Convention 2023 Resolutions – Section G (2024)

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Received in accordance with Article 13.8 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution

Resolutions Submitted by the Deadline of March 3, 2023

Submitting Bodies (Ministry and Sector, Division, Locals, Area Councils, Executive Board, and Provincial Committees)

Resolutions Committee – 2023

Region 1 – Darryl Bedford Member

Region 2 – Julie Chambo Member

Region 3 – John Shirk Member

Region 4 – Christine Kelsey Member

Region 5 – Rod Bemister Member

Region 6 – Kim Kazur Chair

Region 7 – Jody Tsubouchi Vice Chair

Joel Usher Executive Board Member

Mary Kalliontzis OPSEU/SEFPO Staff Advisor

Enrico De Matteo Secretary

Resolutions Committee Report

March 3, 2023

1. Resolutions Received from Submitting Bodies (Ministry and Sector, Division, Locals, Area Councils, Executive Board, and Provincial Committees):

No. of Resolutions Received: 291

No. of Resolutions Referred to Constitutional Committee 0

No. of Resolutions Rejected*: 48

No. of Resolutions Accepted: 243

* Resolutions are rejected because of failure to meet the requirements outlined in “Your Guide to Resolutions and Constitutional Amendments”, i.e. resolution is already policy, failing to meet the deadline, improperly voted, or the subject is deemed to be a bargaining issue, etc. The Committee voted on each rejection.

2. Section G – Resolutions:

Resolutions that were received by the deadline of March 3, 2023, and accepted by the Committee are in the Resolutions Book – Section G, categorized by subject. Identical or similar resolutions are only printed once in the book, but with all other submitting bodies clearly identified.

All Delegates are encouraged to review the Resolutions Book prior to Convention.

3. Report of the Resolutions Committee:

This year, the first report of the Resolutions Committee will be in your Convention kits.

4. Emergency Resolutions to Convention:

An Emergency Resolution to Convention is a motion which is:

truly unexpected; and
urgent; and
of great importance to the Convention
and it is NOT an issue that could have been foreseen prior to the resolution deadline date and submitted in the proper manner.

As such, if an issue arises, please provide your Emergency Resolution in writing with a rationale, to any member of the Resolutions Committee. The Committee will assess each Emergency Resolution on its’ merits and make appropriate recommendations to the Chair of the Convention.

“Emergency Resolutions Guidelines” are included in your registration kit.

5. Alternative Format:

A Large Print version of Section G has been prepared and is available on request. Please contact the Convention Office at convention@opseu.org to obtain a copy.

6. Where do you find the Committee at Convention?

The Resolutions Committee will be available from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. during Convention. The committee will be located in the Halton Room at the Intercontinental Hotel.

7. Activities of the Committee since last Convention:

(a) The Committee met in February to participate in training for all members of the Committee, review all current documentation (policies, procedures, terms of reference), and to schedule Committee activities for March and April.

(b) The Committee met in March to read and discuss each resolution submitted to Convention. The Committee determined a response to each resolution (recommendation), ensuring that all submissions met resolution criteria, in order to create this section.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Resolutions Committee member for your region. We wish you a great Convention.

In solidarity, Authorized for Distribution:

Kim Kazur JP Hornick

Chairperson President

Resolutions Committee

Resolutions Committee Terms of Reference

OPSEU Convention Policy, Section 4

Upon receipt of proposed resolutions, where several identical or nearly identical resolutions are submitted, select one of such resolutions as being representative of all, and print only that resolution in the Convention manual, taking care to identify all locals that submitted such resolutions.
Examine all proposed resolutions having collective bargaining implications, determine which are specific contract demands (as opposed to general bargaining objectives of the Union,) and to refer such specific contract demands back to the submitting body with the recommendation that they be presented at demand setting meetings.
Omit from the Convention manual those resolutions that are submitted contrary to Article 13.8, namely, late resolutions and those submitted without the required accompaniment of signed minutes of the meeting at which they were adopted. Such minutes must contain evidence that a quorum was present and that each resolution was presented and voted upon separately.
When preparing the report to Convention, the Committee may check with the originating body when the intent is not clear, so that a resolution can be clarified by changing words but not intent.
Combine similar resolutions into one resolution encompassing the spirit of several or prepare composite resolutions which may be the sum of several resolutions (but which may be different from any of the submitted resolutions,) and thus attempt to build the broadest consensus for a complete policy resolution.
Divide the resolutions into categories (such as internal, economics, politics, industrial relations, etc.) and within categories, assign priorities on the assumption that there may not be time to deal with all resolutions in every category.
Make recommendations to the Chairperson of the Convention on the classification of emergency resolutions. To be classified as “Emergency,” a resolution must deal with a matter that is urgent and important and unexpected.
Resolutions submitted that are already OPSEU policy, shall be returned to the submitting body.

Statutory Resolutions

A1 Statutory Resolutions

Submitted by the Executive Board

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO was incorporated in 1927 as a corporation without share capital under part III of the Ontario Corporations Act (OCA); and

Whereas the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (“ONCA”) came into force in October 2021, replacing the OCA as the legislation that governs OPSEU/SEFPO as a non-profit corporation operating in Ontario; and

Whereas the ONCA requires OPSEU/SEFPO to file articles of continuance in order to continue as a non-profit corporation under its existing Constitution and by-laws;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO take all necessary steps to file articles of continuance or such other applications as are required to continue the corporation as a non-profit corporation under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act in accordance with the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution and by-laws;

Be it further resolved that the Executive Board refer constitutional amendments to the Constitutional Committee to amend references to the Corporations Act to refer to the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, and to add to the history of OPSEU/SEFPO contained in the preamble of the Constitution;

Be it further resolved that the Executive Board refer the following resolution to Convention:

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO was incorporated in 1927 as a corporation without

share capital under part III of the Ontario Corporations Act (OCA); and

Whereas the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (“ONCA”) came into force

in October 2021, replacing the OCA as the legislation that governs OPSEU/SEFPO as a non-profit corporation operating in Ontario; and

Whereas the ONCA requires OPSEU/SEFPO and other non-profit corporations to file articles of continuance in order to continue as a non-profit corporation with its existing Constitution and by-laws;

A2 Statutory Resolutions

Submitted by the Executive Board

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board refer the following statutory resolution to Convention, in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act:

Be it further resolved that as required by s 17 of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, Convention confirms and approves the actions of the Executive Board that created or amended a bylaw of OPSEU/SEFPO, as reflected in the minutes of the meetings of the Executive Board from the closing of the last Convention until the closing of this Convention.

A3 Statutory Resolutions

Submitted by the Executive Board

Therefore, be it resolved that the Executive Board refer the following statutory resolution to Convention, in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act:

Be it resolved that in compliance with section 68 of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, MNP LLP is appointed Auditors of OPSEU/SEFPO for the fiscal year 2023 or until their successor is appointed.

Budget

B1

Submitted by the Provincial Women’s Committee also submitted by the Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Ottawa Area Council & Provincial Young Workers Committee

Whereas the input of equity groups is quintessential to regional educational planning meetings and the equity groups are invited to attend the regional education planning meetings; and

Whereas their attendance is currently funded by their own equity budgets and the equity budgets are finite and best to promote activism.

Therefore be it resolved that the costs of equity committees and caucuses to attend regional educational planning meetings be covered in its entirety by the respective regional educational.

Collective Bargaining / Strike

C1

Submitted by Local 527 also submitted by the Greater Toronto Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Women’s Committee & Provincial Young Workers Committee

Whereas the definition of two-tiered bargaining, according to CUPE, is “which employers try to get union members to agree to different scales of compensation;” and

Whereas two-tiered collective agreements, according to the Institute for the Study of Labour, “include two tiers meaning that new hires receive lower wages, less job security, longer probationary periods, different pensions and benefits, or a combination of all four of these measures; and

Whereas two-tiered clauses present new hires with worse working conditions, wages and benefits than those negotiated for more senior members in the same jobs, for no reason other than their date of hire; and

Whereas our members are working side-by-side, being paid different rates of pay, with access to different benefits, and even different pensions upon retirement; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO, under Article 4 in the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution, is charged with “bringing about improvements in the wages and working conditions of the membership, including the right of equal pay for work of equal value.”

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board, under Article 24 in the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution, establish a regulation that stipulates all Local, Sector, Division, and Central bargaining teams actively avoid bargaining two-tiered clauses during rounds of bargaining and not present two-tiered collective agreements to their membership. for ratification, and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO Political Action & Education Division develop and provide to members of all Local, Sector, Division, and Central bargaining teams, within 8 months, training on the hazards of engaging in· two-tiered bargaining and best practices to follow that will reduce the likelihood of employers forcing two-tiered clauses as a response to bargaining priorities.

C2

Submitted by the Kingston Area Council

also submitted by the Nipissing Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Provincial Women’s Committee & Provincial Young Workers Committee

Whereas OPSEU members currently face barriers to participation within their union as a result of language in their collective agreements which limits their participation; and

Whereas existing maximum entitlements for union member leave within collective agreements cause employers to restrict members ability to perform union work and unintentionally as a result, creates barriers, tension, and a situation where union members must fight amongst themselves to determine who and what is most worthy of these limited days leave; and

Whereas equity deserving members are often More likely to face barriers to participation, less likely to achieve high ranking positions within their local and the work of equity is often above and beyond that of responsibilities of the local, these union entitlements are more likely to limit the participation of equity deserving members.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO local, sector, and divisional bargaining teams and local presidents be trained on the importance regarding the removal of maximum caps for union leave within their collective agreements and evaluation of restrictive language interpretations that could result in barriers to members participation within their union.

C3

Submitted by Local 526 also submitted by Local 532

Whereas open bargaining is a union negotiation procedure where contract engagement between workers and their employer is conducted in transparent meetings open to all members of the union’s bargaining unit.

Whereas open bargaining has shown its abilities to win stronger contracts and more engaged members. Open bargaining is a key lever for rebuilding robust worker participation.

Whereas the decision to engage in open bargaining will be determined by the membership of the bargaining unit, and that ground rules for member participation will be created.

Whereas experiencing change first-hand is an empowering process for our members, one that strengthens their resolve to be creative and innovative in the struggle to improve workers’ rights.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will include ‘open bargaining’ as part of the union’s education training to members; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will support any bargaining unit which chooses to engage in open bargaining.

C4

Submitted by Local 532

Whereas the Government of Ontario has been experiencing significant staffing concerns with the hiring and retention of Designated Bilingual (French) staff for many years, even before the pandemic, and this has been exacerbated in recent years

Whereas the Government of Ontario is mandated to deliver services in French in designated French-language regions and the lack of a pay premium leads to staffing issues that create challenges in meeting this mandate.

Whereas other governments, especially the Federal Government, provide a pay premium to Designated Bilingual Staff

Whereas the lack of a pay premium and its ramifications (staffing issues) have had adverse effect upon designated bilingual staff

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will support a pay/salary premium in future collective agreement negotiations with the Ontario Government for Designated Bilingual Staff to reflect the additional skills required for this position, and in order to support the government’s mandate to delivery French language services in the designed regions.

Dues/Rebate

D1

Submitted by Local 5112

Whereas all earnings of OPSEU members currently attract a 1.375% dues levy; and

Whereas collective agreements have shown little net wage growth in recent years and have been subject to government wage suppression measures over the life of this and the previous several governments; and

Whereas we owe one another, as Union brothers and sisters, the practical support that we can lend one another;

Therefore be it resolved that overtime earnings shall no longer attract the dues levy.

Education

E1

Submitted by Local 526 also submitted by the Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Provincial Women’s Committee, Provincial Young Workers Committee & Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas we belong to a bilingual union defined as OPSEU/SEFPO; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution Article 19.4 indicates that the Francophone Committee is to develop and promote programs to encourage Francophones to participate in activities and to increase the awareness and understanding of Francophone issues; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO produces English and French documentation on its Website, Communiques etc…; and

Whereas a French course is rarely provided for Francophones at Regional Educational which is detrimental and discriminatory to the Francophone membership and to their participation in OPSEU/SEFPO activities.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO provide a minimum of 2 educationals in French per year with a minimum of 2 courses per educational. These educationals will be province wide and available to all members, either in person and/or virtual/hybrid; and

Be it further resolved that the determination of which courses are offered will be decided upon by the Provincial Francophone Committee, with the first of these educationals being run before the end of 2023.

E2

Submitted by Local 557
also submitted by Local 503, Local 553, Local 557, Local 568, Local 586 & Greater Toronto Area Council

Whereas in November 2022 the Ford government refused to bargain fair wages and adequate staffing levels to address the crisis Ontario’s schools with Ontario education workers represented by CUPE/OSBCU, OPSEU/SEFPO and other bargaining agents; and

Whereas the Ford government instead passed unprecedented legislation (Bill 28) that preemptively invoked the constitution’s “notwithstanding clause,” suspended CUPE/OSBCU’s right to strike and imposed a concessionary contract, which represented a clear threat to the constitutionally protected right to free collective bargaining – including the right to strike – of all Ontario workers; and

Whereas the Ford government only backed down and repealed Bill 28 after a provincewide walkout by CUPE and OPSEU education workers and the threat of a provincewide general strike by the OFL and the heads of Ontario’s major public and private sector unions; and

Whereas the Ford government has clearly indicated its determination to use every means at its disposal to impose its agenda of concessionary bargaining, privatization and cuts to public sector jobs and services; and

Whereas to meet this existential challenge, all unions need to rebuild our capacity to engage, organize and mobilize our members, to support escalating provincewide workplace and political actions to defeat Ford’s austerity agenda and defend good jobs, fair wages and quality public services for Ontario workers and our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will develop and roll out both a Building a State of Readiness tool kit/manual and a Building a State of Readiness leadership workshop for local, sector, divisional, regional, equity and area council leaders, and

Be it further resolved that a central objective of the “Building a State of Readiness” tool kit and workshop will be to increase our collective capacity to defend OPSEU/SEFPO members jobs, wages and working conditions and to rapidly mobilize our collective power to take whatever steps are necessary to bargain fair contracts, defend quality public services and defeat the Ford government’s austerity agenda.

E3

Submitted by the Retirees’ Division

also submitted by the Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas ageism has serious impacts and therefore needs to be understood and addressed. Despite more awareness of ageism in recent years, its prevalence remains deeply ingrained in stereotypes, behavior and government policies; and

Whereas ageism underpins many of the current dysfunctional approaches in elder care. The voices, choices and engagement of elders, are neither respected nor valued by decisions makers; and

Whereas ageism can pit one generation against each other, can devalue or limit our ability to benefit from what the older generation can contribute and can reduce opportunities for health, longevity and well-being while also having far-reaching economics consequences; and

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU with the CLC, OFL, NUPGE, OFUR and CURC, will encourage and support the development of union policies that will support the rights of aging and older persons.

