Minutes of the January 25-26, 2017 Executive Board Meeting

May 18, 2017
1:53 pm

May 18, 2017 - 1:53 pm

Table of Contents

Web Conference

January 25, 2017

The Executive Board was called to order at 9:32 a.m. President Thomas was in the Chair. All members were present. Peggy Maybury, Executive Assistant to the President, was also in attendance.

Agenda

The agenda was amended to add:

Algoma Merger
Conflict of Interest discussion
Resolution to CLC
We Own It – Branding
Unified Vote Results
OFL update
CPAC Committee, Feb 6-7 Lobby Day
Status of Women’s UN to be put under CPAC committee
Daughters of the Vote
Ottawa ACORN campaign donation

The question was called on the Agenda as amended:

Roll Call #1

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy for
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 21 for 0 against

Consent Agenda

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board adopt the OPSEU Executive Board Minutes of December 25-26, 2016.

Business Arising

Section 13 of the Policy Manual

Whereas Section 13 of the OPSEU Policy Manual has not been reviewed in some time; and

Whereas some parts of Section 13 go back forty three years; and

Whereas some of these sections no longer reflect the staff collective agreement requirements or practice of the Union

Therefore be it resolved that an “Under Revision” stamp be affixed to this Section with revisions brought back to the Executive Board in June 2016.

*Work in progress

Resolution L19

Moved by Thomas/Almeida – referral of this resolution over to NUPGE.

Roll Call #2

Carried 21 for 0 against

Resolution C1

Moved by Magner/Bozai – resolution C1 be moved to FOR and the last resolve be deleted.

Roll Call #3

Almeida, Eddy against
Arbus, Jeff against
Archer, Glen against
Arvelin, Ed against
Bisaillon, Michel against
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy against
Elliott, Len against
Fahey, Felicia against
Finucane, Drew against
Jones, Gareth against
Labelle, Sara against
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy against
Nancekivell, Laurie against
Platt, Sean against
Shearer, Philip against
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl against
Thomas, Warren against
Tremblay, Chrisy against

DEFEATED 3 for 18 against

Resolution C1 remains under AGAINST

Myles Magner, Ibrahim Bozai and Edie Strachan filed minority reports.

OPS Bargaining Procedures – EES

Whereas the bargaining of essential and emergency services (EES) is a requirement in the Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act; and

Whereas EES bargaining can be a very lengthy and complicated process; and

Whereas the timing of EES bargaining can vary based on bargaining strategy and negotiations with the government; and

Whereas there are very few EES agreements from the most recent round of bargaining and the last previous agreements were reached in 2005; and

Whereas the Unified bargaining unit at the OPS Divisionals will be deciding whether or not there should be a separate EES bargaining team.

Therefore be it resolved that an Ad Hoc committee be established to review the current jurisprudence around EES bargaining and to make recommendations on EES procedures for the 2017 round of OPS bargaining. The committee will consist of three Executive Board members, the three members of the Central Employee Relations Committee (CERC), three OPS local presidents and three staff from the Negotiations Unit. Recommendations are to be brought back to the Executive Board no later than January 31, 2017.

*Work in progress

Corrections Unified polling results

President Thomas provided the results of the poll to the Board

Training and Mentoring Model

Referral from the December 14-15, 2016 Executive Board meeting:
referral to the First Vice President/Treasurer’s office

Moved by Bozai/Strachan

Whereas Local leadership is asking for Building Local Capacity and increased structured opportunities for Networking and Mentoring within Region with past and current activists; and

Whereas OPSEU has great internal ability to Train Volunteer Activists to do 'the work of the Union’ ; and

Whereas OPSEU membership has just experienced a large rollover to retirement from local activists; and

Whereas OPSEU has many Retirees and current volunteer activists with vast experience, labour history and knowledge in each Region/Local; and

Whereas OPSEU has infrastructure in each Region to offer training Regionally.
Therefore be it resolved that the Local Services with Education and Training Unit Develop a "Training and Mentoring model” to support ‘Building Local Capacity’ program; and
Be it further resolved that following at least one ‘New Presidents Training’ during election cycle, New Presidents, current Regional Local Executives and a Mentor group of retirees be brought together within each Region; and

Be it further resolved that this occur out of current budget allotments.

Roll Call #4

Almeida, Eddy against
Arbus, Jeff against
Archer, Glen against
Arvelin, Ed against
Bisaillon, Michel against
Bozai, Ibrahim against
Carson, Tammy against
Elliott, Len against
Fahey, Felicia against
Finucane, Drew against
Jones, Gareth against
Labelle, Sara against
Magner, Myles against
Morton, Lucy against
Nancekivell, Laurie against
Platt, Sean against
Shearer, Philip against
Strachan, Edie against
Thibodeau, Carl against
Thomas, Warren against
Tremblay, Chrisy against

DEFEATED 0 for 21 against

Strategic Planning Committee motion

From the September 21-22, 2016 Executive Board meeting:

Whereas Ontario is moving from manufacturing and resources based economy to a service based economy; and

Whereas OPSEU is the Ontario union for Public Service, Private and Plural Sectors; and

Whereas OPSEU has legal/organizing/bargaining/lobbying expertise; and

Whereas OPSEU Executive Board has underwent Strategic Planning exercise; and

Whereas Strategic Planning of Executive Board, Equity, members, staff, have consistently supported seeking answers new economic realities of unionization; and

Whereas OPSEU has equity structures to respond to Ontario’s changing demographics; and

Whereas Ontario is moving towards more precarious workforce; and

Whereas Ontario is moving towards individualized funding models.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU legal, administrators, organizers, education, campaigns, research ways that OPSEU can organize/represent/bargain for individuals not employers and other precarious models of employment and report back to October Board.

Moved by Thibodeau/Almeida – referral to the President’s office for information to be discussed at the next Board Strategic Planning meeting.

Roll Call #5

Carried 21 for 0 against

OPSEU Pride

Referral from the December 14-15, 2016 Executive Board meeting:

Whereas strategic planning identified Privatization in Ontario as a major threat to OPSEU members and vulnerable Ontarians; and

Whereas Strategic Planning identified Personal Pride in being a Public Servant is decreased; and

Whereas we are PROUD to OWN, USE, NEED Public Services and to Work as a Public Servants; and

Whereas creating a crisis in public services demoralizes employees and increases belief that public service cost is a major problem and public servants and services are costly; and

Whereas the Ontario government is never going to create a program to keep PRIDE in Public Services, while trying to sell them at sale prices.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU administrators explore an initiative of corporate Positive OPSEU PRIDE in service delivery to regain the positive belief in public services; and

Be it further resolved that PRIDE in Public Services be funded through existing We Own It campaign budget.

