Member Equity Unit

About the Member Equity Unit

The Member Equity Unit works with OPSEU/SEFPO members to advance fairness and equity in workplaces, the union’s structures, and within the broader labour movement.

The Unit provides advice, research, and support in the following key areas:

• for provincial and regional committees and caucuses who advocate equal opportunities on behalf of equity-deserving groups by, for example, presentation of resolutions at Convention, networking with members regionally and supporting community campaigns, and planning equity-focused events and conferences;
• dismantling systemic barriers that have limited, and continue to limit participation;
• assisting members with harassment and discrimination complaints;
• assisting members with human rights accommodations required to attend Union events;

The Member Equity Unit can be contacted at 1-800-268-7376 or by email at [email protected].

Dismantling Systemic Racism Program (DSRP)

The overall goal of OPSEU/SEFPO’s Dismantling Systemic Racism Program (DSRP) is to ensure that members throughout all levels of the organization are equipped with the necessary tools to disrupt and dismantle racism whenever it happens. It is working together as a collective that will ensure that real, tangible change happens.

OPSEU/SEFPO Equity Seats

Delegates from Convention 2023 passed a constitutional amendment which resulted in the addition of seven Equity seats on the Board.  This was the result of many years of hard work with the understanding that equity needs to be at the centre of OPSEU/SEFPO.

How the Equity Seats help all members:

• To make strong impactful changes in the Trade Union movement, we need to address our own delegation within the structures of OPSEU/SEFPO.
• The desired outcome is a welcoming and respectful climate fostered by an inclusive leadership approach.
• OPSEU/SEFPO is already recognized as a leader on equity in the labour movement. Our reputation and authority will only grow once one of its highest governing body more accurately reflects its membership.
• Having more diverse representatives at the local level – local executive, bargaining committees, pay equity teams — will create even more equity and more power at a grassroots level