Minutes of the October 23-24, 2019 Executive Board Meeting

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board adopt the OPSEU Executive Board Minutes September 25-26, 2019, September 19, Third Party Registration in the 2019 Federal Election, E-poll and October 10, 2019 CoRW, BPS Conference – 60km waiver and OFL Awards Submissions, E-poll, October 16, 2019 OFL Young Workers Award, E-Poll.

Whereas the federal election is scheduled to be held on October 21, 2019; and

Whereas OPSEU members have a deep interest in the outcome of the election and many of the issues being debated during the campaign have a profound effect on the work OPSEU members do; and

Whereas active participation in the campaign is an important way to have political and policy issues critical to OPSEU members put on the election campaign agenda;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU undertake advertising and other such actions during the federal campaign to inform voters on issues related to quality public services and the work performed by OPSEU members; and

Be it further resolved that to provide for such action OPSEU should seek registration as a third party, as required by Elections Canada.

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

Whereas the federal election has been called for Monday, October 21, 2019; and

Whereas the Conservative agenda threatens public services and the public good; and

Whereas helping OPSEU’s 165,000 members make an informed choice about which party best represents the interests of working people and will stand up for quality public services could have a meaningful impact on the election’s outcome;

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the funds outlined in the attached proposal in order to increase voter turnout, help members made an informed choice, and put strong and effective public services at the centre of the 2019 federal election.

Whereas no Teleconference has been held to-date for any of the 2019 meetings; and

Whereas the Coalition has incurred additional expenses since July 31, 2019;

Whereas a Teleconference meeting would allow for members meeting needs and discussions;

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the amount in proposal for a Teleconference meeting with funds to be drawn from the Contingency Fund

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

Whereas the 2019 BPS Conference and Sector Divisional meetings happen once every two years and provide an opportunity for members and activists from the Broader Public Service to network and share information, and

Whereas members and activists who live within 60 kilometers of the event venue miss out on these after-hours networking opportunities,

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board approve the funding for the waiver of the 60 kilometer rule for members attending the 2019 BPS Conference and Sector Divisional meetings and approve the additional cost outlined in this proposal with the funds to be drawn from the contingency fund.

Be it resolved that the CAAT-A Divex and CAAT-S Divex be nominated for the OFL Cliff Pilkey Labour Activist Award.

Be it resolved that the Emilsa Sealy be nominated for the OFL Olivia Chow Child Care Champion Award.

Be it resolved that the Lisa McCaskell be nominated for the OFL Linda Jolley Lifetime Achievement Award for Health and Safety.

Therefore be it resolved that Ken Maclam be nominated for the OFL Young Workers’ Award.

Whereas new members often want their union number quickly for enterprise discounts, and locals need to be able to add members who sign cards electronically, to their email bs for communications;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU release to Local Presidents the private email address and union number, on the membership list available through Member portal; and further, that the list be available by download as an Excel spreadsheet as needed.

In the resolve, strike “and Union Number”

Whereas new members often want their union number quickly for enterprise discounts, and locals need to be able to add members who sign cards electronically, to their email bs for communications;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU release to Local Presidents the private email address, on the membership list available through Member portal; and further, that the list be available by download as an Excel spreadsheet as needed.

In the resolve, after “private email address” insert “of their local members”

Whereas new members often want their union number quickly for enterprise discounts, and locals need to be able to add members who sign cards electronically, to their email lists for communications;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU release to Local Presidents the private email address of their local members, on the membership list available through Member portal; and further, that the list be available by download as an Excel spreadsheet as needed.

Whereas OPSEU and the CLC would like to increase the participation of women from Equity seeking groups; and

Whereas these groups have been identified as racialized and indigenous women, LGBTQI2S women and non-binary persons, women with disabilities and young women workers, due to their lack of participation in the union and general Labour organizations; and

Whereas this session will be focusing on assessing the Platform for Action, and will provide a review and assessment of current challenges which has effected the implementation of the Platform; and

Whereas the challenges and success of the platform is vital to the achievement of gender equality, which has been a focal point for OPSEU in achieving Equality amongst all its equity groups; and

Whereas all delegates are expected to attend and participate in daily briefing sessions with the labour delegation and Canadian delegation delegates to this session have the ability to present OPSEU’s mandate and commitment to Equity, and report back on strategies and recommendations from international and other delegations, on moving women’s Agenda forward in OPSEU.

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board approve the request to send seven (7) members from the PWC, and seven (7) other women one from each committee and caucus to the upcoming session of the UN. Selection of committee and caucus reps will be determined by the committees and caucuses is a fair and equitable way.

Be it further resolved that OPSEU’s executive board approve the amount in the attached proposal to be drawn from the contingency fund.

In the second resolve strike “to be drawn from the contingency fund” change to “discussed at the upcoming budget discussion”

Whereas OPSEU and the CLC would like to increase the participation of women from Equity seeking groups; and

Whereas these groups have been identified as racialized and indigenous women, LGBTQI2S women and non-binary persons, women with disabilities and young women workers, due to their lack of participation in the union and general Labour organizations; and

Whereas this session will be focusing on assessing the Platform for Action, and will provide a review and assessment of current challenges which has effected the implementation of the Platform; and

Whereas the challenges and success of the platform is vital to the achievement of gender equality, which has been a focal point for OPSEU in achieving Equality amongst all its equity groups; and

Whereas all delegates are expected to attend and participate in daily briefing sessions with the labour delegation and Canadian delegation delegates to this session have the ability to present OPSEU’s mandate and commitment to Equity, and report back on strategies and recommendations from international and other delegations, on moving women’s Agenda forward in OPSEU.