Moved by Almeida/Arbus – Referral to the We Own It campaign for further action

Roll Call #6

Carried 21 for 0 against

Unified members in the Corrections Bargaining Unit vote results

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas unified and corrections divisional leadership requested that a vote be taken amongst the unified members to determine their interest in joining the correctional bargaining unit; and

Whereas a vote of unified members working in corrections was conducted by an independent 3rd party; and

Whereas an overwhelming majority of unified members voted to be included in the correctional bargaining unit.

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board acknowledge the results arrived by the third party process.

Roll Call #7

Carried 21 for 0 against

Treasurer’s Report

First Vice President/Treasurer Almeida presented the Treasurer’s Report, which addressed the following items:

Financials
Contingency Fund
Defence Fund
Strike Back Fund
ODSP Fund – OPS Job Protection Fund
ODSP Fund – MERC Action Plan
ODSP Fund – OPS Redeployment Fund
LBED – Anti-privatization Fund
Summary Report
We Own It Branding

We Own It Branding

Discussion

President’s Report

Internal Issues

Policy Manual section 4: Resolutions/Constitutional Amendments: Equity Screen
Constitutional Amendment – Article 13
Statutory Resolutions (2)
Resolutions to Convention 2017
Constitutional Interpretations (2)
- Executive Budget meetings
- Budget meetings protocol
Ontario Association of Food Banks 2017 Conference
Emergency Resolution Ad-Hoc Committee
Indigenous Mobilizing Team
CAAT-A PT – Phase 3
MPP Breakfast Lobby
Algoma Merger
Conflict of Interest discussion
Resolution to CLC

Staffing Issues – In Camera

Central Labour Updates (OFL/NUPGE/CLC)

Policy Manual section 4: Resolutions/Constitutional Amendments: Equity Screen

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas the policy on equity screens for resolutions and constitutional amendments was adopted almost seventeen years ago; and

Whereas staffing in the Equity Unit and procedures have changed substantially in that time; and

Whereas the Human Rights Officers and Equity Officers perform essentially the same duties.

Therefore be it resolved that the policy on the Equity Screen in Section 4 of the Policy Manual be amended to read as follows:

Resolutions/Constitutional Amendments: Equity Screen

All resolutions and constitutional amendments must be reviewed by OPSEU’s Equity Unit.

The assigned Equity Unit Officer shall submit a report to each committee (with a copy to the Executive Board) identifying any resolutions or constitutional amendments that may be a potential violation of OPSEU’s Harassment/Discrimination policy and/or the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Prior to the OPSEU Annual Convention, if requested, the assigned Equity Unit Officer will attend a meeting of the Resolutions and/or Constitution committees and a meeting of the Executive Board, to review the Equity Screen report, and provide any supporting documentation or information regarding the Equity Unit Officer’s recommendations.

Upon receiving the report and recommendations the Resolutions Committee and/or Constitution Committee will determine whether it is appropriate to pull a submitted resolution or constitutional amendment for presentation to Convention. The committee will immediately apprise the submitting committees or Local(s) of its decision if a submission is not going to be presented to Convention.

Moved by Nancekivell/Labelle – Amendment:

Amend last paragraph in the last resolve to read:

Upon receiving the report and recommendations the Resolutions Committee and/or Constitution Committee will determine whether it is appropriate to pull a submitted resolution or constitutional amendment for presentation to Convention. The committee will immediately apprise the submitting bodies of its decision if a submission is not going to be presented to Convention.

Roll Call #8

Carried 21 for 0 against

The question was called on the motion as amended:

Whereas the policy on equity screens for resolutions and constitutional amendments was adopted almost seventeen years ago; and

Whereas staffing in the Equity Unit and procedures have changed substantially in that time; and

Whereas the Human Rights Officers and Equity Officers perform essentially the same duties.

Therefore be it resolved that the policy on the Equity Screen in Section 4 of the Policy Manual be amended to read as follows:

Resolutions/Constitutional Amendments: Equity Screen

All resolutions and constitutional amendments must be reviewed by OPSEU’s Equity Unit.

Upon receiving the report and recommendations the Resolutions Committee and/or Constitution Committee will determine whether it is appropriate to pull a submitted resolution or constitutional amendment for presentation to Convention. The committee will immediately apprise the submitting bodies of its decision if a submission is not going to be presented to Convention.

Roll Call #9

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy for
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia —
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 20 for 0 against

Constitutional Amendment

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas there is a need to provide options to OPSEU’s membership; and

Whereas there is a need to reduce the amount of paper used, processed and stored.

Therefore it be resolved that the following current Article 13.2.1 in the Constitution be amended as follows:

13.2.1 At least 90 days prior to the opening of a regular Convention the President shall issue a Convention call in both official languages to all bodies entitled to send delegates giving the planned time for convocation, expected duration of the Convention, and a general statement of the business to be transacted. The call shall also state how many delegates each body is entitled to send and shall be accompanied by the ~~appropriate number of delegates’~~ credential form~~s, in duplicate~~. The forms must be completed and attested to by two officers of the organization sending delegates. ~~The originals should be retained by the delegates, who will present them at the time of registration immediately before and during a Convention, and~~ The ~~duplicate~~ form must be forwarded so as to reach the Union’s Headquarters not later than 30 days prior to the opening of the Convention.

Roll Call #10

Carried 21 for 0 against

Statutory Resolution

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT in compliance with Section 129 of the Corporations Act, the Convention endorse the actions of the Executive Board from the closing of the last Convention until the closing of this Convention.

Roll Call #11

Carried 21 for 0 against

Statutory Resolution

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT in compliance with Articles 26.2 and 28.4 of the Constitution and Section 94 of the Corporations Act, PWC, PricewaterhouseCoopers, be Auditors of OPSEU for the fiscal year January 1, 2017 through to December 31, 2017 and the Executive Board fix the Auditors’ remuneration.

Roll Call #12

Carried 21 for 0 against

Resolutions package

Ending Liberal austerity

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas successive Ontario Liberal governments, particularly since the 2008 economic crisis, have aggressively pursued an agenda of austerity that has starved and privatized public services, punished workers, and hurt the most vulnerable in this province; and

Whereas the Ontario Liberal government is taking its economic and fiscal marching orders from wealthy ex-bankers like Don Drummond and Ed Clark, who have recommended austerity and privatization as solutions to an economic situation for which banks have been largely responsible; and

Whereas the Ontario government now spends less per person on public services than any other province; and

Whereas austerity measures continue to widen the gap between the have and have-nots, creating societal barriers and diminishing equality and basic human rights; and

Whereas austerity has attacked the middle class by suppressing real wages and undermining the right to a decent retirement; and

Whereas austerity has led to a rise in precarious work, depriving workers, and especially younger workers, of job security, a living wage, benefits, and a pension; and

Whereas austerity has led to deep cuts to provincial public services in every corner of Ontario; and

Whereas austerity stifles economic growth, thereby reducing government revenue and increasing debt and deficits; and

Whereas the government’s focus has been almost entirely on cutting spending, not increasing revenues; and

Whereas Ontario corporations are sitting on hundreds of billions of dollars in cash that they are neither spending nor investing; and

Whereas redistributing money from corporations and high-income individuals to workers and governments would stimulate economic growth;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU demand that the Ontario Liberal government fire Ed Clark, abandon its reliance on bankers to develop public policy, end its austerity agenda, and instead, massively reinvest in high-quality public services, as well as the people who deliver them; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU demand that the Ontario Liberal government look to the revenue side of its accounting sheet to improve the province’s finances.

Roll Call #13

Carried 21 for 0 against

Continuing the We Own It anti-privatization campaign

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas current and past Ontario governments have privatized and continue to privatize a variety of public services, including (but not limited to) medical lab testing, ServiceOntario services, the sale of beer and wine, developmental services, highway maintenance, and electricity distribution; and

Whereas the evidence overwhelmingly shows that privatization leads to higher costs, lower-quality services, and significantly lower levels of safety and accountability; and

Whereas public opinion research demonstrates that even short conversations on the facts about privatization lead to a significant drop in public support for privatization; and

Whereas in six months of public outreach, OPSEU’s We Own It campaign has already had measurable success in its stated goal of “shifting public opinion against privatization and ensuring that no party that supports privatization can get elected in Ontario”; and

Whereas the member-driven community organizing model being developed and used by the We Own It campaign is also generating positive media coverage for OPSEU, building a growing list of community allies, and increasing the union’s capacity to build and mobilize public support that will help it mount future issue and bargaining campaigns;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU continue its We Own It campaign for another year; and

Be it further resolved that funds for the campaign be drawn from the Strikeback Fund; and

Be it further resolved that the five per cent of OPSEU revenues that would normally be directed to the Strike Fund in 2017 be directed instead to the Strikeback Fund; and

Be it further resolved that We Own It continue to work towards its original goal: to end privatization in this province by shifting public opinion to ensure that no party that supports privatization can get elected in Ontario.

Moved by Magner/Bozai – Amendment:

delete second last resolve

Roll Call #14

DEFEATED 3 for 18 against

The question was called on the motion:

Whereas the evidence overwhelmingly shows that privatization leads to higher costs, lower-quality services, and significantly lower levels of safety and accountability; and

Whereas public opinion research demonstrates that even short conversations on the facts about privatization lead to a significant drop in public support for privatization; and

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU continue its We Own It campaign for another year; and

Be it further resolved that funds for the campaign be drawn from the Strikeback Fund; and

Be it further resolved that the five per cent of OPSEU revenues that would normally be directed to the Strike Fund in 2017 be directed instead to the Strikeback Fund; and

Roll Call #15

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim against
Carson, Tammy for
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles against
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie against
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 18 for 3 against

Myles Magner and Ibrahim Bozai filed minority reports.

Eliminating the gender wage gap

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas two-thirds of the OPSEU membership is female; and

Whereas the public sector is the most female-dominated sector of the economy;

Whereas the provincial government continues to make cuts to jobs, wages, and working conditions for public employees; and

Whereas these cuts only make achieving gender equality that much harder; and

Whereas both the federal and provincial governments claim to care about gender equality; and

Whereas it is in the best interest of all Ontarians that the status of women be advanced, both economically and socially;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU broaden the scope of its involvement in advancing gender equality by running an annual campaign beginning prior to International Women’s Day (March 8) and ending on Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May), a period that includes Equal Pay Day, currently in April; and

Be it further resolved that the purpose of this campaign be specifically about eliminating the gender wage gap and reducing gender-based economic inequality; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU continue to campaign until the gender wage gap in Ontario is eliminated.

Roll Call #16

Carried 21 for 0 against

Keeping the human touch in public services

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas in the delivery of public services, the Government of Ontario and many other public sector employers are steadily and increasingly replacing human beings with websites, computer programs and automated answering services; and

Whereas Liberal austerity is pushing automation at the expense of real, understanding, compassionate service delivered by trained, competent and caring government staff; and

Whereas public and social services benefit us all but are especially essential to the most vulnerable, unprotected and isolated members of our society, for whom automated services may be the least accessible and will have the most negative impact; and

Whereas automation is often used as an excuse to slash and reduce the services and programs provided to Ontarians;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU call on the Ontario government to put a complete stop to outsourcing and automation initiatives across the public sector designed to realize the liberal austerity agenda at the expense of human contact between clients and service providers; and

Be it further resolved that the Government of Ontario fully consult OPSEU frontline service providers, through the union, before implementing changes to service delivery, as these workers understand best the needs of the clients they assist and support on a daily basis.

Roll Call #17

Carried 21 for 0 against

Afternoon

The meeting resumed at 1:00p.m.

Presidents Report

Resolutions

Reinvesting in social services

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas social services promote social inclusion, overall wellbeing, and a just society; and

Whereas the Government of Canada has cut $46 billion from social services since the Canada Assistance Plan was scrapped in 1996; and

Whereas decades of provincial underfunding have resulted in increased private sector involvement in social services through the introduction of competitive bidding, individualized funding models, and Social Impact Bonds, currently being piloted in Ontario; and

Whereas there is no provincial labour strategy to address the growing gender wage gap in the caring professions, address poor working conditions in for-profit agencies, or halt the rise of precarious work in social services; and

Whereas the lack of a comprehensive and principled vision for publicly-funded and delivered social services has produced a patchwork of services characterized by inequitable access, poor government oversight and accountability, waitlists for services, and program closures; and

Whereas Ontario’s social safety net has been severely eroded as evidenced by child poverty rates rising to 18.8 per cent and almost 30 per cent for Indigenous children living off reserve; and

Whereas in Ontario there are 11,000 individuals with developmental disabilities on waitlists for residential services and 9,000 youth on waitlists for mental health treatment, while approximately 8,700 residential beds for children and youth were eliminated over the last 10 years, child care costs are the highest in Canada, and a record 171,360 households were waiting for affordable housing in 2015, and;

Whereas the provincial government’s response to emerging crises in social services has been woefully inadequate, focusing on restructuring sectors, further devolving responsibility and accountability to third-party providers, and underfunding social services generally;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU call on the Wynne government to:

dramatically increase funding for social services in the broader public sector;
end all contracting out of services to for-profit agencies; and
create central provincial bargaining tables for children’s aid societies, developmental services and children’s treatment centres; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU support NUPGE’s call for the establishment of a Canada Community Services Act, including a federal Community Services Transfer to provide funding for social services with conditions attached to ensure that all provinces meet national standards.

Roll Call #18

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len —
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 19 for 0 against

Tackling poverty

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas the Government of Ontario will be conducting a Basic Income Pilot in 2017 to test an idea for a program that could potentially replace Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP); and

Whereas the overall intent of the pilot is to help the government evaluate the costs and benefits of replacing the current OW/ODSP systems (which currently run at $9 billion a year) in the province; and

Whereas the effects of poverty on health, mental health, loss of contribution to society, and social cohesion are well documented; and

Whereas the pilot recognizes that keeping people at current levels for OW/ODSP keeps them living in poverty; and

Whereas the government could raise social assistance rates immediately and reinvent OW/ODSP positions to assist recipients with housing, employment, and other needs; and

Whereas the government has not undertaken effective action to reduce poverty, refusing to increase real social assistance rates in a significant way, raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, or implement rent controls; and

Whereas changes to the Employment Standards Act to make work less precarious would also be a helpful antidote to the rise of unstable temporary and contract employment;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU continue to demand that the Ontario Liberal government raise current OW and ODSP rates rather than divert resources and waste time with another round of “consultations” on poverty; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU continue pressuring the government to make work less precarious, and improve both the quantity and quality of jobs available to make a real impact on poverty reduction and growing inequality; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU monitor developments around the government’s Basic Income Pilot as it unfolds; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU, in consultation with members working in social services and community allies, develop a policy position on Basic Income; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU continue to defend the jobs and livelihoods of all members working in OW and ODSP, and demand that any changes the government proposes to their work, now or in future, must be negotiated with OPSEU.

Roll Call #19

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 20 for 0 against

Organizing precarious workers

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas millions of workers in Ontario are employed under precarious conditions, and reluctantly work part-time, under temporary contracts, for temp agencies, seasonally, or casually, and/or are involuntarily self-employed, or hold multiple jobs; and

Whereas precarious work is not restricted to the private sector, but continues to grow rapidly across the public sector as well; and

Whereas OPSEU is currently organizing part-time and sessional college workers in the College Support and Academic Divisions in the largest organizing drives in Ontario history; and

Whereas a great portion of these workers are members of equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to, women, new immigrants, and racialized groups; and

Whereas young people entering the workforce are forced into non-union, precarious employment and face a difficult labour market that defies traditional unionization strategies;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU maintain and expand efforts to organize precarious workers across all sectors of the public sector in Ontario; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU develop a far-reaching collective bargaining strategy designed to respond effectively to the workplace challenges precarious workers face.

Moved by Magner/Elliott – Amendment:

Add new resolve:

Be it further resolved that opseu continue to work with other labour and community partners to support precarious workers and strengthen their ability to join and keep a union.

Roll Call #20

Carried 20 for 0 against

The question was called on the motion as amended:

Whereas precarious work is not restricted to the private sector, but continues to grow rapidly across the public sector as well; and

Whereas OPSEU is currently organizing part-time and sessional college workers in the College Support and Academic Divisions in the largest organizing drives in Ontario history; and

Whereas a great portion of these workers are members of equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to, women, new immigrants, and racialized groups; and

Whereas young people entering the workforce are forced into non-union, precarious employment and face a difficult labour market that defies traditional unionization strategies;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU maintain and expand efforts to organize precarious workers across all sectors of the public sector in Ontario; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU develop a far-reaching collective bargaining strategy designed to respond effectively to the workplace challenges precarious workers face; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU continue to work with other labour and community partners to support precarious workers and strengthen their ability to join and keep a union.

Roll Call #21

Carried 20 for 0 against

Organizing in health care

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas OPSEU is the leader in representing health care workers across Ontario; and

Whereas OPSEU has achieved central bargaining for our Hospital Professional Division, resulting in superior collective agreements; and

Whereas in Ontario, the numbers of workers employed in health centres, family health teams, long-term care facilities, mental health agencies, hospitals, and other areas of health care continues to grow; and

Whereas the majority of these workers are without representation rights or a voice in the workplace;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU develop a broad organizing recruitment plan that will allow for organizing initiatives that would bring certification and representation rights to non-union workers across the health care system; and

Be it further resolved that this plan involve a collective bargaining strategy and possible province-wide bargaining.

Roll Call #22

Carried 20 for 0 against

Renegotiating the Health Accord

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas the federal government has the responsibility to uphold and enforce the Canada Health Act, which guarantees Canadians’ right to access needed medical care on equal terms and conditions without user fees; and

Whereas the previous Health Accord, signed in 2004, set national standards in target areas including reduced wait times and access to diagnostics and guaranteed a six-per-cent annual increase in federal health funding to the provinces to ensure stable funding; and

Whereas a renewed Health Accord could fund a national pharmacare program, a national home and community care strategy, and a mental health care strategy; and

Whereas as the federal share of funding for health care continues to shrink, the federal government loses its ability to protect health care in Canada; and

Whereas it was former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s unilateral plan to reduce health transfers to three per cent, resulting in $36 billion in cuts to health care funding; and

Whereas an agreement that requires the provinces to meet national standards is essential to eliminating user fees and expanding capacity in the public health care system;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU through NUPGE will call on the federal government to renegotiate a 10-year Health Accord with a six per cent funding escalator to ensure that our health care system is properly funded for the health of all Canadians; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU through NUPGE will call on the federal government commit to paying 50 per cent of the costs of any new program; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU through NUPGE will call on the Ontario government to guarantee that all funding received from the federal government for health care will be used to fund frontline care and improve access across the continuum of care.

Roll Call #23

Carried 20 for 0 against

Funding hospitals to meet population need

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas Ontario is now in its ninth consecutive year of real-dollar hospital cuts where global funding increases have not met the rate of inflation; and

Whereas Ontario last in per capita hospital funding among all Canadian provinces, as a result of which we have seen dangerous cuts to beds, staff and services; and

Whereas Ontario has cut more than 18,500 hospital beds since 1990; and

Whereas Ontario’s Auditor General has described a state of severe overcrowding in Ontario’s large community hospitals, with many hospitals operating at more than 100 per cent capacity even though bed occupancy rates greater than 85 per cent are considered by experts to be unsafe; and

Whereas Ontario’s Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) are driving a new wave of costly hospital restructuring that will ultimately lead to more hospital cuts, closures, and the loss of local accountability, despite growing international literature which suggests that mergers cost more and reduce quality of care; and

Whereas the primary function of the LHINs has been to overrule local boards of directors, order them to provide certain services or levels of service, and force them to restructure rather than actually planning health care services to meet population need;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU continue to fight to ensure that the provincial government moves off of real dollar cuts to hospitals and fund hospitals based on population need and proper health system planning; and

Be it further resolved that as a matter of public and worker safety, OPSEU support the call for safe occupancy levels, including an 85 per cent maximum bed occupancy rate to improve patient experience and health outcomes during normal periods while providing a safe buffer during surge periods (pandemics etc.); and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU continue to demand that LHINs be accountable to patients, the public, and the health care workforce, through meaningful consultation processes and the creation of democratically elected LHIN boards of directors.

Roll Call #24

Carried 19 for 0 against

Improving occupational health and safety in mental health

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas workers in the mental health sector are facing increasing exposure to violent assaults, as witnessed at the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care in Penetanguishene, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, the Brockville Mental Health Centre, and other facilites; and

Whereas decades of underfunding, staff cutbacks, crumbling infrastructure, and ever-increasing patient demands are overwhelming health care providers who are afraid not only for themselves but for the vulnerable patients they care for; and

Whereas workers have the right to be safe at work and have the right to be free from assault while doing their job; and

Whereas if staff are not safe, patients are not safe;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU continue to fight for improved occupational health and safety in the mental health sector; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU demand that the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Children and Youth Services provide the necessary funding to ensure proper staffing levels as well as improved training, equipment, and facilities, and security personnel as needed; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU call for the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Children and Youth Services and Ministry of Labour to implement the system-wide use of the Violence, Aggression and Response Behaviours Tools (VARB) for assessing security, conducting organizational risk assessments, and assessing individual client behaviour.

Roll Call #25

Carried 19 for 0 against

Emergency Resolution Ad-Hoc Committee

Moved by Labelle/Arbus

Whereas the emergency motion at the 2016 Convention called for an Ad Hoc Task Force to engage an external independent consultant to conduct a review of OPSEU’s harassment and discrimination policies, complaint reporting processes and workplace culture; and

Whereas a Request for Services was issued on November 22, 2016 seeking consultants who had not provided services to OPSEU before; and

Whereas only two submissions were received by the deadline of December 16, 2016; and

Whereas the two respondents were interviewed by a sub-committee of the task force on January 9, 2017; and

Whereas the committee recommended unanimously to the task force at a meeting on January 11, 2017 that Shearer Lattal LLP be retained as the external consultant; and

Whereas the tendering policy requires Executive Board approval because there is no budget allocation for this project;

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board approve retaining Shearer Lattal LLP as the external consultant for the harassment and discrimination review with costing to be drawn from Employee Relations.

Roll Call #26

Carried 20 for 0 against

Timed Presentation – Corrections Bargaining Procedures

Glenna Caldwell, MCYS Co-Chair, Monte Vieselmeyer, Corrections MERC Chair, Catherine Bowman, Administrator of Local Services Division-Bargaining gave a presentation to the Board.

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU Executive Board approve the OPS Corrections Negotiations Procedures

Moved by Jones/Fahey – Referral to the Corrections Ad-Hoc committee with instructions to answer any questions the Board may have and to be brought back to the March Board meeting.

Roll Call #27

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff against
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy against
Elliott, Len against
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew against
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara against
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy against
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean against
Shearer, Philip against
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 13 for 8 against

Unified Bargaining procedures

Catherine Bowman, Administrator of Local Services Division-Bargaining reviewed the changes with the Board.

Move by Thomas/Almeida

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the OPS Unified Negotiations Procedures

Moved by Fahey/Elliott – referral of the negotiations procedures back to the Ad-Hoc committee to report back with answers to any questions the Board may have and to report back to the March Board.

Roll Call #28

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim against
Carson, Tammy for
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 20 for 1 against

President’s Report

Resolutions

Ending the crisis in Corrections

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas Ontario continues to experience a crisis in its correctional services system – a crisis the Ontario Liberal government created through gross neglect and chronic underfunding; and

Whereas in correctional facilities this neglect and underfunding has resulted in understaffing, overcrowding, numerous and extended lockdowns, and even riots and hostage-takings; and

Whereas Ontario probation and parole officers have the highest caseloads in Canada, meaning offenders do not receive adequate monitoring to ensure the safety of communities; and

Whereas Ontario’s mental health system fails to provide the necessary supports to individuals with mental health and addictions issues, such that the province’s correctional system has become the mental health system of last resort; and

Whereas correctional staff are given no special training in handling offenders with mental health issues; and

Whereas there is a severe lack of nurses to meet the demand for health care and mental health care in the correctional system; and

Whereas the housing of inmates serving intermittent sentences with the general inmate population leads to the introduction of contraband, including weapons and drugs; and

Whereas certain jails, like the Thunder Bay District Jail, are too old and/or small to house inmates safely and with dignity, and to give inmates the rehabilitation services they need; and

Whereas all of the above have contributed to high levels of staff burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder; and

Whereas since 2015, OPSEU’s “Crisis in Corrections” campaign has made headway in making the Liberal government understand both the nature, scope, and urgency of the crisis; and

Whereas the OPSEU campaign has forced the government to make improvements to the system and commit to making further improvements but much more needs to be done.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU continue its Crisis in Corrections campaign until such time as we can declare that the crisis is over.

Roll Call #29

Carried 21 for 0 against

Opposing school closures

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas under the current provincial Liberal government funding formula, funding for elementary and secondary schools has been dramatically reduced, thereby forcing local school boards to cut spending; and

Whereas in many cases these cuts mean school closures and forced amalgamation of rural schools into urban centres; and

Whereas school closures and amalgamations can have major impacts on the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of students and the economic and social survival of rural communities; and

Whereas OPSEU educational support workers are among those negatively impacted by the restructuring of positions due to school closures and amalgamations; and

Whereas it is has been demonstrated that smaller classroom sizes provide higher-quality individualized education, and, moreover, that students with exceptionalities need opportunities to learn life and social skills in the communities in which they reside; and

Whereas closures and amalgamations mean elementary students lose the opportunity to attend local daycares and after-school programs; and

Whereas closures and amalgamations in rural areas cause junior and senior students to lose opportunities to participate in community-based programs such as cooperative education, extracurricular activities, and employment opportunities due to long-distance travel; and

Whereas closures and amalgamations have negative impacts on local economies due to the exodus of families to larger centres; and

Whereas additional school closures and amalgamations will put the safety of students at risk due to increased distances traveled on highways by bus;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU continue to campaign to raise awareness of the negative impacts of funding cuts on public education in all communities; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU continue to actively promote long-term, sustainable funding for Ontario’s public education system; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU continue to support the organization and strengthening of community-based citizen groups opposed to the closures and amalgamations of schools.

Roll Call #30

Carried 21 for 0 against

Recess

The Executive Board recessed at 4:26 p.m. All members were present.

January 26, 2017

The Executive Board was called to order at 9:13 a.m. President Thomas was in the Chair. All members were present except Tammy Carson the reason was acceptable to the Chair.

