Family always comes first.
While OPSEU members work hard to ensure we deliver quality services to Ontarians, it’s also important to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Then we can put our best foot forward and help take care of others.
Family Day is only observed by five provinces. Ontario started recognizing Family Day in 2008. If you do get Family Day as a holiday, it is in part thanks to your union. Employer groups lobbied hard to get rid of the extra expense of this holiday, and successfully made it optional. Unless it is written into your collective agreement, employers can decide to swap recognition of Family Day with another civic holiday.
Some of us have to work on Family Day because of the nature of our job. On Monday, February 18, let’s remember that we are indebted to our first responders, including hospital, ambulance and correctional services workers, who we depend on every day of the year.
OPSEU members should all be proud of the important work we do to help Ontario families. As trade unionists, labour activists, and members of OPSEU, we know it takes a lot of energy and dedication to push back against bad employers, enforce collective agreements and stand up for our public services.
So let’s enjoy this down time with our families and rest up. Ontario needs us.
In solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida