Working together
Please show your support to Education Workers . It is an attack to all Unions and Collective Bargaining Rights. If Ford succeeds in this attack, it could be us tomorrow.
Hybrid General Membership Meeting
OPSEU Local 331
Thursday December 1, 2022
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Oshawa Regional office
500 King Street West, Oshawa
Or Zoom meeting
(The link to the meeting will be sent to those that has provided us your personal email address. Please email 
communication@opseu331.org if you have not provided us your personal email address or phone number)
Agenda
- Updates on activities (Bargaining, Pay equity etc)
- Local 331 Budget for 2023
Current members who attend the meeting (in person or Virtual) will get a chance to win our year end draw (1st prize is a $500 credit gift card, with additional prizes of 5 $100 credit gift cards)
Executive of Local 331
For further information contact Union Office @ ext. 6478 or 6351
Email: executive331@opseu331.org
November 4, 2022
For member information
During previous round of bargaining, we gave noticed to the Employer that we will enforce specific language in the Collective Agreement on the following;
Overtime Calculation
Article 35.03 ……The overtime rate shall be one-and-one-half (1 1/2) times the regular straight time hourly rate of pay calculated to the nearest half-hour.
e.g. OT work of 25 minutes, our position is 25 minx 1.5(OT rate) = 37.5 min at straight time rate, then round to the half hour = 1 hour.
Vs.
Previous calculation: 25 minutes OT work will be paid 37.5 minutes straight time rate.
This method of calculation should apply to a full shift as well (e.g. 11.25 hr shift)
Article 37.08 Reporting Pay
We took the position this Article applies regardless of whether it is an extension of shift or not.
OPSEU LOCAL 331 BOWLING NIGHT
LOCATION: NEBS FUN WORLD
(1300WILSON RD. N. OSHAWA)
DATE: WED. DEC.07/22
TIME: bowling 6pm-8pm, snacks to follow
RSVP by: Nov.30: funtimes@opseu.331.org
on a first come first serve basis
OPSEU Local 331 WILL COVER THE COST TO BOWL AND SNACKS WILL BE PROVIDED
THIS EVENT IS FOR MEMBERS ONLY
Union Dues on Nursing Retention Fund
OPSEU will not deduct dues off on the Nursing Retention Fund
Tentative Agreement
Please see below. Subjected to Ratification.
Tentative Agreement below had been ratified by the membership on June 30, 2022
Bill 124
OPSEU is proceeding with a Charter Challenge on Bill 124
We will have our first Court Day scheduled in September 2022
April 27, 2022
Day of Mourning
Every year, hundreds of thousands of workers are injured at work, or develop and suffer from an occupational disease or injury because of their working conditions.
April 28 is our National Day of Mourning to remember workers who have suffered work-related disability, disease or death. It is a chance to renew our commitment to prevent these incidents from occurring. With each worker who has been affected, we also think of their family members and loved ones whose lives have significantly changed – who are also made to suffer the consequences of these incidents.
Ensuring safe working conditions is a top priority and is utmost important to the Local. No one should ever go to work to be afraid of injury, illness or death. Every worker deserves to have safe working conditions in place for them so that they can return home to their loved ones at the end of each day.
We all play an important role in protecting each other by adhering to safety protocols; being mindful of the environment around you and knowing your rights to refuse unsafe work. It is important to do incident reporting, even for near misses and good catches as this may help to avoid any potential future injuries to other workers. It is also important that you bring any health and safety concerns to your manager immediately. You could also contact the Union or worker members of the Joint Health and Safety Committee for assistance.
Furthermore, it is important to file a WSIB claim if you require medical attention or suffer Loss time for the injury or suffer from an occupational illness.
As per WSIB, you should report your workplace injury or illness even if:
- your supervisor or manager tells you not to report, or that you will lose your job if you report it
- your employer tells you that your injury or illness is not covered by the WSIB
- your employer tells you to use sick days to recover from a workplace injury or illness, rather than report it
- It is against the law to discourage reporting of a workplace injury or illness. The Employer could face a financial penalty as well as prosecution for not reporting, reporting late, not giving all the details requested, giving false or inaccurate details, or discouraging employees from reporting
Your Local Executives
on
Pay Equity
April 4, 2022
For member information
The Employer sent a letter out on Thursday, March 31, 2022 providing an update regarding the Pay Equity process. In it they state that the parties were unable to resolve their issues and the Employer felt it was important to move forward and implement what they are calling an Interim Pay Equity Plan.
