Job cuts

On Thursday, November 21, we invite you to join members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 549 for a funeral procession and memorial service at Queen’s Park to mourn the untimely and unnecessary closing of the Ontario Science Centre at its location on Don Mills Road by the Ford government. The fight for the Ontario Science Centre isn’t...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Peterborough, ON – On Thursday July 4, workers at the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society – members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 334 – were advised of significant cuts being made to staff, with a deficit management plan being implemented for the next three years. The layoffs will impact 21 full-time staff members in critical...

For immediate release May 3, 2024 DURHAM, ON – In a move that has raised serious concerns about the future of rural health care and ignited widespread criticism from local residents, healthcare professionals and advocacy groups, South Bruce Grey Health Centre (SBGHC) has announced the decision to transfer its Durham Site inpatient care unit to...

For Immediate Release March 21, 2024 KINGSTON, ON – The Ford government has dealt yet another devastating blow to children’s mental health and autism services in the Kingston-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington region, at a time when nearly two-thirds of youth have reported worse mental health since the beginning of the pandemic. 21 children’s mental health professionals...

Children, Community and Social Services Minister Merrilee Fullerton avoided the question and changed the subject when asked in Question Period to end privatized mail sorting in the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), which has led to delayed and suspended ODSP benefits for vulnerable clients. NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois demanded that the Minister stop contracting out...

Toronto – OPSEU/SEFPO’s leaders say public sector heroes and front-line workers who helped Ontario through the pandemic should be rewarded, not robbed by the Ford government. OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick says the budget is filled with public money giveaways to private sector CEOs while the public sector continues to be starved for funding. In last...

Toronto – OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is calling the provincial government’s announced closure of the Ontario Fire College a major blow to small and rural communities. “Most communities are already suffering the effects of never-ending COVID-19 lockdowns,” said Thomas. “They don’t need more costs piled on their plate, they need relief now.” The college,...

Layoff notices issued for Ontario hospitality and gaming workers during the COVID-19 crisis are just another example of greed, and highlight how privatization is eroding government social safety nets aimed at protecting people from financial ruin or worse, says OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “All I can do is shake my head,” said Thomas, pointing...

On March 10, approximately 25 OPSEU members from Canadian Blood Services (CBS) locals across the province info-picketed at CBS’s College St location in downtown Toronto. They were there to inform people about their concerns for public safety as a consequence of frontline staffing cutbacks. They were joined by OPSEU members from the Heath Care Divisional...

The Orangeville Banner is reporting that information stating there will be layoffs at the Headwaters Health Care Centre is inaccurate. Read the whole story here.

Kingston City Council is examining the impact of program cuts and layoffs at Addiction and Mental Health Services – Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (AMHS-KFLA), according to the Kingston Whig-Standard. “The changes that we are seeing with AMHS are significant and have the potential to significantly impact the work of the [city],” said city councillor...

Toronto – The release of yet another public opinion poll that shows Ontarians feel Premier Doug Ford is going in the wrong direction should be taken seriously by his caucus, OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said Friday. “The Fordicator has taken the Progressive out of the once respectable P.C. party,” said Thomas. “The Big Blue...