Where we are now
Right now, we are in Essential and Emergency Service Agreements (EESA) negotiations and have not yet entered issues bargaining. The legal requirements outlined in CECBA require that EESA bargaining must be completed ahead of a strike or lockout. These agreements will determine what, if any, duties are essential and how many workers, if any, will be required to work during labour unrest.In 2022, OPS Unified Divisional members voted and amended our bargaining procedures to prioritize EESA completion before issue bargaining, and the team is following these procedures (found here).Historically, EESAs were completed after the parties reached an impasse at the table, meaning that strike action was delayed and momentum was slowed. By aiming to complete EESA negotiations ahead of issues bargaining, the OPS Unified Bargaining Team is working to ensure that we maintain momentum on the ground and power at the table.The less workers deemed essential through EESA negotiations, the more power we will have to fight for a contract that OPS Unified members deserve!Impacts on bargaining timelines
For OPS Unified, the most substantial factors that have influenced our bargaining timeline have been the scale and time required to complete EESA negotiations alongside disclosure delays from our employer.EESA negotiations for OPS Unified have not been completed in over 20 years which has led to a high volume of complex and time intensive work. There are approximately 1,500 job classifications that must be carefully assessed and over 900 individual agreements that require review, updates, and signatures.The provincial government delayed providing us with the disclosure documents needed to prepare for EESA bargaining and the bulk of our preparations could not start until we received these documents in June/July 2025 – nearly a year into the process.As EESA negotiations move forward, your OPS Unified Bargaining Team remains committed to conducting a thorough analysis and negotiation of each agreement we sign off on to make sure we are building the strongest foundation for issues bargaining.The work being done now will ensure we have every advantage possible when we are negotiating for the issues most important to OPS Unified members.While we navigate through these negotiations, members rights are protected under the existing Collective Agreement. Topline ReportEngaging Members on Bargaining Priorities (Mobilizing in the workplace)
We are encouraging all Local Presidents and LEC members to elect or appoint members who can actively engage with their colleagues and share important information and updates from bargaining. This member-to-member approach will enable two-way discussions on bargaining issues that directly affect our workplaces.By engaging members locally, each Local will be able to identify and share their bargaining priorities. This grassroots mobilizing is essential to ensuring our bargaining agenda reflects the real needs, concerns, and experiences of OPS Unified members across the province.Strong bargaining starts with informed, engaged members – and that work begins locally.Table Talk Thursday Update
The OPS Unified Bargaining Team values open communication and member engagement throughout the bargaining process. We want to ensure that the information we are sharing with members at our monthly meetings is relevant, up to date, and not too repetitive. For this reason, we will be seeking member feedback during our February 2026 Table Talk meeting. We will launch a poll for those in attendance to participate in asking how often our Thursday Zoom Table Talks should occur: monthly, bi‑monthly, or another schedule.Your vote matters, so please join the next session to make your voice heard!- Please note that the Table Talk Newsletter will remain as a Monthly update.
WHO: Your OPS Unified bargaining team invites all Unified members to join Table Talk Thursdays.WHAT: Table Talk Thursdays are monthly Zoom sessions where the bargaining team shares updates, answers questions, and provides insight into ongoing negotiations and union 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 Feb 19, 2026, at 7 pm EST.WHY: To keep the lines of communication open and ensure members have direct access to their bargaining team!
- Join your regional Area Coordinating Group (ACG).
- Review the EES Guide
- 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
- Bulletins – Unified for Information
Check out our LinkTreeKey links and information for OPS Unified members including Instagram and Facebook accounts.
Help show OPS Unified’s momentum by sharing what your local is doing to build worker power for this round of negotiations.Submit photos by:- Uploading them to the OPS Submissions Form (available via our linktree)
- Tagging OPS Unified on Facebook and Instagram
- Sharing photos in your regional ACGs
What are you Unified for?
Post, share and subscribe on Facebook and Instagram
“UNIFIED FOR bargaining a better contract, to stop privatization and strengthen public services.”“Tell us what you’re Unified For”
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 teamAmanda Usher — Chair
Leslie Aiston — Vice ChairNewsletter Issue #23