August 4, 2020
The Executive Board was called to order at 7:07 p.m. President Thomas was in the Chair. All members were present except Sara Labelle, Janel Perron and Jennifer Van Zetten, the reasons were acceptable to the Chair. Clarke Eaton, Advisor to the President and Filomena Lofranco, Executive Assistant to the President were also in attendance.
Agenda
The agenda was amended to add:
- Use of Membership Centres
- Any backup plans for regionals and convention
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board adopt the OPSEU Executive Board Minutes of the July 6, 2020 Executive Board web conference; July 3, 2020 E-poll: ERFP Merger and the July 15, 2020 E-poll: ERFP Assignment to Local 2100.
Roll Call #1
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 18 for 0 against
July 3, 2020 E-poll: ERFP Merger
ERFP Merger
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas the Educational Resource Facilitators of Peel (“ERFP”) is an independent trade union representing a bargaining unit of approximately 3,700 full-time, part-time and casual employees of the Peel District School Board; and
Whereas the membership of ERFP have voted to merge with OPSEU/SEFPO on the basis of the Parties Merger Agreement, dated February 20, 2020, and in a manner that meets the requirements of Article 9.1 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution; and
Whereas it would be beneficial to the OPSEU/SEFPO membership to merge with ERFP and increase OPSEU/SEFPO’s representation of members working in school boards;
Therefore be it resolved that the Merger Agreement between ERFP and OPSEU/SEFPO is hereby approved, and ERFP will merge with OPSEU/SEFPO effective 12:01 am on July 6, 2020 in accordance with its terms; and
Be if further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will assign the members of ERFP to a new OPSEU/SEFPO local as soon as practical in accordance with the Merger Agreement and the principles of Article 12 of the Constitution.
Ainsworth, Anna —
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 19 for 0 against
July 15, 2020 E-poll: ERFP assignment to Local 2100
ERFP assignment to Local 2100
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas ERFP voted Yes to joining OPSEU/SEFPO between June 24-June 30, 2020; and
Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board voted in favour of the merger on July 6, 2020; and
Whereas one of the terms of the merger agreement is to create a new Local for the members in Region 2; and
Whereas the RVP recommended a new local, Local 2100 be created;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board approve that the newly joined members from ERFP be assigned to Local 2100; and
Be it further resolved that that this assignment becomes retroactive to July 6, 2020.
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara for
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin —
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer for
Carried 20 for 0 against
Unfinished Business
From the July 6, 2020 Executive Board web conference:
Staffing Questions – In Camera
This Board member who added this item was not in attendance. Item will be moved to next meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
- Financials
- Contingency Fund
- Constituency Fund
- Defence Fund
- ODSP Fund – OPS Job Protection Fund
- ODSP Fund – MERC Action Plan
- ODSP Fund – OPS Redeployment Fund
- LBED – Anti-privatization Fund
- Other Business
President’s Report
Internal Issues
Sector 18 – Mental Health and Addictions Division Bargaining Conference (Webinar) Moved by Thomas/Arvelin
Whereas the Connecting Care Act, 2019, will result in significant restructuring in Ontario’s health care sector; and
Whereas the Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019, undermines free collective bargaining; and
Whereas it is anticipated that the Ford Government’s second provincial budget and the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic will result in further funding cuts for health care providers; and
Whereas the divisional executive for Sector 18 wants to align sector priorities and work towards a common set of bargaining provisions that sets the standard for their sector;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board approve the funding for the planning and execution of a Sector 18 bargaining conference webinar to be held in the Fall of 2020, in accordance with the details and outline of this proposal and that the funds be drawn from the contingency fund.
Roll Call #2
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 19 for 0 against
Guests were in attendance and introduced themselves
ASU Assistant – First Vice President/Treasurer’s Office
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas the First Vice-President and Treasurer’s Office has had an acting second Assistant to the First Vice-President and Treasurer position since 2018 to manage the workload; and
Whereas the volume of work related to First Vice-President and Treasurer’s office has drastically increased as a result of process changes, increase in the membership and financial services division needs; and
Whereas this position belongs to the staff bargaining unit and the staff union grieved the length of time that this position has been temporary; and
Whereas the grievance proceeded through the arbitration process; and
Whereas the Arbitrator issued an award on June 30, 2020 ordering OPSEU to post the second Assistant to the First Vice-President and Treasurer position on a permanent basis;
Therefore be it resolved that a second Assistant to the First Vice-President and Treasurer position be added as to the permanent staffing complement and that the Organization chart be amended to reflect this change; and
Be it further resolved that the position be budgeted as an overage in 2020.
Roll Call #3
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 19 for 0 against
OPSEU Members Associated with Raiding
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas Barry Roy (Local 229), Agnes Ogle (Local 369), Lawrence Augustin (Local 5112), Carl Carson (Local 5112) and Richard Louca (Local 290) are members who have identified themselves as the leaders of a new organization that claims to be a trade union and intends to file a decertification application to the OLRB to raid OPSEU/SEFPO as the certified bargaining agent of the Correctional Bargaining Unit; and
Whereas Chris Abbott (local 234), member of the Corrections MERC team, is actively working against the union and using his position as a platform to promote decertification amongst the membership; and
Whereas a decertification application to the OLRB would prejudice members’ rights and would freeze the terms of the Corrections Collective Agreement, effectively prohibiting elected MERC and Local representatives from negotiating new or amended provincial or local agreements for the duration of the OLRB application; and
Whereas pursuant to Article 16.10 of the Constitution, the Board may suspend from membership in good standing any member who participates in an attempt by another organization to displace OPSEU from its bargaining rights;
Therefore be it resolved that the President’s Office notify Barry Roy, Agnes Ogle, Lawrence Augustin, Carl Carson, Chris Abbott and Richard Louca that the Executive Board will review their membership in accordance with article 16.10 of the Constitution, and provide them with an opportunity to present their views in writing no later than August 24, 2020; and
Be it further resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board will consider any written materials received from the members, and then will vote on a motion to suspend Barry Roy, Agnes Ogle, Lawrence Augustin, Carl Carson, Chris Abbott and Richard Louca, from membership in good standing.
Moved by Arvelin/Maclam – Amendment:
To add the name “Ken Dowhaniuc (L708) into the first whereas; into the first resolve after “notify” and into the second resolve after “suspend”
Roll Call #4
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 19 for 0 against
The question was called on the motion as amended:
Whereas Ken Dowhaniuc (L708), Barry Roy (Local 229), Agnes Ogle (Local 369), Lawrence Augustin (Local 5112), Carl Carson (Local 5112) and Richard Louca (Local 290) are members who have identified themselves as the leaders of a new organization that claims to be a trade union and intends to file a decertification application to the OLRB to raid OPSEU/SEFPO as the certified bargaining agent of the Correctional Bargaining Unit; and
Whereas Chris Abbott (local 234), member of the Corrections MERC team, is actively working against the union and using his position as a platform to promote decertification amongst the membership; and
Whereas a decertification application to the OLRB would prejudice members’ rights and would freeze the terms of the Corrections Collective Agreement, effectively prohibiting elected MERC and Local representatives from negotiating new or amended provincial or local agreements for the duration of the OLRB application; and
Whereas pursuant to Article 16.10 of the Constitution, the Board may suspend from membership in good standing any member who participates in an attempt by another organization to displace OPSEU from its bargaining rights;
Therefore be it resolved that the President’s Office notify Ken Dowhaniuc, Barry Roy, Agnes Ogle, Lawrence Augustin, Carl Carson, Chris Abbott and Richard Louca that the Executive Board will review their membership in accordance with article 16.10 of the Constitution, and provide them with an opportunity to present their views in writing no later than August 24, 2020; and
Be it further resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board will consider any written materials received from the members, and then will vote on a motion to suspend Ken Dowhaniuc, Barry Roy, Agnes Ogle, Lawrence Augustin, Carl Carson, Chris Abbott and Richard Louca, from membership in good standing.
Roll Call #5
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 19 for 0 against
OPSEU Members Associated with Raiding #2
Motion was put forward and withdrawn
Anti-Black Racism tele town hall
Discussion
CAAT-S PT Pre-bargaining Fall 2020
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waive the 30-day notice for expenditures in excess of $20,000.