For some historical context, the parties have been engaging in Pay Equity Negotiations since 2011. This process has included many parts including but not limited to the data collection in 2013 with the submission of the Job Evaluation Questionnaires (JIQ) to the evaluation of those JIQ. The parties were able to meet and work through many issues up to November of 2020 when the process became stalled in some part due to the pandemic. The Union made multiple attempts to schedule further meetings with no success until January 2022. At this point, the Employer had engaged a Consultant who, despite the work the Committee had done, had some issues with the results.
Despite multiple meetings in January, February and March of 2022, the parties were not able to reach agreement on both the content of the plan and the retroactive date. This has brought us to today, where the Employer indicated they had created an Interim Pay Equity Plan. We are not in agreement with this Plan. We will make every reasonable effort to continue to work with the Employer to negotiate an agreed to Pay Equity Plan. If it remains unsuccessful, we will utilize every avenue that we have in order to bring a fair and correct result to the membership.
Should you have any questions regarding the Interim Pay Equity Plan, please direct your questions to the Employer.
We will continue to provide you updates on how things are progressing.
February 12, 2022
Local Election Result
Thank you to all our members who participated.
Your new Local Executive is as follows:
President – Jonathan Leung
Vice President - Brian Costello
Chief Steward - Gabriela Turnbull
Treasurer - Leanne Beaudry
Secretary – Michelle Bakracevski
Stewards:
Brian Costello
Denise Wagler-Allan
Gabriela Turnbull
Jackie Schumacher
Joanna Holley
Jonathan Leung
Leanne Beaudry
Mary Bloomfield
Michelle Bakracevski
Sarah Carde
Taryn McDiarmid
Trustees:
Scott Sarginson
Trenton Vey
January 20, 2022
LOCAL 331
Settlement Highlights
What the arbitrator decided:
TERM
April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022
WAGES
Effective April 1, 2020 - General Wage increase 1.0%
Effective April 1, 2021 – General Wage Increase 1.0%
PCF PREMIUMS
- increased to $2.10 / hour
Lead-hand/ in-charge PREMIUMS
– increased to $1.00/hour
Physician Assistant
Effective the date of the award, will be added to Psychometrist classification of the wage grid.
General issues and language:
- 25.02: New language on medical certificate and documentation
- New language (35.09) – choosing lines on the master schedule
- Language improvement in Article 41
Note regarding Retroactivity
Retroactivity shall be paid on wage increase within 4 full pay periods. Specific instruction for former employee.
Items agreed to prior to arbitration:
- New Letter of Understanding – related to a Whistleblowing policy
- Add clarification on the process for addressing Workload issue in Article 44
- 3.04 : Mandatory education will not be considered as work for the purpose of working a shift in the 4 month period.
- Language improvement in Article 27 - Vacation schedules and requests
We also put the Employer on notice to strict adherence to certain Articles.
Members are encouraged to read the Dissent by our Nominee in the Award
January 20, 2022
Bargaining Update
As you are aware your bargaining team had 2 bargaining days with the Employer followed by 2 days of conciliation last year. The two sides met on November 1, 2021 with Arbitration Board who issued a decision regarding outstanding items on January 17, 2022. That decision is binding on both parties. The decision also incorporates all items already agreed to prior to the impasse. Highlights of the Award are attached.
OPSEU will hold 2 member information sessions via zoom on January 25, 2022 between 1730 to 1830hr. and January 26, 2022 between 1200hr. to 1300hr.
Your bargaining team and our negotiator will be present at the meeting to clarify any question you may have.
Information sessions
January 25, 2022 January 26, 2022
5:30pm to 6:30pm 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Zoom Meeting
Please email communication@opseu331.org with your personal email address or phone number (if you have not already done so) and we will send you the link
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team and Local Executives
January 13, 2022
Recent changes
In response to the recent increase in the prevalence of COVID cases, the Employer had made many rapid changes in their protocols.
The Employer has determined to reduce the staffing level to the weekend numbers. Although we have significant staffing shortage, but it is not business as usual. If you are facing increased workload, discussed with your Manager to prioritize the tasks. While caring for the patients is our priority, we need to look after ourselves to prevent burnt out.
If you have concerns with workload, please email executive@opseu331.org or filled out a workload form or contact the Union Office @ Ext 6351.
If you have a Health and Safety concerns, please contact a worker member of JHSC or email JHSC@opseu331.org or contact the Union Office @ Ext. 6351
If there is an urgent Health and safety concern, please call/ text the H&S phone. (The number is on the Union Notice Board in your staff room)
Please ensure your Manager is aware of your concerns.
January 13, 2022
FAQs about WSIB claims and COVID-19
I think I contracted coronavirus (COVID-19) at work. Should I file a claim?
How will the WSIB determine if a COVID-19 claim will be allowed?
