The BPS Campaigns and Education Unit is excited to announce the upcoming Membership Development Trainee (MDT) program. The MDT program is authorized by the Executive Board. The MDT program was created to provide opportunities for OPSEU/SEFPO members to deepen and develop their knowledge and understanding of the trade union movement. Members will have an opportunity to directly observe an experience through job shadowing and training opportunities which will allow mentoring and skills development. The program is expected to start on September 14, 2026, and will run for 12 weeks until December 4, 2026.
If you are a member of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO), you are eligible to apply for this job shadowing training opportunity which will develop your knowledge and understanding of the trade union movement through mentoring and skills development in a variety of union-related professions at OPSEU/SEFPO.
There are 12 MDT positions available for 2026:
- 7 Staff Representatives. One each based at:
- London Regional Office
- Hamilton Regional Office
- Ottawa Regional Office
- Peterborough Regional Office
- Toronto Regional Office
- Sault Ste. Marie Regional Office
- Thunder Bay Regional Office
- 1 Campaigns Officer – 100 Lesmill Road, North York
- 1 Grievance Officer – 100 Lesmill Road, North York
- 1 Education Officer – 100 Lesmill Road, North York
- 1 Human Rights Officer – 100 Lesmill Road, North York
- 1 Sector Assistant – 100 Lesmill Road, North York
The job descriptions for these positions can be found below.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants must complete the following two steps to be considered for the MDT Program:
- Submit a cover letter and labour resume by email to [email protected] quoting “MDT application” in the subject line by 5 pm EST on Friday, May 22, 2026.
*Please see a sample of a labour resume below for your reference.
If you would like to submit a video cover letter instead of a written cover letter, you can do so by following the instructions below:- Keep your video cover letter to 2 minutes in length.
- You can use a web camera or other software such as iMovie or Zoom to film your video. Acceptable video formats to submit are MP4, and MPEG.
- Complete this OPSEU/SEFPO MDT Job Applicant Questionnaire
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Membership Development Trainee Program?
The MDT (Membership Development Trainee) program was created to provide opportunities for OPSEU/SEFPO members from all sectors to observe and experience what working with OPSEU/SEFPO would be like.
Why is OPSEU/SEFPO offering these training opportunities?
OPSEU/SEFPO aims to support their membership with opportunities to job shadow and build awareness of the skills and expertise required in union work. Members will gain insight and understanding of OPSEU/SEFPO’s values, strategic direction, and how these are implemented across the union to build worker power.
Note, completion of the MDT program does not secure you a position within OPSEU/SEFPO. MDT participants must undergo the competitive recruitment process to land future positions, in compliance with the Ontario Public Service Staff Union’s (OPSSU) Collective Agreement.
Who is eligible to participate?
Any OPSEU/SEFPO member in good standing who would like to job shadow to develop their skills may apply for one of the MDT positions.
What can I expect the training to be about?
Each successful applicant will work with one or more mentors to gain insight into the knowledge, skills and commitment required to best support locals/units to organize and achieve the best possible contracts. Applicants have the opportunity to practice skills and deepen their understanding of the potential for the labour movement to build worker power.
How is the leave from my regular work arranged?
If you are selected, OPSEU/SEFPO will forward a request to your employer to seek approval for your leave of absence for the duration of the program.
When does the program start?
All MDTs are expected to start on September 14, 2026, and the program will continue for 12 weeks until December 4, 2026. During that time, it will not be possible to approve vacation requests. MDT’s will be able to use up to four (4) compensating days for time off during the training program, as accrued under the OPSSU collective agreement. Applicants need to ensure that they are available for the entire planned training program.
As an Equity or Sector leader, can I maintain my position if I was selected for the program?
Your leader position will be put on hold to ensure you have the opportunity to participate fully in the staff position. You will need prior approval to participate in any event(s) you had a role in organizing while in your leader position.
I’ve never done a resume before, what are you looking for?
What we are looking for is information about your skills and experiences that will indicate how you could contribute within OPSEU/SEFPO as a workplace. Above is a sample labour resume format which would be acceptable.
OPSEU/SEFPO supports employment equity. Black, Indigenous, and racialized workers, people with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex, asexual, queer, questioning and two spirit workers, francophones, women and young workers are encouraged to apply. For the purpose of statistical data collection, applicants are strongly encouraged to voluntarily self-identify.
Please advise via email should you require accommodation to participate in this posting.
Sample Labour Resume Format
Jordan Doe
22 Union Rd, Mytown, Ontario, P2B 3C4, 456-302-2345, [email protected]
Objective: To obtain a position as an MDT Staff Representative within OPSEU/SEFPO.
Union / Community Experience
Union Steward
2008 to current, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 123 Smith College
- Prepared, investigated and represented members on over 20 grievances
- Member of the Local Executive Committee, presented members concerns as required, never missed a meeting in 9 years
- Communicate general union information to members, always ensuring that information is delivered in a timely manner
- Written numerous articles for the Local 123 newsletter
- Currently working on a Local Social Media campaign to be launched in the fall of 2017
- Attended various Regional Educational courses such as Stewardship, Basic and Advanced Grievance Handling and Duty to Accommodate
Work Experience
Administrative Assistant
2008 to current, Smith College My town, ON.
- Prepare various correspondence for two managers
- Prioritize schedules and manage time efficiently
- Answer all departmental phone calls and respond to email inquiries
- Created and maintain the electronic filing system for the office
Clerk
2000 to 2008, ABC Publishing Co. Vancouver, B.C.
- Filed daily orders using manual filing system
- Delivered mail to all departments
- Filled in on reception desk as required
Education
- Diploma in Office Administration, Mountain Community College Kelowna, B.C.
OPSEU/SEFPO Job Descriptions
Job Title: Staff Representative
Report to: Regional Supervisor
Principal Duties:
Represents members and locals as Bargaining Agent in bargaining or dispute resolution forums in a resource, advocacy, or spokesperson role. Represents members in grievance handling and delivers educational programs:
- Provides advice to members and staff regarding bargaining/dispute resolution issues etc.
- Negotiates contracts and other agreements
- Develops and writes contract/dispute settlement language
- Develops new, innovative bargaining/dispute resolution strategies and positions
- Researches and prepares arguments and proposals for collective bargaining
- Provides leadership in developing an organizing approach to bargaining
- Provides leadership and advice to members in strike preparation and strikes
- Provides leadership in development of strong active locals and positive links within the labour community
- Prepares for and facilitates educational programs
- Attends and assists in general membership meetings and elections and votes as required
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree and four years of related work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Knowledge of bargaining trends, settlements, labour and other related legislation, arbitration awards
- Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
- Requires labour and or community activism experience
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the labour movement, social democratic principles, and strategies to create change
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
- Requires excellent facilitation, advocacy, numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages and internal databases
- Requires excellent written and oral communication skills
- Requires initiative, self-direction, tact, and diplomacy skills
Job Title: Campaigns Officer
Report to: Supervisor, Central Campaigns & Policy Research Unit
Principal Duties:
Coordinate member activities in a variety of campaigns, including Collective Bargaining, community, and workplace issues, with a focus on member and community empowerment.
- Develops, coordinates, and leads OPSEU/SEFPO campaigns from concept to evaluation (e.g. rallies, demonstrations, lobbies, surveys, petitions, forums, workshops, conferences, and bargaining campaigns)
- Acts as lead hand to member-mobilizers
- Writes and costs campaign proposals for Executive Board
- Develops policy expertise in assigned area of responsibility
- Leads and implements outreach activities
- Develops ideas for campaign materials (e.g. buttons, bumper stickers, posters, banners, leaflets)
- Liaises with affiliates, community organizations, coalitions, government agencies as required
- Provides specialized advice on strategies and methodology for OPSEU/SEFPO campaigns and responses to government initiatives and legislation
- Writes speaking notes for elected leaders
- Researches, develops and prepares position papers, briefs, Executive Board proposals and campaign materials
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree and four years related work experience including research and community development (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Requires advanced PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
- Facilitation skills
- Requires self-direction, tact, and diplomacy skills
- Knowledge of public relations group dynamics and political action
- Knowledge of legislation, provincial and agency budgets, regulations affecting OPSEU/SEFPO members and advances in adult education techniques
- Knowledge of online campaign techniques and various social media
- Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the labour movement, social democratic principles, and strategies to create change
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
Job Title: Grievance Officer
Report to: Supervisor, Arbitrations Unit
Principal Duties:
Represents OPSEU/SEFPO and its members as a professional litigator by preparing and presenting grievance arbitrations before administrative tribunals:
- Litigation of grievances in arbitrations before Boards and Arbitrators
- Examines witnesses, in chief and in cross-examinations
- Prepares evidence, researches and applies case law, and presents arguments on behalf of grievors
- Meets with LEC’s, grievors and management representatives with a view to settling grievances
- Negotiates grievance settlements, and drafts settlement documents
- Provides advice and representation in the enforcement of settlements
- Prepares written submissions for Boards and Arbitrators as required
- Guides and instructs outside counsel
- Responds to inquiries regarding collective agreement interpretation
- Provides advice to OPSEU/SEFPO staff and members concerning grievances, including legal principles and case law, strategy, process and settlements as well as the merits of grievances
- Co-ordinates and administrates grievances in the area of responsibility
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree and five years of related work experience with demonstrated advocacy skills (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Knowledge of labour law, collective agreement language, grievance/arbitration procedures and practices
- Research and analytical skills to interpret and apply relevant collective agreements, legislation, and caselaw
- Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the labour movement and social democratic principles
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
- Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
- Requires self-direction, tact, and diplomacy skills
Job Title: Education Officer
Report to: Supervisor, BPS Campaigns & Education Unit
Principal Duties:
Coordinates OPSEU/SEFPO’s educational programs and develops, prepares and delivers labour courses to members:
- Provides support in designing, developing and preparing facilitator and participant manuals for OPSEU/SEFPO educationals, meetings and conferences
- Occasionally facilitates at OPSEU/SEFPO educational programs, meetings and conferences
- Provides specialized advice on strategies and methods of delivering OPSEU/SEFPO’s educational programs and campaigns
- Conducts research/data collection and analysis for course development, policy analysis and action planning
- Works with leadership groups (provincial and local) to develop and support strategic plans
- Builds the OPSEU/SEFPO Labour Educator’s Network through Train-the-Trainer programs
- Works with, and mentors, multi-disciplinary staff/member teams in the design, development and delivery of new labour courses and educational workshops that are instructor led, blended and/or web-based
- Participates in short and long-term educational planning for OPSEU/SEFPO
- Liaises with affiliates, community organizations, and government agencies as required
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree and four years related work experience in adult education (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Formal training in adult education theory and techniques
- Knowledge of instructor led course design and development and e-learning
- Knowledge of instructional design and development software tools and methodologies
- Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the labour movement and social democratic principles
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
- Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
- Requires self-direction, tact, and diplomacy skills
Job Title: Human Rights Officer
Report to: Supervisor, Member Equity Unit
Principal Duties:
Provide support and advice to OPSEU/SEFPO staff and members on Equity/Human Rights-related issues:
- Takes lead role in the project management and delivery of the Dismantling Systematic Racism Program (DSRP), including the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure stages
- Provides support and advice to assigned Equity Committees
- Administers and advises on the Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy
- Provides research, policy and administrative support to OPSEU/SEFPO’s Equity Committees and Caucuses and OPSEU/SEFPO’s representatives on outside committees and subcommittees; represents OPSEU/SEFPO as committee member where necessary
- Acts as an advocate on behalf of members on Human Rights and related issues, excluding any issues relating to complaints under OPSEU/SEFPO’s Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy or Personal Harassment Policy
- Advises staff on issues regarding Human Rights and related issues
- Plans and coordinates conferences and workshops on Human Rights and Equity-related issues
- Prepares educational materials on racism, family-work issues, accommodation issues, Human Rights and Employment Equity with the assistance of the Education Unit
- Analyzes and advises on legislation and regulations on Human Rights and related issues
- Develops educational programs for HDPP advisors and investigators
- Promotes accessibility of OPSEU/SEFPO to its membership through alternative formats, principles of accommodation, and administration of the accommodation fund
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree and four years of related work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Knowledge of applicable Human Rights legislation, policies, theories and principles
- Knowledge of Human Rights case law
- Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO Equity Committees and Caucuses
- Project management skills and experience
- Knowledge of and experience in developing and delivering adult education courses
- Knowledge of OPSEU/SEFPO organization, structure and policies
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the labour movement, social democratic principles, and strategies to create change
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
- Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
- Requires self-direction, tact, and diplomacy skills
Job Title: Sector Assistant
Report to: Supervisor, Negotiations Unit
Principle Duties:
Provides specialized and statistical data to support Collective Bargaining and assists Negotiators and Staff Representatives.
- Investigates, gathers, interprets and analyses data for collective bargaining and other areas as required, including assisting negotiators and staff representatives in preparation for bargaining
- Identifies problems with settlements and follows up with staff reps or regional secretary to obtain missing data
- Maintains Excel documents that compare related provisions in collective agreements within a particular sector
- Develops, maintains and tracks collective bargaining data within specific databases
- Generates specialized reports as required
- Research relevant data from other unions and organizations
- Assisting in preparation of division budgets
- Assists in the preparation for conferences and demand setting meetings
- Maintains summary documents of bargaining results
- Tabulates demand set surveys as needed
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Education/Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience) and three years related work experience
- Requires advanced PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
- Knowledge of research skills
- Tact and Diplomacy skills
- Knowledge of database systems
- Requires intermediate PC skills and knowledge of relevant software packages
- Understanding of labour and related legislation and collective bargaining practices
- knowledge of OPSEU organization, structure and policies; knowledge of own Unit as well as familiarity of operations of other Units
- Understanding and commitment to Labour/Social Democratic Philosophy and Diversity