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board approve the request to send seven (7) members from the PWC, and seven (7) other women one from each committee and caucus to the upcoming session of the UN. Selection of committee and caucus reps will be determined by the committees and caucuses is a fair and equitable way.

Be it further resolved that OPSEU’s executive board approve the amount in the attached proposal to be discussed at the upcoming budget discussion.

In the first resolve after “of the UN” add “and each member can choose to attend either the first week or the second week of the event”

Whereas OPSEU and the CLC would like to increase the participation of women from Equity seeking groups; and

Whereas these groups have been identified as racialized and indigenous women, LGBTQI2S women and non-binary persons, women with disabilities and young women workers, due to their lack of participation in the union and general Labour organizations; and

Whereas this session will be focusing on assessing the Platform for Action, and will provide a review and assessment of current challenges which has effected the implementation of the Platform; and

Whereas the challenges and success of the platform is vital to the achievement of gender equality, which has been a focal point for OPSEU in achieving Equality amongst all its equity groups; and

Whereas all delegates are expected to attend and participate in daily briefing sessions with the labour delegation and Canadian delegation delegates to this session have the ability to present OPSEU’s mandate and commitment to Equity, and report back on strategies and recommendations from international and other delegations, on moving women’s Agenda forward in OPSEU.

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board approve the request to send seven (7) members from the PWC, and seven (7) other women one from each committee and caucus to the upcoming session of the UN and each member can choose to attend either the first week or the second week of the event. Selection of committee and caucus reps will be determined by the committees and caucuses is a fair and equitable way.

Be it further resolved that OPSEU’s executive board approve the amount in the attached proposal to be discussed at the upcoming budget discussion.

In the first resolve, after “the committees and caucuses”, replace “is” with “in” and after “equitable way” add “and clearly communicated to the Executive Board”

Whereas OPSEU and the CLC would like to increase the participation of women from Equity seeking groups; and

Whereas these groups have been identified as racialized and indigenous women, LGBTQI2S women and non-binary persons, women with disabilities and young women workers, due to their lack of participation in the union and general Labour organizations; and

Whereas this session will be focusing on assessing the Platform for Action, and will provide a review and assessment of current challenges which has effected the implementation of the Platform; and

Whereas the challenges and success of the platform is vital to the achievement of gender equality, which has been a focal point for OPSEU in achieving Equality amongst all its equity groups; and

Whereas all delegates are expected to attend and participate in daily briefing sessions with the labour delegation and Canadian delegation delegates to this session have the ability to present OPSEU’s mandate and commitment to Equity, and report back on strategies and recommendations from international and other delegations, on moving women’s Agenda forward in OPSEU.

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board approve the request to send seven (7) members from the PWC, and seven (7) other women one from each committee and caucus to the upcoming session of the UN and each member can choose to attend either the first week or the second week of the event. Selection of committee and caucus reps will be determined by the committees and caucuses in a fair and equitable way and clearly communicated to the Executive Board.

Be it further resolved that OPSEU’s executive board approve the amount in the attached proposal to be discussed at the upcoming budget discussion.

Whereas OPSEU is a member-driven union; and

Whereas inSolidarity is intended to be a vehicle for the voice of the members; and

inSolidarity Committee is responsible for fairly and responsibly writing and vetting submissions, editing content and laying out inSolidarity;

Therefore be it resolved that the following policy replace the policies titled “In Solidarity: Newsletter for Stewards and Activists” and “Awards: Best Local Newsletter” under Section 3 and “Awards: Best Local Newsletter” under section 15 of the Policy Manual:

inSolidarity: Newsletter for Stewards and Activists

OPSEU will fund a quarterly newsletter for activists. The newsletter will be steward-driven, reflecting stewards’ experiences and concerns. It will include practical tips on stewardship and internal organizing for the membership.

inSolidarity is dedicated to ensuring OPSEU has active and educated stewards in every workplace to effectively represent the membership. It is a vehicle for the free flow of information and discussion from the central union to stewards and back, and from steward to steward to steward. The content and editing of this newsletter will be determined by rank-and-file activists. Members have ownership of inSolidarity, and it should be viewed as independent of any particular segment of the union.

Content will come from OPSEU activists and other labour sources.

OPSEU will provide resources for inSolidarity articles to be uploaded to the OPSEU website on a regular basis between publications.

The inSolidarity Committee will be elected from among the participants at OPSEUs biennial Editors’ Weekend educational conference. The inSolidarity Committee will consist of five members whose term will commence immediately following Editors’ Weekend. The participants will also elect up to five alternates by plurality.

The inSolidarity Committee will elect a managing editor for the two-year term from among the committee members. The managing editor will be responsible for organizing and chairing committee meetings, working with the Executive Board Liaison to ensure all content meets OPSEU Constitution and policy requirements, and the staff to ensure the committee members have the resources to fulfil their elected roles.

To assist the inSolidarity Committee and to ensure good communications, an Executive Board Member will sit on the inSolidarity Committee as an ex officio member. The board member will provide guidance on the Constitution and policies of OPSEU and advocate for the inSolidarity Committee, as required.

The inSolidarity Committee will be charged with ensuring inSolidarity carries out its mission in a non-partisan manner. It shall be the determinant of what material shall be included in each issue. The committee will perform this role free from political interference, but will accept guidance from the Executive Board or annual Convention.

The following editorial policy will guide the inSolidarity Committee:

While all contributions are welcome, the inSolidarity Committee asks that they be constructive. They should contribute positively to the welfare of this union and its members. The committee will accept articles with only constructive criticism of union members or their actions.

To be considered for publication, articles must be signed and include local number. Anonymous contributions will not be accepted.

Articles that violate the Statement of Respect or contain allegations that may be inflammatory and/or cannot be verified will not be considered for publication.

The inSolidarity Committee strives for a positive balance between editorial responsibility and the members’ right to express ideas and opinions freely. Thoughtful discussion of all related issues is encouraged, and the committee reserves the right to edit for length and clarity, and to communicate directly with

submitting members, where there seems to be a misunderstanding of the union and its policies.

The Communications Department will provide the staff resources that are required to produce the newsletter and Web-based support of online articles. These include a staff liaison member to attend committee meetings, provide technical advice, assist with in-house liaison; access to the necessary computer equipment; and assistance from in-house graphic designers for logos or layout. If further needs are identified, the requests must be reasonable, considerate of the department’s workload, and should be made through the Administrator.

Convention

The inSolidarity Committee will attend OPSEU Conventions to provide a member view of Convention events. Articles and commentary will be provided to Convention attendees through electronic and/or hard-copy formats. The committee members will attend as media with no status otherwise. Where a committee member is entitled to be in a role as a participant at Convention, the member must choose which role to accept for the duration of the convention. In order to meet the inSolidarity editorial policy guidelines, an inSolidarity Committee member attending OPSEU Conventions as media cannot have any other role for the duration of the Convention. Budget for inSolidarity Committee members to attend Convention shall be part of the Convention Expenses budget.

Editors’ Weekend

There will be an Editors’ Weekend every two years to promote better communications within locals, sectors and divisions by providing education on written communication and the use of a variety of media. This will be a separate budget line for the applicable years.

Whereas Lindsey Burzese’s appointment as a trustee to the OPSEU Pension Trust is ending on December 31, 2019. The PLC is unanimously recommending Sister Burzese’s reappointment from January 1st, 2020 to December 31, 2021;

Therefore be it resolved that Lindsey Burzese, be reappointed as a pension trustee for the OPT from January 1st, 2020 to December 31, 2021 provided Sister Burzese signs the Letter of Understanding provided by OPSEU.

Whereas Jason Glover’s appointment as a trustee to the OPSEU Pension Trust is ending on December 31, 2019. The PLC is unanimously recommending Brother Glover’s reappointment from January 1st, 2020 to December 31, 2021;

Therefore be it resolved that Jason Glover, be reappointed as a pension trustee for the OPT from January 1st, 2020 to December 31, 2021 provided Brother Glover signs the Letter of Understanding provided by OPSEU.

Whereas Len Elliott’s appointment as a trustee to the OPSEU Pension Trust is ending on December 31, 2019. The PLC is recommending Brother Elliott’s reappointment from January 1^st, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

Therefore be it resolved that Len Elliott, be reappointed as a pension trustee for the OPT from January 1^st, 2020 to December 31, 2021 provided Brother Elliott signs the Letter of Understanding provided by OPSEU.

Whereas the Ontario Human Rights Code recognizes “creed” as a prohibited grounds of discrimination; and

Whereas OPSEU endorsed the Charter of Inclusive Workplaces and Communities that specifically recognizes a need to respond to growing discrimination based on creed; and

Whereas OPSEU issued a statement condemning the hate-filled attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where 11 congregants were murdered and 6 were wounded including 4 police officers in a synagogue; and

Whereas OPSEU issued a statement condemning the acts of cowardice on the mass murders in New Zealand that claimed the lives of 49 people and wounded more than 40 during Friday prayers at two mosques; and

Whereas OPSEU recognizes that we live in a world where racism, islamophobia, far-right ideology and white nationalism are on the rise, where Jews and Muslims are threatened with discrimination and increasing violence based on their religion;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU revise the second paragraph of the Statement of Respect to read “We accord respect to all persons regardless of age, creed, political affiliation…”

Whereas the Local Time Off Fund is an important, useful tool for locals to access in order to book members time off for union business; and

Whereas the local is responsible to track the usage of this Fund and complete all necessary application forms; and

Whereas there have been some instances where Stewards have signed the Local Time Off form where the Local Executive Officers may not be aware;

Therefore be it resolved that the current Local Time Off policy be amended to require the signatures of two (2) Local Executive Officers, instead of two (2) Local Executive Committee Members.

In the resolve change “of two (2) Local Executive Officers” to “of at least one (1) Local Executive Officer”

Whereas the Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel (RAA) works to increase awareness and understanding of equity issues as they relate to the TBLGIAPQQ2S (trans, bisexual, lesbian, gay, intersex, asexual, pansexual, queer, questioning, two-spirited) members of OPSEU; and

Whereas the structure of the RAA, as one of OPSEU’s three (3) equity caucuses, is not recognized in OPSEU’s Constitution; and

Whereas members of the RAA do not have the ability to be delegates (to Convention, to Regional Meetings, the OFL, the CLC, NUPGE); and

Whereas becoming a provincial committee will give the RAA equal status to that of OPSEU’s five (5) other provincial committees;

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board support the Constitutional Amendment to Convention 2020 that will look to designate OPSEU’s Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel as a provincial committee.

Whereas Executive Board members are accountable to the membership for all aspects of the operation of the union; and

Whereas finances are a fundamental aspect of this accountability;

Therefore be it resolved that whenever regional finances such as but not limited to Promoting the Union Agenda, Regionals Education Fund, Regional campaign funds ie: We Own It, Together to Win, Fight Ford Fund are communicated to a Regional Vice

President, this information will also be shared with all Executive Board Members within each region and at the same time; and

Be it further resolved that this information will be shared directly from the First Vice Presidents/Treasurer’s office; and

Be it further resolved that any authorizations for expenditures from regional funds will also be shared with all the EBMs of said region via email.

In the second resolve after “shared directly” add “via e-mail”

Whereas Executive Board members are accountable to the membership for all aspects of the operation of the union; and

Whereas finances are a fundamental aspect of this accountability;

Therefore be it resolved that whenever regional finances such as but not limited to Promoting the Union Agenda, Regionals Education Fund, Regional campaign funds ie: We Own It, Together to Win, Fight Ford Fund are communicated to a Regional Vice President, this information will also be shared with all Executive Board Members within each region and at the same time; and

Be it further resolved that this information will be shared directly via e-mail, from the First Vice Presidents/Treasurer’s office; and

Be it further resolved that any authorizations for expenditures from regional funds will also be shared with all the EBMs of said region via email.

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board refer the resolutions package to the 2019 OFL Convention.

Move to divide the Resolutions

Whereas the Ford government is planning an overhaul of Ontario’s health care system, with plans to cut and restructure Ontario’s ambulance services and cut land ambulance funding starting in January; and

Whereas restructuring is a costly endeavour used to facilitate cuts and privatization; and

Whereas the provincial government’s plan does nothing to improve ambulance services, response times or resolve ongoing issues like long offload delays due to hospital overcrowding.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand the Ontario government focus on solutions that work, by investing properly in the EMS system in order to meet the annual six per cent growth in demand; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL oppose any move by the Ford government to amalgamate and/or privatize land ambulance services or parts thereof and/or Central Ambulance Communications Centres; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the Ontario government invest properly in our public hospitals’ staffed beds to allow paramedics to offload patients at Emergency Departments more quickly.

In the second resolve, second line after “privatize land” add “or air”

Whereas the Ford government is planning an overhaul of Ontario’s health care system, with plans to cut and restructure Ontario’s ambulance services and cut land ambulance funding starting in January; and

Whereas restructuring is a costly endeavour used to facilitate cuts and privatization; and

Whereas the provincial government’s plan does nothing to improve ambulance services, response times or resolve ongoing issues like long offload delays due to hospital overcrowding.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand the Ontario government focus on solutions that work, by investing properly in the EMS system in order to meet the annual six per cent growth in demand; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL oppose any move by the Ford government to amalgamate and/or privatize land or air ambulance services or parts thereof and/or Central Ambulance Communications Centres; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the Ontario government invest properly in our public hospitals’ staffed beds to allow paramedics to offload patients at Emergency Departments more quickly.

Add a new resolve “ Therefore be it further resolved that the OFL demand the Ontario government bring air ambulance services back into the public sector to ensure proper accountability and oversight.”

Whereas Ontario has the fewest number of hospital beds per capita in Canada and the most overcrowded hospitals in the developed world; and

Whereas the loss of beds and trained staff has resulted in hospitals often operating at over 100 percent capacity; and

Whereas Ford is planning billions in cuts from the provincial budget, despite the evidence that hospitals require a 5.3 per cent annual increase in funding to meet demand; and

Whereas Ford’s costly plan to restructure and privatize Ontario’s health care system was initiated without electoral mandate or proper consultation.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand that the Ford government initiate health system planning to meet population need and fund the appropriate number of hospital beds and staffing levels; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL support the call for an 85 per cent maximum bed occupancy rate; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand that the government abandon all current privatization proposals and renationalize already privatized health services.

In the last resolve, strike “that” and before “government” add “Ford”

Whereas Ontario has the fewest number of hospital beds per capita in Canada and the most overcrowded hospitals in the developed world; and

Whereas the loss of beds and trained staff has resulted in hospitals often operating at over 100 percent capacity; and

Whereas Ford is planning billions in cuts from the provincial budget, despite the evidence that hospitals require a 5.3 per cent annual increase in funding to meet demand; and

Whereas Ford’s costly plan to restructure and privatize Ontario’s health care system was initiated without electoral mandate or proper consultation.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand that the Ford government initiate health system planning to meet population need and fund the appropriate number of hospital beds and staffing levels; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL support the call for an 85 per cent maximum bed occupancy rate; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the Ford government abandon all current privatization proposals and renationalize already privatized health services.

