OPSEU/SEFPO offices will be closed on Monday, September 19th for the National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II. As outlined under the terms of OPSEU/SEFPO staff collective agreements, federal and provincial holidays are paid holidays for OPSEU/SEFPO staff.
While the federal government has asked Canadians to set aside September 19 to honour the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, the Ford government has refused to declare this a provincial holiday, thereby preventing a day off for most workers in Ontario.
We recognize that the Queen’s passing means many different things to each of us.
It is important to create space to reflect during life’s changes – particularly those that we experience collectively.
As a public sector union working directly or indirectly for the Crown in many jurisdictions, and as an organization committed to justice and reconciliation in the face of past injustices committed in the name of the Crown, we will take this opportunity to think about the work we do and recommit to equity and justice in our communities, province and country.
In solidarity,
JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President
Laurie Nancekivell, OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer