OPSEU

"We believe that this bill would be at odds with reasonable consumer expectations of privacy for their medical and financial affairs. Other evidence, including from the Canadian Bar Association, also raises this concern.” - Ron Sanderson, Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc.

The future of child care in Ontario will depend on a movement of parents sharing their experiences.

James Clancy and Larry Brown acclaimed at NUPGE convention in Ottawa this weekend.

 “We will be emerging from this convention with a strong action plan to counter these attacks and moving our agenda of justice, equality and fairness for all Canadians forward.” - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“The Ministry has failed to do so, and this has led to a rise in violent incidents in our institutions that is unprecedented anywhere in the country.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

“The Ministry is moving this work to contingent part-time workers, and away from support workers who have over 20 years’ experience and who have made significant impacts in the lives of parents and students with disabilities,” Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

The Ministry of the Attorney General plans to create a private regulator to control all aspects of court transcription. This will not serve the administration of justice.

"Pandering to this hard core ideological base might help deflect attention from the scandals the federal Conservatives are facing as they head into their national policy convention later but it will not do anything to help steer our economy to a much needed sustainable recovery.ʺ - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“Despite what radical Conservatives would have you believe, this bill is nothing more than political retaliation." - Ken Georgetti, CLC President.

Six Ontario unions host forum on income inequality, its roots and the solutions.

“Our new contract is one element in our fight for good jobs, and that’s a fight that’s going on across Ontario." - Denise Davis, OPSEU LBED Bargaining Chair.

Canada's Privacy Commissioner testified this week she continues to have concerns about the personal privacy violations contained in the bill.

"In every way we stand ready to offer our support to those now grieving." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

"Discrimination seems to be part of their business plan,” says Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Celebrate and call for justice for injured workers!

Madeleine Meilleur apologizes for insulting comments, made while responding to questions regarding an incident at the Elgin Middleton Detention Centre, about correctional officers in the province. 

Escalating culture of violence at Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre as jail reaches approximately 270 per cent capacity.

Four awards of $1,500 given each year to children of NUPGE members.

Did we get everything we were asking for? No. Did the LCBO get everything they were demanding of our members? No.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

In March, 2013, the Ministry was ordered to stop its violation of the collective agreement and to stop treating court reporters as independent contractors. It continues to ignore the ruling.

“We believe that employers and Ottawa are using the import of vulnerable migrant workers to promote a low wage strategy in Canada.” - Ken Georgetti, CLC President.

Two-thirds of LCBO employees are casuals with no guaranteed hours, few benefits and an average income that is less than $26,000 a year.

“This is a questionable and risky international venture, and we want to know why it is being pushed through in such a hurry." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Get connected to what's happening in the developmental services sector.

The union's claim documents “the distinctly gendered history of how part-time work developed at the LCBO” and how systemic sex discrimination continues today.

Care about ambulance service in the Frontenac area? Find out more about reduced service.

“If this government truly believes in fairness, as it claims, then the province’s corporations have to be involved." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Come out to this eight city tour through Manitoba and Ontario to show your support.

"The people who work in our justice system deserve to be accorded the respect and dignity that their occupation deserves. They are risking their own lives to keep all of us safer." -  James Clancy, NUPGE President.

Your action can help make a difference for garment workers everywhere.

OPSEU/NUPGE welcome long term care and IT workers.

Workers come together to organize against Harper's harmful EI changes.

"We must ensure every worker has the freedom to join a union to protect their interests. Only then will workplace tragedies be prevented," said Clancy. James Clancy, NUPGE President.

“Pay equity is a simple matter of fairness for our members. And it’s fundamental principle of the trade union movement,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

“We are looking to the LCBO to negotiate a deal that recognizes fair jobs for all its employees. To date, it hasn’t demonstrated its willingness to recognize fair work for all LCBO employees.”

“Privatization does not work, no matter what you call it. The public pays more for lower quality services. Just think Ornge, gas plants, e-Health, Highway 407 – and now, chemo drugs.”

Income inequality activists never sleep. Check out the ATN Campaigner to find out the great work going on across the country.

"Earth Day provides an opportunity for each one of us to think about what we can do in our daily lives to reduce our impact on the planet," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“The main reason we’re here today is to tell the politicians we want everyone lifted out of poverty,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Join LCBO workers and supporters at locations across the province.

“What we seek is a good quality of lives for our families, opportunities for our children and the ability to retire in dignity." - Denise Davis, LCBO bargaining team Chair.

