Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Welcome to OPSEU/SEFPO’s Facebook page. It’s one of many ways OPSEU/SEFPO uses to inform its members and the public about the many positive actions the union is taking to improve the lives of public service workers in Ontario. It’s also a place to promote the many valuable contributions our members and staff are making to improve our workplaces, our communities, and the entire province. OPSEU/SEFPO has deep and longstanding traditions of being a member-driven union, democrat...ic and inclusive to all. This page reflects those values. Conversation and debate are welcome and encouraged. Comments must adhere to OPSEU/SEFPO’s Statement of Respect. Any comment that violates the Statement of Respect, contains personal attacks on individuals, profanity, falsehoods, or is disparaging to OPSEU/SEFPO's reputation and is detrimental to the best interests of the union and its membership will be removed. See more

On Pink Shirt Day, our OPSEU/SEFPO family proudly wears pink to our schools, workplaces, and in our communities to speak out against bullying. Let’s all practice kindness and #LiftEachOtherUp. #PinkShirtDay #OPSEUEducationStrong #BeeTheChange #EducationHeroes

OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says Ontario’s plan to invest millions for PSW training at Ontario colleges is a good first step in tackling the crisis in Long-Term Care and rebuilding a long-neglected public sector. The union says the $115 million earmarked for Ontario’s publicly funded colleges will support training for up to 8200 new Personal Support Workers (PSWs) who will have fully paid tuition and paid supervised placements as part of a six-month program ...starting in April. We need to build capacity now, said Thomas. Getting more PSWs properly trained and into the workforce is a top priority and we’re thankful to the Ford government for listening to OPSEU’s calls. Lives depended on it. https://opseu.org//opseu-sefpo-lauds-college-fundi/117542/

February 24 is Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti-Bullying Day. Celebrated on the last Wednesday of each February, it is a day to come together by wearing our pink shirts to take a stand against bullying. Warren "Smokey" Thomas: Bullying should never be tolerated, in any part of our society. Every person is deserving of respect. OPSEU/SEFPO was founded on this principle, and we will always fight for this. https://opseu.org//spread-kindness-on-pink-shirt-d/117442/

OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas sent the following letter today to Graham Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of the College Employer Council (CEC) in response to the CEC’s recent news release about a contract extension offer letter. President Thomas received an offer letter from the CEC on February 16, 2021.The offer would see the Collective Agreements for College Faculty and Part-Time Support staff extended by two years, with a one per cent wage increase each of th...ose years and a six-month early signing. I believe we can agree that in these challenging times stability for our students and staff is top of mind and I wish to thank you for your offer. As President, I take direction from our members and will work cooperatively with them and their elected Divisional leadership to give your offer the consideration it deserves. https://opseu.org//opseu-sefpo-responds-to-college/117406/

OPSEU/SEFPO celebrates the incredible contributions of Black leaders, community activists, and front-line heroes this Black History Month. The time is now to end anti-Black racism.

A pair of OPSEU/SEFPO members have spearheaded an inspiring music project called Living on the Edge that gives thanks to all the front-line heroes helping us through the pandemic and sparks hope that, together, we’ll come out stronger on the other side. This was a community based project which started in Windsor Essex with some amazing activists and their kids with multiple trade unions, wrote OPSEU/SEFPO Local 154 Treasurer Janice Hunter in an email to President Warren "Smokey" Thomas and First Vice-President/Treasurer Eddy Almeida. The message was to encourage people to do the right thing through this pandemic to keep our numbers down and to encourage others to look positively in these upcoming days. https://bit.ly/3sdSrXQ

November 20 is #NationalChildDay. With political will and efforts from all of us, we can help more children and families succeed and live healthy lives. https://tinyurl.com/y3grkk6s

Part 2 of our OPSEU/SEFPO Talk episode Being a young worker during COVID-19 is now out! Eddy Almeida continues the conversation with two of our young leaders, Provincial Young Workers Chair, Joseanne Job, and College Support Part-time Div Ex Chair, Denis Martinez. They discuss skills young workers have been building during the pandemic, advice for young workers starting out in their careers, and issues that young workers often face in their workplaces. Listen to the episode: https://opseutalk.org//being-a-young-worker-during-covid-/

Building forward thinking capacity has been something I’ve fought hard for over the past 10 years. As OPSEU/SEFPO’s First Vice-President/Treasurer, and as a leader in our great union, I pledge to keep my foot on the pedal. https://opseu.org//building-capacity-must-be-the-n/112990/

