Wilfred Laurier University Special Constable Services has voted in favour of joining OPSEU, Ontario’s largest public sector union. They are first responders to all campus emergencies across Wilfred Laurier’s four campuses, which are located in Waterloo, Kitchener, Brantford and Milton.
The Special Constable Service is staffed by constables, communications operators, security guards and administrative personnel. They provide law enforcement on university property and lay charges and make arrests with the same legal authority as police officers.
“Amidst the distress and insecurity around COVID-19, the people of Ontario are realizing just how vitally important frontline emergency services are to them,” said OPSEU Universities Sector Chair Kella Loschiavo.” The staff, students and visitors on Laurier’s four campuses rely on campus police to keep them safe – and they’ve been doing an impeccable job.
“I’m pleased and excited to know that these committed individuals can now look forward to having a much greater say in their workplace.”
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas notes that the union also represents the campus police at the Universities of Toronto, Ottawa, Carlton, Guelph, Western and Waterloo.
“The word is out there that having a strong union like OPSEU is the best way to protect the interests of frontline workers,” said Thomas. “We couldn’t be happier that Laurier constables chose to join us.
“Ensuring staff and students have a safe place to teach and study is fundamental to successful outcomes, and campus police, like the constables at Laurier, need to be properly recognized for their contributions.”