The OPS Unified Bargaining Team continues to work closely with members to ensure your concerns and priorities are fully represented during negotiations.Surveys play a vital role in gathering feedback and understanding the needs of members.Thank you to everyone who participated in the Phase 1 Demand Set Survey! Currently, the Bargaining Team is reviewing and analyzing the data collected from phase one.Stay tuned for updates as we prepare for Phase Two of the demand setting process.This collaborative effort involves strategic planning to achieve the best possible outcomes for all of us!
OPS Unified Bargaining Team Update
The Team welcomes Chris Draxl to the team:
My name is Chris Draxl and I’m excited to be joining your OPS Unified Bargaining Team as the FXT representative.Yes, I am an FXT member, my home position is as a Court Clerk & Registrar, working in the courts since 2015.I am very knowledgeable about labour issues in my workplaces within The Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG). In 2021 I was elected as the President, Local 526. In 2023 I was re-elected as President again. I have a proven track record in getting results for my members, I am very responsive to the members, and I am a strong advocate and voice at the table.Why did I join the OPS Unified Bargaining Team? This is an important time for our members, on the heels of our recent Wage Reopener wage award and I was a part of that Team …… and so … I was inspired, and I feel strongly that this bargaining cycle is a ‘watershed’ moment for us to seize the initiative and build a new future for our OPS Unified members.I have spoken to many members and I’m acutely aware of some of the important issues: job security, wages, benefits, and working conditions that affect our FXT members — all our members in fact — and being part of this amazing OPS Unified Bargaining Team is an honour. Thank You for this opportunity. I won’t let you down.
How can I get involved?
- Join your Regional ACG chat. Using the Signal App on your phone, join your regional ACG chat, then add it to other devices. Watch for updates, ask questions and participate in YOUR bargaining process!
- Update your information. It is vital that you provide a secure personal email address when asked to do so by a mobilizer or your Local. You can also do this using the Member Portal.
- 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.
- Apply to be one of 14 OPS Unified Mobilizers! Learn more about this important role and how to apply by clicking here.
- Support Mobilizers who are in the field visiting work sites, attending Local meetings, mapping Locals’ members and assisting members with portal registration, updating contact information and adding members to the online chats.
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 members about ongoing negotiations and activities.
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 January 16, 2025
WHY: To keep the lines of communication open. Join us to stay informed about the latest news.
Did you know that the Benefits Guide is available online?
Yes! Your Benefits Guide is available
online.The purpose of this Guide is to help you understand the benefits available to you as an employee in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) represented by OPS Unified.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Understanding your current benefits will help to identify – and prioritize -benefit improvements you would like to see in the next collective agreement.
In case you missed it:
Click here to view the Special Edition Newsletter –
Getting UnifiedIn Solidarity,On behalf of the OPS Unified Bargaining team
Amanda Usher — Chair
Leslie Aiston — Vice ChairNewsletter Issue #10