OPSEU/SEFPO offers our deepest condolences to family, friends, and colleagues of the child and youth worker with the @TCDSB who passed away after contracting COVID-19. Folks who knew her described her as being a passionate and dedicated member of the St. Francis De Sales School community. She loved her profession and especially the children she worked with. https://tinyurl.com/y435a9fa

OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren "Smokey" Thomas is offering the union’s full support to the members working at a Toronto LCBO store where a young man was fatally shot in the parking lot on Oct. 25. I’m proud to say that our members kept their cool during the whole incident and, thanks to their quick action, a suspect was quickly arrested and charged, said Thomas. But this was a terrible act of violence, and I want our members to know that their union is here for them whatever support they need. https://bit.ly/3modILI

On November 20th, Transgender Day of Remembrance, we remember those who have died as a result of transphobia-related violence worldwide and draw attention to transphobia. We urge our members to speak out against trans mistreatment in your workplace and stand up against the abuse. https://opseu.org//international-trans-day-of-reme/113114/

There’s been crime in long term care, but it’s no mystery. Privatized homes have suffered much higher death rates. It’s time to hold the privateers criminally and civilly responsible, and then get them out of long-term care altogether. https://bit.ly/2UJzKwM

October 25 to 31 is Respiratory Therapy Week. OPSEU/SEFPO is proud of our RT members, who have been heavily relied upon to keep Ontarians healthy during COVID-19. The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) is hosting an awareness campaign this week in an effort to highlight the hard work these professionals have displayed over the past nine months with COVID-19. You too can show your support: https://www.csrt.com/rt-week/

Just a few years ago, CSN said it was too focused on Quebec to represent Ontario Corrections workers. So why are they raiding now? Because they’re losing members, they’re losing money and they’ll say anything just to get your dues. #OnLab

The pay increase being given to PSWs and DSWs will have a significant and positive impact on these frontline workers. In recognition of the vital work our PSWs and DSWs are doing to support Ontarians through this pandemic, OPSEU/SEFPO’s leadership has decided that the union will not collect dues on this pay increase. https://opseu.org//no-dues-collected-on-psw-and-ds/112961/

On #WorldTeachersDay2020, October 5, we honour the many thousands of OPSEU members working in education at all levels of Ontario’s public education system. With #COVID19, you’ve risen to the challenge of enabling millions of students to continue learning. OPSEU deeply appreciates your dedication, creativity and flexibility, and wishes everyone a safe, happy and successful year. #OnPol #OnLab https://bit.ly/34mVm6e

OPSEU/SEFPO leadership is speaking out against the use of the N-word by a University of Ottawa professor, stating that there is no place or setting that justifies using this word. Warren "Smokey" Thomas: This is a racial slur that continues to have a great deal of pain associated with it. It is unacceptable that any of our academic leaders would excuse the use of this word as an exercise of free speech or academic freedom. https://bit.ly/3kpAimt

OPSEU is calling on the government to listen to front-line inspectors and withdraw Bill 132, which amends the Environmental Protection Act. Inspectors say the changes will reduce their oversight and enforcement powers, which are laid out in the act, and threaten the health of the environment, as well as the health and safety of Ontarians. The last thing anyone wants is another Walkerton, said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. @OnLab @OnPol https://bit.ly/3l50yCE

OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren "Smokey" Thomas is urging the Ford government to swiftly heed the interim recommendations of the Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission, including its recommendation to hire more full-time and ensure that residents receive a minimum of four hours of care per day. Long-term care homes are already facing staffing shortages. Rapidly expanding their staff will be a huge challenge, but it’s far from insurmountable, said Thomas. As our union said last month, it’s time for the government to press our network of community colleges into action. https://bit.ly/34tGIM9

OPSEU President Warren "Smokey" Thomas is commending the FordNation government for providing $461 million toward a wage increase for Ontario’s PSWs and direct support workers. https://opseu.org//opseu-applauds-the-ford-governm/111556/

November 15-21 is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, and OPSEU/SEFPO is strongly recommending that all members, and all Ontarians, get informed about #bullying so they’re equipped to detect and act on it and end the terrible pain of so many vulnerable kids and adults. #BullyingAwarenessWeek #SaySomething #StopBullying #OnPol #OnLab https://bit.ly/38UdxEz

