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Chair: Kella Loschiavo
Vice-Chair: Rob Boulet
Communications Rep: Tony Fabiano
Treasurer: Jennifer Harrington
Secretary: Trish Tavares
Community Organizer: Lindsey Voisin
Sector 9 Universities: Bargaining Conference
Your Divisional Executive has received approval to host a bargaining conference for the sector.
The conference is set for November 18-20, 2022. Please see the attached link for more info: Sector 9 – Universities Bargaining Conference – OPSEU SEFPO
This conference is open to all units even if you are not in a bargaining year. The purpose of the Bargaining Conference is to examine, in-depth, several broadly-based issues relevant to the forthcoming round of negotiations, develop themes for consideration at the local demand setting meetings, and provide education for bargaining through an equity lens and about Bill 124. The afternoon of Day Two is set aside for breakout rooms and sector-specific bargaining discussions.
Background on Bill 124
The Ford government’s disastrous Bill 124, which limits the compensation of most public sector workers in Ontario, became law on November 7, 2019. The Bill, aka, Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019, negatively affects all the staff employed by the universities.
It limits total compensation to one per cent annual growth for a period of three years. This three-year period is known as the ‘moderation period’.
OPSEU/SEFPO has filed a Charter challenge against this Bill, and those hearings have begun. While it is being addressed in the courts, it still remains the law of land, and it limits what we can get for the three year period in the collective bargaining process.
More information on Bill 124: https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-124
Executive to hold monthly Divisional meetings
The Divisional Executive will soon be initiating monthly meetings with highest ranking members to discuss recent initiatives, current trends, and building solidarity across the Universities sector.
Stay tuned for email notifications on upcoming dates.
The Spirit of Convention
by Tony Fabiano on June 27, 2022
It was shortly after 9 am on April 6 when I arrived at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the 2022 Convention. I remember walking up to the large glass doors at the convention centre with my morning coffee and my flight case in tow. Within a matter of five minutes, I had stopped and chatted with some familiar faces, got an essential refill on the coffee, and made it to the convention check-in. I distinctly recall all the friendly smiles and the energetic atmosphere as the escalator took us to the main level.
When I entered the convention floor, I felt that energy narrow and I observed a sea of union delegates and alternates focused and anxious to embark upon a collective goal in the service of their local members from all over the province. There was a spirit of engagement and positivity that was refreshing and assumingly welcoming, especially since we had all endured through the countless lockdowns and setbacks of the previous two years.
The human connection and willful collaboration that I witnessed at this year’s convention was truly inspiring and has given me a renewed sense of optimism and confidence in the face of our upcoming challenges. As we go forward, I am reminded of that spirit and my hope is that we are all able to maximize our efforts to protect and help our members as we chart a new path towards genuine solidarity.
As the 2022 convention ended, I was left with a lasting impression that there is tremendous value in fueling the engines of social mobility and that each of us can contribute to the whole in our own meaningful way, while we build and maintain strong relationships. Our success will be measured by our willingness to welcome new ideas and approach our challenges with an open mind, a kind heart, and a keen eye towards collective action.
Did you know?
Sector 9 represents 6,066 members working in universities in 37 bargaining units throughout Ontario. We are professional and support staff, faculty, librarians, technical workers, special constables, and food and support services staff at post-secondary campuses.
You can join the Facebook group for Sector 9 at the link below: