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 union members about ongoing negotiations and activities. Join us to stay informed and engaged with the latest news and developments.
WHERE: It happens over ZOOM.
WHEN: This happens every third Thursday of the month from 7 pm to 8 pm EDT (6 pm CDT). The next session will be September 18, 2025 at 7 pm ET.
WHY: To keep the lines of communication open!
Bargaining Update
Your OPS Unified Bargaining Team is continuing with our regular meetings with the employer. As a result of these on-going meetings, the team is making progress in negotiating Essential and Emergency Service Agreements (EESAs). These agreements are a critical component in strengthening our position at the table. The results of these agreements will ensure members of OPS Unified are in a strong position should there be a strike or lockout.
Join your regional Area Coordinating Group (ACG).
Complete the EES Form and send it to [email protected]
Keep up to date on bargaining at OPS Unified Bargaining
Previous Table Talk Issues
OPS Unified Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our LinkTree
Key links and information for OPS Unified members including Instagram and Facebook accounts.
Demand Set Survey
Your voice matters! The Demand Set Survey is your opportunity to inform the bargaining team of the priorities and improvements you’d like to see in the next collective agreement. Member input is essential to ensure our demands reflect the needs of our workplace. Make sure you have your say before it closes on September 26, 2025.
Complete Demand Set SurveyWhat are you Unified for?
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“UNIFIED FOR bargaining a better contract, to stop privatization and strengthen public services.”
“Tell us what you’re Unified For”
Return to Office Fight
The Ford government’s unilateral mandate requiring OPS Unified members to return to the office five days a week undermines the work-life balance many members have built through modern and flexible work arrangements. For years, workers in OPS Unified have proven they can deliver effective results for the public within the hybrid model – and this decision ignores that. That is why workers across OPS Unified are fighting back to defend the fair, respectful and effective working conditions of all OPS Unified members.
If you are negatively impacted, your first step is to submit a formal Alternative Work Arrangement (AWA) request under Appendix 42 of the Collective Agreement. If your AWA request is denied or if you have further questions please contact your local steward, local president or your Ministry Employment Relations Committee (MERC) team.
In addition, members who require accommodation under the Human Rights Code, such as for family status, should pursue that option.
Members are also strongly encouraged to complete the Keep hybrid work in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) petition.
Sign the Petition to Keep Hybrid Work in the Ontario Public ServiceOur real power comes from acting collectively to defend what we’ve won and to fight for better. While this change does not affect every OPS Unified member in the same way, our strength has always come from solidarity. Unified we stand, divided we fall!
OPS Unified Phone Bank
On August 28, 2025, hundreds of OPS Unified members came together for two phone banking sessions. These phone banks involved participating members gathering together to call fellow OPS Unified members to build connections and support. In response to the return to office directive by the government, members took the opportunity to channel their frustration into an organizing opportunity.
Calls were made to other OPS Unified members to inform them of actionable steps they can take to fight back, such as completing the demand set survey, signing the hybrid work petition, and calling their elected member of provincial parliament to demand more respect in the workplace.
Did you miss the phone bank? Don’t worry, there is another one scheduled for September 15! Sign up here:
RSVP 3 pm – 5 pm RSVP 6 pm – 8 pm
*Correction* Mobilizer Information
In a communication that went out to all OPS Unified members on September 5, 2025, there was an error in the listed mobilizers. Please see below for the correct mobilizer contact information.
Region 1
Mike Greene [email protected]
Olivia Misic [email protected]
Robin Tolchard [email protected]
Region 2
Novia Grant-Simon [email protected]
Laura Thompson [email protected]
Jackie Nicholls [email protected]
Bryan Drury [email protected]
Region 3
Ciji Correia [email protected]
Chris McConnell [email protected]
Aleda Woolley [email protected]
Region 4
Oren Nimelman [email protected]
Kendall Hopson [email protected]
Colleen Fleury [email protected]
Hector Almendrades [email protected]
Region 5
Suzette Maxwell-Pemberton [email protected]
Stephanie Purtill [email protected]
Kamran Ebrahimi [email protected]
Christopher Doyle [email protected]
Region 6
Michelle Oulton [email protected]
Gabrielle Gagne [email protected]
Rene Knight [email protected]
Peggy Fleming [email protected]
Region 7
Ashlee Elliott [email protected]
Stefanie Bourelly [email protected]
Christina Patziatzis [email protected]
Janet Ford [email protected]
In OPS Unified, I start with proposals, pass through tension, end in a handshake—or a strike, after a few years of enforcement; I start again no matter what. What am I?
Answer: The OPS Unified bargaining cycle.Get Unified!
Download one of these posters to add to your Union Board!
In Solidarity,
On behalf of the OPS Unified Bargaining team
Amanda Usher — Chair
Leslie Aiston — Vice Chair
Newsletter Issue #19