The CLC in partnership with Western University are conducting a national survey on workplace violence and harassment. We encourage all OPSEU/SEFPO members to fill it out whether or not you have experienced or witnessed workplace violence or harassment to contribute to a clearer picture of workers’ experiences across Canada. Learn more: https://opseu.org//national-survey-on-harassment-a/111263/

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We must never stop fighting against the privatization of our healthcare services, so that every woman can have access the highest standard of care in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. https://opseu.org//breast-cancer-awareness-month-w/111416/

October 22 is Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, a time to recognize our many dedicated child care and ECE members. #COVID19 has underscored just how much Ontario depends on you to care for and educate our young children. You are key to enabling the economy to restart, and OPSEU/SEFPO is more determined than ever to get you the government recognition you deserve within a publicly operated, universal child care system. #ECE #ChildCareON #ECEAppreciation #OnLab #OnPoli https://bit.ly/35plGgC

As education workers press on with their fight for stronger health and safety measures in their workplaces, all of OPSEU’s members, including those in the Hospital Professionals Division, stand in solidarity with them. https://opseu.org//opseus-hospital-professionals-d/111450/

Shouts, interruptions & insults. While Americans watching the Presidential debate had to endure some of the saddest displays of leadership I’ve ever seen, I’m proud to say that here in Ontario, we’re getting down to the hard work of working together. https://bit.ly/2G8eD3D

What does the upcoming Ontario budget need? - More investment in public services & colleges - An end to privatization - A repeal of wage-capping Bill 124 -Stronger inspection/enforcement of regulations that keep us safe... Read more here: https://bit.ly/2HcgeFO See more

Today is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. It’s unacceptable that roughly one-fifth of our province’s children are living in poverty. Governments must step up and end this problem once and for all. #OnPoli https://tinyurl.com/y5q9xmrf

National Disability Employment Awareness Month recognizes people with disabilities and educates the public, and important decision-makers about issues regarding employment for people with disabilities. OPSEU celebrates this month because access to stable and gainful employment is directly related to one’s sense of dignity, respect, and independence https://tinyurl.com/ycm3h5tg

In a letter to OMERS CEO Michael Rolland, OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren "Smokey" Thomas stands up for the retirement rights of part-timers & casuals, and demands ongoing worker oversight at the pension plan. https://bit.ly/3kgph7c

As Muslims celebrate #CanadianIslamicHistoryMonth during October, OPSEU strongly encourages members and all Ontarians to take this opportunity to learn more about the long list of contributions Muslims continue to make to every aspect of our society: from the arts and sciences to building our economy through hard work and a strong appreciation for advanced learning. #OnPol #OnLab https://bit.ly/3ioRZkA

The roughly 100 new child, youth and family mental health and autism workers at Strides Toronto are "swimming with the tide," says OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren "Smokey" Thomas. "They join 1000s of other front-line public sector workers who’ve become OPSEU/SEFPO members recently. https://bit.ly/3j8knYh

On October 1, the Day of Older Persons, OPSEU commends those seniors who have conscientiously observed public health guidelines on #COVID19. We also offer our gratitude for the dedication and courage shown by the hardworking OPSEU members who care for seniors in a wide range of settings. When the independent commission on long-term-care begins, OPSEU will be a champion for older citizens and their careers. Notably, we’ll insist long-term care be returned to the public sector. #OnPol #OnLab https://bit.ly/36rolZg

Reports of nooses swinging at high-profile construction sites in Toronto have escalated over the last few months. There have now been four separate occasions of this display of anti-black racism, when even one is unacceptable. https://opseu.org//the-hangmans-noose-torontos-mos/111317/

October 16 is #WorldFoodDay, and OPSEU/SEFPO assures all those who secure Ontario’s food chain that the union’s 170,000 members support them and their demands for a living wage and pandemic pay. We also strongly back efforts to raise the minimum wage to at least $15 an hour, boost Ontario Works and ODSP rates, and give migrant farm workers full labour rights and protections. #foodheroes #15andFairness #OnPoli @OnLab https://bit.ly/318Wfi0

OPSEU President Warren "Smokey" Thomas says the Ford government made good first steps today to protect long-term care residents from COVID-19, but that even bolder action is needed because the danger is so extreme. We need more personal support workers (PSWs), and we need them as quickly as possible, said Thomas. It’s time for the Premier to offer full tuition support for PSWs through our community colleges. It’s time to get an army of trained and certified PSWs out on the front lines of this pandemic. https://bit.ly/3n1WBR1