Executive Board

EB1

Submitted by the Executive Board

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board refer the following resolution to the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2023:

Whereas the cost of groceries, gas and basic goods in Ontario is spiraling out of control and wages are not keeping up; and

Whereas the Ford government’s Bill 124 artificially suppressed wages, undermined free collective bargaining, and violated our charter rights; and

Whereas the Ford government cancelled real rent control, allowed 42% of condos in Ontario to be bought as for-profit investments, has built no new affordable housing and has stood by while Ontarians are evicted and foreclosed on; and

Whereas the Ford government has deliberately and systematically underfunded our public education and healthcare systems causing staff shortages, service cuts and increased user fees; and

Whereas it is time the Ford government ensures banks, corporations and top income earners in Ontario pay their fair share of taxes, closes tax loopholes, and fines those that don’t pay their taxes; and

Whereas the Ontario Federation of Labour has called on all of us to tell the Ford government that we are fed up with the rich getting richer, while workers struggle to get by;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO join with workers in every Ontario community to fight back through the Ontario Federation of Labour’s Enough is Enough! campaign; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO members, in solidarity with other unionized, non-unionized and community members organize in every riding in Ontario; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO support the Enough is Enough! Campaign to achieve these goals.

EB2

Submitted by the Executive Board

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board refer the following resolution to the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2023:

Whereas the Ford government enacted Bill 124 in 2019 to suppress free collective bargain and impose limits on public sector compensation; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO and other unions challenged Bill 124 as unconstitutional in a multi-year legal battle; and

Whereas the Ontario Superior Court determined in November 2022 that Bill 124 substantially interfered with collective bargaining contrary to s 2(d) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and without justification; and

Whereas the Ontario Superior Court declared that Bill 124 is void and of no effect, and deferred the question of remedy to a later date; and

Whereas the Ontario government has taken the ill-advised step of appealing the Ontario Superior Court ruling;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO take all steps necessary to defend the rights of OPSEU/SEFPO workers and all workers across Ontario during the appeal of Bill 124; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO workers are supported, organized, and mobilized to exercise their right to free association and their collective bargaining rights following the repeal of Bill 124; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO take all necessary steps to address the damaging effects of this unconstitutional legislation, including activating all re-opener clauses and renegotiating all lost compensation in collective agreements that were affected by Bill 124.

EB3

Submitted by the Executive Board

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board refer the following resolution to the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2023:

Whereas Ontario’s healthcare system is in crisis, after decades of underinvestment and cuts; and

Whereas despite its population and wealth, Ontario consistently competes for last place among the provinces in terms of healthcare funding per capita; and

Whereas the Ford government has helped to manufacture the current crisis by underspending what was originally earmarked for healthcare by nearly $2 billion – during a global health pandemic, with emergency rooms closing amidst an ongoing staffing crisis – and by imposing the Bill 124 wage cap; and

Whereas the Ford government posted a $2.1 billion budget surplus last fall, while the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) projected six years of budget surpluses; and

Whereas it’s clear that the government has helped to manufacture the healthcare crisis in an effort to push a privatization agenda; and

Whereas the Ford government is moving to privatize hospital services by allowing private clinics – also known as Independent Health Facilities (IHFs) – to perform what they deem “easy” surgeries/procedures like hip and knee replacements, cataract surgeries, MRIs and CT scans and gynecological surgeries; and

Whereas this plan isn’t about finding “creative solutions” to solve the healthcare crisis – namely hallway healthcare, growing wait times, retention and recruitment issues across a variety of fields of medicine, severe short-staffing, burnout and mental health injury – but rather, it’s about providing untapped markets to corporations to profit off the sick and elderly, by charging fees and subsequently underpaying staff; and

Whereas the Ford government’s plan violates the core values of equality and accessibility, which are inherent to our public healthcare system, and threatens to worsen the staffing crisis, increase wait times and reduce access to healthcare for those least able to pay; and

Whereas Ontario should be investing in public solutions that improve patient and resident access and affordability – in hospitals, long-term care, home and community care, ambulance services, blood services and diagnostics, and mental health services; and

Whereas if the door is opened to private, for-profit clinics, it would spell the end of our public healthcare system;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO commit to fighting the Ford government’s privatization agenda by organizing in our workplaces, building spaces of solidarity with labour and community allies and taking action on the ground; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO call on the provincial government to abandon its appeal of the Bill 124 court decision, commit to global health funding increases of 13.6 per cent, and a process of consultation around long-term health human resource planning to improve staffing levels, provide more full- time, permanent job opportunities, tackle the retention and recruitment crisis, and ensure the provision of high-quality public healthcare for all.

EB4

Submitted by the Executive Board

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board refer the following resolution to OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2023:

Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution provides the Executive Board with express authority to suspend members from membership in good standing or issue other sanctions in respect of certain conduct that is contrary to the Union’s interests and values: breach of the Union’s harassment and discrimination policy, participation in a raid or decertification, failure to step down from temporary management positions when required to do so, or strikebreaking; and

Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution provides this authority with different terms and procedures, and does not provide any authority to sanction conduct that is not specified in the Constitution, regardless of how serious that conduct could be;

Therefore be it resolved that the President’s Office establish an ad hoc committee to undertake a review the Union’s Constitutional authority to sanction serious misconduct by members, including elected or appointed representatives of OPSEU/SEFPO; and

Be it further resolved that the ad hoc committee will be comprised of three Executive Board Members, as selected by the Executive Board, the First Vice- President/Treasurer or designate, and the President or designate, and will be supported by OPSEU/SEFPO staff and General Counsel; and

Be it further resolved that the ad hoc committee will report its findings and analysis to the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board no later than December 2023, in order that the Executive Board may refer any recommended Constitutional amendments or resolutions to OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2024.

EB5

Moved by KAZUR/BEMISTER

Submitted by the Executive Board

Whereas the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), the union representing professional performers who make commercials in Canada, has endured a 11 month lock-out after they declined to renew the National Commercial Agreement, a collective agreement that preserves the minimum rights and protections of performers in the commercial industry, because it would gut both wages and scrap benefits for gig performers; and

Whereas ACTRA has launched a national consumer boycott of union busting brands including Canadian Tire, M&M Food Market, McDonald’s, Rogers Telecom, Walmart and H&R Block; and

Whereas ACTRA is asking consumers and particularly other union members to take their business elsewhere while thousands of performers, precarious workers earning on average less than $6000, suffer;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO support ACTRA by encouraging its members to participate in the national consumer boycott of union busting brands. A current list can be found at www.actra.ca/nca/boycott; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO encourage NUPGE and its components to support ACTRA by encouraging its members to participate in the national consumer boycott; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO release a public message of support for ACTRA and its the national consumer boycott; and

Be it further resolved that the Executive Board reviews the relevance and impact of the boycott, including its possible lifting or extension, at the October 2023 Executive Board meeting or when ACTRA announces the boycott has ended, whichever is earlier.

