September 8, 2020
The Executive Board was called to order at 1:05 p.m. President Thomas was in the Chair. All members were present. Clarke Eaton, Advisor to the President and Filomena Lofranco, Executive Assistant to the President were also in attendance.
President’s Report
Internal Issues
Executive Board Meetings time
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas the Executive Board is meeting the first Monday of every month at 7:00PM throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Whereas an earlier start time was proposed to accommodate the schedules of the Executive Board;
Therefore be it resolved that the start time of the Executive Board meetings that are scheduled at the beginning of every month will now be 1:00pm.
Roll Call #1
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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
Agenda
The agenda was amended to add:
- Local elections
- Bill 195
- Committee Reports – Racialized workers
- Committee Reports – Social Mapping
- In Camera Matter
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board adopt the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board Minutes of the August 4, 2020 Executive Board web conference and the August 28, 2020 Executive Board E-poll, HOOPP Pension appointment.
Roll Call #2
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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
August 28th, 2020 E-poll – HOOPP Pension appointment
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas the appointment of OPSEU/SEFPO’s trustee to the Board of Trustees of HOOPP expired on June 30; and
Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO holds one seat and should have a voice at the Board on behalf of all OPSEU/SEFPO members of the Plan;
Therefore be it resolved that Sandi Blancher be reappointed as a pension trustee for the HOOPP Board of Trustees effective July 1 2020 to June 30, 2021, provided Sister Blancher signs the Letter of Understanding provided by OPSEU/SEFPO.
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley —
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 18 for 0 against
Unfinished Business
From the July 6, 2020 Executive Board web conference:
Staffing Questions
Discussion
Treasurer’s Report
- Financials
- Contingency Fund
- Constituency Fund
- Defence Fund
- ODSP Fund – OPS Job Protection Fund
- ODSP Fund – MERC Action Plan
- ODSP Fund – OPS Redeployment Fund
- LBED – Anti-privatization Fund
- Area and Labour Councils
- Other Business
Area and Labour Councils
Moved by Almeida/Thomas
Whereas Locals that contribute funds and affiliate to Area and Labour councils are allowed to have delegates attend on behalf of their local; and
Whereas as per policy delegates to Area and Labour Councils are tied directly to the Local that affiliate, including if trusteeship that suspension from these committees is enacted (Section 15.6, sub section 2.4.1); and
Whereas the policy only makes small reference to all elected or appointed officials and the policy should be made more clear; and
Whereas the constitution refers to selection/election to Area councils and Labour councils; and
Whereas to attend on behalf of a local, it is reasonable that the local endorses or votes on who should attend to represent Members at Area and Labour Councils; and
Whereas to further clarify the policy on Area councils and Labour councils the following should be added to policy.
Therefore be it resolved that members who attend Area and Labour Councils must be either selected by the Local Executive Committee or Elected at a general Membership meeting; and
Be it further resolved that per the constitution a Retiree may be elected/selected as delegate of a Local or from Regional Retirees Division to an Area Council; and
Be it further resolved that the names of delegates will be sent in writing/email to the OPSEU/SEFPO President for distribution to appropriate Staff, EBM’s, as well as to the respective sitting council for their records; and
Be it further resolved that only those named by the Local may represent the Local as a delegate at the District Labour Council.
Roll Call #3
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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’s Report
Internal Issues
Scholarship Fund
Moved by Thomas/Smith-Rice
Whereas on July 24, 2020, Karen Gottschalk-Millar, a respected Residential Counsellor and dedicated, long-time member of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 448, was murdered at her workplace; and
Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board recognizes the importance and need for more workers in the field that Karen dedicated her life to; and
Whereas affordability should not be a barrier for someone who would like to enter the field of social service work;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board allocate $1,000 as a standing budgetary line item to a scholarship fund in memory of Karen Gottschalk-Millar; and
Be it further resolved that the name and eligibility criteria for the scholarship be developed in consultation with Local 448, Karen’s family and with the division executive as required for input.
Roll Call #4
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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
CAAT- A Divisional Meeting Postponement
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas on June 1, 2020, the Executive Board postponed the 2020 OPS Divisional Conference due to the Covid pandemic; and
Whereas CAAT A Division is scheduled to hold their Divisional Meeting in the fall of 2020; and
Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much a threat to the health and safety of OPSEU/SEFPO members; and
Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is not yet fully operational; and
Whereas the Executive Board has already decided to postpone all Local elections and extend terms upon review after OPSEU/SEFPO becomes fully operational; and
Whereas all Divisions and leadership positions within OPSEU/SEFPO should be treated similarly; and
Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO members require leadership within their divisions during these unprecedented times; and
Whereas it would be unsafe and contrary to recognized union health and safety principles for members to meet in large gatherings at this time;
Therefore be it resolved that the 2020 CAAT A Divisional meetings be postponed until such a time as one may be held in accordance with the indicated resolves, and that the terms for the elected leadership be extended until OPSEU/SEFPO resumes normal operations; and
Be it further resolved that this decision be reviewed once OPSEU/SEFPO returns to its normal operations.
Moved by Maszczakiewicz/Morton – Referral to the President’s office to be reported back to the next board meeting.
Moved by Nancekivell/Labelle – Amendment to Referral:
That the referral be changed to have it reported back within 2 weeks
Roll Call #5
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew against
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara against
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 16 for 5 against
The question called on the Referral as amended:
Referral to the President’s office to be reported back within 2 weeks.
Moved by Ainsworth/Kingsley – Amendment to the Referral:
That CAAT-A Divex be consulted in the process
First Vice-President Treasurer/Almeida in the Chair
Sara Labelle in the Chair
Moved by Almeida/Thomas – Amendment to the amendment:
That all sectors be consulted in the process
Object to Consideration
Challenge to the Chair
Lucy Morton in the Chair
Roll Call #6
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy against
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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 for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren against
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 16 for 5 against
Chair is upheld
Sara Labelle in the Chair
The question was called on the Amendment to the amendment:
That all sectors be consulted in the process.
Roll Call #7
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie against
Perron, Janel against
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken against
Strachan, Edie against
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel against
Van Zetten, Jennifer against
Carried 15 for 6 against
The question was called on the amendment to the referral:
That the CAAT-A Divex and all sectors be consulted in the process
Roll Call #8
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy against
Arvelin, Ed against
Cain, Geoff against
Doran, Dave 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 against
Strachan, Edie against
Thomas, Warren against
Usher, Joel against
Van Zetten, Jennifer against
DEFEATED 1 for 20 against
President Thomas in the Chair
The question was called on the referral as amended:
Referral to the President’s office to be reported back within 2 weeks.
Roll Call #9
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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
OPSEU/SEFPO members associated with raiding
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas Barry Roy (Local 229), Agnes Ogle (Local 369), Lawrence Agustin (Local 5112), Carl Carson (Local 5112), Richard Louca (Local 290), Chris Abbott (Local 234), and Ken Dowhaniuk (Local 708) have identified themselves as leaders and supporters of a new organization that claims to be a trade union, and intends to file a decertification application to the OLRB to raid OPSEU/SEFPO as the certified bargaining agent of the Correctional Bargaining Unit; and
Whereas a decertification application to the OLRB would prejudice members’ rights and would freeze the terms of the Corrections Collective Agreement, effectively prohibiting elected MERC and local representatives from negotiating new or amended provincial or local agreements for the duration of the OLRB application; and
Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO notified the members on August 5 that it would review their membership in good standing in light of their conduct, and provided the members with an opportunity to present their views, in accordance with Article 16.10 of the Constitution; and
Whereas Chris Abbott was the only member to respond, and his response has been considered;
Therefore be it resolved that Barry Roy, Agnes Ogle, Lawrence Agustin, Carl Carson, Richard Louca, Chris Abbott, and Ken Dowhaniuk, are suspended from membership in good standing in accordance with article 16.10 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution; and
Be it further resolved that any of the former members who hold elected office or appointed positions with OPSEU/SEFPO are hereby removed; and
Be it further resolved that the suspensions will continue until such time as the Executive Board may vote by a two-thirds majority roll call vote to return any of the former members to membership in good standing; and
Be it further resolved that after a period of two years, any of the former members may request to be returned to membership in good standing by submitting a written submission to the President.
Roll Call #10
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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
Staff Survey
Update provided
First Vice-President/Treasurer Almeida in the Chair
Central Labour Updates (OFL/NUPGE/CLC)
Sara Labelle provided an update
Committee Reports
Racialized Workers
Kingsley Kwok, Executive Board Liaison, OPSEU Provincial Coalition of Racialized Workers
- Membership of Coalition
- Coalition proposal during COVID-19 pandemic
Membership of Coalition
OPSEU Provincial Coalition of Racialized Workers filled two vacancies. I am happy to inform the Executive Board that the Coalition has representatives from OPSEU Regions 6 and 7. The next meeting of the Coalition will take place in two weeks. The Coalition has another call for representatives. Please encourage any applicant to e-mail equity@opseu.org by 5 p.m. on 15 November 2020. https://sefpo.org/news/opseus-coalition-of-racialized-workers-call-for-representatives/110224/
Coalition proposal during COVID-19 pandemic
The Coalition has its focus on supporting migrant workers. Most have lived in congregated settings. Some had died from coronavirus and others had been confirmed positive for COVID-19. On 16 June 2020 the Coalition proposed the following to support migrant workers.
- Press release from the President’s Office calling or more testing at the farms and stop wage discrimination. DONE
- Purchasing personal protective equipment. Cost associated: $2,500
- Donating food boxes to migrant workers, those that are off work sick. Cost associated: $2,000
- Organizing car-a-van to Leamington area. DONE
- Helping Justicia for Migrant Workers with financial assistance to its campaign. DONE
To date, OPSEU achieved three of the five items in the proposal. The remaining two items of the proposal are to purchase personal protective equipment and culturally-appropriate food boxes for migrant workers. The Coalition has to work with staff to achieve the rest of the proposal.
Social Mapping
Update provided
New Business
Follow up on Convention 2021 – written information from Convention Centre (as per discussion from July 2020 meeting)
Discussion
Moved by Kingsley/Ainsworth – Move into committee of the whole
Roll Call #11
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy against
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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 against
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren —
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 16 for 4 against
Moved by Almeida/Ainsworth – Move out of committee of the whole
Roll Call #12
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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 for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren —
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 19 for 0 against
President’s Report
Regionals/Convention
Discussion
Staffing Issues – In Camera
Moved by Thomas/Almeida – In Camera
Roll Call #13
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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
Rise & Report
Progress
New Business
Bill 195
Discussion
Update on CAAT-S investigation
Discussion
Convention Swag
Discussion
HDPP Complaint
Moved by Smith-Rice/Kwok
Whereas article 7.1c of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution states that every member in good standing is entitled to be free from discrimination, harassment or intimidation by a Member with respect to another Member by reason of any prohibited; and
Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy is one step in OPSEU/SEFPO’s fight to eliminate harassment and discrimination in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and OPSEU/SEFPO’s Constitution; and
Whereas a Complaint was filed under the Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy (HDPP), File #2020-0205-0002, OPSEU member (the “Respondent”) and the Complaint proceeded to Investigation in accordance with the HDPP, and the Investigation Report concluded that the impact of the Respondent’s comments and conduct constituted discrimination on the basis of race, and recommended that the Respondent participate in a training module on Respectful Communications Practices and Anti-Black Racism, and that failure to do so would result in having their membership status altered to “Member in Bad Standing”; and
Whereas the Respondent refused to participate in the training with full understanding that refusing to do so may result in their membership status being altered; and
Whereas the Executive Board reviewed Complaint #2020-0205-0002 between June 27, 2020 and July 8, 2020, the Investigation Report, and Recommendations contained within; and
Whereas in accordance with article 6.3.4, 7.2.2 of the Constitution and article 4.2 of the HDPP, the Executive Board has reviewed all of the circumstances of the Complaint, the Respondent request, the Investigation Report, and written submissions provided;
Therefore be it resolved that effective immediately, as per article 6.3.4 of the OPSEU/SEFPO constitution the Respondent shall be deemed a Member suspended until they complete the recommended training by the Investigator; and
Be it further resolved that effective immediately, as per article 7.2.2 the Respondent shall be removed from any office they may hold within OPSEU/SEFPO until they complete the training recommended by the Investigator; and
Be it further resolved that the Respondent will be notified of the Executive Board’s decision within 7 days and be provided dates to complete training on Anti-Black Racism and Respectful Communications Practices within 30 days.
Roll Call #14
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy —
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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 —
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 19 for 0 against
Local elections
Discussion
Board meetings
Moved by Thomas/Morton
Be it resolved that starting with the October OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board meeting, the meeting will start at 9:00a.m and go no later than 5:00p.m.
Roll Call #15
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy —
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave 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 0 against
Adjournment
The Executive Board adjourned at 6:08p.m. All members were present except First Vice-President/Treasurer Almeida, the reason was acceptable to the Chair.
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President
Nicole Glass, Corporate Secretary
