Voting on the Sector 16 – Property Assessment tentative agreement is open January 12 at 8:00 a.m. and will close on January 13 at 5:00 p.m.
Because of the pandemic, there will be no in-person ballot boxes. All voting will take place virtually on the Simply Voting secure electronic voting platform.
Simply Voting is a Canadian company – it will email you a link with your unique electoral ID and PIN.
Please note: Please check your junk or spam folder for an email from vote@simplyvoting.com. If you’re sure you have not yet received an email from vote@simplyvoting.com, send an email to sector16ratification@opseu.org.
FAQ on Sector 16 ratification vote
When does the vote take place?
Voting opens on Thursday, January 12 at 8:00 a.m. EST and remains open until 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, January 13.
What am I voting on?
You’re voting on the tentative settlement that the two parties (MPAC and OPSEU/SEFPO) reached in negotiations.
How will the vote be conducted?
The vote will be conducted by online secret ballot. The vote is being administered completely by the Canadian company Simply Voting.
What is Simply Voting?
Simply Voting is a Canadian company that offers secure online and telephone voting.
Can I vote by email or phone?
You can vote virtually using a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone via a web link that will be sent to you by Simply Voting. Phone voting will also be available for those who require it.
Please note: you’ll only be able to vote once. If you vote on your computer, you won’t also be able to vote via phone and vice versa.
How will I receive my ballot?
A link to your ballot will be emailed to your personal email address by Simply Voting. It will come from the address vote@simplyvoting.com. This email will also contain your unique Elector ID number and your password.
When will I get my ballot?
You will be emailed confirmation that you’re registered to vote by January 11. Simply Voting will email you your unique Elector ID number and PIN when the vote opens at 8 a.m. on June 12. It will come from the address vote@simplyvoting.com.
If you don’t receive either of these emails, please email sector16ratification@opseu.org.
How do I vote once I’ve received my ballot?
Once you receive your unique Elector ID and password in an email, the email will also contain a link that will allow you to quickly cast your ballot. You can also visit https://opseu-sefpo.simplyvoting.com and enter your unique Elector ID number and password – you’ll then be taken to the ballot. Please note you will not be able to vote until January 12 at 8:00 a.m. until January 13 at 5:00 p.m.
How will I know my vote was received?
You’ll cast your ballot on Simply Voting’s website: https://opseu-sefpo.simplyvoting.com. Once you’ve voted, Simply Voting will ask you to confirm the vote you’re about to make. Once you’ve confirmed and submitted your vote, Simply Voting will inform you that your ballot has been received. Please note you will not be able to vote until January 12 at 8:00 a.m. until January 13 at 5:00 p.m.
Will any of my co-workers or managers know how I voted?
No. The vote is completely confidential.
Will OPSEU/SEFPO know how I voted or if I voted?
No. The vote is completely confidential.
Will I get any reminders to vote?
Yes. Simply voting will email up to two reminders to people who haven’t voted.
What will be the wording on the ballot?
Do you accept the tentative settlement, as presented in the MOS?
YES I ACCEPT the tentative settlement.
NO I REJECT the tentative settlement and AUTHORIZE the bargaining team to call a strike, if necessary.
Who can vote?
All MPAC employees in the bargaining unit represented by OPSEU/SEFPO are eligible to vote. That includes all OPSEU/SEFPO members, including permanent and temporary employees. It includes those who have not signed union cards. Members on Long Term Income Protection (LTIP), Worker’s Compensation, maternity and other leaves are also entitled to vote.
Why can we not vote in person?
Online and telephone voting is the safest possible way to vote during the pandemic.
What if I don’t want to provide my email and phone number?
If OPSEU/SEFPO does not have an accurate email or mailing address, you will not receive the unique Elector ID number and PIN you’ll need to vote.
Is the electronic voting secure? How do we know the results are accurate?
Voting is being handled entirely by Simply Voting, a Canadian company with a solid reputation for accuracy, reliability, accessibility, and security.
What happens if the majority of members who vote accept the agreement?
If the MOS is ratified it will become the new terms of the collective agreement, effective to December 31, 2026. If the MOS is not ratified, the bargaining team would then try to get back to the bargaining table and continue negotiating. Your NO vote will also give us the mandate to call a strike if necessary.
I am away on the vote dates. Can I vote in advance?
No. Under OPSEU/SEFPO policy, there are no advance polls and no proxy voting allowed.
I have a disability that will prevent me from voting online. How will I vote?
Every effort will be made to make online voting accessible to persons with disabilities. Those members who cannot be accommodated are to inform their Local President or Unit Steward.
How are votes tabulated?
Votes are counted province-wide. A majority of more than 50 per cent is needed to either accept or reject the tentative agreement.
When will vote results be released?
The count will be conducted immediately following the close of voting at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13. Vote results will be made public as soon as possible following the count.