Affiliations

F1

Submitted by the Provincial Human Rights Committee
also submitted by the Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Women’s Committee, Provincial Young Workers Committee, Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO membership represents many diverse members; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has affiliated with other labour organizations whose values and beliefs align with their own; and

Whereas CBTU (Coalition of Black Trade Unionists) represents the culture and beliefs of manyblack and racialized workers OPSEU/SEFPO members; and

Whereas CBTU leadership spoke at OPSEU/SEFPO CORW conference on the importance of engaging and aligning OPSEU/SEFPO members with joining CBTU to combat issues which affect black and racialized workers around Canada and the US; and

Whereas the issues in which black and racialized workers members face across the border affect OPSEU/SEFPO members in Canada too; and

Whereas CBTU is a voice for black trade unionist within our unions and community; and

Whereas CBTU consists of members from international and national uriions residing predominately in Ontario and Quebec; and

Whereas CBTU improves economic development and employment opportunities for racialized workers and workers of African-Descent; and

Whereas CBTU advocates for black trade unionists and create a vehicle for advancing the inclusion of racialized workers and workers of African Descent in all spheres of society; and

Whereas CBTU challenges public policies based upon right wing ideologies that seek to undermine workers rights and perpetuate a culture of white supremacy; and

Whereas CBTU challenges systemic forms of racism within the labour movement, increase union involvement in voter registration, voter education and voter turnout projects, and organize the unorganized workers.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO affiliate a minimum of 100 Black and/or racialized workers to The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (Ontario) with yearly dues paid on their behalf in collaboration with the CORW committee, with parity in regions taken into consideration.

F2

Submitted by the Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas the Ontario Network of Injured Worker Groups (ONIWG) is an Ontario wide organization of local grassroots injured Worker Groups; and

Whereas it receives no government funding and has not to date been designated as a charitable organization due to its lobbying work. (We are looking at getting charitable status, without changing our lobbying work.); and

Whereas OPSEU and ONIWG share similar, if not identical, concerns regarding employee safety and Workers Compensation; and

Whereas OPSEU has a Disability Rights Caucus who may feel well positioned to liaise and work with ONIWG

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU provide a minimum of $1000.00 of annual Funding to the Ontario Network of Injured Worker Groups (ONIWG).

Be it further resolved that OPSEU continue its work with ONIWG to develop more and stronger local grassroot injured WORKER support Groups across Ontario

Be it further resolved that OPSEU seeks with ONIWG areas of shared concern and then provide any in kind support it considers appropriate, and that OPSEU encourage its Regions, Area Councils, Locals and members to assist in this just cause.

Health & Safety

H1

Submitted by the Provincial Young Workers Committee
also submitted by Local 449, Kingston Area Council, Thunder Bay and District Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Ottawa Area Council & Provincial Women’s Committee

Whereas personal care products marketed towards women are often inflated in price; and

Whereas over 70% of OPSEU/SEFPO members use menstrual hygiene products; and

Whereas menstrual hygiene products, like toilet paper, soap and water are a necessity and not a luxury.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO provide menstrual hygiene products in the washrooms at all OPSEU/SEFPO membership centres and regional offices

H2

Submitted by Local 527
also submitted by the Nipissing Area Council, Provincial Women’s Committee, Thunder Bay and District Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Kingston Area Council, Provincial Young Workers Committee & Provincial Human Rights Committee

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is committed to the health and safety of its members; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO hosts multiple regional and central events where members regularly attend; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO does not have an existing policy when it comes to emergency contacts for members of OPSEU/SEFPO and does not currently practice the collection of emergency contacts from its members for use in emergency situations; and

Whereas OSPEU/SEFPO affiliates (OFL, CLC and NUPGE) already have the practice of ensuring participants provide an emergency contact when participating in their events that OPSEU/SEFPO members attend;

Therefore be it resolved that OSPEU/SEFPO, in conjunction with the equity chairs, create a policy before the end of 2023 that mandates. that all members attending all OPSEU/SEFPO events provide an emergency contact; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO provide a platform on the member portal that allows members to provide an emergency contact that is confirmed or updated regularly to keep accurate records for OPSEU/SEFPO to access in emergency situations.

H3

Submitted by the Kingston Area Council

Whereas The Regional Hardship Fund created in 2010 and is capped @ $1.25 currently per member in good standing; and

Whereas Regional Hardship Committees endeavor to suggest where possible other community services, yet far too often find out from members they are often turned away as they are deemed ineligible as they don’t meet the strict criteria of such communities programs; and

Whereas during the Pandemic the OPSEU /SEFPO board increased the funding to the Hardship Committees for 2 years to be able to further provide emergency financial assistance to members who were experiencing unexpected and/ or temporary financial hardship; and

Whereas the cost of food, rent, utilities and other basics for families continues to rise at an alarming rate yet wages don’t even begin to compensate to allow persons to meet these basic monthly costs; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO stands with all its members to support them in good times, and challenging times as well.

Therefore be it resolved that the Regional Hardship fund Funds be increased from $1.25 per member to $2.00 per member in good standing effective January 01, 2023 which equates to a .75 cents increase per member

World Issues

I1

Submitted by Local 568
also submitted by 503, 553, 557 & Greater Toronto Area Council

Whereas the rapid escalation of record-setting heat waves, floods, wildfires, droughts, growing food insecurity and famine, and the fossil-fuel driven economic crisis all confirm that the window for urgent action to limit global warming to the United Nations / 2015 Paris Accord target of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels is closing fast; and

Whereas the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has confirmed the scientific consensus that to meet the 1.5C limit, we need to rapidly reduce global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other key greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 43% from 2019 levels by 2030 – and achieve “net zero” emissions by 2050; and

Whereas the labour movement is organizing for effective climate action based on the concept of a “Just Transition” to a zero-carbon economy, in which workers who are displaced from carbonintensive industries and occupations – as well as workers in low-wage, part-time and contingent jobs or who face barriers to employment

have a real say in planning the transition in our workplaces, industries and the economy as a whole, and
have access to job protections, training and support to transition to good, unionized jobs in the new green economy; and

Whereas a growing coalition of labour, environment and community organizations is recognizing that the movement for a zero-carbon economy must be founded on the principles of Climate Justice, which include:

putting the needs of people, communities and the environment ahead of fossil-fuel industries, multinational banks, and corporate profits
supporting Indigenous struggles for sovereignty, self-government and control over their traditional territories
ensuring that Indigenous, racialized, working class and low-income communities – who have been most negatively impacted by the climate crisis – have a real say in planning and implementing the transition and benefit from the economic opportunities it creates
recognizing that high-quality, well-funded public services are a key part of the low-carbon economy and are critical to supporting workers and our communities during the transition; and

Whereas the CLC, OFL, labour councils and individual unions are actively pursuing labour strategies for Climate Justice and a Just Transition including:

educating leaders and activists on the climate crisis and strategies to achieve a zero-carbon economy
bargaining enforceable contract language and establishing joint labour-management workplace environmental committees to drive the just transition in our workplaces
working with labour and community allies to build a powerful political movement to protect our environment and drive government action to achieve climate justice and the UN IPCC and Paris Accord targets, and

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU supports the call for a rapid transition to a zero-carbon economy to achieve the targets and timelines established by the 2015 Paris Accord and the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change, based on principles of Climate Justice and a Just Transition; and

Be it resolved that OPSEU commits to reviewing the carbon emissions generated by our own operations and to developing and implementing a plan for the greening of OPSEU’s own operations to meet the Paris Accord and IPCC targets; and

Be it resolved that OPSEU will develop an educational program and a toolkit/manual for stewards, leaders and activists that will include:

• an overview of the impact of GHGs and the climate crisis,

• union strategies for workplace action on climate change including engaging, educating and organizing in our workplaces, locals, sectors and divisions; bargaining enforceable language; and establishing and using joint workplace environment committees to hold employers accountable and achieve a just and rapid workplace transition

• strategies for building the movement for climate justice together with our labour, environmental and community allies; and

Be it resolved that OPSEU will support the establishment of green stewards networks within OPSEU’s regions and service areas to network, share information and strategies, support climate organizing within OPSEU/SEFPO, and build OPSEU/SEFPO’s participation in the Climate Justice movement in our communities; and

Be it resolved that OPSEU will work with our labour, environmental, youth and community allies to build a powerful, broad-based and inclusive Climate Justice movement, and achieve effective government action to implement a rapid transition to a just, sustainable, zero-carbon future.

I2

Submitted by the Greater Toronto Area Council
also submitted by Local 532

Whereas OPSEU SEFPO has a long and proud record of contributing to the fight against South African Apartheid through its active boycott of South African goods;

Whereas leading social justice figures, including U.N. Special Rapporteur Richard A. Falk, British physicist Stephen Hawking, Professor Noam Chomsky, author Naomi Klein, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, amongst many others, vocally support BDS of apartheid Israel;

Whereas the BDS campaign has been endorse by large public sector unions in this country including the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), as well as labour councils across the country;

Whereas there can be no lasting peace in Palestine/Israel, or the surrounding region, without social justice;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO actively support the international campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) to demand that Israel end the siege of Gaza, dismantle the apartheid wall and Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and fully comply with international law, including U.N. resolution 194, which calls for the right of return of Palestinian refugees.

Expenses

J1

The committee received multiple resolutions of a similar nature. The resolutions committee presents the following composite resolution for your consideration.

Submitted by Local 634
also submitted by Local 416, Local 446, Local 672, Local 720, Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Women’s Committee & Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO Meal Allowances have not increased since 2015; and

J2

Submitted by Local 205
also submitted by Local 223, Local 228, Local 271, Local 308, Local 446, Local 447, Local 527, Local 546, Local 553, Local 579, Ottawa Area Council & Greater Toronto Area Council

Whereas non members are defined by OPSEU/SEFPO as members who have not signed a Union membership card; and

Whereas Policy 2.8 states that members in good standing will be used to calculate the total 80/20 Local Time off funds available to a Local; and

Whereas non-members or members who are not in good standing are paying dues to OPSEU/SEFPO; and

Whereas the Local continues to communicate with all the members in the Local and are required to represent these members, ensure they are contacted for strike and ratification votes and the Local uses the Local Time Off fund to try and sign these members up; and

Whereas the Local is penalized by OPSEU/SEFPO for individuals who decide not to sign up with the Union; and

Whereas the Local may not have the resources necessary to contact non-members due to the hybrid work models being implemented or the part time nature of members work,

Therefore be it resolved that, The policy for leaves of absence for Local Union Business be amended to state that the calculation for membership include all members in the local (members and non-members).

J3

Submitted by Local 308
also submitted by Local 205, Local 223, Local 228, Local 446, Local 447, Local 553, Local 546, Local 579

Whereas non members are defined by OPSEU/SEFPO as members who have not signed a Union membership card; and

Whereas the Local continues to communicate with all the members in the Local and are required to represent these members, ensure they are contacted for strike and ratification votes; and

Whereas the Local is penalized in the calculation of Local membership by OPSEU/SEFPO for individuals who decide not to sign up with the Union or who are difficult or impossible to reach; and

Whereas the Local may not have the resources necessary to contact non-members; and

Whereas locating members has been more difficult with the implementation of hybrid work models, widely disbursed workplaces and part-time positions that make it very difficult to locate these members,

Therefore be it resolved that The policy for calculating local book off be amended to include all members of a Local including non members in the calculations.

J4

Submitted by Nipissing Area Council
also submitted by Ottawa Area Council, Provincial Women’s Committee & Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas membership participation has been drastically altered since the pandemic and Hybrid meetings are the new way of holding meetings/conferences; and

Whereas the cost of food has increased substantially since the pandemic and supply and demand has increased freight and travel; and

Whereas a normal meat break is approximately one hour, it is unreasonable to expect a member to prepare a meal and consume it within the time allotted; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO members are doing the work of the union regardless of physical location.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO shall reimburse meal allowance, where appropriate, for alt attended union events by its members, regardless of location.

J5

Submitted by Local 446
also submitted by Local 223, Local 228, Local 271, Local 308, Local 447, Local 527, Local 546, Local 553, Local 579 & Ottawa Area Council

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has locals of many different sizes and complements; and

Whereas a local does not get to decide how many members they have; and

Whereas each collective agreement has it’s own rules regarding union time off, which is not consistent between collective agreements; and

Whereas many local presidents are inundated with work to support their locals; and

Whereas all members pay union dues and deserve the support of their local presidents; and

Whereas the policy manual only allows for locals of 750 plus, or 650 plus if you are a composite local to have a full time book off position;

Therefore be it resolved that all locals who do not currently have a full time book off position be provided with paid time off on an escalating basis:

Locals of less than 150 members = 1 day per month

Locals of 150-300 members = 2 days per month

Locals of 300-450 members = 3 days per month

Locals of 450-650/750 members = 4 days per month

J6

Submitted by Provincial Women’s Committee
also submitted by Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Young Workers Committee, Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO members want to participate in union activities; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO members have the right to safety, dignity, confidentiality, and privacy when participating in OPSEU/SEFPO Regional, divisional meetings, educationals, Ontario Public Service (OPS), Broader Public Service (BPS), CAAT (A)(S) conferences, the annual Convention and all other duly authorized meeting; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO members and equity committees/caucuses are continually asking the board for single room accommodations for members attending Regional, divisional meetings, educationals, Ontario Public Service (OPS), Broader Public Service (BPS), CAAT (A)(S) conferences, the annual Convention and all other duly authorized meeting; and

Whereas the board recently voted for single accommodations for board members creating a two-tier system; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO as a union continues to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion; and

Whereas not all locals can afford to pay the other half of room accommodations for its members who deserve to the respect of single accommodations

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO Head Office will pay costs of single accommodation for Regional, divisional meetings, educationals, Ontario Public Service (OPS), Broader Public Service (BPS), CAAT (A)(S) conferences, the annual Convention, any affiliate Conventions/Meetings and all other duly authorized meeting where OPSEU/SEFPO members attend and a hotel is required

J7

Submitted by the Provincial Young Workers Committee
also submitted by Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee & Provincial Women’s Committee

Whereas minimum wage is the lowest wage rate an employer can pay an employee; and

Whereas living-wage reflects what people need to earn to cover the actual costs of living in their community; and

Whereas Canadian workers have recently experienced record-breaking inflation and staggering costs for shelter, food and transportation; and

Whereas Living Wage Canada (previously the Tamarak Institute) reported in November 2022 that the highest regional living-wage for the province was now at $23.15 per hour; and

Whereas some rural regions experienced increased living-wage rates as high as 21% in a span of 12 month; and

Whereas Policy Alternatives Canada reported in 2018 that 30% of workers in the public sector are precarious and precarious workers often work for the lowest wages; and

Whereas precarious workers and young persons in OPSEU/SEFPO are the most likely demographic to access own time compensation.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO immediately adjust Own Time compensation rates to be paid at the rate for the current year, according to the reported highest regional living-wage in the province; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will adjust Own Time compensation on a biennial basis that aligns with the reported highest regional living-wage in the province.

J8

Submitted by the Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas a single unit local with 750+ signed members, and a multi-unit local with 650+ signed members are eligible for full-time presidential Leave of Absence; and

Whereas Local Time Off is funded at $35.00 per signed member; and

Whereas larger locals have access to larger local time off budgets as a result of more signed members; and

Whereas small locals have access to smaller Local Time Off budgets as a result of fewer signed members; and

Therefore be it resolved that every local with a single unit signed membership of less than 750, and a multi-unit signed membership of less than 650 be granted 3 days per month, up to 36 days per year to be used by the local president, to be paid through OPSEU/SEFPO central budget.

Be it further resolved that these days be referred to as Local President Days.

Equity

K1

Submitted by Local 500
also submitted by Local 526, Nipissing Area Council, Kingston Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Greater Toronto Area Council, Provincial Young Workers Committee, Thunder Bay and District Area Council & Provincial Women’s Committee

Whereas we belong to a bilingual union defined as OPSEU/SEFPO; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO produces English and French documentation on its website, communiques etc…

Therefore be it resolved that after the Call to Order of any OPSEU/SEFPO events such as, but not limited to, Area Council, Educational, and Local Meetings etc… That it be offered to any Francophone members, participating at that event, the opportunity to say the Statement of Respect, when a video is not available, and, to express the Land Acknowledgment in French.

K2

Submitted by Local 665

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO opens every CONVENTION with a presentation of OPSEU’s Statement of Respect; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO welcomes all peoples of the world; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO will not accept any unwelcoming words, actions or behaviours; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO accord respect to all persons; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO provides education on how to create a fair, inclusive, anti-racist environment; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO offers specialized courses and educational resources to help our union’s staff and membership identify, address, and challenge acts of racism; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO ensures that -anti-oppression values, statements, and practices are embedded in all aspects within OPSEU/SEFPO; and

Whereas anti-oppression practice refers to engaging in work that critically examines how social structures and social institutions work to create and perpetuate the oppression and marginalization of those who have been identified as not belonging to the dominant group;

Therefore be it resolved that at Convention, when any staff or member speak in a racist or anti-oppressive manner, propagates ethnic hatred, disseminates racial-political rhetoric, propaganda or conspiracy theories or denies genocide, that the staff or member will be interrupted/stopped from speaking and will forfeit their time to speak at the microphone; and

Be it further resolved that a member of a relevant equity group will be provided time to address the Convention floor with accurate, true information that corrects any misinformation; and

Be it further resolved that every staff and member has the right to free speech and must acknowledge that this freedom comes with responsibility and accountability for their words; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO’s Board will work with Equity to review any such incidents that occur at Convention and if deemed appropriate, will discuss the incident with the staff or member, using an equity lens to share the impact words can have; and

Be it further resolved that while our personal belief systems are our own, when those beliefs are racist or anti-oppressive, they are not welcome at OPSEU/SEFPO events; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO’s equity division provide information that will educate against racism, especially that which is fuelled by political or religious overtones; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO’s Board adapt this Resolution and amend it to be applicable to all OPSEU/SEFPO events, gathering, conferences and meetings.

Lobby / Campaigns

L1

Submitted by the Thunder Bay and District Area Council
also submitted by Local 527, Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Provincial Women’s Committee, Provincial Human Rights Committee & Provincial Young Workers Committee

Whereas in 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its Final Report, including 94 Calls to Action; and

Whereas Call to Action #43 specifically calls on all levels of the Canadian government to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and

Whereas there is an urgent need to clarify and deepen First Nations relationships with municipal governments; and

Whereas the meaningful implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples requires municipal governments to combat prejudice, eliminate discrimination and take effective and special measures to ensure continuous improvement of the economic and social conditions of Indigenous Peoples.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO in conjunction with the Ontario Federation of Labour and Canadian Labour Congress will demand the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to explicitly legislate requirements for municipalities to implement the UN Declaration, and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO in conjunction with the Indigenous Circle will develop a campaign on this issue with the planning to be started within 3 months of this resolution passing.

L2

Submitted by the Thunder Bay and District Area Council
also submitted by the Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Provincial Women’s Committee, Provincial Human Rights Committee & Provincial Young Workers Committee

Whereas during the 60’s Scoop, it has been estimated that 20,000 Indigenous children were taken from the families and adopted into white homes in Canada, and

Whereas in similar fashion, we remember that the recent discovery of the remains of 215 children who were forced to attend the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in unmarked graves has led to the discovery of the remains of thousands of children in other former Indian Residential facilities across the country, and

Whereas the 60’s Scoop legacy was just a continuation of violent and ignorant polices that were designed to disrupt and destroy First Nations families and communities, and

Whereas the former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Murray Sinclair, has renewed the calls for a national inquiry, and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO, in conjunction with the Indigenous Circle, co ordinated a 60’s scoop forum with survivors.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will support a call by the Sixties Scoop Legacy of Canada and other Indigenous groups for a national probe into the 60’s scoop where children were forcibly removed from their families.

L3

Submitted by the Thunder Bay and District Area Council
also submitted by the Nipissing Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Women’s Committee, Provincial Young Workers Committee & Kingston Area Council

Whereas the 2021 Census data indicates that First Nations comprise 58% of the Indigenous population in Canada and that the First Nations represent a majority of urban, rural and northern Indigenous people in Canada; and

Whereas many urban and rural housing providers are invaluable in providing housing for First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples, often in challenging situations, especially women and children; and

Whereas there is a need to ensure that First Nations and Indigenous housing groups have adequate resources to meet the housing needs of Indigenous people, no matter where they live.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO, in conjunction with the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress, demand that the federal and provincial governments ensure the implementation of the Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy (URN Strategy), and

Be it further resolved that each government provide a timeline for the completion of the implementation.

L4

Submitted by the Nipissing Area Council
also submitted by the Kingston Area Council, Provincial Young Workers Committee

Whereas, in 2021/2022, the average tuition fees for international undergraduate students in Canada rose 4.9% from a year earlier to $33,623, following a 7.1% gain in 2020/2021 (Statistics Canada, 2021); and

Whereas post secondary institutions revenue from tuition and other fees has increased by over $476 million, while funding from provincial governments has decreased over time (Statistics Canada, 2021); and

Whereas international students are not permanent residents and cannot access government funded resources and campus supports do not always have the knowledge of the cultural intricacies that these students may face; and

Whereas is has been documented international students are more vulnerable to health insurance fraud, abuse by landlords, exploitation by employers paying below minimum wage, food insecurity, and sexual violence; and

Whereas these students also fall into the equity group of young workers/precarious workers, and these compounding factors significantly impact academic performance as well as overall health and wellbeing {Ghosh, Kim, Garrison, & Shahidnia, 2022); and

Whereas the pandemic has amplified the issues and vulnerabilities that international students face, leading to a disturbing increase in death by suicide rates in Canada (One Voice Canada, 2021).

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO immediately demand the provincial government to reduce/freeze international student tuition rates and budget more funding in post secondary institutions; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO, in conjunction with the Provincial Young Workers Committee, work with post-secondary institution student unions to assist with connecting international students with appropriate resources within the institution, as well as young worker rights hubs; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO honour its commitment to advancing young worker and racialized worker rights, as well as to better support OPSEU/SEFPO post-secondary sector members who support international students.

L5

Submitted by the Thunder Bay and District Area Council
also submitted by the Kingston Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Young Workers Committee & Provincial Women’s Committee

Whereas 215 unmarked graves were found at the Kamloops Residential School since 2020, and

Whereas residential schools have detrimentally impacted Indigenous families and children, and

Whereas the discovery and return of the children is vital to the healing process for Indigenous families, and

Whereas the investigation into the discoveries at the government run schools is underfunded.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO, in conjunction with the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress, publicly demand that the government immediately increase the funding for the investigation of unmarked graves at the residential schools.

