against
President Thomas in the Chair
Moved by Nancekivell/Strachan – Resolution M12 be moved from Against to FOR
Whereas OPSEU stands on the principles of democracy, equity, and inclusion; and
Whereas OPSEU strives to provide opportunities for members to access elected positions; and
Whereas the current OPSEU policy of electing the Highest Ranking Woman, whose duties are to represent the union at the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) Boards along with the President, is exclusionary to female board members who are not Regional Vice Presidents (RVP’s) in their respective regions; and
Whereas the President and 1st Vice President/Treasurer are elected by the delegates at convention;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU change its policy to allow all elected female board members to stand for election to the position of Highest Ranking Woman in OPSEU, by the delegates at Convention commencing 2021, and to continue that process moving forward.
Moved by Morton/Maszczakiewicz – Amendment:
Under Resolution M12 amend the resolve to read: “the policy be amended that the sister representing OPSEU at the OFL and NUPGE will be elected from all female board members at the first OPSEU board meeting after Convention”
Roll Call #30
Ainsworth, Anna against
Almeida, Eddy against
Arvelin, Ed against
Doran, Dave against
Elliott, Len against
Finucane, Drew against
Kwok, Kingsley against
Labelle, Sara against
Langford, Tara against
Maclam, Kenneth against
Maszczakiewicz, Tara against
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie against
Perron, Janel against
Rondeau, Nathalie against
Smith-Rice, Erin against
Steinbrunner, Ken against
Strachan, Edie against
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel against
Van Zetten, Jennifer against
DEFEATED 2 for 19 against
The question was called on Moving resolution M12 from Against to FOR:
First Vice President/Treasurer Almeida in the Chair
Roll Call #31
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara against
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel against
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
Moved by Maszczakiewicz/Strachan – Referral of Resolution M7 to the President’s office with instructions to address the issues that the resolutions committee has brought up in order to ensure we have a plan in place for attendees at different events to have mental health support.
Whereas OPSEU is a member driven union; and
Whereas OPSEU thrives on engaged membership; and
Whereas difficult topics addressed at OPSEU functions may trigger or overwhelm activists; and
Whereas hurt and burned out members disengage; and
Whereas triggered and overwhelmed members need to process information in a safe place and perhaps with an unbiased individual;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU provide mental health first aid to interested activists; and
Be it further resolved that there be mental health workers available at OPSEU educationals, conferences and at Convention.
Roll Call #32
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
President Thomas in the Chair
Moved by Nancekivell/Maszczakiewicz – Resolution M4 be moved from For to AGAINST
Whereas the primary business of Convention is to deal with all resolutions submitted by the membership through Locals, Area Councils and Divisions (Section 4-17, OPSEU Policy Manual); and
Whereas it is in the best interest of all OPSEU members to have as many resolutions as possible resolved at Convention;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU make a commitment to respect the start and finish times at each of the days of Convention, as well as the respect of time management during Convention in order for members on the Convention floor to participate in the disposition of the resolutions brought forward; and
Be it further resolved that while there is a resolution in process on the Convention floor, it is not interrupted or ended at or about 12:00 noon on the last day of Convention, but continues until members have the opportunity to vote on the outcome of said resolution, as long as the Chair recognizes there is quorum.
Sara Labelle in the Chair
Roll Call #33
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
Moved by Maszczakiewicz /Maclam – Resolution HR4 be moved from For to REDUNDANT
Whereas bosses are using different immigration status to pit groups of workers against each other and we refuse to be divided; and
Whereas migrants and refugees do not steal jobs, drive down wages or devalue work and it is provincial and federal laws that give power to employers to exploit migrant workers; and
Whereas respect for human and labour rights, permanent resident status and full access to services for migrant workers will ensure increased rights for all workers; and
Whereas women and racialized people’s work is systematically being devalued, and it’s primarily those workers who are denied the most rights; and
Whereas many people did not choose to come here completely willingly, but came in search of better jobs, or to escape climate change, war or persecution. Canadian military, mining and other corporate interests are partly responsible for these factors that push people out of their homes;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU,
•Participate in or organize anti-racist and migrant justice activities on June 16, 2019;
•Highlight anti-racist solidarity and migrant justice as key themes for Labour Day 2019 (September 2) activities in our community.