This one small story illustrates the larger danger of greed unchecked. All of our jobs and all of our communities are vulnerable to outsourcing and its cousin, privatization. These strategies might boost profits, but at a terrible cost.

Improvements to working conditions ratified in first contract by mental health workers.

OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas congratulated the members on their new contract, but warned that there continues to be a serious problem with funding for developmental services.

When the Auditor General of Ontario looked at Brampton’s William Osler Health Centre privatization in 2008, he concluded that the higher rate of interest paid by the private sector added about $200 million to the cost of the project.

“This is a quality services issue, but it’s also about quality of life. ” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “More than two thirds of the CLGS workforce is part-time or casual. The frontline staff should be able to afford to work there.”

"Unions are about fairness: workplace fairness; economic fairness; opportunity fairness; political fairness; and democratic fairness. Unions promote fairness, not just for their members, but for all Canadians.” - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

Vast knowledge shared with conference participants on second day of Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights conference.

Richard Wilkinson, one of the world’s preeminent researchers on income inequality, delivers keynote speech.

If Bill C-279 becomes law, it would become illegal to discriminate against transgender Canadians.

“Maybe younger people coming up don’t understand the history of how things got to be so good here in Ontario,” said McDonald. “If it’s going to continue to be good, I think there’s still a fight to be had.”

In its last fiscal year the retail giant returned a dividend to the Ontario treasury of close to $1.6 billion on revenue of more than $4.5 billion.

The gains that union members make at the bargaining table spill over into creating healthier and more prosperous communities for everyone.”

“Our economy is being held back because the Prime Minister refuses to work with all major stakeholders to develop a comprehensive national skills development strategy." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

"Our members are passionate about the work that they do and are very proud to support the future of that work here at Casey House," said Mackinnon.

"We cannot give in to the divide and conquer tactics our governments and our employers use. We need to look for the things that join us together." – James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

"What they have done has improved conditions for workers but also for the clients who depend on the services they provide.”

Help send a strong message to the employer at Homes First to get back to the table to negotiate a fair and decent contract.

Alternative Federal Budget plan tackles Canadians' real concerns.

"When governments give away revenue to their corporate friends, there is less money dedicated to the public services the majority of Canadians need." - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

"The problem of growing inequality can be resolved in two main ways. The first is by transferring wealth from profits to wages and public services. The second is through tax fairness." – Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

In the weeks ahead OPSEU/NUPGE will assess Wynne’s government to see if the new Premier will commit to preserving quality public services in Ontario and ensuring that services are delivered by professional public sector workers.

Moving stories about the reality of being a developmental services worker and what these contract talks are about.

"As a union, every worker has a right to be treated with respect and dignity and must have a safe place to make a living, "said James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“Thanks to everyone who came out to support these workers today. Our rally provoked the attention and support these workers deserve. Now let’s get them back to work,” said Kathleen Demareski, OPSEU Negotiator.

OPSEU/NUPGE members priorities for bargaining are improved wages and benefits, better job security and more gains in health and safety standards.

"We work on behalf of our members to promote and protect their rights in the workplace but our social justice work ensures that all boats rise together - union and non-union, here in Canada and around the world."

“These hard-working people are already earning a very modest wage but who find themselves bullied by a hostile employer. It’s a measure of their anger that they’ve elected to withdraw their services.” - Kathleen Demareski, OPSEU Negotiator.

Ready, set, record!

It's about shoring up one of the basic human rights supporting a fair and prosperous Canada. But ultimately, it's about saving lives.

Send a message to the Finance Committee to demand the government start taking tax havens seriously.

Missed what happened in Sudbury on January 8 during the All Together Now! campaign's townhall meeting? Watch the online videos to find out.

“It is our hope that the next finance minister will come to work for the 99 per cent, not the one per cent. For a change.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

“Whatever final form it takes Ontario Place must be a place for all the people of Ontario and not just for John Tory and his Bay Street friends.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

NUPGE celebrates Black History Month honouring those who have fought for equality and justice everywhere.

"This new collective agreement offers strong wage improvements and some important new language to ensure progress is made with key issues in the workplace." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

"Our Sisters are on the frontlines of the struggle to reduce income inequality everyday. Our union and the movement is stronger because of the leadership role they play in communities and workplaces across this country." — James Clancy, NUPGE President.

