Celebrating the Success of the OPS Unified Divisional Conference

Celebrating the Success of the OPS Unified Divisional Conference

  • November 22, 2024 - 1:59 pm
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The OPS Unified Divisional Conference this past weekend was a remarkable experience for all involved.

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible delegates, alternates, and attendees who turned this gathering into a celebration of possibility, courage, and unity. Your energy and determination illuminated the space, proving the strength we possess when we are Unified for a common cause” said newly re-elected CERC Chair Amanda Usher.

At the conference, elections were held for the MERCs and CERC.

Usher emphasized the power of collective voices, adding “this conference was a testament to what we can achieve together. Whether you were a candidate, supporter, or participant, your presence was vital. You all demonstrated the courage to engage and take proactive steps toward meaningful change.”

As the conference coincided with Taylor Swift’s visit to Toronto as part of her Eras Tour, OPS Unified members had the opportunity to make solidarity friendship bracelets and celebrated the theme of their “Unified Era”.

“This is our moment – our Era – an opportunity to connect, inspire, and forge a clear path forward for our OPS Unified Division. Together, we are embracing a #UnifiedEra, where our collective strength is undeniable,” said Usher.

OPS Unified is more than 30,000 members strong, with members working in every corner of the province. Together, OPS Unified members will continue to tackle the challenges of our times: from opposing privatization and layoffs to advocating for a better contract, equity, and stronger public services for all Ontarians.

Throughout the conference, members listened to presentations on member organizing, leader identification and workplace mapping and participated in practical exercises to start this important work.

With the MERC teams, a Unified CERC, a strong bargaining team, mobilizers and an engaged membership we will organize, mobilize, and hold our employer accountable and demand the changes we need to win.

Usher also extended her appreciation to the outgoing MERC Chairs and the dedicated MERC & CERC team members: “your relentless commitment and advocacy have laid a strong foundation for our future endeavours, and we are grateful for all of your hard work.”

OPS Unified election results:

Central Employee Relations Committee (CERC)

  • Chair: Amanda Usher
  • Vice Chair: Chris Eckert
  • Member: Leslie Aiston

Ministry Employee Relations Committees (MERCs)

Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

  • Chair: Marcus Rangai
  • Vice Chair: Fadi Al-Daoud
  • Member: Binod Baral
  • Member: Sanjay Sharma
  • Member: Pervin Pereira

Attorney General

  • Chair: Loretta Clark
  • Vice Chair: Deborah Tozzo
  • Member: Ashlee Elliott
  • Member: Margaret Hotchkiss

Children, Community and Social Services (Unified)

  • Chair: Susan Fournier-Roy
  • Vice Chair: Brandon Yohnicki
  • Member (FRO): Brenda Henry
  • Member (CPRI): Steve Kelly
  • Member (ODSP): Robert Hampsey
  • Member (ODSP): Christopher Cassel
  • Member (H&S): Michael Greene

Colleges and Universities

  • Chair: Chantal Cooper

Education

  • Chair: Daryl O’Grady
  • Vice Chair: Drew Finucane
  • Member: J. Robert Scarfo
  • Member: Rhonda Gauthier

Environment, Conservation and Parks

  • Chair: Shawn Burr
  • Vice Chair: Alexander Miller
  • Member: Christopher McConnell
  • Member: Larissa Hutton

Finance

  • Chair: Shanika Duncan
  • Vice Chair: Juliette Losson
  • Member: Patrick Davidson

Health

  • Chair: Amanda Usher
  • Vice Chair: Holly Sullivan
  • Member: Grace Grieve
  • Member: Gord Garrity

Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

  • Chair: Leslie Aiston
  • Vice Chair: Shaun Carter
  • Member: Karen Kristel Jacobe
  • Member: Melinda Mullally

Long-Term Care

  • Chair: Janet Groux
  • Vice Chair: Sylvie Byrnes
  • Member: Kehinde Sangill

Mines

  • Chair: Gregory Paju
  • Vice Chair: Colleen Kurcinka
  • Member: Mateo Dorado-Troughton

Municipal Affairs and Housing

  • Chair: Leanne Esarik

Natural Resources and Forestry

  • Chair: Jeremy Rouse
  • Vice Chair: Jessica O’Donnell
  • Member: Jeremy Verdiel
  • Member: Michelle Riley

Northern Development

  • Chair: Marla Michel
  • Vice Chair: Siobhan O’Leary
  • Member: Ryan Lipcsei
  • Member: Mary Lynn Riberdy

Ontario Clean Water Agency

  • Chair: Chris Eckert
  • Vice Chair: John Bristow
  • Member: Darren Aljoe

Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement

  • Chair: Jamie B. Tynan-Byrd-Owen
  • Vice Chair: Stacy Grieve
  • Member: Gillian Piccinato
  • Member: John Lem

Solicitor General – Community Safety (Unified)

  • Chair: Brandon Kemp
  • Vice Chair: Andrew Haggith
  • Member: Tim Rochette

Tourism, Culture and Sport

  • Chair: Darren Winger
  • Vice Chair: Dylan Roberts
  • Member: Lana Shirley
  • Member: Brent Santin

Transportation

  • Chair: Jody Pringle
  • Vice Chair: Handell Baptiste
  • Member: Aaron Hurst
  • Member: Stella Martin