Roll Call #6
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 19 for 0 against
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas the largest organizing drive in Canadian history achieved success when thousands of part-time college support staff joined OPSEU/SEFPO in 2018; and
Whereas OPSEU bargained a historic first collective agreement in 2019, a foundation agreement that improved working conditions for part-time support staff in the colleges; and
Whereas the union is entering the demand-setting phase for the renewal agreement in the fall; and
Whereas part-time support staff, a vulnerable and precarious group of workers in the colleges, have been hardest hit by temporary layoffs as a result of the pandemic-induced shutdown of most in-person classes and college facilities; and
Whereas the union is fighting hard to ensure all members in the colleges return to their jobs when classes resume in September; and
Whereas the need to connect and engage with part-time college support staff is more important than ever;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board approve the funds from the Contingency Fund for the attached online engagement strategy, ensuring the maximum participation of part-time college support members in bargaining this fall.
Roll Call #7
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 19 for 0 against
CAAT-A Pre-bargaining Fall 2020
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board waive the 30-day notice for expenditures in excess of $20,000.
Roll Call #8
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel for
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 19 for 0 against
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas College Faculty will bargain a renewal to their collective agreement in 2021; and
Whereas College Faculty are concerned that the college employer will use the pandemic to force through more privatization and precarious work, leading to worsening conditions for all faculty and students; and
Whereas there is a clear need to build a bargaining strategy based on a vision for the college system that puts colleges at the centre of a just economic recovery in Ontario and that prioritizes good jobs, not gig jobs, for students and workers;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board approve the funds as outlined in the attached proposal from the Contingency Fund to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive bargaining and mobilizing strategy for College Faculty.
Roll Call #9
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 18 for 0 against
Staffing Issues – In Camera
Central Labour Updates (OFL/NUPGE/CLC)
Other Business
Committee Reports
Pension Liaison
CAAT Pension Plan Sponsors
Moved by Steinbrunner/Thomas
Whereas Patrick Kennedy has decided to retire from employment and therefore also in his role as a Sponsor Committee representative on the CAAT Sponsors Committee which was scheduled to expire on December 31, 2021; and
Whereas At the last CAAT-Academic divisional held in June 2018, Shawn Pentecost, Local 415 was elected as an alternate for this role;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board appoint Shawn Pentecost, Local 415 as the CAAT Pension Plan Sponsors Committee effective immediately and expiring December 31, 2021 provided Brother Pentecost signs the OPSEU Letter of Understanding.
Roll Call #10
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 18 for 0 against
Electronic voting ad-hoc
From the January 23-24, 2019 Executive Board meeting:
Whereas locals are requesting direction on using electronic voting within the local; and
Whereas a standard procedure and process be developed so locals can use across the province;
Therefore be it resolved that an ad-hoc committee be setup by the President’s office, including one staff member from Communications, Local Services and Financial Services, to recommend a policy detailing a process to the Executive Board to be used across the province for electronic voting.
Electronic voting
Moved by Thomas/Langford
Whereas locals are requesting direction on using electronic voting within the local; and
Whereas a standard procedure and process be developed so locals can use across the province;
Therefore be it resolved that when a local wants to hold local elections/ratification votes they will inform their staff representative in advance and seek guidance in preparing the following report that will be sent to the President of OPSEU/SEFPO for prior approval via the Regional Supervisor:
* Date and time of the vote and timelines for the vote to ensure bylaws are met
* Purpose of the vote
* How the members will be notified of the meeting IE: email/social media/posting in the workplace
* How are the members that cannot participate on line going to be accommodated IE: ballot box; phone in, etc.
* Member, staff representative or EBM responsible for administrating the vote
* Program being used for the vote and clear outline of set-up to ensure confidentiality
* Outline of method or procedure for any required run-off elections.
* Outline of method or procedure for any nominations
Once the President’s Office has approved the outline the electronic voting the local can work with the staff rep. to implement
Any discrepancies will be brought to the attention of the Administrator of Local Services Division.
President of OPSEU will have final authority
Roll Call #11
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 18 for 0 against
PWC
The Provincial Women’s Committee has remained active during the Covid-19 pandemic. Collectively we recognized the needs of our communities and worked with other leaders to find unique ways to support people while practicing social distancing. OPSEU’s regional PWC representatives held fundraisers, and organized menstrual hygiene collections to be donated to local women’s shelters.