President’s Report

Resolutions

Canada’s Blood Supply

Moved by Labelle/Thomas

Whereas the tainted blood crisis of the 1980s and 1990s was the worst public health disaster in Canada's history, in which thousands of Canadians lost their lives from blood transfusions and blood products infected with HIV and Hepatitis C; and

Whereas private paid – donor blood clinics are contrary to the recommendations put forward by the Royal Commission of Inquiry on the Blood System in Canada, which explicitly concluded that in Canada, blood is a public resource; donors should not be paid; and, safety of the blood system must be paramount; and

Whereas a coalition (including OPSEU) of tainted blood survivors and safe blood advocates succeeded in shutting down for-profit paid donor clinics opened in Ontario by lobbying the Ontario government to pass the Voluntary Donations Act to ban paid donor clinics; and

Whereas our blood supply is a National supply and Health Canada has granted a license to Exapharma (Canadian Plasma Resources) to open a paid donor in Saskatchewan, thus endangering the safety of the blood supply for all Canadians; and

Whereas the same company is actively looking to open clinics in Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Bloodwatch.org, a new Coalition of tainted blood survivors and safe-blood advocates is calling on the government to legislate an all-out ban on privatized blood collection in Canada;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU call on the Ontario Minister of Health and Premier to demand the Federal government pass similar legislation as the Voluntary Donations Act, and to demand that blood be added to the list of organs that are prohibited from being sold in Canada, and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU continue to work with NUPGE and Bloodwatch.org to educate our members on the threat posed by for-profit paid donor blood collection in Canada; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU make a financial contribution to Bloodwatch.org of $20,000 to help support the fight for a public, safe blood supply with the funds to be drawn from the Strike Back Fund.

Roll Call #31

Carried 20 for 0 against

Creating a public home care system

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas the provincial government has committed to protecting public medicare and putting patients first under Bill 41, the Patients First Act; and

Whereas the contracting-out of home care services to private, for-profit companies, which is in no way reduced under Bill 41, has embedded privatization into the health care system; and

Whereas this siphons public money into private hands and stands in stark contradiction to the minister’s promise to protect our universal public health care system; and

Whereas the competitive bidding process has been a major catalyst in driving down wages and benefits for those working in the home care sector, and expanding underpaid and unprotected precarious work; and

Whereas in her 2015 report, Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk found that for every dollar spent by the Community Care Access Centres (CCACs), over 39 percent goes to managerial salaries and profits of the for-profit companies; and

Whereas contracting-in will remove the costs associated with the duplicate administration of the many provider agencies and profit-taking; and

Whereas Bill 41, the Patients First Act, enables the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) to assume responsibility for the management and direct delivery of home and community care, which eliminates the structural barriers that have reinforced the contracting-out system;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU calls for an end to contracting-out and the creation of a fully-public, not-for-profit home care system where patients have the right to access the care they need; and

Be it further resolved that all home care workers be brought in as direct service providers with good wages, benefits, pension and that the Ontario MOHLTC explore its options for the termination or non-renewal of all contracts with provider agencies in order to develop a model for better service delivery that focuses on patient care; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU continue to demand improved LHIN accountability to patients, the public and the workforce, through meaningful consultation processes and the creation of democratically elected LHIN boards of directors.

Roll Call #32

Carried 20 for 0 against

Building mobilizing capacity for the 2018 election

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas the next Ontario provincial election is scheduled for June 7, 2018; and

Whereas the result of the next election will have a deep and persistent impact on OPSEU members, our families and our communities for many years to come, as demonstrated by the current government’s austerity agenda, which has slashed and privatized public jobs and services; and

Whereas OPSEU’s 130,000 members are uniquely positioned to understand what is at stake in the upcoming election and particularly qualified to engage their friends, family members, and neighbours on the importance of investing in strong public services and keeping Ontario healthy, safe, and prosperous; and

Whereas OPSEU members and activists can expand their impact on their workplaces and communities through training and capacity building; and

Whereas voter turnout hovers below 60 per cent in Ontario provincial elections, and an organized push for maximum voter engagement and turnout among OPSEU members, their families, and communities, will make a direct and decisive impact on the election outcome;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU continue organizing and mobilizing its members through its anti-privatization pro-public campaigns so that as many as possible become actively engaged in 2017 and 2018; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU provide training and support to interested members and activists in 2017 and 2018 to engage their fellow members and their communities looking towards campaign readiness in the upcoming provincial election.

Roll Call #33

Carried 20 for 0 against

CLC Convention Resolution

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board forward a resolution to NUPGE for the upcoming CLC Convention, calling on the CLC to lobby the government to defend the interest of the Canadian Public in all negotiations with the United States.

Roll Call #34

Carried 20 for 0 against

New Business

CAAT-A Bargaining Procedures

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas the CAAT-A collective agreement expires September 30, 2017 and this is an important round of bargaining for the division's priorities staffing, academic freedom and privatization; and

Whereas the CAAT-A members have approved the creation of a Bargaining Advisory Committee; and

Whereas the CAAT (Academic) Negotiations Procedures have been amended to incorporate the changes reflected in the motions at the June 2017 divisional meeting and the October 2017 pre-bargaining conference;

Therefore be it resolved that effective immediately the CAAT-A Negotiations Procedures be amended as proposed.

Moved by Arbus/Almeida- referral to the President’s office to be brought back to the next Board meeting with any questions answered that the Board may have.

Roll Call #35

Carried 20 for 0 against

Committees

Audit Committee

OPSEU Computers

Moved by Arbus/Thibodeau

Whereas OPSEU upgrades staff laptop computers from time to time, and

Whereas it is the practice that the staff laptops being replaced be offered to Regional Vice-Presidents for distribution to Locals within their respective Region at no charge to the receiving Local.

Therefore be it resolved that the First Vice-President/Treasurer bring a report to the next Board meeting on numbers of staff laptops upgraded in the previous year, and where the replaced laptops were distributed, and

Be it further resolved that that the First Vice-President/Treasurer bring a similar report to the Board at the first Board meeting of each year, going forward.

Roll Call #36

Carried 20 for 0 against

President Report

Conflict of Interest

Discussion

Constitutional Interpretation

From the January 25-26, 2016 Executive Board meeting:

Executive Budget meetings

Whereas cutting millions takes a day and cutting thousands takes time consuming motions; and

Whereas being able to hear the rationale from administrators is important and helps with decision making; and

Whereas many questions, motions and proposed amendments get duplicated when there are to separate budget days. One with executive committee and one with board as a whole.

Therefore be it resolved that all Executive Board members attend all budget meetings of the Executive to attain a balanced budget to present to Convention, commencing in 2017.

President Thomas provided his constitutional Interpretation to the Board.

Budget meetings protocol

From the January 25-26, 2016 Executive Board meeting:

Whereas Roberts rules of order was established to ensure fairness and equity, but not to restrict meetings; and

Whereas the 2016 budget process was altered to allow questions being asked prior to making amendments by the same individual; and

Whereas this modification allowed for greater clarity on the budget and was more time efficient.

Therefore be it resolved that a new budget only meeting protocol be used for all OPSEU budget meetings. This format would allow an individual to first ask a question to seek clarity on the budget and then allow the individual to move an amendment on said budget.

President Thomas provided his constitutional Interpretation to the Board.

Algoma Merger

President Thomas advised e-poll will go out when information available on this.

Ontario Association of Food Banks 2017

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waive the 30-day notice for expenditures in excess of $20,000.