L6

Submitted by the Thunder Bay and District Area Council
also submitted by the Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Women’s Committee, Provincial Young Workers Committee

Whereas according to a Watchdog 2021-22 annual report, racial discrimination, stereotyping and bias is as prevalent as it has ever been, and

Whereas Canada has made very little progress to address the over representation of Indigenous and racialized persons in the prisons and facing even worse conditions than they did even a decade ago, and

Whereas it is a real shame of the lack of response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #30, and

Whereas the Indigenous Circle includes 4 members employed within the correctional institutions in Ontario, who have firsthand knowledge of the racism and discrimination being faced by Indigenous and racialized persons.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO supports the establishment of healing centres and programming within Indigenous communities, and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO in conjunction with the Indigenous Circle make a formal press release prior to June 21st calling out the provincial government regarding the horrendous living conditions of Indigenous and racialized inmates within these correctional institutions.

L7

Submitted by the Provincial Women’s Committee
also submitted by the Nipissing Area Council, Provincial Young Workers Committee & Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas the homeless community is subjected to higher rates of violence, victimization, and becoming missing persons (Huey & Ferguson, 2020); and

Whereas aggressive policing strategies have historically been disproportionately applied in communities of racialized peoples (Mummolo, 2018), leading to Black, Indigenous and other diverse groups being disproportionately impacted by use of force and strip searches by officers; and

Whereas racialized people are overrepresented in the number of “enforcement actions” taken against them relative to their total population in Toronto; and

Whereas the City of Toronto spends 25% of taxpayer dollars on policing, which is more than the tax dollars spent on employment services, shelter and social housing, and children’s services combined; and

Whereas the City of Toronto has spent $2 million to clear encampments of unhoused people using physical force through the police services and uses $5.9 million to maintain the Toronto Police Service mounted division; and

Whereas Toronto mayor, John Tory, has proposed to increase police funding by $50 million in 2023 which will result in 200 more police positions, despite the Toronto police report revealing widespread, systemic racism in the force, concluding a total budget proposal of $1.1 billion, alone, for Toronto Police Services.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO develop a support strategy, in conjunction with the sectors, and divisions that support and influence social services, along with the equity committees/caucus, to advocate for the shift in spending on social services that help decrease homelessness, such as, but not limited to, social housing, warming centers, employment services, and children’s services.

L8

Submitted by the Retirees Division
also submitted by the Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas the Canadian Pension Plan Investment board (CPPIB) is caught in scandal involving elder abuse, fraud and embezzlement as they are the largest investor in Orpea, a for-profit corporation that is accused of rationing food and incontinence products in its European long-term care homes.

Whereas CPPIB is the largest single investor owning 15% of Orpea’s shares and holds 2 seats on the board it is involved in court actions resulting in the corporations shares plummeting threatening the survival of the corporation.

Whereas the restructuring of Orpea’s 9.5 billion euros in debt will involve significant losses to all investors including CPPIB.

Therefore be resolved that OPSEU will, call upon the Federal Government to take action to stop the Canadian Pension Plan Investment board (CPPIB) from investing in for-profit long-term care and other for-profit healthcare facilities in Canada and abroad. And will call on the OFL, NUPGE and the CLC to do the same.

L9

Submitted by Local 532

Whereas the official work week in Ontario is among the longest in the industrialized world, a situation proven to cause increased stress, illness and lower productivity;

Whereas tens of thousands of new jobs would be created if the work week was reduced appropriately;

Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO organize and actively campaign to reduce the work week to 4 standard working days, without loss of pay or benefits to workers, and no additional time added to the remaining working days, and to outlaw mandatory overtime.

L10

Submitted by Local 532
also submitted by the Executive Board

Whereas climate change is affecting all aspects of workers lives in Ontario, disrupting our economy and impacting our health and our future prosperity; and

Whereas the poorest and most vulnerable citizens are impacted the most by climate change and are the most likely to be displaced and become climate refugees and migrants; and

Whereas immediate action is needed to keep the impact of human behavior on carbon emissions within the levels agreed to by our government through international agreements; and

Whereas affordable, scalable solutions are readily available to build cleaner, more climate resilient workplaces, communities and economies; and

Whereas labour unions have been on the forefront of demanding that governments and employers take real action on climate change by creating a path towards net-zero carbon emissions and a just transitions for workers;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will create a climate action plan based on current science and evidence, best known practices and currently available solutions to reduce its own carbon footprint, to give members the resources and tools necessary to organize for climate action in their own workplaces and communities, and to advocate for climate action and a just transition for workers at all levels of government.

L11

Submitted by the Retirees Division

Whereas seniors are suffering with a higher cost of living, currently above 10%, and are struggling to pay bills, and sometimes cutting medications to do so, and,

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU with the CLC, OFL, NUPGE, OFUR and CURC, will lobby the Federal Government to increase OAS, CPP, GIS for all those eligible.

Membership Activities / Services

M1

Submitted by Local 672

also submitted by Local 527, Kingston Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Provincial Women’s Committee, Provincial Young Workers Committee, Thunder Bay and District Area Council & Provincial Human Rights Committee

Whereas universal accessibility is quintessential to full inclusion; and

Whereas the pandemic has demonstrated barriers to that inclusion; and

Whereas equity and inclusion are a priority and are fundamental principles of the labour movement and OPSEU/ SEFPO; and

Whereas members of the disability community are more likely to be impacted by airborne viruses and mobility issues and travel barriers.

Therefore be it resolved that all in person general membership, educational, conferences, convention, and meetings be made in a functional and accessible hybrid format, to meet the needs of all OPSEU/SEFPO members.

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will update all of its facilities and offices to ensure hybrid functions are available and these functions will be available by the end of 2023.

M2

Submitted by Local 546

also submitted by Local 205, Local 223, Local 228, Local 271, Local 308, Local 446, Local 447, Local 527, Local 553, Local 579 & Ottawa Area Council

Whereas the Ontario Public Service Unified Locals total nearly 100 in the Province; and

Whereas when new members start their employment with the OPS they are not always assigned to a Local by OPSEU/SEFPO; and

Whereas these new members are paying dues to the Union but the Local rebate is not assigned to the Local; and

Whereas the Local may not even know where these new members are located due to the new hybrid work model or due to the number of physical work locations within the Local; and

Whereas this situation is only found within the OPS Unified Division Locals; and

Whereas there is currently a OPSEU/SEFPO policy stating that the 999 list will be provided regularly; and

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO assign the 999 list be reviewed on a quarterly basis by OPSEU/SEFPO Staff and that members be assigned to the appropriate Local based on current workplace assignments,

Be it further resolved that OPS Unified Local Presidents will be provided a copy of this list for their Local on a quarterly basis.

M3

Submitted by Local 228

also submitted by Local 205, Local 223, Local 271, Local 308, Local 446, Local 447, Local 527, Local 546, Local 553, Local 579, Kingston Area Council & Ottawa Area Council

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has a corporate ZOOM account and assigns licences to staff for their work; and

Whereas Locals have purchased their own ZOOM accounts to hold meetings for their Locals and Union work; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has negotiated a price that is less than what Locals are paying for individual Local ZOOM accounts and Locals could benefit from from this cost savings

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO negotiate a ZOOM account rate for Locals

Be it further resolved that the rate and particulars of the contract be shared with Local Presidents,

Be it further resolved that Locals advise whether they wish to participate in the OPSEU/SEFPO ZOOM account and the participating Locals will have their rebates charged the ZOOM account fees.