The PWC maintained their connection with their respective Labour and Area Councils ensuring the voices of all Equity seeking people are at the forefront of discussions and decisions. Social Media has been a primary connector of our Regions where members are commenting and actively engaging in conversations. The PWC reinforces its commitment to all Equity seeking groups by reaching out to their regions equity representatives to ensure we are operating as a collective, specifically.
Region 1 sewed masks for members working in the Developmental Sector while; Region 6 opened dialogue with the Native Women’s Association and began working with them on various community initiatives. Region 7 enlisted their Equity leaders and painted the pillars in the colours of the Pride Flag outside the OPSEU office in Thunder Bay.
Several of the representatives demonstrated OPSEU’s support of the UNIFOR workers in Saskatchewan. The PWC will carry on with their work supporting women in our communities and Provincially.
In Solidarity Committee
In Solidarity Committee has been continuing their work during the pandemic. 3/5 members are LCBO employees and have been very busy at their home positions as well. In Solidarity articles are being posted on the OPSEU website and the Facebook page. There are currently about 5-8 articles submitted that are in varying places in the editing and approval process, including articles from members in response to the recent reach out to members to contribute.
InSolidarity won the Rosemarie Bahr award from the Canadian Association of Labour Media for excellence in print layout and design, with one of the the judges noting the content of the article by Glen Archer on OPSEU Bees and the Editor’s Rant by Craig Hadley: ” Often, I find newsletters and union reading materials quite repetitive. But InSol by OPSEU captured my interest with their article on Bees and captured my heart with their Rant section. I Love me a good rant. This one not only talked about the privatization of restaurants and its effects on workers and food quality, but tied the issue to the Conservative Party of Ontario. The transition was smooth, eloquent and on point! As for the article on Bees, I found it innovative that a union could purchase beehives. Utilizing skills of their union members is great! Doing so, while in the best interest of our planet, is even better! ”
Board members are invited to share articles as they are posted, check out the facebook page, and please encourage members (including the committees you are a part of) to submit articles: https://opseu.org/news/opseu-insol-wants-to-hear-from-you/108277/
Pension Liaison
OPSEU Joint Trustee Benefit Fund Pension
Moved by Thomas/Steinbrunner
Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is the sole sponsor of the OPSEU Joint Trusteed Benefit Fund; and
Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO strongly believes that all workers should have access to a Defined Benefit (DB) pension plan; and
Whereas the staff at the OJTBF are not currently members of a DB pension plan but are instead contributing to a group RRSP; and
Whereas the staff at the OJTBF have reviewed the benefits offered by some of the OPSEU DB pension plans that can accept new employers and new members and have unanimously voted in favour of joining the OPTrust Pension Plan; and
Whereas the OJTBF does not meet the definition of an employer that would be allowed to join the OPTrust Pension Plan without the sponsors approval;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board empowers the Pension Liaison Committee and OPSEU staff to have exploratory communications with the other OPTrust Pension Plan Sponsor, the Government of Ontario, regarding an agreement to allow the staff of the OJTBF to join the OPTrust Pension Plan.
Roll Call #12
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 18 for 0 against
OPSEU Enterprises
OPSEU/SEFPO affinity partner
Moved by Morton/Doran
Whereas OSPEU/SEFPO started our Group Home & Auto affinity program with the CG&B Group, a locally owned and operated Brokerage; and
Whereas CG&B was purchased by Arthur J Gallagher, a multinational corporation based in the UK; and
Whereas Personal Lines insurance does not appear to be a focus for this worldwide conglomerate, and in recent years, there has been little to no marketing of this program to OPSEU/SEFPO members to actively grow or promote participation; and
Whereas in the summer of 2019, Gallagher lost their contract with Economical Insurance which had hundreds of our members as policy holders; and
Whereas instead of contacting each client to review their policy and place them with the best insurer, Gallagher sold the entire book of business to Wawanesa Insurance which created issues for our members regarding the rate increases; and
Whereas when we reviewed our corporate insurance coverage, it was brought to our attention that our policy had a personal injury exclusion, which would have left the Executive Board Members personally liable in the event of a claim; and
Whereas as a result of these concerns, OPSEU/SEFPO moved our corporate insurance to a new brokerage, Roughley Insurance, and obtained a proper Errors & Omissions policy to protect the Union and Board and we also now have Cyber Insurance as further protection; and
Whereas in April of this year, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority allowed insurance companies to provide discounts to Ontario drivers in response to COVID-19; and
Whereas it was up to the brokerages to request these discounts to be applied automatically for their clients – which would result in average savings of $150 per member; and
Whereas instead of automatically applying the discount, Gallagher sent an email notice to clients, putting the onus on the policy holder to call their rep and make the request; and
Whereas in contrast, Roughley Insurance Brokers applied the discount automatically for their clients which meant that Roughley’s commissions were negatively impacted; and
Whereas Roughley is a locally owned and operated brokerage, based in Durham (Oshawa and Bowmanville); and
Whereas they are strong advocates for their clients and have in past suspended payments for Union members on strike; and
Whereas as noted they already are working with OPSEU/SEFPO as the broker for our commercial policy; and
Whereas Roughley has set up a specific division dedicated to group sales and servicing, RGI Group; and
Whereas they are able to provide insurers that Gallagher does not have access to such as CAA Group (which offers some of the lowest rates) and Economical (which cancelled their contact with Gallagher in 2019); and
Whereas RGI Group can expand the Professional Liability coverage that is currently offered to our Health Care Professionals to include Paramedics; and
Whereas RGI Group has indicated they will work with us to offer coverage to other groups if requested;
Therefore be it resolved that RGI Group be assigned as the OPSEU/SEFPO affinity partner for Group Home and Auto Insurance; and
Be it further resolved that this contract is not to exceed 3 years without review.
Roll Call #13
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie for
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 18 for 0 against
New Business
Workers of Color Name Change & updates to TOR
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas The Workers of Colour Caucus has been a representative of OPSEU/SEFPO’s racialized members since its inception; and
Whereas the Caucus would like to continue its representation in a way that will encourage participation from its many diverse racialized members in a more inclusive manner; and
Whereas the current name “Workers of Colour Caucus,” is not a true reflection of the rich cultures of the people it represents; and
Whereas the Caucus, in an effort to work more effectively for its members, has identified ways to expand and change;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive approve the changes outlined in the amended Terms of Reference, which includes officially changing the name of the caucus to the Coalition of Racialized Workers.
Roll Call #14
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff —
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie —
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 16 for 0 against
Donation to Justicia For Migrant Workers
Moved by Thomas/Almeida
Whereas the working conditions of Migrant Workers has been of concern for OPSEU/SEFPO; and
Whereas members from both the PHRC and the CoRW have been working to support migrant workers in Region 1 and have seen first hand the impact of COVID19 on the lives of migrant workers; and
Whereas migrant workers have little or no support from family or a union to fight for their rights to be safe; and
Whereas it is the belief that the working and living conditions for migrant workers are below acceptable working standards;
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board donate $2500.00 to Justicia For Migrant Workers, with funds to be drawn from the Contingency Fund, in support of the work they are doing for migrant workers who are currently in isolation with COVID19.
Roll Call #15
Ainsworth, Anna for
Almeida, Eddy for
Arvelin, Ed for
Cain, Geoff for
Doran, Dave for
Finucane, Drew for
Kwok, Kingsley for
Labelle, Sara —
Langford, Tara for
Maclam, Kenneth for
Maszczakiewicz, Tara for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Perron, Janel —
Rondeau, Nathalie for
Smith-Rice, Erin for
Steinbrunner, Ken for
Strachan, Edie —
Thomas, Warren for
Usher, Joel for
Van Zetten, Jennifer —
Carried 17 for 0 against
Use of Membership Centres
Discussion
Any backup plans for regionals and convention
Discussion
Adjournment
The Executive Board adjourned at 9:33 p.m. All members were present except Sara Labelle, Janel Perron, Edie Strachan and Jennifer VanZetten, the reasons were acceptable to the Chair.
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President
Nicole Glass, Corporate Secretary