I had a reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine. Can I get WSIB benefits/file a claim?
December 24, 2021
Draw
The Local 331 draws had been concluded. All of the winners had been notified via email.
Congratulations. Thank you for your participation.
November 19, 2021
ATTENTION LOCAL 331 MEMBERS
We need your personal email address in order to host important upcoming virtual meetings.
This information is kept confidential and will only be used as a means of communicating information and Local events as we cannot use the Ontario Shores system.
Please email the following information to communication@opseu331.org
First and Last Name Personal email address (not OS email) Work location
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NB: 1. Only members who are currently employ with the Employer is eligible
2. Even if you received this email, you are still required to email us to be eligible for the draw.
Participation on or before December 3, 2021 will grant you one ballot for the various draws below
(Please note that you can only win once)
2 x $500 - prepaid Visa or MasterCard
10 x $100 – prepaid Visa or MasterCard
20 x $50 – Tim Horton’s Gift Card
50 x $20 – Tim Horton’s Gift Card
We thank you for your dedication and best of luck to all draw participants
In Solidarity,
Your Local Executives
November 16, 2021
Operation Plan
It has been a difficult day for a number of our members. The Employer has served Lay-off notice to 4 of our members in 2 different programs and informed 7members of some other changes in service delivery.
We continue to work through the process, to understand the impacts on services and continue to look at ways to minimize these impacts on our members.
We want to put all our available resources into supporting the affected members. We may not be able to respond to you as quickly as we normally would should you be calling the office. However, we do encourage you to call if you have any questions or concerns.
Your Local Executive is confident that our members will continue to be supportive to our affected brothers and sisters at this difficult time.
In Solidarity
Your Local Executive
September 18, 2021
We regret to inform everyone that the proposed General Membership Meeting scheduled to take place on September 23, 2021 has been cancelled
The Employer denied use of their email service to gather your updated contact information to set up the link to the zoom meeting and on-line voting.
Please look out for the next communique about getting your updated contact information and year end draw.
In Solidarity,
Your Local Executives
September 9, 2021
Federal Election
Every employee who is qualified to vote shall, while the polls are open on polling day of an election, have three consecutive hours
for the purpose of voting.
If working hours are such that an employee does not have the required three consecutive hours available to vote before
Commencement of his /her shift or at the completion of a shift, the employer is required to provide the additional time off.
Employee should make request in advance.
Such time off should be at a time convenient to the employer.
There will be no deduction from the employee’s pay or impose upon or exact from the employee any penalty for such time off.
September 9, 2021
General Membership Meeting
We are holding a General Membership Meeting virtually on September 23, 2021 between 11:30am to 1:00pm (can log in anytime).
Agenda: - Nomination & Election of Delegates / Alternate to attend Virtual BPS Conference (Oct 22 to 25, 2021)
- Nomination & Election of One Trustee position (cannot be a steward)
- Presentation of Local Budget
- General Update
Electronic voting will be followed after the meeting. We will need to have your personal email or phone number to send you the log in information to both activities. We will be sending an email to your OS email address to
request the information.
September 9, 2021
Mandatory Vaccination Policy
If you have any concerns/ questions about the Policy , please contact the Union Office @ ext 6351
July 13, 2021
Bargaining Update - Joint Memo
As many of you may know, the Collective Bargaining Agreement that was in place since April 1, 2017 expired on March 31, 2020. All obligations, rights and benefits remain in place until a new agreement has been reached.
After 2 days of Bargaining in January 2021, followed by 2 days of Conciliation in February 2021, the parties were unable to reach an agreement and will move into the next step which is interest arbitration. A hearing has been scheduled for November 1, 2021.
Both OPSEU and Management remain committed to working towards a new agreement. We will continue to provide updates as we move through this bargaining process.
February 24, 2021
Bargaining Update
Your OPSEU bargaining team met virtually with the management team on January 6 and 7, 2021 to negotiate and renew your Collective Agreement. The management team gave us notice at the beginning that they would file for conciliation after two days of bargaining and cancel the remaining scheduled bargaining dates. The two sides further met virtually on Feb 16 and 17, 2021 with the assistance of a conciliator appointed by the Ministry of Labour. The goal of the conciliator is to try and bring the two sides closer together.
Local 331’s team has been frustrated with the minimal movement from the management side........Read more
February 12, 2021
1. Your Bargaining Team will meet with the Conciliator and the Employer on February 16 and 17. Please wear your Bargaining T-shirt to show your support.
2. If you haven’t received your bargaining T-shirt yet, or you would like a second one (some sizes available), please contact the Union Office at ext 6351 to arrange for pick up.