"We are asking delegates to consider which candidates have the closest ties to Bay Street, which candidates draw their support from big corporations. Our new Premier must put people before profits,” says Thomas.

“These employees keep everyone at this gaming operation safe and secure. To treat them this way is, in our opinion, completely pathetic.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

This leadership convention marks a potential sea change for Ontario, where priorities can be shifted to promoting quality public services, taking action on tax fairness and investing in communities with a real job strategy.

Details will be distributed to members as soon as they are available, as well as information on dates, times and locations of a ratification vote.

Along with Public Private Partnerships (P3s), Social Impact Bonds are a bit like money laundering because they allow politicians to hide debt.

“The public wants to see the LCBO remain a valued public asset that contribute attractive annual dividends to help pay for education, health care and infrastructure.” - Warren (Smokey

In a cynical move the Province's education Minister promises to repeal Bill 115 after using it to impose contracts.

“Membership solidarity gave us the strength to reach a deal that shows proper respect for the important services these workers provide.”

Chief Spence’s action has helped to galvanize a movement called Idle No More, which arose as a result of the federal government’s recent omnibus Bill C-45.

"The real threat to our economy is the constant attack on the wages of Canadians, something being encouraged by the Harper government. When people have less income, they spend less, or they borrow more and they have less to save for retirement. None of these scenarios help build a stable economy," continued Clancy.

AODSP members are handing out postcards calling on MPPs to support a humane system of income and vocational supports for people with disabilities.

Richard Wilkinson, one of the world’s most preeminent researchers on social inequalities, and author of the Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone will kick of the CFLR conference as the keynote speaker.

We will be doing a disservice to our collective goal of achieving greater equality if all Canadians don't mount a spirited and vigorous offence in support of labour rights and unions.

Join workers from Community Living Greater Sudbury at a rally to back reasonable contract demands in bargaining today from 11 a.m. until noon.

Eleven EU countries received overwhelming support to pursue introduction of Financial Transactions Tax.  The countries involved account for 90 per cent of the Eurozone's Gross Domestic Product.

Homes First management is asking for major concessions in contract talks. Show your support for the workers who provide housing and support services for those in need.

"People know that when economic injustice and inequality exist, our families and our communities suffer. Economic well being is a human right that must be protected." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“In many communities they are their family’s sole income earners. Why does Tim Hudak want to kill off these jobs that help build strong communities?”

The Ontario government’s attack on public structures and public service workers is political, said Thomas. “And the solution is political.”

Find out where your MPP stands on privatizing public services.

Employer argued for wage freeze; Arbitration Board disagreed saying it "would create unfair disparity."

Supporters are encouraged to contact Fran Perkins, Chair of the Board at Homes First and Patricia Mueller, Executive Director to tell them to put dignity first at Homes First.

OPSEU/NUPGE members hold information picket today to back demands for new contract at Homes First.

OPSEU/NUPGE members employed in the Ontario public service are invited to join the conversation about bargaining on November 28 and 29.

“When you take away those dollars in the name of austerity and deficit-busting, a child and their family are negatively impacted.  Is this the sort of legacy our government has chosen to adopt?” - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Individually and collectively these members did what it takes to protect the quality services they deliver to the people they care for in their community."

Harper government giving into European drug patent demands during free trade negotiations. Move could raise drug prices in Canada by as much as $1 billion.

“This isn’t about wage freezes or concessions. This is about the future of our province, and protecting accountable, reliable and cost-effective services.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Strike action called off as tentative agreement reached.

“We are up against a very predatory employer who wants nothing more than to drive down further the low wages our members already earn,” said Florry Foster, OPSEU President, Local 137.

“This is probably the best deal in the children’s aid sector in the last few years found anywhere in Ontario.” - Chrisy Tremblay, OPSEU Local 454 President.

Congratulations fo Yvonne Lewis and Norma Gunn for being recognized by the Durham Labour Council for their work at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

Strike avoided as OPSEU/NUPGE members accept tentative agreement.

Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) taking striking Participation Lodge members message to the public in new radio ads now on seven different stations.

"Our goal all along was to allow our members control of the pensions that they themselves have paid for year after year,” Warren (Smokey) Thomas

Lay offs of Employment Standards Officers will weaken the enforcement of labour rights for part-time marginalized workers in the province.

The employer is insisting on concessions that will cut benefits and job security for casual and contract workers.

“This employer must come back to the table with a fair deal before the strike deadline,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “These workers have been without a contract for long enough.”

