All OPSEU Local 101 members are encouraged to stop by and cast an election ballot for their new Local Executive. 

Date & Times: Monday, November 15th anytime between 8am and 8pm

Location: Royal Canadian Legion on 1570 Marentette Avenue, Windsor

The open ballot box process will be simple, and similar to how we are used to voting in government elections. Your candidates will be listed on a ballot and you simply check off your choices and leave. 

For those that turn out to vote, your names will be entered for some prizes!

Please come out and show your support for your local!

NOTE: If there is no winner for any particular position (50%+1) we will require a vote for only those positions on November 16, 2021. An invite will be sent out if this required.

We hope our members have the opportunity to safely gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate this Thanksgiving weekend. 

Sunday, October 10th is also World Mental Health Day. It is a day to raise awareness and advocate for better care for those with mental health issues worldwide. Take some extra time this weekend to look after your own mental health and check in with those you love. Remember that confidential EAP support is always available.

Mental Health matters. The following OPSEU video gives some great tips for holistic wellness and mental health. 

The day recognizes the colonial legacy of residential schools, honours Indigenous survivors, and is vital to the ongoing reconciliation process.

Wearing an orange shirt on this day expresses our desire to open the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind.  A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation.  A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected.  Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on. 

Take some time to learn more about the history of Residential Schools in Canada by watching this video. Wear an orange shirt on September 30th to show your support. 

Attention all members: OPSEU/SEFPO’s Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel is holding its first Virtual Drag Contest! The lucky winners will perform during the live broadcast of OPSEU/SEFPO’s Virtual Pride Event in North Bay, Ontario, on September 19, 2021!

Sunday, September 19th between 7 and 9:30pm

Check out the main OPSEU website for details

The long awaited renewal of the new Collective Agreement has been finalized. You can view these on our Local 101 website by clicking on “Documents” and scrolling down to “Collective Agreements.”

I would like to thank the Bargaining Team for all their hard work and perseverance. The process was a long haul and there were many challenges along the way. The group put forward a tremendous effort to ensure everyone was represented fairly and equitably and maintained their position when they were challenged by the Employer. Much time and effort went into preparing and presenting for the various stages of the bargaining process and the Team can be proud of the outcome.

Thank you all for your efforts and for being patient throughout the process.

In Solidarity,

Susan

Region 1’s annual corn roast is Saturday September 11th, 2021.  The event will begin at 1:00 pm.  A Zoom link will be sent out to members. This year there will be a Trivial Pursuit game as well as a Scavenger Hunt.

Members of Region 1 are invited to participate in a Region 1 Cookbook. If you have excellent recipes in mind, please include your name, your Local # and 1 to 3 sentences that describes the importance of your recipe to you.  These can be submitted by August 31st, 2021 to: opseucookbook@gmail.com

Attention all Local 101 members! Please consider registering for this upcoming weekend educational course Saturday September 25 & Sunday September 26. It is entirely online via Zoom. Topics in this educational include:

Stewards 1 (Stewards Orientation)

Stewards 2: Facing the Employer, Building Member Involvement

Advanced Grievance Handling for Union Building

Dismantling Anti-Black Racism (DABR)

Workplace Surveillance: Know Your Rights

Mental Health: Challenging the Stigma in the Workplace

Additional Information and to register

Deadline is September 7, 2021

Are you an OPSEU/SEFPO member in good standing?

Do you have a dependant enrolled at a Canadian university, college or publicly funded, publicly run post-secondary institution in Ontario for the 2021-22 fall/winter term?

There are a variety of scholarships available to dependants of OPSEU/SEFPO members in good standing.

Click here to see a full description, eligibility criteria and a copy of the application forms for each OPSEU/SEFPO scholarship.

The following scholarships are available!

The Fred Upshaw Scholarship

Deadline for applications: July 30, 2021

The Larry Cripps Scholarship Fund

Deadline for applications: July 30, 2021

OPSEU/SEFPO Global Solidarity Scholarship

Deadline for applications: July 30, 2021

The Amy Stiles Scholarship

Deadline for applications: July 30, 2021

The Karen Millar Memorial Scholarship

Deadline for applications: July 30, 2021

Curt Bishop Scholarship Fund 

Deadline for applications: August 4, 2021

HPD Scholarship Fund

Deadline for applications: September 4, 2021

The Carol McGregor Scholarship

Deadline for applications: September 14, 2021

OPSEU Local 101’s Donations Committee was pleased to select 3 local charities to receive donations for 2021. 

WETRA (Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association)

Launch Pad Recovery Centre

Oneday Dreams

If you identify as a young worker consider attending the OPSEU Provincial Young Workers Committee (PYC) online conference on August 14th, 2021.

The 13th Annual Young Workers Conference is titled: “Young Workers in the Post Pandemic World: How to Organize, Mobilize and Strategize using Digital Media”

In recognition of the PYC’s motto, this event will EDUCATE, MOTIVATE and MOBILIZE young workers into action whether it is in their local communities, workplaces or in the labour movement.

Deadline has been extended to July 16th so don’t delay. Funds exist for OPSEU Local 101 members to attend such educational events. Follow the link below for more information and how to apply:

Apply to attend the 2021 Young Workers Conference