As the 2021/2022 school year wraps up, the Sector 3 executive would like to extend our gratitude to all of you for your continuous support to the students and staff at your locations. On February 2, 2022, a special meeting was convened to elect 2 additional Members-at-Large to the Divisional Executive. The executive would like to welcome Kelly Martin, Local 330 and Melody Hurtubise, Local 2100.
Central Agreement Highlights
The central agreement for Education Workers expires on August 31, 2022. At the School Board Bargaining Conference (SBBC) on February 22, 2022, Sandra Cadeau and Kelly Martin were elected as the Central Ontario Council of Educational Workers (OCEW) Committee Representatives, with Melody Hurtubise as the alternate.
The next step will be for all Committee Representatives of OCEW to present their respective proposals. OPSEU/SEFPO’s proposal is based on the results from the demand set survey.
Sector 3 Divisional Executive
- Chair: Sandra Cadeau
- Vice Chair: Bonnie Eddy
- Treasurer: Donna Caissie
- Secretary: Susan Richarz
- Member at Large: Lise Orsini
- Member at Large: Melody Hurtubise
- Member at Large: Kelly Martin
Campaigns
The Sector continues to enhance awareness surrounding the various roles our members play in education.
Update
- BEE on the lookout for the newly created videos highlighting “A Day in the Life of Education Workers”.
- BEE connected to the Sector 3 Boards of Ed Facebook page. On June 27 we will celebrate everyone who has liked and followed the page by entering their names into a draw for a chance to win one of ten $50 Gas Gift Cards. Continue to like and follow the page as there will BEE other opportunities to win.
Reminder: please continue to wear your Red4Ed swag – or anything red – on Tuesdays, in solidarity with Education Workers.
We also encourage you to take photos (individual or group) and share them on your social media accounts with the following hashtags:
#OPSEU/SEFPOBeeAppreciated
#OPSEU/SEFPOBeeHeard
#OPSEU/SEFPOEducationStrong
Be sure to tag us!
Facebook: @OPSEUSector3 @OPSEU @SEFPO
Twitter: @OPSEU @SEFPO
Intagram @opseusefpo
OPSEU Boards of Education and Cultural Institutions Sector 3 https://www.facebook.com/OPSEUSector3
Dues
Highest ranking officers, please keep an eye out for the sector dues invoice. Your dues help to cover the costs of promoting the sector and the important work we do in our teaching and learning environments. The invoice/reminder will be sent to you from Sector 3 Treasurer Donna Caissie.
Please continue to monitor your emails for updates or visit the website https://opseu.org/sector/boards-of-education-and-cultural-institutions/ and/or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OPSEUSector3 for sector updates and news.
BEE Informed
The following amendments to the Employment Standards Act, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applies to school board staff who have employer-provided devices, which may include computers, phones, and fobs, etc.
Written Policy on Electronic Monitoring
Bill 88 amends the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) to require employers with 25 or more employees on January 1 of each year to have a written policy in place regarding electronic monitoring of employees by March 1 of the same year.
A transitional provision gives employers with 25 or more employees on January 1, 2022 until October 11, 2022 (six months after Bill 88 received Royal Assent) to comply with this new requirement.
The policy must include certain information, including:
- Whether the employer electronically monitors employees and, if so, a description of how and in what circumstances the employer may monitor employees
- The purposes for which information obtained through electronic monitoring may be used by the employer
- The date the policy was prepared and the date any changes were made to the policy
- Such other information as may be prescribed.
On July 1, 2022, the following amendments to the OHSA will come into force:
- The fines for a contravention of the OHSA by a person are increased to a maximum of $500,000 (from $100,000).
- A new penalty is created for directors or officers of a corporation who do not take reasonable care to ensure that the corporation complies with the OHSA and related orders. On conviction, directors and officers are liable to a fine of not more than $1,500,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 12 months, or both.
- For the purpose of determining the appropriate penalty under the OHSA, the Bill provides for aggravating factors that must now be taken into account. For example, it will be considered an aggravating factor if, in committing the offence, the defendant was motivated by a desire to increase revenue or decrease costs, or if the offence resulted in the death, serious injury or illness of one or more workers.
- The limitation period for instituting prosecutions under the OHSA is increased to two years (from one) from the later of the date of the occurrence and the day the inspector becomes aware of the alleged offence.
The OHSA is also amended to require employers who become aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, that there may be a risk of a worker having an opioid overdose in the workplace to provide a naloxone kit in the workplace. The naloxone kit must be in the charge of a worker who has been trained on recognizing an opioid overdose and how to administer naloxone. This provision comes into force upon proclamation.
The amendments signal a desire to hold individuals more accountable for their actions with respect to health and safety in the workplace, with the potential for greater penalties when violations of the OHSA are found. Further, the increase to the limitation period means a longer period of uncertainty for workplace parties regarding whether charges will be laid, and an even greater period of time before a possible trial or resolution.
The Sector hopes you enjoy the Summer Season. Remember to take time out for yourselves and your family.