Whereas provincial governments have repeatedly failed to address the crisis in corrections, including severe underfunding and understaffing; and

Whereas chronic understaffing has led to increased levels of violence, with inmates assaulting inmates and correctional staff; and

Whereas this crisis is responsible for a rise in mental health and addictions issues among inmates and correctional staff, with more than 25 per cent of Correctional Officers having been diagnosed with PTSD.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand that the provincial government invest $1 billion in Ontario’s correctional system for new and retrofitted facilities and better training, and to create 300 new full-time correctional officer positions and 200 full-time probation and parole officer positions; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL support OPSEU’s call for an aggressive hiring and training initiative to fill these new positions; and

Be it further resolved that all new correctional infrastructure projects be fully publicly financed, and that no P3s or any other privatization schemes be used.

Whereas provincial governments have historically permitted unions to demonstrate majority support through a one-step model known as card check; and

Whereas there has been a move by Conservative governments across Canada in recent decades to replace this one-step model with the two-step mandatory ballot model – or certification vote – that makes it more difficult for workers to unionize; and

Whereas labour relations research has shown that the move from card check to mandatory ballots makes union certification campaigns up to 20 per cent less likely to succeed; and

Whereas Ford reversed positive changes made by the former Liberal government so that Ontario is back to mandatory ballots in every sector except construction as part of a clear attack on organized labour.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL lobby the Ford government to expand card check certification to all sectors, in order to make it easier for all workers to form unions and improve their working conditions.

Whereas a large majority of Ontario’s college academic faculty are in precarious part-time and sessional contracts, leaving them struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living instead of concentrating on delivering quality education; and

Whereas a significant number of contract academic faculty at Ontario’s colleges have signed OPSEU union cards in order to improve their wages, job security and working conditions; and

Whereas the College Employer Council is actively working to stall and block the unionization process for its part-time and sessional faculty; and

Whereas joining a union is a constitutional right in Canada, and gives workers the collective power to improve pay and working conditions.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand that the provincial government direct the College Employer Council to immediately recognize OPSEU as the official bargaining agent for all part-time and sessional college faculty.

Whereas quality public education is the “great equalizer” in society and depends on providing both students and educational workers an environment that is safe physically and mentally; and

Whereas educational workers have for years been raising the alarm about an increasing amount of violence in the classroom; and

Whereas the Ford government’s decision to reduce the number of educational staff and increase class sizes will only increase violence in the classroom; and

Whereas the Ford government’s terrible mismanagement of the autism services file further increases the pressure because it means more children in the classroom haven’t had the therapy and treatment they need.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand that the provincial government immediately abandon its plans to reduce the number of educational staff and increase class sizes; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand that the province’s school boards immediately respond to the safety concerns, suggestions, and demands being put forward by educational workers and their unions.

In the first resolve, replace “provincial” with “Ford”

Whereas quality public education is the “great equalizer” in society and depends on providing both students and educational workers an environment that is safe physically and mentally; and

Whereas educational workers have for years been raising the alarm about an increasing amount of violence in the classroom; and

Whereas the Ford government’s decision to reduce the number of educational staff and increase class sizes will only increase violence in the classroom; and

Whereas the Ford government’s terrible mismanagement of the autism services file further increases the pressure because it means more children in the classroom haven’t had the therapy and treatment they need.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand that the Ford government immediately abandon its plans to reduce the number of educational staff and increase class sizes; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand that the province’s school boards immediately respond to the safety concerns, suggestions, and demands being put forward by educational workers and their unions.

Whereas the demand for mental health and addictions services is growing, while the sector remains under- resourced and plagued by long waitlists and a shortage of OHIP-covered services; and

Whereas the Ford government is making it tougher for Ontarians by cutting $330 million per year in mental health care funding and cutting funding to services like Legal Aid, financial assistance, provincial housing support programs, psychotherapy services and public hospitals.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL heed the advice of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario and demand that the provincial government invest $2.4 billion in new funding over the next four years to hire more frontline workers and to fund services to meet population need, including new supportive housing units; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL call for a commission to review all mental health and additions programs in Ontario to properly assess the needs for all services in our communities and to provide recommendations on funding those services.

In the first whereas, strike “the” and in the first resolve, replace “provincial” with “Ford”

Whereas demand for mental health and addictions services is growing, while the sector remains under- resourced and plagued by long waitlists and a shortage of OHIP-covered services; and

Whereas the Ford government is making it tougher for Ontarians by cutting $330 million per year in mental health care funding and cutting funding to services like Legal Aid, financial assistance, provincial housing support programs, psychotherapy services and public hospitals.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL heed the advice of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario and demand that the Ford government invest $2.4 billion in new funding over the next four years to hire more frontline workers and to fund services to meet population need, including new supportive housing units; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL call for a commission to review all mental health and additions programs in Ontario to properly assess the needs for all services in our communities and to provide recommendations on funding those services.

Whereas the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right to free collective bargaining; and

Whereas Bill 124 has already inhibited bargaining – without having passed – by setting an end deal which contravenes the Charter and the Labour Relations Act, which sets out employers’ duty to bargain in good faith; and

Whereas public sector spending and wages did not cause Ontario’s so-called “financial crisis,” and cutting public sector wages will not solve it.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand the repeal of Bill 124; and

Be it further resolved that should OPSEU proceed with a charter challenge, the OFL will support this decision and work to rally support from other unions in the House of Labour; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the government find alternative ways to manage costs by cancelling the use of P3s and other costly privatization schemes; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the government implement fair taxation policy and crack down on tax cheats.

In the first resolve, after “demand” strike “the” and after “repeal of” add “the 2019”

Whereas the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right to free collective bargaining; and

Whereas Bill 124 has already inhibited bargaining – without having passed – by setting an end deal which contravenes the Charter and the Labour Relations Act, which sets out employers’ duty to bargain in good faith; and

Whereas public sector spending and wages did not cause Ontario’s so-called “financial crisis,” and cutting public sector wages will not solve it.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand repeal of the 2019 Bill 124; and

Be it further resolved that should OPSEU proceed with a charter challenge, the OFL will support this decision and work to rally support from other unions in the House of Labour; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the government find alternative ways to manage costs by cancelling the use of P3s and other costly privatization schemes; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the government implement fair taxation policy and crack down on tax cheats.

Strike the second last resolve

Whereas the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right to free collective bargaining; and

Whereas Bill 124 has already inhibited bargaining – without having passed – by setting an end deal which contravenes the Charter and the Labour Relations Act, which sets out employers’ duty to bargain in good faith; and

Whereas public sector spending and wages did not cause Ontario’s so-called “financial crisis,” and cutting public sector wages will not solve it.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand repeal of the 2019 Bill 124; and

Be it further resolved that should OPSEU proceed with a charter challenge, the OFL will support this decision and work to rally support from other unions in the House of Labour; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the government implement fair taxation policy and crack down on tax cheats.

Whereas the publicly owned and managed LCBO has a long and successful track record of profitable and responsible sales of alcohol in Ontario; and

Whereas the LCBO returned more than $2 billion to the provincial government last year; and

Whereas LCBO workers in 2017/18 challenged nearly 14 million transactions over concerns of intoxication, underage purchase, or second-party purchase; and

Whereas the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is calling for a moratorium on privatized alcohol sales because of the overwhelming evidence that privatized alcohol sales increase health problems that could cost Ontario hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL encourage all members to shop LCBO when purchasing alcohol, and avoid buying alcohol at “LCBO Convenience Outlets” or grocery stores; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the provincial government reverse its irresponsible scheme to expand privatization of alcohol sales in more “LCBO Convenience Outlets” and grocery stores.

Whereas underfunding and patch-work programming for autism services have been a long-standing and chronic problem in Ontario; and

Whereas failing to provide children with autism the therapy and support they need places extra and even unsustainable burdens on our public education, public health, and justice systems; and

Whereas the professional, needs-based services provided without charge for years by the publicly owned and managed Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) was a model that was applauded by families and health- care providers alike.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand that the provincial government acknowledge the success of the “CHEO model” and use its publicly owned and managed, needs-based, and universal approach as the basic framework for the delivery of all autism services across the province; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL petition the CLC to lobby the federal government to include autism diagnostics and treatment in policies related to the Canada Health Act.

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve members attending BPS conference to get single accommodation the same way they do when they attend their sector divisional meetings with funds to be drawn from their divisional budget.

Be it resolved that items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 be tabled and brought back to December Board meeting.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU develop a policy on hiring family members

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU develop a policy on hiring board members

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU develop a policy on the holding debates on elected positions at Regional Meetings

Whereas the Ford government is pushing a privatization agenda that threatens the long-term survival of the LCBO; and

Whereas the LBED Anti-Privatization Committee designs, develops and co-ordinates the anti-privatization activities of the Division;

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU Executive Board approve the funds as outlined in the attached proposal from the LBED Anti-Privatization Account, in order to enable the Committee to hold up to six meetings in 2020 in order to effectively carry out its mandate to co-ordinate the Division’s fightback to privatized alcohol sales.

Be it resolved that the Board recess today at 4:46p.m.

Whereas the Ford government is planning an overhaul of Ontario’s health care system, with plans to cut and restructure Ontario’s ambulance services and cut land ambulance funding starting in January; and

Whereas restructuring is a costly endeavour used to facilitate cuts and privatization; and

Whereas the provincial government’s plan does nothing to improve ambulance services, response times or resolve ongoing issues like long offload delays due to hospital overcrowding.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand the Ontario government focus on solutions that work, by investing properly in the EMS system in order to meet the annual six per cent growth in demand; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL oppose any move by the Ford government to amalgamate and/or privatize land ambulance services or parts thereof and/or Central Ambulance Communications Centres; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the Ontario government invest properly in our public hospitals’ staffed beds to allow paramedics to offload patients at Emergency Departments more quickly.

