Keep up to date with news and events. This page will be updated frequently so please stop by regularly!

Election Results Are In!

The membership voted and the local executive:

• President: Kella Loschiavo

• Vice President: Megan Herrington

• Treasurer: Grace He

• Recording Secretary: Jason Naughton

Were elected to represent the OPSEU Local 596 membership. Read all about the election results.

Initial Executive Nominations Are In!!

The initial Nominations for the local executive officers have been collected. You can view them here.

Black History Month: February and Forever (Part One)

OPSEU/SEFPO proudly represents thousands of members identifying as Black or of African Caribbean descent. In part one of this Black History Month series of OPSEU/SEFPO Talk, First Vice-President / Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida sits down with three Black OPSEU/SEFPO activists – Coleen Houlder, Selvin (Junior) Lennon, and Megan Carter.

In the episode (found here), Eddy, Coleen, Junior and Megan discuss:

• Skip to: 01:41 Why is Black History Month important and why is it recognised in February?

• Skip to: 05:25 What does this yearʼs theme “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day” mean to you?

• Skip to: 07:23 How can OPSEU/SEFPO do meaningful work 365 days in the year to address anti-Black racism?

• Skip to: 09:54 Information on Black History Month events being hosted by OPSEU/SEFPOʼs Coalition of Racialized Workers

• Skip to: 12:32 How should OPSEU/SEFPO work on a call-to-action with the larger labour movement to do [racial, social and economic justice] work effectively?

Stewards Recognised and Acclaimed

The local membership should be pleased to know that as of Feb 1st, 2022, thirty stewards were acclaimed and recognised by OPSEU. Now that the stewardship has been defined the local will be moving forward towards providing elections for the officers of the local. Stay tuned for further upcoming information regarding the elections. You can see a list of the standing stewards here.

Call For Stewards!

As of today, January 24th 2022, *Call for nominations for Local Steward positions is open. The call for nomination period will close on February 1st, 2022 at 4pm. [ Read More ]

Ryerson Delay's Re-Opening

As we approach the end of our fall semester, I am sure that many of you are following the news on the rise of the Omicron variant in our province and are concerned about how this will impact our Winter 2022 semester. The university is monitoring this closely and continues to respond to guidance from our government and public health authorities in planning for January.

As you know, we have been planning for a broader in-person return for some time now, and remain committed to in-person learning, while also prioritising the health and safety of our community. That is why, in consultation with leaders from across the university, we have made the decision to hold classes virtually until January 30. [ Read More ]

Termination Of Trusteeship!!!

On February 3, 2021, the Executive Committee of OPSEU/SEFPO met to review a number of concerns brought forward by members of Local 596. In accordance with Articles 16.9.1 and 16.9.3 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution, following a review of the evidence and debate, the Executive Committee voted unanimously to place Local 596 under trusteeship. [ Read More ]

Return To Campus Survey

(Posted Dec 9, 2021)

We are also asking that members take time to fill out the survey we’ve included in this message so we can have a broader picture of what is happening across the campus.

Return to Campus Survey

Return to Campus - Update #5

(Posted Dec 9, 2021)

At this time the majority of staff should have been notified of the return to campus plan for the Winter 2020 term. We understand that many of you have questions about the return and we have been working, as we did last term, with the three other unions to address these concerns with the university. As it was last term we have not found the university’s response to be satisfactory and we continue to seek clarity. We want to share what information we have so far and to provide you with the steps that can be taken under the Collective Agreement where applicable.