“Once again, health care workers have chosen OPSEU/NUPGE as the union that has the experience and innovation to best represent them in these changing times,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

This legislation gives the government the right to impose contracts, ban strikes and lock outs and circumvent the courts, the Human Rights Code and the province's own collective bargaining legislation.

The members at Francis Memorial Hospital have achieved wage and benefit parity with all other HPD members, under terms of the central agreement.

Ontario community faculty members prepare for the next round of bargaining, intent on changing management's mind on a number of critical issues in the teaching and learning environment.

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is encouraging Canadians to take the opportunity on World Mental Health Day to learn more about mental illness, as well as ways to promote positive mental health.

If approved by the legislature, the Protecting Public Services bill would allow the government to not just freeze the wages it pays to unionized employees — ranging from nurses to home care workers to hydro linemen — but roll them back.

"The government knows this. The only reason for the government to want to come to the bargaining table is to demand concessions, cuts and pave the way for privatizing and selling off public services." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

On October 3, OPSEU/NUPGE members voted on tentative agreement that will see wage and benefit improvements in 2013.

"This government is not interested in a genuine conversation with stakeholders on how we can improve and expand the post-secondary education system," said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

“Dalton McGuinty has tossed his so-called ‘green agenda’ into the trash can,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

McGuinty uses slight of hand announcement to further his austerity agenda: announces hiring of 18 ESA officers one day; lays off 19 days later.

"No job is more important, and few are as difficult or as dangerous," said Public Safety Minister Vic Toews.

Thank you for honouring some of the issues we all care so much about with your time and with your words." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

Workers speak out about overcrowding, understaffing, out-dated equipment and increasing violent incidents while Corrections Minister fails to act.

“It is time for this employer to get back to the table,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “Their failure to negotiate a reasonable contract with staff is an embarrassment to the community.”

As a result of the telephone town hall meetings many members were shocked at the possibility of losing control of their retirement savings, while others questioned the legality of the McGuinty plan.

“The mere mention of OPSEU/NUPGE has moved the dynamics of our workplace in a positive direction,” said Doug Rook, Association President.

“Their jobs are among the most difficult in the health care system, and we are proud to have them as part of our union.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

OPSEU/NUPGE calls on the employer to return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair and reasonable collective agreement before Saturday deadline.

Some governments unilaterally reformed collective bargaining arrangements at the height of the economic crisis.

“Is this the message management truly wants to send to staff about their working relationship?" - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

"College faculty have refused to allow the employer to disrupt the school year for hundreds of thousands of students," said college faculty bargaining Co-chair, Carolyn Gaunt.

“The fact that our officers will be able to properly protect themselves on the job is a major victory,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

More than 2000 OPSEU/NUPGE members across the province are affected by the McGuinty government's undemocratic legislation imposing working conditions, banning strikes and freezing wages.

Help Elizabeth Fry Toronto workers get a fair contract. Send a message today.

“Workers at Participation Lodge are asking that the employer value their work and recognize the importance of their contribution to the community,” said Lynne Easter-Froats, OPSEU.

“College faculty have put students first,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “OPSEU stands with college students across the province. We pledge to continue to ensure that the quality education Ontario’s students deserve is protected.”

“The Colleges have ignored faculty demands, asked for major concessions, and demanded a wage freeze. Their delays and refusal to budge on key issues have demonstrated ill-will from the start of negotiations.”  Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Strike vote was taken over 2 days, August 20 and 21, 2012, after the employer served 72 hour lockout notice to the union.

Correctional officers inside Ontario's 29 correctional facilities, some 3000 in all, are today wearing their own protective vests in a show of solidarity with their colleagues at HWDC.

“OPSEU is calling on this employer to wake up and see that their games and delays are unacceptable,” says OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

OPSEU/NUPGE members are trying to resolve outstanding issues in bargaining before strike deadline.

Talks break down for OPSEU/NUPGE members; arbitrator sought.

Ontario college faculty members seek conciliation as bargaining reaches impasse.

OPSEU members give bargaining committee overwhelming stirke mandate.

“Management at CLQW is almost one to one! That is simply not the best way to maximize resources,” said Local President Cathy Suijker.

"Our members have done their part; the wage freeze we took likely saved Trent close to a million dollars. Now they want to claw back our pension. This is unacceptable." - OPSEU bargaining chair, Rose Dunford.