Roll Call #34
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley against
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie against
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie against
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer against
Carried 17 for 4 against
President Thomas in the Chair
Moved by Maclam/Maszczakiewicz – Amendment:
Under Resolution HR3 delete the first resolve
Whereas there are thousands of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada and the public appears to be taking no notice that this is a continuing problem; and
Whereas in 2017 an Inquiry was launched into the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls which is still ongoing and this inquiry has had a multitude of setbacks; There has been very little communication coming out of the Inquiry and the families are not being given voice nor culturally-based counselling and supports; and
Whereas the media and public in general have to be reminded that although we have an inquiry it is important that we keep awareness in the forefront and keep pressure on the Government to address the root causes: the systemic racism and the funding necessary to not only assist in the completion of the inquiry; and
Whereas the OPSEU Indigenous Circle has a Red Dress Campaign with a goal of reaching out to all members, their families and communities to bring awareness to the MMIWG and to create a wave of pressure on the Government to do the right thing for these families;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU agree to fund the Red Dress Campaign, led by the Indigenous Circle, and that OPSEU (with NUPGE and CLC) will have a rally on Parliament Hill by the end of 2019. Post cards will be brought to apply pressure to the Canadian Government to ensure that this Inquiry results in Justice and healing for the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; and
Be it further resolved that OPSEU will have 1000 of the Red Dress pins available for the Indigenous Circle to distribute as part of the campaign, and that members or regions will have the ability to order pins through the Indigenous Circle for their events.
Roll Call #35
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
Moved by Thomas/Almeida – Referral of the following resolutions from the resolution committee report to be brought back to the September Board.
- Pg. 39 – J1
- Pg. 40 – J5
- Pg. 44 – L5
- Pg. 45 – L7
- Pg. 47 – L9
- Pg. 50 – M8
- Pg. 51 – M11
- Pg. 57 – E6
- Pg. 61 – L6
Roll Call #36
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
Moved by Ainsworth/Kwok – Resolution B1 be moved from Against to FOR
Whereas locals with large numbers of unsigned members still require time to represent and sign bargaining unit members during business hours, and can benefit from sending their fair share of delegates to Conventions of the Union; and
Therefore be it resolved that Local Time Off and paid Local President release time under OPSEU policy be based on the number of bargaining unit members, not the number of signed members in good standing of a Local.
Moved by Labelle/Arvelin – Referral of Resolution B1 to the First Vice-President/Treasurer’s office to come back to the September Board with costing.
Roll Call #37
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 21 for 0 against
Moved by Almeida/Elliott – Referral of Resolution B3 to the First Vice-President/ Treasurer’s office to report back to the September board with what actions have been taken around this resolution
Whereas there have never been as many bilingual Canadians in Canada’s history. Proud, conscientious and eager to improve the equity and quality of their services; and
Whereas English and French are recognized in the Canadian Charter of Rights, and since 2016 the province of Ontario has been a participant to many international French functions; and
Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is not only a service model union but is a strong voice for social justice that reflects the diversity that exists within the labour movement and our various communities; and
Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO strives to serve its members in both official languages, French and English; and
Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO make great effort to provide inclusive services to all of its members; and
Whereas recently, the provincial government now refuses to honor its promise to maintain the opening of a French University in Toronto, Ontario, and eliminated the French Service Commissioner, which represents a direct threat to “la Francophonie” in our province;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU be officially designated as a bilingual union where members can be served in either official language of English or French within the next five (5) years. An additional budget line be allocated at a sum of $125,000 per year to transition materials (forms, websites, member portal, educational, collective agreements, printed documentation) to a bilingual format.
Roll Call #38
Ainsworth, Anna against
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 20 for 1 against
Therefore be it resolved that the recommendation from the Resolutions Committee be moved as amended.
Roll Call #39
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie against
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 20 for 1 against
Edie Strachan filed a minority report
Executive Board Committee Elections 2019-2021
The elections for the Executive Board Member Committees will take place for the following positions:
- · Audit Committee (three board members)
- · Central Political Action Committee (three board members)
- · Coalition of Racialized Workers (one board member)
- · Convention Committees:
- Constitution (one board member)
- Resolutions (one board member)
- Credentials (one board member)
- Convention Planning (one board member)
- · Disability Rights (one board member)
- · Electronic Voting ad-hoc (three board members)
- · Excluded Staff Hiring (one board member)
- · Francophone Committee (one board member)
- · In Solidarity Committee (one board member)
- Indigenous Circle (one board member)
- · MDT/SDT Ad Hoc Committee (two board members)
- · OPSEU Resource Centre/OPSEU Enterprises (two board members)
- · OPSEU Staff Pension Plan Trustee (four board members, one to be elected)
- · Pension Liaison (two board members)
- · PHRC Board Liaison (one board member)
- · Policy review Ad-hoc (two board members)
- · PWC Board Liaison (one board member)
- · PYWC Board Liaison (one board member)
- · Rainbow Alliance (one board member)
- · Retirees Board Liaison (one board member)
- · Social Mapping Project (one board member)
- Solidarity Fund Board :
- § “Live and Let Live” (one board member)
- § International Humanity Work (one board member)
- § International Solidarity Work (one board member)
- · Staff Negotiating (two officers/two board members)
- · Strategic Planning (three board members)
OPSEU Staff Pension Plan Trustees (four board members)
These are the only positions that have continuing terms as long as you remain a board member. The end dates are staggered to provide continuity.