3. The pocket calendar for 2021 is now available. Please contact your steward or call the Union Office.
January 12, 2021
Bargaining moves to conciliation after reaching an impasse
Your bargaining team has completed two days of negotiations with the Employer to
renew your Collective Agreement.......
January 12, 2021
If you haven’t picked up your Bargaining T-shirt, please stop by the Union Office.
December 24, 2020
Did you know…….
The Collective Agreement has a provision regarding the effect on sick benefit whenever a sick leave of absence commences in one calendar year and continues into the following calendar year?
Article 25.01 (c) where an employee is on sick leave of absence which commences in one (1) calendar year and continues into the following calendar year, they are not entitled to refresh their annual sick leave bank, until the employee has returned to work for a period of fifteen (15) consecutive working days. For clarity, such an employee is not entitled to sick leave of absence with pay for more than 130 working days in the 2 calendar years combined, unless the employee has returned to work for a period of fifteen (15) consecutive working days prior to being entitled to further sick leave.Click to edit text.
December 24, 2020
Bargaining T-shirts
Your team have delivered the Bargaining T-shirts to the members on shift last week. If we missed you, please come by the Union Office to pick up yours.
December 24, 2020
Bargaining Update
Bargaining will be kicked off in January. We have dates scheduled for January 6 and 7, 2021; January 13 and 14, 2021.
Please wear your T-shirts on bargaining dates to show support to your bargaining team.
December 24,2020
Joint letter to government re: vaccination of Health Care Workers
A letter was sent by OPSEU/SEFPO President Thomas Warren (Smokey) Thomas and other leaders of Ontario's health care unions and associations to the minister of Health regarding the vaccination of health care workers.
December 24, 2020
Year-End Draw for being an active member to participate
As you are aware, we did a draw by the end of the year for members that have participated in our meetings/ activities throughout the year.
The Winner of the First Prize of a $500 Visa is Stella Hamilton
The 5 winners of the $100 Mastercard are:
Lori Brownson
Sorina Pavlinc
Amanda Guedez
Leloyn Bailey-Hosang
Vyktorya Lye
Congratulations to all . Thank you for your continuous support.
Your Local Executives
December 24, 2020
Season Greetings
Your Local Executives are so proud of our members in the work that you done to keep everyone safe in this unprecedented situation and wish you all have a safe and wonderful holiday.
Bargaining T-shirts
December 7, 2020
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND……..T-SHIRTS
The positive response from our previous bargaining t-shirts was overwhelming. Therefore, we went ahead and purchased more shirts with a new design created by your very own bargaining team! Your LEC’s will be around to all the areas in the upcoming weeks for distribution once the shirts isolation period is over.
Directed to stay home
December 7, 2020
We have a different interpretation with the Employer on Article 18.06 (c). Please contact the Union Office if you are affected.
Bargaining
December 7, 2020
Bargaining – Despite COVID-19 bringing daily routines to a halt, we were hoping to have face to face meetings at the bargaining table with the Employer. Unfortunately, given the circumstances and the restrictions currently in place, we are moving ahead although it may potentially be via web conferencing. We are pleased to share that your Bargaining team has dates set with the Employer in January 2021. Stay tuned for further updates
Local Executives
December 7, 2020
Local Executives Committee (LEC) – Under normal circumstances, elections for Local Officers would have already taken place. However, with the Pandemic and the rules set out by Government to impose gathering limits, the Executive Board Members of OPSEU passed a motion that all LEC members retain their current status until the gathering limits are lifted and OPSEU returns to their normal operations.
Therefore, your LEC remains as follows;
President – Jonathan Leung
Vice-President – Mary Bloomfield
Chief Steward – Sarah Carde
Treasurer – Leanne Beaudry
Secretary – Michelle Bakracevski
Message from your Local Executives
December 7, 2020
First, we would like to take the opportunity to thank each one of you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment during these difficult times. COVID-19 has not only imposed challenges in our daily lives but in our workplaces as well. Learning to adapt to different ways of doing things can always be uncomfortable at the best of times. Continue to support one another as we navigate these unchartered waters and be sure to take time for yourselves and your loved ones. If you have any safety concerns, please contact the worker members of the JHSC or email jhsc@opseu331.org . Your Local Executives will continue to monitor the situation to ensure we are following the up-to-date guidance from the Ministry.
In Solidarity
Your Local Executives
Operating Plan
November 17, 2020
The Employer served Lay-off notices and informed members of some other changes in service delivery. A total of 7 staff in 3 different departments/ programs are affected.
Your Local Executives are confident that our members will continue to be supportive to our affected brothers and sisters during this difficult time.
