Updated January 13, 2026
Area Coordinating Groups (ACGS)
What is an ACG and what is their role?
The Area Coordinating Group (ACG) are a key part of the bargaining process, acting as a direct line of communication between OPS Unified members and the bargaining team. Please follow the link in the link tree to join your ACG.
Bargaining
What are the Bargaining Procedures and legislation that govern our bargaining process?
OPSEU/SEFPO Policy and Procedure Manual (which can be found on the member portal: https://members.opseu.org)
The OPS Unified Collective Agreement
Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act (CECBA)
Why does the Employer have a lower Kilometric Rate for expenses than other provincial unions?
Kilometric rates (like meal allowances) are directed by employer policy. The policy states to use a government vehicle or rental vehicle.
NEW – Will there be any changes to the current work at home agreements in place?
NEW All work arrangements are negotiated at the local level between the employer and the employee using the 2023 Treasury Board Secretariate decision as a framework. At the time of this publication, the employer announced a Return To Office (RTO) mandate with no consultation with OPSEU/SEFPO. For more information about the current strategy please visit the Hybrid Work section here: https://opseu.org/cerc-updates-return-to-office-and-alternative-work-arrangements/
The Collective Agreement expired on December 31, 2024. Are we protected and supported during the negotiation process?
Yes, the Collective Agreement is still in full effect as we go through negotiations.
Will there be changes to the paramedical coverage; massage, chiropractic, etc.?
UPDATE : The Demand Set Survey will form the basis of the bargaining priorities for the Bargaining Team. Any changes to coverage will then negotiated with the employer.
What would the time line for future wage increases as a percentage be?
UPDATE : The Bargaining Team carries forward the issues identified by members from the Demand Set Survey. If wages are identified as a top priority by the membership, your bargaining team will work hard to achieve the best increase possible at the bargaining table. It is the strength of the membership that will determine the outcome-we all want a fair wage!
Can we bargain for a lump sum payment like Federal Government workers did recently?
UPDATE Yes, all wage factors will be considered at the bargaining table.
How will the ratification vote be held?
UPDATE That has not been determined at this time; we will be guided by the Bargaining Procedures. It is very important for members to ensure there correct contact information is in the member portal so that they can be contacted when the time comes.
You can help! Visit the OPSEU/SEFPO member portal and confirm your contact information at https://members.opseu.org
How can we get members involved in actions to support bargaining if management is targeting union stewards and identified leaders within my unit?
We know that members, especially those in precarious positions, are concerned about getting involved due to management backlash. As an OPSEU/SEFPO OPS Unified member you are protected in your union involvement. Leave to attend union activities and for union business is agreed upon pursuant to the Collective Agreement. See ARTICLE 23 – LEAVE – UNION ACTIVITIES (FXT, SE, FPT, RPT). There are also several options to address bullying and harassment. Speak to your Steward, Local President or Staff Rep if you are feeling bullied, harassed or punished for union activity.
You may also contact your LERC if you have one at your work site. If the issue is not resolved, contact your MERC team at OPS – Unified Ministry Employee Relations Committees (MERC) Team Listing – OPSEU SEFPO.
Demand set
What is Demand Set and why is it so important?
A “demand set” is the list of specific bargaining demands and/or priorities that members submit to their bargaining team for collective bargaining negotiations.
When is the Demand Set Survey being rolled out?
UPDATED The demand set survey launched July 10, 2025 and closed September 26, 2025. The information is now being tabulated by Stratcom. Release date yet to be determined.
UPDATED How was the Demand Set Survey distributed?
UPDATED The demand set survey was available online with accessibility options. It was sent electronically to every member with a valid email on the member portal. Mobilizers promoted it within regions and provided support where required. A link was posted on the OPS Unified landing page, it appeared in monthly newsletters, union boards and on the link tree. It was promoted by Locals, on social media, regional ACG chats and at monthly Table Talk meetings.
Are there any new early retirement options being discussed or proposed at the table?
The proposals the Bargaining Team brings to the table are prioritized by OPS Unified members through the Demand Set survey.
NEW Can I change my Demand Set answers?
The Demand Set Survey closed on September 26, 2025, so members cannot change their answers.
Essential And Emergency Services Agreements (EESA)
Why are you still working on EESA?
The Essential and Emergency Services agreements are required to be completed before a strike, or a lock out occurs pursuant to the legislation Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act (CECBA).
Why is it taking so long?
All previous EESA’s are null and void. The EESA agreements have not been fully completed in over 20 years. This is a lengthy process because there have been significant changes to our jobs, including technology and Ministry changes. This requires that every duty of an essential job to be assessed.
Did you give Notice to Bargain Essential Services?
Yes. On June 18, 2024, we served Notice to the employer as required under CECBA.
How does the Essential and Emergency Services Agreement (EESA) process affect our ability to strike?
No strike or lockout can happen until these agreements are signed off by both parties.
Who decides what duties and which members will be essential?
Your Bargaining Team and the employer negotiate essential services in accordance with CECBA. If there is an impasse, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) will make a final and binding decision.
Will all the services deemed essential during COVID-19 be deemed essential during a strike?
No. Work performed during a pandemic is different than essential services which are negotiated as per Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act in the event of a labour disruption.
UPDATE Can you offer a current update on EESA Bargaining?
UPDATE Yes. The team continues to process and analyze disclosure documents received from the employer. We have ongoing meetings with employer to negotiate essential and emergency agreements. We continue to work with research teams, Local Presidents, MERC Chairs and members to collect and verify information and will continue to provide updates on the process as we make progress.
Are you working on EESA’s one Ministry at a time?
UPDATE No, the Bargaining Team is divided into three EESA groups that each deal with multiple ministries.
UPDATE Are any EESA’s completed or agreed upon yet?
UPDATE We are continuing work on essential and/or emergency services in accordance with legislation. In the event of a work stoppage these agreements will be shared with the locals.
Are EESA forms still being accepted?
Yes. All information is still being collected. Please submit completed EESA forms to [email protected]
UPDATE Fixed Term Employees (FXT) / Seasonal Members
Is there a strategy to identify and improve language that supports better working conditions, employment status and benefits for these positions?
UPDATE The bargaining team recognizes the precariousness of precarious members.
If you have questions specific to FXT /Seasonal concerns email your Bargaining Team at: [email protected]
NEW Hybrid Work
NEW What is being done to support hybrid work considering recent announcements by the government ordering members back to the office?
Your CERC has responded with a strategy, which includes a petition and an opportunity to share your story to Keep Hybrid Work in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) OPSEU/SEFPO at: https://opseu.org/cerc-updates-return-to-office-and-alternative-work-arrangements/
NEW What percentage of members currently work remotely?
The employer indicates 50% of OPSEU/SEFPO work force are hybrid, although specific numbers for OPS Unified are unconfirmed at this time.
NEW Where can I get a copy of the Alternate Work Agreement forms?
There are different types of agreements members can request using an “Alternate Work Agreement” form, including: Compressed Work Week (CWW), Telework, Flex Work and Variable Hours.
Forms and a template sample template are available at:
https://opseu.org/sectors/ops/ops-unified#ops-forms
https://opseu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/OPSEU-Telework-Template.pdf?utm_source=post
Member Engagement And Education
What is the most effective way for members to stay involved?
UPDATE Members can participate by attending our monthly Zoom Table Talk meetings on the third Thursday of every month, reading the OPS Unified Newsletter, getting active in their Area Coordinating Groups (ACGs), join the regional Signal chats, attending Lunch’N Learns, wearing items to display union solidarity, attending Local meetings and connecting with mobilizers. At work – place an OPSEU/SEFPO desktop flag and Collective Agreement on your desk, workstation, near the water cooler, in the break room, on your Union Board or any place visible.
Talk within your Local about activities you can participate in to show your Unified Solidarity.
When we work together to organize, to use our collective voices, we gain the power to demand better at the bargaining table.
Learn more about how you can get involved and keep up to date with news from OPS Unified through our LinkTree, linked below!
OPS Unified LinkTree [https://linktr.ee/ops.unified.]
How can I get more information?
