Stepping down IS stepping up!!

Good day to my brothers and sisters, locally and in the division!!

I wish to speak to the members being asked to step down to support the membership.

You realize you are still a UNION MEMBER.
Your contract is fought and won by ALL OF US!!
You need to MAKE A STAND WITH US!
That is why I am adamant that STEPPING DOWN IS STEPPING UP!

It is a true test of COURAGE AND LEADERSHIP to do this, putting the needs of the many to the forefront in the belief that the best contract is out there.

You can't expect to make gains on our backs.

Many of us are VOLUNTARILY giving our time by devoting long hours to achieve labour relations gains and better workplaces for us all. YOU ARE NOT DOING THIS ALONE!!

Let us get this bargaining cycle done quickly and decisively by LEADING!

If you don't, you are leaving wage increases and benefits on the table. These gains will go to everyone who is in this organization and to their families including non-union staff who wish they had the right and ability to bargain collectively for better conditions.

SOLIDARITY BENEFITS US ALL!!

JOIN THE FIGHT, YOU ARE NEEDED AND WELCOME!!

In solidarity, Emidio.

Bargaining has begun!!

Good day, brothers and sisters!

This is a very tense and exciting time for our union members!

The process of collective bargaining for the next contract is under way.

We are collectively looking to our bargaining teams to bring us a document that is our financial base for years to come. Please click on the OPSEU link to the right for updates.

We are also looking to the employer to do what is right for our members after the sacrifices we have made for all these years to keep the Ontario Public Service cost effective.

We want FULL-TIME jobs in our communities and the ability to ensure that our pensions will be there when we need them.

We want our families to know we can provide for them as the costs of living increase and with our benefits intact.

It is with this in mind that Local Presidents in our Corrections division call to the membership that are in acting positions to step down into their bargaining unit positions effective November 12, 2008.

In the simplest terms, NO MORE ACTING, in support of the bargaining teams.

It is time for the employer to come to the table with a positive contract offer.

WE ARE WAITING!!

In solidarity, Emidio.

New updates

Good day to everyone who is reading and sharing the information.

Please pass it around and I will keep the info coming as time and confirmation of the info occurs.

Up this week is med/arbs at MHCC, and the health and safety meeting as well.

Bargaining is fast approaching and more info is coming up this week. I will post what I can this weekend after the meeting sessions occur. Hopefully, firm time lines will be forthcoming so the members know what dates to watch for.

Next week is proving to be a transition week as the local executive has, what will most likely be, the final ERC meetings before bargaining begins.

Please support your issues by supporting the bargaining process. Support includes:

• letting the employer know we want to negotiate a better collective agreement
• aiming for a dignified and fair contract
• sticking up for members who are being pressed for information by supervisors
• calming fears and showing strength in numbers
• giving a strong mandate to the bargaining teams when asked
• not buying into the employer wanting us to settle for nothing!!!

In solidarity, Emidio.

Upcoming issues for Local 234

Good day, brothers and sisters.

The following issues are unfolding at our local, and I will have more to write as time unfolds;

• systemic anti-racism committees,
• post picks for both institutions,
• mediation/ arbitration dates at MHCC,
• fixed term availability meetings with the employer at MHCC,
• ERC dates,
• health and safety committee changes at VCFW,
• potential rally dates to come for job creation,
• Region 2 educational,
• OPS divisional meetings,
• and the upcoming round of bargaining.

The first step is that I am asking the members to pass on this web log to each other because I will be updating it as often as information becomes available in this important few months.

Take care.

In solidarity, Emidio.