“We believe that workers at Meaford are worth as much as others providing the same services to their communities.” - Debbie Farrar, OPSEU President at CLM.

“Our members are the second-lowest paid CMHA employees in the province,” said Tischa Forster, OPSEU Local President. “The employer’s offer doesn’t come close to the industry norms for mental health professionals performing this work.”

Community college academic members begin face-to-face negotiations.

“Positive labour relations are an important asset to all of us in these economic times,” Thomas said. “What we have here is excellent groundwork for moving forward.”

“This award reflects the value of our front-line health care members, and recognizes the importance of the work they do,” Thomas said.

“Instead of recognizing the value of this important work, the employer wants to slash what few benefits these workers have." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Watch new video interviews from the Women 4 Change training session.

"We want all of Local 554 to know that we are behind them 100 per cent, ready to do what it takes to assist them in securing a fair contract.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

“This settlement sets a minimum standard for decent contracts in the Developmental Services sector. No one should be getting less,” says OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

AGO CEO received a 293 per cent increase in three years while workers must fight to negotiate a fair collective agreement.

“After a long and difficult round of negotiations an agreement has been reached our members can be proud of." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

“These hard-working individuals deserve a fair first contract,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Supporters show solidarity with OPSEU/NUPGE developmental services workers over contract negotiations.

“Workers in this sector deserve to receive decent wages and respect for the important work they do n their community.”

"These workers deserve a fair contract and respect for the important services they provide for some of the most vulnerable members of our community," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

OPSEU workers at Humber River Regional Hospital reach arbitrated award

OPSEU members at Community Living Huntsville will vote on new tentative agreement in January.

Support workers at the Clarendon Foundation achieve improved wages and working conditions through bargaining.

"The bargaining team showed real teamwork and solidarity getting this tentative agreement," said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Working conditions and wages improved for OPSEU/NUPGE members working for Teranet.

”We were able to reach this tentative agreement in large part due to the employer’s respect for the members and the work we do.” - OPSEU/NUPGE member Amelia Murphy-Beaudoin.

Developmental service workers continue to press for decent working conditions through bargaining.

The current offer essentially would mean that we have accepted a five year pay freeze, while the Executive Director's salary has gone up 45 per cent since 2005.

Members reach a tentative agreement after striking for seven weeks to improve working conditions.

First central collective agreement reached for OPSEU/NUPGE members working at four CCAC locations.

"It’s impossible to negotiate when the employer shows no interest in doing so.” - Paul Jalbert, bargaining chair.

Preparations are underway for the next round of negotiatons for Ontario's over 9,000 college academic staff.

OPSEU/NUPGE members look to conciliator to assist in reaching a settlement.

“We want to be recognized for the hard work we do in the community and the service we provide to our clients.” - Cathy Boudens, Local President.

“We started negotiating in 2009 and it’s been a stalemate to date,” said Scott Honke, OPSEU Local 145 bargaining team chairperson.

“We are here for our team,” said bargaining unit spokesperson, Joel Sinkins. “Developmental Services workers at KACL are standing solid until we get the fair contract we deserve.”

Workers oppose government-imposed wage freeze for non-union workers by joining OPSEU/NUPGE.

“We can only conclude that management took the action they did as a way of telling us they were not interested in negotiating and, in effect, locked us out even before the strike deadline arrived,” said Jennifer Smith, OPSEU bargaining unit president.

“By the results of this vote our members have wholeheartedly said they approve the deal their negotiating team reached at the contract table,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

"The potential for widespread labour unrest in this sector is very real. It is also regrettable considering employers have had ample opportunity to achieve settlements," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Bargaining team said it is prepared to make moves on the substantive issues that management has identified.

Morning rally slowed traffic on Bay Street and attracted considerable media attention. Many morning newscasts on television and radio led with the demonstration.

“It’s really regrettable that management has slammed the door shut on the prospect that the two sides can get together and work out an agreement,” - Rod Bemister, OPSEU/NUPGE.

Striking college support staff ask management to return to the bargaining table and reach a fair settlement.  The choice is theirs to make - sooner rather than later!

“We are prepared to return to negotiations at any time but management must adopt a fresh approach.” - OPSEU bargaining chair, Rod Bemister.

“It’s in nobody’s interest that we give in to contract demands from management that will only harm the working conditions of future graduates.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

“This fight isn’t just about us; it’s about our future and future employment for our students who attend college to gain good, full-time permanent jobs,” said Rod Bemister, bargaining unit chairperson.

“The lesson of the Mike Harris era is that cuts to public services hurt us all,” said Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

“Contracts are not settled on the picket line – they’re settled at the bargaining table,” said Bemister. “Today’s result does not mean there will be a strike but it’s a wake-up call to management to get serious about bargaining.”

“Instead of addressing the issue of low wages and insecure employment, it appears that PC leader Tim Hudak is threatening to make the situation much worse.” - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Developmental services information pickets across Ontario call for respect.

OPSEU members rally in support of bargaining demands.

OPSEU college members to employer: We're here to bargain.

On June 1, in communities throughout Ontario, wear a sticker to Put Kids First

Planning gets underway for public service fightback campaign in Ontario.

Closures move province closer to flawed US model of superjails.

The truth starts at PS: Let's Talk.

“A contract is good for our mental health,” said President, Maggie Wakeford, noting this is taking place during Mental Health week. “ We need our collective agreement now.”

"Children, youth and families deserve mental health services when they need them" says Leisa Burberry, bargaining team chair, "and we're the professionals that want to deliver them."

"The employers and the Ministry both need to realize that this sector is at a cross roads, one where all stakeholders can agree to work together to solve the systemic issues they face or where the service will continue to slip backwards and fail one of societies most vulnerable groups," says OPSEU/NUPGE.

OPSEU/NUPGE is proud to be building union strength and standing up for workers' rights.

OPSEU/NUPGE members ensure that these industries are operated with honesty, integrity, financial responsibility and in the public interest.

“Our union has the expertise and experience needed when dealing with difficult employers. We are, by far, the best union to deal with the VON on issues affecting community health professionals.” -  Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president, OPSEU

"OPSEU is proud of the PCIL workers for reaching a deal," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

“After voting no to the employer’s offer we can head back to the bargaining table,” says team member Mike Dowling. “The Employer will know we are standing solid and we can demand a decent contract.”

“For the past two and a half years the government has been working on a 10-year strategy for mental health,” says Kim McDowell, President of OPSEU Local 152 (RMHC). “While they have been talking about improving the system, the reality on the ground has been one of program closures and layoffs.”

"Job cuts of the scale proposed by the Premier mean entire programs will have to be axed. There is no fat left to cut. Our members have been doing more with less for years now." - Warren "Smokey" Thomas, OPSEU president

“These members have worked hard for this agreement,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “Congratulations to the team for bringing home a good contract with a very difficult employer.”

'They are trying to circumvent the normal bargaining process by communicating directly with our members.'

'All we’re looking for at the moment is for management to agree to some time lines where we can discuss the labour adjustment plan.'

'Once again our members have told this association that they prefer to deal with a professional, member-driven union.'

Two-year settlement affects employees at several worksites across eastern Ontario.

'Our bargaining team did a great job and we were successful in getting a very good deal for our members.'

'This action demonstrates a complete lack of respect for the hard-working, dedicated staff.'

Dozens of events will be held across the province on Friday (Dec. 3) to fight back against the McGuinty government's plan to scapegoat public sector workers.

The impact on public employees will stretch far beyond the two-year freeze proposed by the province – all for the benefit of already-wealthy corporations.

Province refuses to respond to international condemnation for denying part-time college workers the right to organize.

Talks continue with new deadline set for Nov. 17 at three work sites in Eastern Ontario.

"Dwight Duncan is cutting almost $5 billion in corporate taxes in the next three years despite Ontario having one of the lowest tax rates in the industrialized world." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

'The employer is being stubborn and blocking a deal.' - OPSEU.

"I have nothing but admiration for the solidarity and toughness demonstrated by members.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU president. - Updated

Proposed new agreement reached with the help of a provincially-appointed mediator.

Lockout averted for members of Local 548 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.

Management at Geneva Centre for Autism in Toronto says it will lock out 75 employees (OPSEU/NUPGE members) on Oct. 29.

Eye-opening website lets employees see the annual cumulative losses a public sector freeze will mean to their personal purchasing power.

'The tentative contract failed to address the issues that matter most to our members which include respect and fairness in the workplace.'

'Know that we stand strong.... OPSEU will do everything in its power to ensure that you get the fair contract you deserve.'

Brian Keller deals blow to McGuinty government restraint plan by ruling in favour of employees at Windsor Regional Hospital.

'The bargaining team pushed the employer very hard and they understood our members weren’t going to buckle under.'