M4

Submitted by Provincial Young Workers Committee

also submitted by Nipissing Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Women’s Committee, Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is a member-driven union; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO Local Presidents, Equity Committee/Caucus Chairs, and Area Council Chairs have a duty to be fiscally responsible with their funds; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO operates as a not-for-profit corporation under the Not-For-Profit Corporations Act, 2010; and

Whereas both OPSEU/SEFPO Locals, Area Councils, and Equity Committees/Caucus operate as official branches of OPSEU/SEFPO; and

Whereas many service providers offer significantly discounted rates towards groups that operate under the Not-For-Profit Corporations Act, 2010;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will make available to Local Presidents, Equity Committee/Caucus Chairs, Area Council Chairs, and Divisional/Sector Chairs a valid and certified copy of the most up-to-date Letters Patent or stamped application for incorporation under the Corporations Act that prove OPSEU/SEFPO’s identification as a not-for-profit corporation to aid in the approval of discounted services used by these groups; and

Be it further resolved that the Letters Patent is made available upon request by a local president, local area council chair, equity committee/caucus chair, and divisional/sector chairs within 7 business days.

M5

Submitted by the Orillia Service Area Area Council

Whereas section 2.1 of the policy manual policy states that once the Executive Board has voted and taken a decision, the decision belongs to the entire Executive Board and every EBMs must publicly support the decision, even if they voted against it unless the EBMs has registered a minority vote on a motion; and

Whereas section 2.5 B 8) of the procedures manual outlines no member shall criticize any vote of the Board (except when moving reconsideration) unless they have stated their intention of submitting a minority report on that specific matter immediately after the vote; and

Whereas the intent to submit minority reports are noted within the minutes of the executive board; and

Whereas minority reports are submitted at the end of the year before convention to make up part of the board report submission to convention; and

Whereas minority reports address relevant and often time-sensitive issues for members; and

Therefore be it resolved that minority reports shall be submitted before the next executive board meeting to allow for timely distribution with approved minutes.

M6

Submitted by Local 273

Whereas OPSEU is a member driven union, where the local union executives support the member through the grievance process and are tasked with being the first line of defense for all member issues; and

Whereas the process with dealing with especially complex grievances and/or sensitive member issues involves, where necessary, seeking assistance from, OPSEU grievance department; and

Whereas OPSEU already has the resources available such as Westlawnext to provide the assistance to the local president, executive members and stewards to the most complex and challenging grievances;

Therefore it be resolved that OPSEU Regional offices supply a computer station with free access to WestlawNext to use at the regional office. This would be used by any local executives and stewards when needed.

M7

Submitted by Local 154

Whereas the Ambulance Communications Officers (ACOs) of Ontario have long-standing unresolved and critical workplace problems which threaten their safety in the workplace on a daily basis; and

Whereas the ACOs of the province represented by OPSEU-SEFPO include over 600 members, mostly captured under the OPS & BPS collective agreements; and

Whereas the nature of the role of the ACO is fundamentally different than most other positions within the OPS & BPS collective agreements, as first responders and due to the nature of their 24 hour work environment and shift work; and

Whereas the 24 hour work environment and shift work make it increasingly difficult to engage and organize members; and

Whereas the ACOs have been placed in a vulnerable position by the employer and are leaving the OPS and BPS and OPSEU-SEFPO in large numbers due to working conditions for other positions or on both temporary and permanent mental health leave; and

Whereas ACOs overwhelmingly lack faith in OPSEU-SEFPO due to the lack of intervention in systemic ongoing discrepancies in working conditions and union representation; and

Whereas the grievances and representation required by ACOs is fundamentally different than those with whom they share a collective agreement; and

Whereas numerous Locals that the ACOs belong to are composite and lack the resources to dedicate appropriate time, knowledge and experience to ACO problems; and

Therefore it be resolved that OPSEU-SEFPO temporarily or permanently, hire or appoint, an OPSEU-SEFPO staff representative who is specialized in ACOs, Ambulance Communication Centres and their needs, regarding support and coordination on various outstanding issues and grievances.

M8

Submitted by Local 243

Whereas CAAT‐S Full‐Time, CAAT‐S Part‐Time, CAAT‐A, Universities, Boards of Education, Ministry of Education and Cultural Institutions and Ministry of Colleges and Universities, have the same type of structure; and

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will create an Educational Council as defined under Article 21.4 of the Constitution;

Be it further resolved that the Educational Council may consist of CAAT‐S Full‐Time, CAAT‐S Part‐Time, CAAT‐A, Universities, Boards of Education and Cultural Institutions, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Be it further resolved that once the Educational Council is endorsed and passed by at least four (4) of the above mentioned sectors & ministries, the Council will hold its first meeting once approved by the President’s office as per Article 21.4 within 3 months to come up with their terms of reference.

Political

O1

Submitted by Local 503
also submitted by Local 532, Local 568, Greater Toronto Area Council+ & the Executive Board

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is engaged in an organizational transformation process to move from a servicing model to an organizing model of unionism that centers its work on the membership building their bargaining power; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is developing a strategic plan that will frame its work and decision making according to shared principles; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has retained a forensic auditor that has uncovered financial irregularities in its operation; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is committed to a process of sustained fiscal responsibility; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is engaged in an operational review of financial policy and procedure;

Therefore be it resolved that an ad-hoc committee be established by the President’s office, with the membership of the committee being the President or designate, the First Vice- President/Treasurer or designate, and three Executive Board Members as elected by the Executive Board, with support from OPSEU/SEFPO General Counsel and any professional expert(s) chosen by the President and approved by the ad-hoc committee as a whole, to conduct a review of OPSEU/SEFPO’s governance structure, including a comparative analysis of existing governance structures in other unions and not-for profit organizations, and that the ad-hoc committee will create a process to get input from local, equity and sector/divisional leaders, with the analysis and any recommendations from the committee to be presented to OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2024.

O2

Submitted by Local 532

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO should continue to develop its campaigns, including by intervening in the political arena, in order to promote by all means strong public services, better job security and a good quality of life for all working people in this province; and

Whereas the New Democratic Party is the political arm of the labour movement, has shown strong solidarity with OPSEU/SEFPO members and working people generally, and provides OPSEU/SEFPO with an opportunity to join in working class political action, beyond the limitations of collective bargaining on purely economic issues; and

Whereas the Doug Ford Conservative government, like the Kathleen Wynne and Dalton McGuinty Liberal governments before them, advance the agenda of their corporate supporters including corporate tax cuts, privatization schemes, closed programs and facilities, contracting out, freezing wages and transfer payments to agencies and diminished trade union rights including serious barriers to organizing and no successor rights for the public service; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO’s core principles of social and economic justice, equality and human rights at home and around the world, can be strengthened in practice through our participation in the development of the policies and actions of the NDP; and

Whereas formal affiliation will provide OPSEU/SEFPO members with an ongoing, direct voice in NDP policy debates, leadership selection, and campaigns to advance the interests of working people;

Whereas affiliation to the NDP is similar to individual membership in that you cannot affiliate exclusively to either the provincial or federal party;

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO formally affiliate with the New Democratic Party.

O3

Moved by Shirk/Bemister

Submitted by Local 352, also submitted by Local 362

Whereas the business of the union is governed by its chosen rules of order

Whereas the current rules of order, ‘Robert’s Rules of Order’, is not understood by the majority of the membership as well as some staff and chairs of various meetings and events.

Whereas Robert’s Rules is a complicated set of rules, that presents a barrier to new and old members alike.

Whereas constitutional rules of order contradict Robert rules furthering confusion

Whereas simpler rules of order and parliamentary procedures exist and are in use in other organizations both small and large.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO immediately strike a committee or working group to investigate and bring forward a recommendation on modern rules of order that:

can be easily learned & understood
fosters inclusion and removes barriers
focuses on the business of the Union getting done.

Be it further resolved that the committee put forward any constitutional amendments that are appropriate to further the democratic operation of union business.