[ Read More ]

Region 5 (Toronto Regional Office),

will be hosting a Virtual Educational

(Posted Nov 3, 2021)

This 6-hour course provides new activists and stewards with the tools to create a profile of the diverse members the steward represents, and an understanding of the questions to pursue after the course. Participants will receive a basic orientation to the role of stewards and other LEC members and will develop an understanding of the structure of OPSEU/SEFPO. Information about key union resources will be provided, as well as options for resolving workplace issues, including the steps of the grievance process and common labour terms and vocabulary. [ Read More ]

Ontario Human Rights Commission

Releases News Letter

(Posted Sept 22, 2021)

On September 1, 2021, the Ontario government announced that starting September 22, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. By October 22, Ontario plans to develop and implement an enhanced digital vaccine certificate with unique QR (Quick Response) code that will verify vaccination status when scanned. [ Read More ]

Message from

Ontario Federation of Labour

(Posted Sept 15, 2021)

There is no time to waste. Many students are already back in the classroom and there is still no strong back to school safety plan to protect stud ents and education workers. [ Read More ]

Is it safe enough to return to campus?

What do public health scientists say?

(Posted September 7, 2021)

An interactive expert panel discussion followed by a Q&A

September 9th, 2021 at 7-9PM

You are invited to join us for an interactive panel discussion with leading health and safety experts in epidemiology, indoor air quality, bioaerosols, bioethics, population health equity, and more. Following brief presentations by the panelists, there will be an extended Q & A. [ Read More }

Mandatory vaccinations: Frequently Asked Questions

(Posted September 3, 2021)

With the fourth wave of the COVID-19 crisis upon us, many employers in Ontario have been developing workplace policies calling for mandatory vaccines and testing. The Ford government has also announced a vaccine passport will be brought in this month.

As members continue to navigate these challenging times and, in many cases, plan their own return to the traditional workplace, they have asked OPSEU/SEFPO about these policies, and their impact on workers’ personal health choices and working conditions. [ Read OPSEU FAQ ]

Return to Work Update

(Posted Aug 5, 2021)

The local union representatives; Kella Loschiavo, Megan Herrington, Jason Naughton and Grace He, have met with the University alongside RFA, CUPE 1& 2 to get information on the current plans for the return to campus.

First we would like to make clear that the University, as the employer, has the right to recall employees back to campus in accordance with provincial mandates and health and safety measures. It is our role to act on behalf of the membership to ensure the campus is safe to return to and that safeguards are considered and put in practice. Secondary to that, we are representing the interest of the membership in bringing forward our concerns around remote work, accommodations, for a fair and reasonable return to campus plans. [ Read More ]

Latest Treasurer Report Out

(Posted July 27, 2021)

The Treasurer has released the latest financial report regarding the local's finances. (Read all about it here)

Ryerson's Unions Become Coalition

(June 2,2021)

In June CUPE 3904, OPSEU 596,CUPE 233 and the RFA all met up to review the health and safety concerns regarding the possible return to campus for their members. The formal letter:

June 4th Letter to Ryerson Regarding Return to Campus

was presented to Ryerson's administration pointing out 50+ areas of concern regarding the proposal to have the members return to campus. OPSEU continues to meeting with the Coalition to ensure it's member's concerns are addressed.

OPSEU/SEFPO Leadership Message 2021

(Posted April 25, 2021)

We want to thank each and every one of you for your leadership during the past year. OPSEU/SEFPO is a team effort, and we could not represent our members effectively during these difficult times without your fantastic leadership at the local level.

On December 7, 2020, with the health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in mind, OPSEU/SEFPO’s Executive Board made the decision to postpone Convention 2021. The Convention Planning Committee has arranged to engage with local presidents/highest ranking and select committee members by distributing this leadership message which includes central and regional updates.

Please view our video by clicking this link: Leadership Message 2021

(read more)

Are you a Canadian Injured Worker?

(Posted April 25,2021)

The Canadian Injured Workers Alliance and its team of researchers are looking for Canadians who have had a workplace injury to take part in a study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For this study you will be asked to complete a short survey on the impact of the pandemic on you. All responses will be used to generate knowledge to create action plans to support injured workers.

To be part of our important research project, click the link below to read the letter of information and consent and complete the survey.

Please complete the survey by Friday, May 7, 2021.

Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Canadian Injured Workers

(by Terri Szymanski from OPSEU Health and Safety Officer.)

OPSEU Wellness Series

(Posted April 13, 2021)

Ryerson like to encourage you to register for the Wellness Series tailored to our OPSEU community. Please find more information on the series below:

Supporting Ourselves and Others During COVID-19

Speaker: Sean Hale, Psychotherapist and Organizational Development Professional

Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Registration link

#SafeSocial: Creating a Healthy Balance With Social Media

Speaker: Bailey Parnell, Founder & CEO, SkillsCamp

Date: Thursday, April 29, 2021

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Registration link

Ontario In Shutdown!

(Posted April 8, 2021)

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is immediately declaring a third provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). These measures are being taken in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission, the threat on the province's hospital system capacity, and the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants... (read more...)

Interim Trustee Report is In!

(Posted March 8, 2021)

The trustee of the local 596, Edie Strachan has released an interim report regarding the state of the local. It looks like the local will remain in trusteeship for at least another 90 days. (read more)..

Becoming A Signed Member Just Got Easier!

(Posted March 2, 2021)

OPSEU has recently migrated to using Electronic signup! Becoming a signed member of our local just got easier.

Become a Signed Member!

You can also update the information that OPSEU has on file about you via the membership portal.

Former President - Cease and Desist

(Posted March 2, 2021)

OPSEU has formally requested the former president Aman Rajwani to cease and desist. Members should be aware OPSEU has declared that Aman Rajwani is "not authorized by OPSEU or the Local to represent any OPSEU member, or to hold yourself out as a Union representative. You are directed to cease and desist from doing so. OPSEU will not be responsible for any consequences, legal or otherwise, which may follow from your actions since the trusteeship on February 4, 2021, or since the termination of your employment on February 15, 2021. " -- Warren (Smokey) Thomas (read more)

Attention Members! - OPSEU Educational

(Posted Feb 9, 2021)

Upcoming Zoom Classes on: OFL Prevention Link ‘Rights and Obligations’ and ‘Benefits and Services’

DATES:

• Class #1: April 10, 17, 24 and May 1 2021, 9am - 4pm (EST)

• Class #2: April 11, 18, 25 and May 2 2021, 9am - 4pm (EST)

Registration Deadline: Friday March 19, 2021 4:00pm, Email R5Educationals@opseu.org. Please complete and attach the Application and the Human Rights Accommodations forms.

OPSEU Local 596 In Trusteeship!

(Posted Feb 9, 2021)

On February 3, 2021 the Executive Committee met to review concerns brought to the Union by members of Local 596. As per:

• Article 16.9.1 and

• Article 16.9.3

of the Constitution, and following a review of evidence presented and debated, the Executive Committee voted unanimously to place Local 596 under trusteeship. Effective immediately, Edie Strachan, Region 5 Vice-President, is appointed as trustee. The trustee has full authority over the business of the local. Trusteeship will be reviewed after 30 days.

Any meetings, including general membership meetings that were scheduled by the former president and/or LEC are cancelled until further notice and instruction from the Trustee.

(Read More memo from OPSEU HQ)

Latest Treasurer Report Out

(Posted Jan 14, 2021)

The Treasurer has released the latest financial report regarding the local's finances. (Read all about it here)

Enhanced Province Wide Shutdown

As of January 12 2021, the Province of Ontario has implemented further shutdown measures [1]. These measures will take effect as of January 14, 2021. The province wide shutdown measures will remain in effect until February 11, 2021.

Enforcement personnel will have the authority to issue tickets to individuals, employees and corporations in retail settings and businesses if found not complying with an order (e.g. staff member or customer not wearing a face covering.)

( Read all about the measures here. )

Emergency LEC Meetings

There were two emergency LEC meeting invites sent out today. The OPSEU Staff representative, Pauline Cheslock, was in attendance at both meetings. The LEC representatives were given only 3 hours to respond to each invite.

At the noon meeting, our staff representative pointed out that the meeting's agenda was out of order and needed to be taken to the membership via GMM. This meeting did not pass the approval of the agenda.

At the 3pm meeting, the LEC representatives were asked to pass minutes of the 9am meeting. Not all representatives at this meeting attended the 9am meeting. The meeting abruptly ended when the motion to pass the prior meeting minutes did not get passed.

Please note there was no motion regarding any sort of funding in either meeting regardless to what has been circulated otherwise. Please reach out to your LEC Unit stewards for more in depth understanding of what transpired. -- Jason Naughton

Treasurer Report In!

A Treasurer's update is out. Hat's off to our new treasurer Grace He as she found an outstanding $120,842 in funds owing to the Local from OPSEU dating back from 2017. On only her first term as treasurer too!!! NICE CATCH! -- Jason Naughton, (read more...)

Ontario Declares Post Secondary Open

Starting in July 2020, limited in-person education and training may restart for students who were not able to graduate due to COVID-19 closures. This first phase will allow institutions to reopen to provide in-person instruction to students in essential, frontline, and high labour market demand areas, such as nursing, personal support workers, engineering, and other critical professions. Thousands of students across the province could benefit from this summer's reopening.

In September, all students will have the opportunity to attend postsecondary education through virtual learning, in-class instruction, or hybrid formats. (read more...)

Black Lives Mater

These three words best describe a global community's feelings of hurt, heartbreak, and frustration in response to the recent police-involved and unnecessary deaths of black people in Canada and in the United States. (read more...)

I Can't Breathe

The protests in Canada, the United States, and Europe demonstrate a strong commitment from people of all races and backgrounds to speak out against systemic racism. The words “I Can’t Breathe” and “Black Lives Matter” appeal to humanity as a painful reminder that all is not as equal as it should be. We can, and must, do more to create equality among all. #BlackoutTuesday

Ministry Of Health

Releases Document of COVID 19 Symptoms

(Posted May 27, 2020)

On May 25, 2020 the Ontario Ministry of Health released a Document of Symptoms regarding COVID 19. Read About it here.

(Posted April 30, 2020)

For 130 years, workers around the world celebrated May Day.

They did so in times and places where that was incredibly difficult, where dictatorial regimes banned their actions, where employers and their thugs used violence against them.

Nothing could stop us from having our day, the day workers everywhere can call our own.

Nothing -- until COVID-19 came along.

Today, hundreds of millions of us are unable to go to our regular workplaces. Our front-line workers take enormous risks every day. The global economy is in free-fall and never before were our unions needed more than they are now.

May Day 2020 must go ahead, and if we can't meet in the streets, we'll meet online.

Tomorrow, Friday, LabourStart in partnership with global unions is going live with a 12 hour broadcast on the net.

We have everything you'd expect from a May Day celebration.

• The leaders of global, national and local unions will deliver their May Day addresses.

• Individual workers and activists will talk about their struggles.

• We'll show historical footage of May Day in the past in places like London and Istanbul.

• And we'll have music -- lots of music. In fact, we're participating in a global solidarity concert as part of the celebration.

I'd like to invite you to do two things this May Day:

1. Join us from 07:00 UTC (08:00 in London) until 19:00 here:

https://www.labourstart.org/mayday/

2. Make sure that other members of your union -- and the general public too -- know about this historic event. Spread the word!

Thank you -- and see you on May Day!

Eric Lee

Ontario Releases April 20th, 2020 COVID 19 Modeling Info

(Posted April 21, 2020)

Ontario looks like it's Flattening the curve! (Read it here)

Benefits/Pension Fact Sheet Released WRT COVID19

(Posted April 14, 2020)

OPSEU has released a COVID 19 fact sheet with regards to COVID 19 (read it here). There is also a WSIB Incident report form with specific regards to COVID 19. Both documents are available from the COVID 19 website page.