Whereas the Ford government is planning an overhaul of Ontario’s health care system, with plans to cut and restructure Ontario’s ambulance services and cut land ambulance funding starting in January; and

Whereas restructuring is a costly endeavour used to facilitate cuts and privatization; and

Whereas the provincial government’s plan does nothing to improve ambulance services, response times or resolve ongoing issues like long offload delays due to hospital overcrowding.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand the Ontario government focus on solutions that work, by investing properly in the EMS system in order to meet the annual six per cent growth in demand; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL oppose the amalgamation and/or privatization of Central Ambulance Communications Centres, land ambulance services or parts thereof and demand that air ambulance services be returned to the public sector; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the Ontario government invest properly in our public hospitals’ staffed beds to allow paramedics to offload patients at Emergency Departments more quickly.

In the first resolve, replace “Ontario” with “Ford”

Whereas the Ford government is planning an overhaul of Ontario’s health care system, with plans to cut and restructure Ontario’s ambulance services and cut land ambulance funding starting in January; and

Whereas restructuring is a costly endeavour used to facilitate cuts and privatization; and

Whereas the provincial government’s plan does nothing to improve ambulance services, response times or resolve ongoing issues like long offload delays due to hospital overcrowding.

Therefore be it resolved that the OFL demand the Ford government focus on solutions that work, by investing properly in the EMS system in order to meet the annual six per cent growth in demand; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL oppose the amalgamation and/or privatization of Central Ambulance Communications Centres, land ambulance services or parts thereof and demand that air ambulance services be returned to the public sector; and

Be it further resolved that the OFL demand the Ontario government invest properly in our public hospitals’ staffed beds to allow paramedics to offload patients at Emergency Departments more quickly.

Therefore be it resolved that those who identify as female on the Executive Board, be approved to attend one of the weeks of the UN Status of Women’s event, held in New York City between March 9-20, 2020.

Therefore be it further resolved that these expenses be approved and placed in the budget at the November Executive Board budget meeting.

Whereas the Audit Committee recognizes that there have been problems with timely Executive Board expense submissions; and

Whereas the Audit Committee recognizes the extremely busy schedules of all Executive Board Members and the commitments they have in their regions and at central events; and

Whereas Executive Board Members shall adhere to the Code of Conduct set forth in the OPSEU Policy Manual, the seven Ethical Principals set out in 9.1, B and have a fiduciary responsibility to OPSEU and our membership,

Therefore be it resolved that the Presidential Assignment (P.A.) Days shall be lettered to read a through k; and

Be it further resolved that the following shall be added under Section 9 – Executive Board Members (EBM) 9.1 – Executive Board Members (General) – Presidential Assignment (P.A.) Days: L. EBM’s may have one P.A. Day a month for the purpose of completing Executive Board expenses and other office/clerical requirements.

In the second resolve, third line, after “one P.A. Day a month” add “which will be clearly lined out in their section F,”

Whereas the Audit Committee recognizes that there have been problems with timely Executive Board expense submissions; and

Whereas the Audit Committee recognizes the extremely busy schedules of all Executive Board Members and the commitments they have in their regions and at central events; and

Whereas Executive Board Members shall adhere to the Code of Conduct set forth in the OPSEU Policy Manual, the seven Ethical Principals set out in 9.1, B and have a fiduciary responsibility to OPSEU and our membership,

Therefore be it resolved that the Presidential Assignment (P.A.) Days shall be lettered to read a through k; and

Be it further resolved that the following shall be added under Section 9 – Executive Board Members (EBM) 9.1 – Executive Board Members (General) – Presidential Assignment (P.A.) Days: L. EBM’s may have one P.A. Day a month which will be clearly lined out in their section F, for the purpose of completing Executive Board expenses and other office/clerical requirements.

Whereas the Executive Board Members shall adhere to the Code of Conduct set forth in the OPSEU Policy Manual, the seven Ethical Principals set out in 9.1, B and have a fiduciary responsibility to OPSEU and our membership; and

Whereas the Audit Committee feels that there should be a financial transparency in reporting of the remuneration of EBM expenses more than annually; and

Whereas the mechanism for reporting to locals currently exists within OPSEU in the sending out quarterly reports to local treasurers; and

Whereas members at convention were concerned about EBM expenses and questions were asked regarding the transparency of reporting; and

Whereas we want to foster positive conversations with our membership around expenses and the work being done by Executive Board Members,

Therefore be it resolved that an up to date Regional Executive Board Member report on renumeration/expenditures will be provided to the treasurers of each local within their region, in conjunction with their quarterly rebates.

After “provided to the treasurers” add “and presidents”

Add another Be it further resolved that the executive board members would have the opportunity to review, clarify and amend this report for accuracy through the First Vice-President/Treasurers office in advance

Move to divide the amendments

After “provided to the treasurers” add “and presidents”

Whereas the Executive Board Members shall adhere to the Code of Conduct set forth in the OPSEU Policy Manual, the seven Ethical Principals set out in 9.1, B and have a fiduciary responsibility to OPSEU and our membership; and

Whereas the Audit Committee feels that there should be a financial transparency in reporting of the remuneration of EBM expenses more than annually; and

Whereas the mechanism for reporting to locals currently exists within OPSEU in the sending out quarterly reports to local treasurers; and

Whereas members at convention were concerned about EBM expenses and questions were asked regarding the transparency of reporting; and

Whereas we want to foster positive conversations with our membership around expenses and the work being done by Executive Board Members,

Therefore be it resolved that an up to date Regional Executive Board Member report on renumeration/expenditures will be provided to the treasurers and presidents of each local within their region, in conjunction with their quarterly rebates.

