The phase one survey was distributed to OPS Unified members to provide the Bargaining Team insights into what OPS Unified members’ key concerns are. The data is currently being reviewed by a group of the ACG chairs and a member of the Bargaining Team.
Here’s a brief summary of the participation rate and key statistics:
We were pleased to receive 5,296 responses, representing 15% of the estimated 35,000 OPS Unified members and 30% of the roughly 17,000 members for whom we have a personal email address. This was a great start and we are looking forward to having maximum participation in the official Demand Set. Stay Tuned!
- There was representation across all 7 regions ranging from 11-18% in each region
- There were responses from members working at 27 ministries.
- The majority of respondents have 6 to 10 years of seniority.
- The majority of respondents were between the ages of 36 and 45.
- Most respondents have dependents, are homeowners, travel to work using personal vehicles, and commute less than 30 minutes.
- We received responses from all equity seeking groups; the highest number of responses were received from members who identified
A special edition of Table Talk with a summary of the phase 1 demand set survey will be coming out shortly.
Update your member information on the OPSEU/SEFPO Member Portal
Join your regional Area Coordinating Group (ACG).
Complete the EES Form and send it to [email protected]
Keep up to date on bargaining at:
Previous Table Talk Issues
Unified for a Strong Public Service – and ready to vote for it.
Ontarians are headed to the polls on February 27th and we urge everyone to make their voices heard. There is no denying that the outcome will impact every single OPS Unified member: this is our chance to vote for a strong public service.
Every vote matters. This is your opportunity to make a positive change. Encourage your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to get out to vote. Together, we can make a difference.
Workers are stronger together. Right now, we have a chance to elect a government who will actually work for Ontarians; one that will make Ontario a decent place to live and work for everyone, not just a select few.
Let’s stand united and elect a government that works for all of us.
Questions about political activity during an election? Click here for OPSEU/SEFPO’s “ do’s and don’ts “ prepared for OPS members.
Unified for a Strong Public Service: on February 27, 2025, make your provincial election vote count!
OPS Unified Bargaining History: 29th Anniversary of the 1996 OPSEU Strike
February 26th marks the 29th anniversary of the historic 1996 OPSEU strike. It was a key moment in our shared history when over 55,000 Ontario public service workers stood together against the Harris government’s job cuts and attacks on public services.
This strike wasn’t just about wages, an attack on our pensions, and job security – it was also about defending public services and showing that collective action can stop reckless policies.
Despite freezing temperatures, member solidarity kept the picket lines strong for five weeks, ultimately forcing the government to make key concessions. This strike proved that when members are unified, we can fight back against harsh attacks – and win.
Why does this matter today? The issues OPS unified members face in 2025 – like attacks on pensions, job security, and wages – aren’t new. The lessons of 1996 remind us that our power comes from being unified and acting collectively. If you want to learn more about OPSEU/SEFPO’s history, check out the book “No Justice, No Peace” by David Rapaport.
WHO: The bargaining team would like to invite Unified members to Table Talk Thursdays.
WHAT IS TABLE TALK THURSDAYS? Table Talk Thursdays are Zoom sessions where YOUR bargaining team shares updates and insights with union members about ongoing negotiations and activities. Join us to stay informed and engaged with the latest news and developments.
WHERE: It happens over ZOOM.
WHEN: This happens every third Thursday of the month from 7 pm to 8 pm EST (6 pm CST).
The next session will be Thursday February 20. 2025. We’ll be talking about the upcoming provincial election and its impact on OPS members – you don’t want to miss it!
WHY: To keep the lines of communication open!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens to Bargaining during an election?
Answer: We are currently in Essential and Emergency Services (EES) bargaining. From OPSEU/SEFPO’s perspective EES negotiations should continue, as this is a legislated process and should be unimpacted by the dissolution of the government.
Your Bargaining Team remains committed to negotiating these agreements with the employer.
2. How does the Essential and Emergency Services Agreement (EESA) process affect our ability to strike?
Answer:
No strike or lockout can happen until these agreements are signed-off by both parties or a decision is rendered from the Ontario Labour Relations Board. That’s one reason that your Bargaining Team has made the historic decision to do EES bargaining first – before getting into issues bargaining.
This also gives us more time to talk to one another about the issues that are most important to OPS Unified members and to get unified for a better contract!
3. What is the most effective way for members to stay involved in the bargaining process?
Answer: Unifying our collective power is vital. Members can participate by attending our monthly Zoom Table Talk meetings, getting active in their ACGs (including joining the Signal chats), attending local meetings, and connecting with mobilizers.
Talk within your local about activities you and your colleagues can participate in to show your Unified Solidarity.
The stronger our participation, the greater our leverage at the bargaining table. Organizing isn’t just for mobilizers and Unifiers, it’s for everyone.
Have more questions for the Bargaining Team? Send them to [email protected] as we’ll be answering frequently asked questions here and at future Table Talk meetings!
Quiz – Did You Know?
Did you know you are allowed to have a Union Board at your worksite?
Union boards are great tools for visibility and communication.
Talk to your local executive about how to make this happen if you don’t already have one.
Print resources from home or your Regional OPSEU/SEFPO office (not work devices) and collaborate with colleagues to keep the board updated.
Reach out to mobilizers if you need ideas or templates.
Download one of these posters!
Every member’s voice matters in our fight for a fair and just contract. Stay connected, and let’s organize together for a better contract. Have more questions? Contact the bargaining team at [email protected] or reach out to your regional mobilizer.
In Solidarity,
On behalf of the OPS Unified Bargaining team
Amanda Usher — Chair
Leslie Aiston — Vice Chair