Navigating Your Rights During COVID 19 Crisis

(posted April 6,2020)

OPSEU HQ FAQ with regards to members rights. (read more here)

Suspending legislated time limits

(posted April 4, 2020)

Last week, the Government of Ontario issued a regulation under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, suspending legislated limitation periods for the duration of the state of emergency. (read more here)

Ontario COVID 19 Projections Model

(posted April 3, 2020)

Read all about it here! Hopefully we can flatten the curve and get back to work as soon as possible.

COVID 19 Information Source

(posted March 31, 2020)

OPSEU Local 596 has put up a dedicated page regards to various information regarding COVID 19. Read About it here.

WSIB Ontario Novel Coronavirus Claims

(posted March 27, 2020)

WSIB describes the COVID 19 claim documentation provides entitlement guidelines for claims for COVID-19.

Ontario Legislation regarding COVID 19

(posted March 27, 2020)

Ontario Legislature has passed the New Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies) 2020 to provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day care closures or to care for other relatives (Read About it here)

OPSEU Local 596 BBQ

HOST: OPSEU LOCAL 596 SOCIAL COMMITTEE

WHEN: MONDAY, JUNE 10 FROM 12PM TO 2PM

WHERE: RYERSON KERR HALL QUAD

It's that time of year again for our annual OPSEU BBQ!

Non-perishable food donations will be collected and will be given to Ryerson University students in need through the Good Food Centre.

To register and for detailed dietary information, see email from James. Please contact the Union Office if you did not receive the email.

Message from OPSEULOCAL 596 President

(Posted March 7, 2019)

• 1. • We elected our OPSEU Convention 2019 team.
       1. 153 ballots were cast and there was one spoiled ballot.
       2. OPDEU HQ, we found out that #2 Kella Loschiavo is an automatic delegate in my stead.

       1. • Gloria Fernandes, 152 votes,

          • Elizabeth Mobeen, 150 votes,

          • Alicia Vandeweghe,145 votes,

          • Melanie Loiselle, 115 votes,

          • Aman Rajwani, 103 votes.

So your delegates will be ranked as Kella, Gloria, Elizabeth, Alicia, and Melanie, and Aman will be our alternate.

• Please remember to participate in the vote today for a staff Board of Governors candidate. You will have received a reminder email already form the employer, but I'm reminding you.

• As part of International Women's Day/Week Elizabeth Mobeen, our VP-Equity want to remind you that there is a Food Drive with the collection going to, Native Women's Resource Centre If you wish to donate (I hope you will), please bring a food item (canned or non-perishable item) to the drop off boxes in POD 150 (the Service Hub).

SAVE THE DATE!!!

October 18, 2018

The new event has been named Harvestivus and will feature a live band, karaoke, prizes, food, and fun!

There will be two settings:

• 11:30am-12:30pm

• 12:30pm-1:30pm

Due to construction on campus, the event will take place in Kerr Hall Upper Gym. Meal options will be included in the coming invitation

We encourage all members to attend as this event is more than a social gathering; it is a show of solidarity to Ryerson leadership and HR, both of whom will be in attendance. It is particularly important given that this is a Bargaining year, as well as to build on the momentum from our open meeting on Aug. 22.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Oct. 18 - this one's bound to knock your gourd off!

Wednesday, Sept 5, 2018

12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Upper Gym, Kerr Hall West (KHW 273 etner from 379 Victoria Street)

• Hot dogs

• Cotton Candy

• Popcorn

• Prizes

• Entertainment

We Own It!

(Posted January 23, 2018)

The Ontario Liberal Party is having their Annual General Meeting this weekend at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel

Weownit activists will be in front of the Hotel talking to Liberals on the high cost of Privatization and urging them to keep Public Services in Public Hands.

Please support the Weownit activists, (Friday February 2nd) between 4.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Many hands make light work.

Date: Friday February 2, 2018

Time: 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Place: Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto

https://goo.gl/maps/rVqaqgKrAiC2

New Website Design!

(October 2017)

The website goes under construction once again. We've been looking over the site and trying to become mobilized!! So now when you visit the site on your mobile phone, tablet or home computer you should have a wonderful experience regardless how you get here.