Table of Contents
Essential and Emergency Service 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 an assessment of every duty of an essential job.
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.
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 a special edition of OPS Unified Table Talk Newsletter posted to OPSEU/SEFPO’s website on March 20, 2025:
Bargaining
What are the Bargaining Procedures and legislation that govern our bargaining process?
The OPS Unified Collective Agreement
Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act (CECBA)
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?
It is anticipated that the Demand Set Survey will be sent out shortly after Convention.
How will the Survey be distributed?
Instructions to follow.
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.
Mobilizing
What does a Mobilizer do?
Mobilizers connect with locals within their region to recruit leaders (Unifiers), engage members through local actions, and promote continued member organizing on the ground. They focus on developing relationships between Area Coordinating Groups (ACGs), Locals, Members and OPSEU/SEFPO leadership.
How many Mobilizers are there?
14 Mobilizers have been selected, with 2 assigned to each region.
How are they paid?
Mobilizers are a full-time book off and their wages are reimbursed by the union.
Area Coordinating Groups (ACGs)
What is an ACG and what is their role?
The Area Coordinating Groups (ACGs) are regional committees of engaged members and play a key part in the bargaining process. They act 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 signal chat.
Strike
We understand you have questions about strike. Stike information can be found in the OPSEU/SEFPO Policies and Procedures manual. Prior to any strike being called all Essential and Emergency Services Agreements must be completed; and there must be a vote by the membership.
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.
What happened to previously 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.
Merchandise
Where can I order OPS Unified merchandise?
Member Engagement and Education
What is the most effective way for members to stay involved?
Members can participate by attending our monthly Zoom Table Talk meetings, reading the OPS Unified Newsletter, getting active in their Area Coordinating Groups (ACGs), including joining 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.
For access to information, checkout the LinkTree at https://linktr.ee/ops.unified
Talk within your Local about activities you can participate in to show your Unified Solidarity.
The stronger your participation, the greater our leverage at the bargaining table. Organizing isn’t just for mobilizers and Unifiers; it’s for everyone. Unifying our collective power is vital.
How can I get more information?
Join your Regional Area Coordinating Group (ACG) meetings and discussions on the Signal Chat App. Engage with mobilizers, watch for updates, ask questions and participate in YOUR bargaining process!
Email your bargaining team at [email protected]