Area Coordinating Group (ACGs)
ACGs are a key part of the bargaining process. They are a direct line of communication between OPS Unified members and the Bargaining Team. As we continue to build our bargaining power, our unity is our strength. All OPS Unified members are encouraged to join.
In November 2022, the OPS Unified Collective Bargaining Negotiations Procedures were revised and then approved by the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board in July 2023. The updated Procedures Manual can be found in your member portal, and a link is also available under “Important Links.” The OPS Unified Bargaining Procedures are laid out in the Procedures Manual under Article 3.2, subsection 6B.
Section 2 discusses “Roles and Structures.” In addition to the Bargaining Team, section 2.8 highlights the creation and usage of “Area Coordinating Groups” (ACGs).
- Update your member information on the OPSEU/SEFPO Member Portal
- 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
- Trivia Answer:
- Last issue trivia answer: What is a Union
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is on the ACG?
- OPS Unified Local Presidents or designees
- Bargaining team alternates
- Bargaining team members after new agreement has been ratified
- Executive Board Members
- OPSEU/SEFPO Staff
ACGs will operate during all phases of the bargaining cycle.
Duties and Responsibilites of the Area Coordinating Group (ACG)
- Elect Chair & Vice Chair
- Organize meetings at least quarterly
- Generate minutes of meetings and ensure minutes are sent to: [email protected]
- OPS demand set survey input
- Training
- Communicate with membership / Discuss current issues
- Organizing/Mobilizing activities, events and ideas
- Emergency Essential Service Agreements information and support
- Provide Local support
- Locals forward their demands/enforcement issues to ACG
- Meet with elected regional bargaining team rep & mobilizers
- Other tasks as required
All OPS Unified members are invited to join their Regional ACG. Please join the chats hosted on the Signal app. This link will provide you with QR codes for each regional chat.
Phase 1 Demand Set Survey
The ACG chairs across the province took the initiative to create a Phase 1 survey.
This first phase involves a comprehensive survey designed to gather specific and detailed information. The data gathered will be crucial in shaping, influencing, mobilizing and providing vital information to the Bargaining Team. This is an excellent venue for you to shape the Phase 2 Demand Set issues and provide critical information to the Bargaining Team.
Link to the Phase 1 ACG survey.
Hurry! Time is running out to submit the Essential and Emergency Services Forms.
YOUR TO-DO LIST:
COMPLETE THE ESSENTIAL AND EMERGENCY SERVICES FORMS ARE ALREADY
PAST DUE. [SEPTEMBER 13TH 2024]
We need your Essential and Emergency Service forms.
We continue to support our teams and locals, so reach out if you need help getting these done. You don’t have to take this all on yourself. Canvass your site leads and engage your stewards to assist you. Once completed, please return them to [email protected].
DON’T BE SHY – WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU – QUESTIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED TO: [email protected].
It’s important to start the discussions at your local meetings. We can schedule a time to discuss the EES forms with you and your stewards or members.
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 EST (6 pm CST).
The next session will be September 19th, 2024
WHY: To keep the lines of communication open!
1) Why did the union organizer always bring a ladder to meetings?
Because they were always looking to help their members reach new heights!
2) Why did the worker union start a gardening club?
To help their members grow together!
In Solidarity,
On behalf of the OPS Unified Bargaining team:
Amanda Usher — Chair
Leslie Aiston — Vice Chair
Issue 5