Established decades ago, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) represents over 180,000 public sector employees in Ontario, improving their working conditions, wages, benefits, and job security.
Should I Join?
When you join a strong union like OPSEU/SEFPO, you’re joining 180,000 other front-line workers always pushing to make things better for the people we support and care for.
Better job security
If you’re scared of losing your job, join OPSEU/SEFPO. We’ve stopped thousands of COVID-related layoffs at many of our workplaces.
Better wages
Join OPSEU/SEFPO to dramatically increase your chances of getting the wages you deserve.
Better benefits
If you want a pension, health coverage, paid vacation, paid sick leave, overtime pay and other benefits, join OPSEU/SEFPO
Better voice
In the community, in the media, and at Queen’s Park, OPSEU/SEFPO is one of the strongest voices pushing for stronger investment in health care, mental health, education, and social services. Just a few of our many wins:
Prevented layoffs in dozens of different workplaces during the pandemic
$1 billion extra for Development Services to cut waitlists
Potential pension coverage for millions of non-profit workers
Millions in pay equity payouts to workers just like you
Added benefits
Very low dues – just pennies an hour
At just 1.375 per cent, OPSEU/SEFPO has some of the lowest union dues in the country.
Respect
There’s strength in numbers, and joining OPSEU/SEFPO means that when you and your co-workers speak, your managers have to listen.
Workplace and legal experts
OPSEU/SEFPO’s 300+ staff includes experts in bargaining, grievance handling, pensions, benefits, health and safety, pay equity, human rights, communications, campaigns, education, research and organizing.
Transparency & accountability
Joining OPSEU/SEFPO and bargaining a collective agreement means putting everything important down in writing. That keeps management transparent and accountable for its decisions.
Discounts
OPSEU/SEFPO members receive a range of discounts on things like insurance, wireless service, travel, and tickets to the Royal Ontario Museum and the Ontario Science Centre.
“I started getting involved in OPSEU/SEFPO when I was working as a mental health nurse. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made – I hope you’ll make the same good decision, too.”
Warren (Smokey) Thomas President, OPSEU/SEFPO
“I was working as a Correctional Officer when I became a member. You won’t find a union that’s got a bigger voice – and a bigger heart – than OPSEU/SEFPO.”
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida First Vice-President/Treasurer, OPSEU/SEFPO
This week the staff at the Residence Life & Education Department at the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) voted overwhelmingly to join the Ontario Public Service
Staff in the Security Services Department at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) are the newest members of OPSEU/SEFPO following a unanimous vote to
Pharmacists working at Erie Shores Healthcare in Leamington are the newest OPSEU/SEFPO members after every single one voted in favour of joining the 180,000-strong union.