Roll Call #37

Carried 20 for 0 against

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Be It Resolved That OPSEU sign on as a premium sponsor of the Ontario Association of Food Banks at its 2017 annual conference, with funds to be drawn from the Contingency Fund.

Roll Call #38

Carried 20 for 0 against

CAAT-A PT – Phase 3

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waive the 30-day notice for expenditures in excess of $20,000.

Roll Call #39

Carried 20 for 0 against

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas OPSEU is committed to organizing all PT college workers as part of our greater drive to improve the working conditions of precarious workers across the province; and

Whereas Phase 1 of the campaign successfully planned, prepared and executed the launch of the CAAT-A contract faculty organizing campaign by developing and testing communications materials, creating a flexible database, booking off local coordinators, establishing local contacts and networks, and commencing card signing efforts; and,

Whereas Phase 2 invested in the implementation of our communications and advertising plan, including a platform and database for online recruitment and direct mail, as well as accelerated the process of signing cards by putting more boots on the ground.

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the funds in the attached proposal to fund the 3rd phase of the 2016-2017 organizing drive of College Academic contract faculty – part time and sessional; and

Be it further resolved that monies to fund Phase 3 of the CAAT/A PT organizing campaign be drawn from the Contingency Fund.

Roll Call #40

Carried 20 for 0 against

MPP Breakfast Lobby Day

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waive the 30-day notice for expenditures in excess of $20,000.

Roll Call #41

Carried 20 for 0 against

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas the Community Services Divisional Council would like to undertake a Provincial Lobby at Queen's Park in the advance of the upcoming Provincial budget to further advance the interests of OPSEU members in their ongoing fight for "quality", "not for profit" Social Services; and

Whereas in 2016 the government introduced Bill 89, Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act. The changes stipulated by the Act would require significant base budget increases to the Social Services envelopes if the government intends to strengthen early intervention, prevention programs and enforce licensing and accountability in residential care; and

Whereas the leadership of all five (5) Social Services Sectors in the BPS would like the opportunity to lobby the government on funding the changes enshrined in the Act and to also showcase our work through the video created by the Community Services Divisional Council profiling the commitment and dedication of OPSEU members; and

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the funds outlined in the attached proposal for a Provincial Lobby Day at Queen's Park for the leadership of BPS Sectors in the Community Services Divisional Council, with funding to be drawn from the Contingency Fund.

Roll Call #42

Carried 20 for 0 against

Central Labour Updates (OFL/NUPGE/CLC)

President Thomas provided an update

Committee Reports

Standing Committee Reports:

Audit
Central Political Action

UN Status of Women

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waive the 30-day notice for expenditures in excess of $20,000.

Roll Call #43

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim against
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles —
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 18 for 1 against

Moved by Labelle/Elliott

Whereas the 61st session of the UN Commission of the Status of Women will be held in New York from March 13-24 2017 on the priority theme of women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work with a focus on the emerging theme of the empowerment of Indigenous women; and

Whereas the attendance of the PWC representatives at the 61st session will provide significant opportunity for PWC representatives to contribute and learn valuable information and ideas; as well as to advocate effectively to further women’s empowerment and gender equality in the changing economy; and

Whereas the participation of PWC representatives at the 61st session will also help shape the actions that member states and NGOs will take on the issue of women's economic empowerment in the changing world of work and will be forwarded to the UN Economic and Social Council for follow-up; and

Whereas OPSEU regional meetings will be held on March 18 2017;

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the proposed amount for seven (7) PWC representatives to attend the 61st session of the UN Commission of the Status of Women taking place at UN headquarters in New York City from March 19-24 2017.

Roll Call #44

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim against
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 19 for 1 against

Ibrahim Bozai filed a minority report

CLC Lobby Day

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waive the 30-day notice for expenditures in Excess of $20,000.

Roll Call #45

Carried 20 for 0 against

Moved by Elliott/Magner

Whereas the Federal Government is considering legislation under Bill C-27 that would open the door to large scale conversion of Defined Benefit plans to Defined Contribution plans on the Federal level; and

Whereas the Federal Government passing this type of legislation could potentially see our Provinces follow suite with our Defined Benefits Plans; and

Whereas The CLC is organizing a mass lobby to defend Defined Benefits pension plans, Defend Pay Equity and push for a National Pharmacare Plan.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU send 7 members, 1 per Region, to the Feb 6 & 7, 2017 CLC Lobby day and training day event in Ottawa and the funds to be drawn from the CPAC budget line at a maximum of $20,000.

Roll Call #46

Carried 20 for 0 against

Convention
- Resolutions
- Constitutional
- Credentials (reports at Convention)
- Planning
Disability Rights Caucus
Excluded Staff Hiring
Francophone
In Solidarity
OPSEU Resource/Enterprises
Pension Liaison
PHRC
Policy Review Committee
PWC
PYC
Rainbow Alliance
Retirees Board
Social Mapping
Solidarity Fund Board
- Live and Let Live
- International Humanity Work
- International Solidarity Work
Staff Negotiating
Staff Pension Plan Trustees
Strategic Planning
PHRC
Policy Review
PWC
PYC
Rainbow Alliance
Retirees Board
Social Mapping
Solidarity Fund Board
- Live and Let Live
- International Humanity Work
- International Solidarity Work
Staff Negotiating
Staff Pension Plan Trustees
Strategic Planning

New Business

Recommendation from Executive Committee: Local 247 & 221

Moved by Finucane/Almeida

Be it resolved that the Executive Board approve that the Probation and Parole Officers from Local 247 move to Local 221.

Roll Call #47

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len —
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles —
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 18 for 0 against

Corrections Divisional Meeting

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waive the 30-day notice for expenditures in Excess of $20,000.

Roll Call #48

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len —
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles —
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 18 for 0 against

Afternoon

The meeting resumed at 12:04p.m.

Memorandum of Settlement

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board endorse the Memorandum of Settlement reached between The Crown in Right of Ontario as represented by the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union dated the 15th day of December 2016.

Roll Call #49

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff —
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles —
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 18 for 0 against

Moved by Thomas/Almeida – Reconsideration of motion:

Unified members in the Corrections Bargaining Unit vote results

Whereas unified and corrections divisional leadership requested that a vote be taken amongst the unified members to determine their interest in joining the correctional bargaining unit; and

Whereas a vote of unified members working in corrections was conducted by an independent 3rd party; and

Whereas an overwhelming majority of unified members voted to be included in the correctional bargaining unit.

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board acknowledge the results arrived by the third party process.

Roll Call #50

Carried 18 for 0 against

Moved by Almeida/Thomas

Whereas unified and corrections divisional leadership requested that a vote be taken amongst the unified members to determine their interest in joining the correctional bargaining unit; and

Whereas a vote of unified members working in corrections was conducted by an independent 3rd party; and

Whereas an overwhelming majority of unified members voted to be included in the correctional bargaining unit.

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board accept the results arrived by the third party process

Roll Call #51

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff —
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 19 for 0 against

Corrections Divisional Meeting

Moved by Thomas/Almeida

Whereas the structure of OPS Corrections bargaining unit composition is changing; and

Whereas the OPS Corrections Division passed a motion in October 2016 requesting an additional meeting to discuss amendments to their by-laws to incorporate the changes in the bargaining unit; and

Whereas the request is for this meeting to be held in 2017 prior to bargaining; and

Whereas the 2016 Corrections delegate entitlement was 162.

Therefore be it resolved that the Board approve a one-day Corrections divisional meeting in 2017 to be held adjacent to the OPSEU 2017 Convention and that the funds as outlined in the attached proposal be approved and drawn from the Contingency Fund.

Afternoon

The meeting resumed at 1:07p.m.

First Vice President/Treasurer Almeida in the Chair

Moved by Almeida/Labelle – Amendment:

Amend the last resolve to read “Therefore be it resolved that the Board approve a Corrections divisional meeting in 2017 to be held during the off hours of the OPSEU 2017 Convention and that the funds be approved and drawn from the Contingency Fund.”

Roll Call #52

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff —
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel against
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren —
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 17 for 1 against

Developmental Services

Moved by Almeida/Labelle

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waive the 30-day notice for expenditures in Excess of $20,000.

Roll Call #53

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff —
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren —
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 18 for 0 against

Moved by Almeida/Labelle

Be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the funds as outlined in the attached proposal to fund a Campaign to advance Pay Equity in the Developmental Services Sector, with monies to be drawn from the Contingency Fund.

Roll Call #54

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff —
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren —
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 18 for 0 against

LBED Anti-Privatization Campaign, MPP Lobby

Moved by Almeida/Fahey

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board waive the 30-day notice for expenditures in Excess of $20,000.

Roll Call #55

Carried 19 for 0 against

Moved by Almeida/Fahey

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the funds as outlined in the attached proposal from the LBED Anti-Privatization Account, to fund a campaign to continue the push back against grocery store sales of beer and wine which are a serious threat to the LCBO, good jobs in our communities and the LCBO's profits that help pay for public services.

Moved by Archer/Jones – Amendment:
add “;which provides” after “threat to the LCBO”

An amendment to amendment was made and ruled out of order

The question was called on the amendment:
add “;which provides” after “threat to the LCBO”

Roll Call #56

Carried 19 for 0 against

Moved by Fahey/Almeida – Amendment:
after “wine” add “and other alcoholic beverages”

Roll Call #57

Carried 19 for 0 against

The question was called on the motion as amended:

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the funds as outlined in the attached proposal from the LBED Anti-Privatization Account, to fund a campaign to continue the push back against grocery store sales of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages which are a serious threat to the LCBO; which provides good jobs in our communities and the LCBO's profits that help pay for public services.

Roll Call #58

Carried 19 for 0 against

OFL Womens Leadership Summit

Discussion

A motion was made and ruled out of order.

Resolution to Covention: OPSEU members on acting manager/excluded assignments

Progress

ACORN Proposal

Moved by Jones/Tremblay

Whereas Ottawa ACORN is targeting 3 to 4 wards in the municipality of Ottawa with a view to electing progressive candidates who support improving municipal services in the 2018 municipal elections; and

Whereas Ottawa ACORN is building a coalition of unions and other progressive community groups to mobilize support and for community organizing; and

Whereas OPSEU's participation in this campaign will help to build internal capacity and to engage with other progressive groups; and

Whereas ACORN supports the goals and inclusion of our We Own It campaign within this initiative; and

Whereas a donation to ACORN will get OPSEU a seat on the steering committee for this campaign and a chance to shape it;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU donate $5,000 to Ottawa ACORN and commit to participating in this campaign with the funds to come from the Contingency Fund.

Moved by Almeida/Nancekivell – referral to region 4 to use one of their regional funds.

Roll Call #59

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff for
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth against
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren for
Tremblay, Chrisy against

Carried 17 for 2 against

Sara Labelle in the Chair

Daughters of the vote

Moved by Strachan/Nancekivell

Whereas Equal Voice is celebrating the 100th anniversary of (some) women's suffrage in Canada, as well as marking Canada's 150th birthday with the Daughter's of the Vote initiative; and

Whereas a key component of the Daughter's of the Vote initiative is the opportunity to spend a day learning about the historic – and still incomplete journey – of women in Canadian politics; and

Whereas Equal Voice selected over 338 young women (one from every federal riding in Canada) from diverse backgrounds to bring these young women to the nation’s capital to take their seats in Parliament on March 8th to participate in an opportunity to be introduced to the power of political leadership and provide them with skills, training and confidence to run for public office with an additional day scheduled for young Indigenous women; and

Whereas nearly 1/3 of the participants in the National Event will be from Ontario and that in addition to a National event in Ottawa there will be a day-long forum in each Daughter's home province and the Ontario event is currently scheduled for February 21st, 2017 at Queen's Park;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU support this initiative by donating $ 15000.00 to be an event sponsor for the Ontario event to be drawn from the contingency fund.

Moved by Arbus/Almeida – Amendment:
change “$15,000” to “$5,000”

First Vice President/Treasurer Almeida in the Chair

Moved by Nancekivell/Elliott – Amendment to Amendment:
change amount to $10,000

Roll Call #60

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff —
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren —
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 18 for 0 against

Moved by Almeida/Nancekivell – Amendment:

Change the word “donating” to “sponsorship”

Roll Call #61

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff —
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren —
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 18 for 0 against

The question was called on motion as amended:

Whereas Equal Voice is celebrating the 100th anniversary of (some) women's suffrage in Canada, as well as marking Canada's 150th birthday with the Daughter's of the Vote initiative; and

Whereas a key component of the Daughter's of the Vote initiative is the opportunity to spend a day learning about the historic – and still incomplete journey – of women in Canadian politics; and

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU support this initiative by sponsorship of $ 10,000.00 to be an event sponsor for the Ontario event to be drawn from the contingency fund.

Roll Call #62

Almeida, Eddy for
Arbus, Jeff —
Archer, Glen for
Arvelin, Ed for
Bisaillon, Michel for
Bozai, Ibrahim for
Carson, Tammy —
Elliott, Len for
Fahey, Felicia for
Finucane, Drew for
Jones, Gareth for
Labelle, Sara for
Magner, Myles for
Morton, Lucy for
Nancekivell, Laurie for
Platt, Sean for
Shearer, Philip for
Strachan, Edie for
Thibodeau, Carl for
Thomas, Warren —
Tremblay, Chrisy for

Carried 18 for 0 against

Adjournment

The Executive Board adjourned at 2:55 p.m. All members were present except Jeff Arbus, Tammy Carson and President Thomas, the reasons were acceptable to the Chair.

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President

Nicole Glass, Corporate Secretary