Audit Committee
The following Board members were nominated and indicated their willingness to stand for election; Ed Arvelin, Kingsley Kwok, Tara Maszczakiewicz, Tara Langford.
Ballots were distributed, collected and counted. President Thomas announced the election of Tara Langford, Tara Maszczakiewicz and Ed Arvelin to the Audit Committee.
Afternoon
The Board resumed at 1:05p.m.
CPAC
Sara Labelle, Len Elliott and Ken Maclam were acclaimed to the CPAC. Edie Strachan declined the nomination.
Pension Liaison Committee
Janel Perron, Len Elliott were acclaimed to the Pension Liaison Committee
Coalition of Racialized Workers Liaison
Kingsley Kwok was acclaimed as the Coalition of Racialized Workers Liaison
Convention – Constitution
Ken Steinbrunner was acclaimed to the Convention – Constitution committee. Dave Doran declined the nomination.
Convention – Resolutions
Laurie Nancekivell was acclaimed to the Convention – Resolutions committee
Convention – Credentials
Tara Langford was acclaimed to the Convention – Credentials committee
Convention – Planning
Tara Langford was acclaimed to the Convention – Planning committee
Disability Rights Liaison
Joel Usher was acclaimed as the Disability Rights Liaison
Excluded Staff Hiring
Ed Arvelin was acclaimed to the Excluded Staff Hiring
Electronic Voting ad-hoc
Tara Langford, Ken Maclam and Laurie Nancekivell were acclaimed to the Electronic voting ad-hoc. Edie Strachan declined the nomination
Francophone Committee
Nathalie Rondeau was acclaimed as the Francophone Committee Liaison
In Solidarity
Tara Maszczakiewicz was acclaimed to the In Solidarity committee
Indigenous Circle
The following Board members were nominated and indicated their willingness to stand for election; Ken Maclam and Anna Ainsworth.
Ballots were distributed, collected and counted. President Thomas announced the election of Ken Maclam as the Indigenous Circle Liaison.
MDT/SDT ad hoc
Ed Arvelin and Nathalie Rondeau were acclaimed to the MDT/SDT ad hoc
OPSEU Resource/OPSEU Enterprises
Dave Doran and Lucy Morton were acclaimed to the OPSEU Resource/OPSEU Enterprises committee. Joel Usher declined the nomination
Staff Pension Plan Trustees
Edie Strachan and Ken Steinbrunner were acclaimed to the Staff Pension Plan Trustees
PHRC
Erin Smith-Rice was acclaimed as the PHRC liaison. Anna Ainsworth declined the nomination
Policy Review ad hoc
Laurie Nancekivell and Ken Steinbrunner were acclaimed to the Policy Review ad hoc
PWC
Jennifer Van Zetten was acclaimed as the PWC liaison
Provincial Young Workers
The following Board members were nominated and indicated their willingness to stand for election; Drew Finucane and Anna Ainsworth.
Ballots were distributed, collected and counted. President Thomas announced the election of Drew Finucane as the Provincial Young Workers Liaison.
Rainbow Alliance
Erin Smith-Rice was acclaimed as the Rainbow Alliance liaison
Retirees
Dave Doran was acclaimed as the Retirees liaison. Ed Arvelin declined the nomination
Social Mapping
Laurie Nancekivell was acclaimed to the Social Mapping
Solidarity Fund Board
Live and Let Live
Anna Ainsworth was acclaimed to the Live and Let Live. Drew Finucane and Jennifer Van Zetten declined the nomination
International Humanitarian Work
Joel Usher was acclaimed the International Humanitarian Work. Dave Doran and Jennifer Van Zetten declined the nomination
International Solidarity Work
The following Board members were nominated and indicated their willingness to stand for election; Dave Doran, Jennifer Van Zetten. Edie Strachan declined the nomination.
Ballots were distributed, collected and counted. President Thomas announced the election of Jennifer Van Zetten to the International Solidarity Work.
Staff Negotiating
Ken Maclam and Ken Steinbrunner were acclaimed to Staff Negotiating
Strategic Planning
The following Board members were nominated and indicated their willingness to stand for election; Drew Finucane, Dave Doran, Anna Ainsworth, Tara Maszczakiewicz, Lucy Morton, Tara Langford. Sara Labelle and Tara Langford declined the nomination.
Ballots were distributed, collected and counted. President Thomas announced the election of Lucy Morton, Tara Maszczakiewicz to the Strategic Planning committee.
Moved by Nancekivell/Maclam – Be it resolved that the ballots be destroyed
Roll Call #40
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy —
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie —
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 19 for 0 against
Committee Reports
Standing Committee Reports:
A report was provided on all committees
- Audit
- Central Political Action
- Coalition of Racialized workers
- Convention
- Resolutions
- Constitutional
- Credentials
- Planning
- Disability Rights Caucus
- Electronic Voting Ad-Hoc
- Excluded Staff Hiring
- Francophone
- Indigenous Circle
- In Solidarity
- MDT/SDT Ad-hoc
- OPSEU Resource/Enterprises
- Pension Liaison
- PHRC
- Policy Review Ad-hoc
- PWC
- PYC
- Rainbow Alliance
- Retirees Board
- Social Mapping
- Solidarity Fund Board
- Live and Let Live
- International Humanity Work
- International Solidarity Work
- Staff Negotiating
- Staff Pension Plan Trustees
- Strategic Planning
- Executive Committee (Officers) update
Recommendation from June 13, 2019 Executive Committee meeting
#2019-06-02 (2) – Defence Fund request
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve that the Defence Fund provide up to $15,000 to each member to pay for actual legal costs incurred by each member in the course of the criminal proceedings, provided that criminal counsel continues to charge reasonable rates and provides satisfactory updates concerning the progress of the case, as confirmed by OPSEU General Counsel.
Roll Call #41
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley —
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 19 for 0 against
Recommendation from June 26th, 2019 Executive Committee meeting
Local 702
Moved by Arvelin/Thomas
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve that Local 702 be divided into two locals. KACL, Creighton, MPAC and LCBO will remain composite local 702 and Fire Fly will be a Single unit local with Local number 743 assigned.
Roll Call #42
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley —
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 19 for 0 against
Staffing Issues – In Camera
Central Labour Updates (OFL/NUPGE/CLC)
President Thomas provided an update
Other Business
New Business
Collective Agreement vetting and printing
Discussion
OPSEU events on website
Discussion
Committee re: Equity seats on Board
Moved by Ainsworth/Strachan
Whereas the 2011 OPSEU Social Mapping Project identified that women make up 69% of the OPSEU membership; and
Whereas an analysis of that same survey indicates that women and racialized groups are currently under-represented in leadership positions; and
Whereas OPSEU members, in growing numbers, are engaging in the difficult work of confronting, challenging, and overcoming the systemic racism that permeates all of our institutions and society, and which contributes to the ongoing inequality of racialized workers in our communities and in our Union; and
Whereas the OPSEU Social Mapping Project recommended to establish demographic-based seats elected by the members of focus
Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board strike an Executive Board committee to look at Constitutional change that would be required to have equity seats on the Board.
Moved by Maclam/Smith-Rice – Amendment:
Amend the first resolve to read
“Therefore be it resolved that the executive board strike an executive board committee including 1 RVP, 1 EBM, 2 equity chairs to be selected/elected at the next equity chairs meeting to look at constitutional changes that would be required to potentially have equity seats on the executive board; and”
and add the following 2 resolves:
“Be it further resolved that the committee will meet 1 time in person at head office to create terms of reference for the committee prior to the September board meeting; and
Be it further resolved that the committee will come back to the bard with the terms of reference to be approved by the board for approval before moving forward.”
Roll Call #43
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy against
Arvelin, Ed against
Doran, Dave against
Elliott, Len against
Finucane, Drew against
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara against
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara against
Morton, Lucy against
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie against
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken against
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren against
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer against
DEFEATED 7 for 12 against
The question was called on the motion:
Whereas the 2011 OPSEU Social Mapping Project identified that women make up 69% of the OPSEU membership; and
Whereas an analysis of that same survey indicates that women and racialized groups are currently under-represented in leadership positions; and
Whereas OPSEU members, in growing numbers, are engaging in the difficult work of confronting, challenging, and overcoming the systemic racism that permeates all of our institutions and society, and which contributes to the ongoing inequality of racialized workers in our communities and in our Union; and
Whereas the OPSEU Social Mapping Project recommended to establish demographic-based seats elected by the members of focus
Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board strike an Executive Board committee to look at Constitutional change that would be required to have equity seats on the Board.
Roll Call #44
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy against
Arvelin, Ed against
Doran, Dave against
Elliott, Len against
Finucane, Drew against
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara against
Maclam, Kenneth against
Maszczakiewicz, Tara against
Morton, Lucy against
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie against
Smith-Rice, Erin against
Steinbrunner, Ken against
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren against
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
DEFEATED 6 for 13 against
Anna Ainsworth, Kingsley Kwok, Laurie Nancekivell, Edie Strachan, Joel Usher, Jennifer Van Zetten filed minority reports.
Moved by Thomas/Almeida – In Camera
Roll Call #45
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Doran, Dave for
Elliott, Len for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 19 for 0 against
Rise & Report
Progress
Adjournment
The Executive Board adjourned at 4:40p.m. All members were present except for Janel Perron and Sara Labelle, the reason was acceptable to the Chair.
__________________________________ ____________________________________
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President Nicole Glass, Corporate Secretary
/ng