Pay equity will eventually be assured for all LCBO employees under the Pay Equity Act of Ontario.

OPSEU says a two-year freeze would cost many members nearly $2,000 annually in lost purchasing power.

'We haven’t received a wage increase in eight years and we’re fed up.' - Laura Webster.

'A bit of progress was made on some issues, but not anywhere near the kind of movement we need to see.'

SEIU case sets precedent for long queue of similar cases pending across Ontario.

Employees fighting freeze say money saved in wages would be scooped up by long-term care executives and private shareholders.

'The toughest issues are still on the table.' - Tyler England.

Strike began in mid-August against Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

'We’re all in this together...No self-respecting union would ratify the so-called deal your employer has put on the table' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Provincial party event at Ottawa area golf club draws labour demonstrators opposed to wage freeze in 2010 Ontario budget.

'The employer is threatening to conduct a temporary layoff of the entire bargaining unit.'

'It is simply wrong for hard-working people to be bank-rolling already profitable corporations.'

'It became more apparent that the employer didn’t appear to be interested in reaching a fair settlement.'

'Congratulations on a wonderful fight back by all of you.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas. – Updated

'Outstanding issues include overtime, workloads, job classification and sick leave.'

Workers reject second tentative settlement with agency that has one manager for every two employees.

Arbitration award covers wages, dental, uniforms, time-in-lieu, overtime, vacation, bereavement and more.

'I don’t think they understand the meaning of a dollar if they can afford $750 for a golf game.' - Patty Rout.

'I can say with confidence that McGuinty knows the broad strokes of where OPSEU members are at on the big issues.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

'The only place for this dialogue is at the bargaining table or, where that fails, at arbitration.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

'We will be creative in negotiating agreements that preserve public services and defend our members’ rights at the same time.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

'No alternative but to go to our membership and seek a strike mandate.' - OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Threatening more cuts and layoffs and creating a chill in labour relations.

Ontario’s liquor board employees, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE), have ratified their new collective agreement with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).

'People can’t survive on part-time, temporary, disposable jobs and neither can communities.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Abuse of casual workers is the key issue. The LCBO makes more than $200,000 a year per worker ($1.6 billion) yet casual workers earn less than $20,800 a year.

'Unfortunately we are bargaining with an employer that does not realize just how much has changed.' - Vanda Klumper.

'When working people do well, business does well.' - LCBO.

Over the past five years LCBO profits have totalled nearly $6 billion in Ontario. The agency operates at a profit margin of 48.9% and it still wants concessions from employees.

'We want to know why these layoffs are necessary and to discuss reasonable alternatives.” - Paula Whitmore, OPSEU Local 535.

Publicly-owned Ontario liquor board made $1.35 billion in profits for the Ontario taxpayers in 2007-08.

Now is the time to fix long-standing problems within the system - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Vote March 3-4 by more than 150 employees of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

OPSEU frustrated at lack of progress with government negotiators whose hands have been tied by the Liberal government at Queen's Park.

'The colleges should quit wasting taxpayers’ money on a fight they’ve already lost.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Colleges have asked Ontario Labour Relations Board to deny application for certification outright - want the ballot boxes to remain sealed and they don’t want the votes to be counted.  Union calls on Minister to act.

Remaining 35,000 Ontario Public Service members ratify settlement.

'It is in the best interests of the Ontario Hospital Association to work with us on addressing these issues.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU president

Employees must be ready to send strong message against any contract concessions, OPSEU says

OPSEU calling for increased pressure on politicians to bring about a settlement

Eric Morin elected chair of central/unified bargaining team

Proposed deal includes long list of contract improvements

Ends first strike in Society's history

Acceptance would avert a strike scheduled for Sept. 11

Wages and workload key unresolved issues

Difficulty reaching first contract with private employer

Wages and workload among unresolved issues

Developmental services in London and Prince Edward County may soon be back on the job

Workers in London and Prince Edward County remain off the job

Elgin employees reach agreement while negotiations continue in other areas

Tillsonburg workers settle while other groups remain out

'Shocking ignorance of standard back-to-work protocols.' - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas

OPSEU calling for increased pressure on politicians to bring about a settlement

'We can win this and achieve fairness for all developmental services workers across Ontario.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas

Madeline Meilleur locks her office door as bus loads of strikers picket

Striking employees are joined by families and patients

8,900 teachers vote 80.4% in favour of walkout if necessary on March 7