Check out Ontario Public Service – Unified to register, sign a card and update your information. It’s vital that you provide a secure personal email address to stay informed and you can do this on the Member Portal.
Join your Regional Area Coordinating Group (ACG) meetings and discussions on the Signal Chat App. Watch for updates, ask questions and participate in YOUR bargaining process! Engage with your mobilizers.
Email your bargaining team at [email protected]
This is my third year in my current job and this is the most I’ve ever heard about our union, all I knew before was that we were a part of OPSEU but nothing else was mentioned.
Please see Article 5 of your Collective Agreement for more information. It’s vital that members network and educate themselves, promote participation and raise awareness. The bargaining team is developing strategies to promote and educate members.
My work site has a LERC, but my manager refuses to participate. What can I do?
Although this is not directly related to bargaining, ARTICLE 16 – LOCAL AND MINISTRY NEGOTIATIONS (FXT, SE, FPT, RPT) of the Collective Agreement outlines the process for Local Employee Relations Committees (LERCs) in workplaces. LERCs/ERCs are instrumental in resolving worksite issues and supporting members. If your manager is not willing to participate in your workplace LERC, please contact your MERC team at: OPS – Unified Ministry Employee Relations Committees (MERC) Team Listing – OPSEU SEFPO
Merchandise
Where can I order OPS Unified merchandise?
Mobilizing
What does a Mobilizer do?
Mobilizers connect with locals within their region to promote engagement. They focus on developing relationships between Area Coordinating Groups (ACGs ), Locals, Members and OPSEU/SEFPO leadership.
Pension
Can I buy back pension time in the event of a strike? What options do I have?
If a strike occurs, you will have the opportunity to buy back your pension credit from the strike period. You can reach out to OPTrust.com to find out how much it will cost and the payment options available.
Phase 1 Survey
What are the results of the Phase 1 Survey?
The Phase 1 Survey closed December 17, 2024, and an Executive Summary with a link to the full report was published in Newsletter:
https://opseu.org/getting-unified-table-talk-newsletter-special-issue-13/
Retired Members Division
How can I pass along information to retired members?
Retired members can visit Retired Members Division – OPSEU SEFPO for more information and to fill out an application.
How can retired members get information on the bargaining situation?
Retired members can access resources and stay up to date on OPS Unified Bargaining at Ontario Public Service – Unified – OPSEU SEFPO. They can also attend Table Talk Thursdays and review the Newsletter .
Special cases
Can I submit a special case?
No. There is no longer a process in place to submit a special case. The OPS Unified Bargaining Procedures were amended in 2022 to remove Special Cases.
UPDATE What happened to Special Cases that were previously submitted?
If you have a special case that was submitted at the 2021 round of bargaining, there is a special case committee working with the employer to complete the process with these.
Strike
UPDATE We understand you have questions about labour disruptions (lock out/strikes). Strike information can be found in the OPSEU/SEFPO Policies and Procedures manual.
UPDATE Prior to any strike/lock out, all Essential and Emergency Services Agreements must be completed AND there must also be a formal vote by OPS Unified members who will decide whether or not to strike .
Table Talk Thursday
Can the meetings be extended to 1.5 hours or have a duplicate meeting during the day?
Your Bargaining Team recognizes that everyone’s time is valuable. At this time we are keeping the meeting time to one hour, although this may change as we progress through bargaining.
What if I miss the meeting or can’t make it?
If you are scheduled to work and unable to attend, find out if anyone else you know is planning to attend, and ask for updates. Members can also communicate with the Bargaining Team by email to: [email protected]
Additional resources are available on the ACG Signal Chat and the Linktree at https://linktr.ee/ops.unified
Timeline
When will Essential and Emergency Service negotiations be completed?
Essential and Emergency Services negotiations is a lengthy process. We currently do not have an end date.
When will negotiations for the new Collective Agreement be completed?
Your bargaining team continues to negotiate the EESAs and has not started negotiations on a new Collective Agreement as per your Bargaining Procedures.
NEW Member Services
NEW Does OPSEU/SEFPO support members through education, development and discount programs?
Yes. More information about educational opportunities and discount programs are available online at: Members – OPSEU SEFPO