The Kenora Jail is the most overcrowded correctional facility in the province with the lowest officer-to-inmate ratio. To ensure the health and safety of inmates, staff and communities, it urgently needs additional correctional officers as do the other institutions in the North. #OnPoli #OnLab #Corrections #OntCorrections #CrisisInCorrections https://bit.ly/352wbGN

As Yom Kippur begins this evening OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas and First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida wish the Jewish community in Ontario and around the world an easy fast. https://opseu.org//yom-kippur-a-chance-to-ask-forg/111225/

Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)’s annual budget is shaped around the three pillars of our union bargaining, defending that bargaining through o...ur collective agreements, and organizing. Many things have changed because of this pandemic, but those three pillars stand strong. I’d say those three pillars are now more important than ever. https://opseu.org//standing-on-solid-ground-throug/110817/

Our new podcast, OPSEU Talk, is now live! To find out what keeps OPSEU President Warren "Smokey" Thomas & First Vice-President/Treasurer Eddy Almeida up at night as they lead OPSEU through COVID-19, click here: www.opseutalk.org

September 30th is recognized as Orange Shirt Day, to commemorate the survivors of the residential school system. This campaign provides all Canadians with an opportunity to participate in a collective act of reconciliation. https://opseu.org//orange-shirt-day-every-child-ma/111179/

We are aware that CSN continues to disregard the advice of public health experts and is holding meetings trying to get you to sign a card by hook or by crook. Some of you have asked what OPSEU/SEFPO is doing. The answer is simple, we’re being responsible, we’re not playing union politics. As you know, OPSEU/SEFPO’s leadership and your MERC, PJOHSC and DHS teams worked very hard this Spring to ensure measures were put in place to ensure you could do your jobs as safely as possible. We aren’t going to undermine that work by putting people’s lives at risk by holding public gatherings against the advice of public health. Read more... https://bit.ly/33N7uP4

Bonne journée des Franco-Ontariens! Today we celebrate the francophone community’s cultural, social and economic contributions to Ontario, and the role of francophones in shaping Ontario as a diverse and inclusive place to live, work and raise a family. https://opseu.org//opseu-celebrates-franco-ontaria/111037/

OPSEU’s 2019-20 Social Mapping Project (SMP) was the hot topic of the day at the 19th annual Joint Leadership Day event, held on September 22nd. The 2019-20 SMP report recommendations aim to further reduce barriers to inclusivity, placing equity issues at the core of representing and defending OPSEU’s members’ rights in their workplaces and in their communities. https://opseu.org//joint-leadership-day-2020-movin/111134/

With the growing number of COVID-19 cases, and the threat of a full-blown second wave on the immediate horizon, OPSEU President Warren "Smokey" Thomas is pleased to see the government pro-actively hiring nearly 100 more inspectors to keep workers safe. We’ve been telling government that we’re not through the worst of this pandemic yet, and that complacency will kill, said Thomas. The government needs to be able to react quickly to danger, and these new inspectors will help do just that. https://bit.ly/2RQvZnN

What keeps OPSEU President Warren "Smokey" Thomas & First Vice-President/Treasurer Eddy Almeida up at night as they lead OPSEU through COVID-19? This Friday, check out the first episode of their new podcast #OPSEUTalk to find out. https://bit.ly/33RKihr

September 21 to 27 is International Week of the Deaf. International Week of the Deaf is a way for the public to learn more about the abilities of people who are deaf and the ways they contribute to their families, communities, and workplaces, says OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. OPSEU supports inclusive rights and accessible services for all Canadians!

In a letter to Unifor National President Jerry Dias, OPSEU President Warren "Smokey" Thomas offers hearty congratulations and thanks to Dias and the Unifor bargaining team for their historic tentative agreement with Ford. Calling the deal with the automaker a big win for 6,000+ hard-working Ontarians, and an even bigger win for all Canadians concerned about the environment, Thomas writes: You’ve done the trade union movement proud. And you’ve done Canada right. https://bit.ly/2RNMAbB

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas has underscored that OPSEU’s strength, solid foundation and core value are the leadership of its members and the power of the locals. They who set the direction and they have the final say. That’s how Corrections members got Corr-only. Thomas commends Corrections leaders and members for standing up for their best possible future by standing up to CSN and focusing on the real issue at hand: bargaining the best possible collective agreement #OnPol #OnLab https://bit.ly/3cnPVI2