Dear Member,
We are writing to advise you that OPSEU/SEFPO’s Executive Board voted to implement a temporary dues levy (0.2%), pursuant to the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution. As such, effective September 1, 2026, the dues rate will temporarily increase to 1.575% (from the current 1.375%). All money raised through the levy will be directed exclusively to the Strike Fund.
The Executive Committee, which is made up of OPSEU/SEFPO’s eight (8) Regional/Equity Vice-Presidents, the First Vice-President/Treasurer, and the President, voted unanimously to recommend that the Executive Board approve a dues levy. The Executive Board then approved a motion to implement a dues levy.
OPSEU/SEFPO is a fighting union – when governments attack us, when employers exploit us and when workers are ready to push back, the only answer is to fight back. We organize, mobilize and campaign for workers’ rights and for public services. And when we need to, we strike.
Strikes are a significant driving force for workers’ rights. They not only demonstrate worker power within the striking bargaining unit, but lift the bar for others, both those with the right to strike, and those without. That’s because interest arbitrators look to bargaining units that are able to strike to determine what a fair, freely-bargained Collective Agreement could look like, if workers could strike.
We need to not just be able to support members today but also be prepared for whatever is coming at us in the next few years. So while our Strike Fund is still strong, we need to shore it up for the future. This dues levy is one way of doing that. In order to strengthen ourselves now for the future, the Executive Committee discussed a dues levy and recommended it to the Board, and the Executive Board agreed with them.
If you have any questions about the dues levy, we encourage you to reach out to your local representatives or Staff Representative.
In Solidarity,
JP Hornick and Laurie Nancekivell
President and First Vice-President/Treasurer
OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution (excerpt):
20.1.2
Following a strike or lockout of a bargaining unit or units which causes the Strike Fund to fall below $50 million, the Union may levy a temporary supplementary dues assessment of 0.2 percentage points. The temporary supplement will be terminated when the Strike Fund reaches $50 million. All money raised through the levy will be directed exclusively to the Strike Fund