Developmental Services Bargaining Update...

Nelson takes some questions from the crowd at the Ashgrove!

Earlier today we had OPSEU staff rep Nelson Ross Laguna come and give an update on a new provincial approach to bargaining called a Provincial Discussion Table, (or PDT).   We had a great turn out at the Ashgrove, so thank you to all who showed up.

  

In case you didn't make it out here's some info you should know...

we will still go ahead and bargain for our "local" issues...things like scheduling, lateral transfers, job security, etc... 

the PDT will discuss issues like...a common expiry date for our collective agreements, (meaning provincially all our collective agreements will expire at the same time...so we always have the power of numbers at the bargaining table). 

Health and safety issues...workplace violence, WSIB and ensuring that staff support levels are adequate.

Funding formula adjustments and transparency...basically this means that we'll know exactly what's on the table at bargaining time.

Labour force strategy...this included pension and benefits, wages, job security, professional development, changing qualifications and dealing with regulatory colleges.

What this all essentially means is that there will be a standard set across the board in our sector...it means that if someone in say Thunder Bay gets paid $23, you'll be paid the same, (because we're all doing the same job)...since we're nowhere near the "top" as far as our wages go, we really can only stand to benefit from the PDT.   The other big items are pensions and benefits...there would be standards set in those areas as well.

Word is that they are hoping to have the PDT together by the end of March...which means that soon afterwards the real work can begin. 

This is an exciting time in our sector!

We're fortunate at our workplace to have an executive director who is on board with all of this, and is actively involved in seeing this happen...that being said there are still no guarantees, but we will definately know more by months end.

Our own bargaining will resume sometime after March...no dates are currently set.

In Solidarity

local 473

Corporate Tax Cuts...

super funny...check it out!

Why the Perfect Attendence Contest Sucks...

Imagine yourself here...after you've made all of your co-workers, family and friends sick!

It's understandable why an employer would want to minimize sick days - to reduce costs.  Using the lure of a tropical vacation is, I suppose, par for the course in advertising - creating an illusion plays an important role (most of us would have far more mundane uses for $2000). To have perfect attendance, are you one of  the healthiest employees or one who is willing to drag her- or himself in to work despite having a contagious disease? Will a facemask protect your fellow workers (and their families) and the vulnerable people you support? Can you imagine the Valley Manor or the hospital having such a contest?

 Let's show respect and be considerate of others: keep your virus at home until you're no longer a threat to your co-workers and the people you support.

Welcome!

Photo fromOttawa 2010...a protest against the McGuinty governments proposed wage freeze,

several members of Local 473 were there.

At our last meeting it was decided that we needed a new way to reach our membership, a new way to get people excited and involved with what happens "behind the scenes" in YOUR union.  That's right folks...this union belongs to us all.  When we sign up new members we have to give folks the talk about why our union matters...in case you've forgotten that day, and that talk, I'm here to remind you.

Our union gives you job protection...higher wages...better working conditions...benefits, (limited for part timers, but you do get more than many working people)...oh, and did I mention JOB PROTECTION!!!!!

It's time for us all to appreciate what our union is.  No, we can't solve every problem you have in your workplace, we can't deal with every complaint...and sometimes things are out of our hands...but, if we have the power, we will help you along every step of the way...with your grievance or your complaints.

We ask you to remember that most of us involved in this union...the people who do all the work behind the scenes are volunteering almost all of their time...and we do it because this union matters...our work matters...and we deserve the best...we who work tirelessly taking care of the needs of others.

So welcome...I hope you'll find some relevant information here.  We want to hear from you so please don't hesitate to leave a comment or send us an e-mail.  We're at local473@hotmail.ca

with thanks

local 473