Add “Be it further resolved that the executive board members would have the opportunity to review, clarify and amend this report for accuracy through the First Vice-President/Treasurers office in advance”

Whereas the Executive Board Members shall adhere to the Code of Conduct set forth in the OPSEU Policy Manual, the seven Ethical Principals set out in 9.1, B and have a fiduciary responsibility to OPSEU and our membership; and

Whereas the Audit Committee feels that there should be a financial transparency in reporting of the remuneration of EBM expenses more than annually; and

Whereas the mechanism for reporting to locals currently exists within OPSEU in the sending out quarterly reports to local treasurers; and

Whereas members at convention were concerned about EBM expenses and questions were asked regarding the transparency of reporting; and

Whereas we want to foster positive conversations with our membership around expenses and the work being done by Executive Board Members,

Therefore be it resolved that an up to date Regional Executive Board Member report on renumeration/expenditures will be provided to the treasurers and presidents of each local within their region, in conjunction with their quarterly rebates; and

Be it further resolved that the executive board members would have the opportunity to review, clarify and amend this report for accuracy through the First Vice-President/Treasurers office in advance.

On the first resolve add “this report may be sent electronically”

Whereas the Executive Board Members shall adhere to the Code of Conduct set forth in the OPSEU Policy Manual, the seven Ethical Principals set out in 9.1, B and have a fiduciary responsibility to OPSEU and our membership; and

Whereas the Audit Committee feels that there should be a financial transparency in reporting of the remuneration of EBM expenses more than annually; and

Whereas the mechanism for reporting to locals currently exists within OPSEU in the sending out quarterly reports to local treasurers; and

Whereas members at convention were concerned about EBM expenses and questions were asked regarding the transparency of reporting; and

Whereas we want to foster positive conversations with our membership around expenses and the work being done by Executive Board Members,

Therefore be it resolved that an up to date Regional Executive Board Member report on renumeration/expenditures will be provided to the treasurers and presidents of each local within their region, in conjunction with their quarterly rebates, this report may be sent electronically

Be it further resolved that the executive board members would have the opportunity to review, clarify and amend this report for accuracy through the First Vice-President/Treasurers office in advance.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU policy be changed to read “OPSEU’s rate of family care (child care/elder care/dependent care) to be paid no more than $15.00 per hour to a maximum of $220.00 within a 24 hour period, while doing union business.”

Strike “no more than”

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU policy be changed to read “OPSEU’s rate of family care (child care/elder care/dependent care) to be paid $15.00 per hour to a maximum of $220.00 within a 24 hour period, while doing union business.”

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU sectors/divisions/committees have the ability to schedule meetings outside of Toronto via a fully costed proposal. No reasonable requests shall be denied. Costs of the meetings to not exceed costs that they would incur in Toronto and to be covered from the respective budgets.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU shall provide sectors/divisions/committees a breakdown of their budgets on a quarterly basis.

After the word “committees” add “and caucuses”

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU shall provide sectors/divisions/committees and caucuses a breakdown of their budgets on a quarterly basis.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU shall cover the full cost of labour council dues and area council dues for newly organized locals to participate until the Local negotiates first CA and is receiving rebates.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU shall add a check off box for membership cards to give permission to the local for access to the members contact info.

Whereas OPSEU issued a signed letter to the Employer of Brother Kazi Anwar OPSEU L.546 Member; and

Whereas Brother Anwar is not and has not ever been campaign manager of the federal NDP campaign or nomination campaign of Brother Kingsley Kwok; and

Whereas circulation of information contained in the original signed letter has not only put Brother Anwar in jeopardy by triggering a Public Service Act investigation by his employer and also risked compromise of the campaign of Brother Kwok;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU issues a signed follow-up of the signed OPSEU letter to the Employer of Kazi Anwar OPSEU L.546 Member and any and all recipients of the original letter with a clear statement that the original letter was incorrect to identify Brother Anwar as campaign manager of Kingsley Kwok and also including an apology for the error and any confusion it may have caused, with a copy each to brothers Anwar and Kwok.

Be it resolved that this issue be tabled until the December Executive Board meeting

Therefore be it resolved that Jennifer Richards be put on suspension from the OMERS sponsors board pending a formal investigation into her actions and decisions at the OMERS sponsors Corporation Board as OPSEU’s appointed Sponsor Representative.

Be it further resolved that OPSEU appoint an OPSEU staff member to attend in the interim to be OPSEU’s temporary representative at the OMERS Sponsors Board.

In the second resolve, after “staff member” add “from the Pension and Benefits Unit”

Therefore be it resolved that Jennifer Richards be put on suspension from the OMERS sponsors’ board pending a formal investigation into her actions and decisions at the OMERS sponsors Corporation Board as OPSEU’s appointed Sponsor Representative.

Be it further resolved that OPSEU appoint an OPSEU staff member to attend in the interim to be OPSEU’s temporary representative at the OMERS Sponsors Board.