OPSEU has filed for conciliation in contract talks with its unionized frontline staff.
The union took the step July 20 to restart negotiations after members of the 350-member Ontario Public Service Staff Union turned down a tentative agreement signed June 30.
"Obviously we're disappointed that the tentative agreement was turned down, but we remain committed to reaching a negotiated collective agreement that's acceptable to OPSEU members and staff alike," OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said today. "Our union has a lot of work to do in the months and years ahead, and our staff are vital to that work."
No date has been set for the resumption of negotiations.
OPSEU staff negotiate and enforce collective agreements; provide expert advice and support to members on benefits, pensions, equity, health and safety, and campaigns; organize new members; and support the union's operations through payroll, accounting, information technology, data management, human resources, conference and travel, education, research, communications, printing, and building services. OPSEU staff work at 20 regional offices around Ontario and at two head office sites.