Opseu Local 340

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to All from Local 340!
Stay safe, love one another and have a Happy New Year!

OPSEU LOCAL 340 MEETING - Demand Setting for Bargaining! This will be a Zoom meeting on April 22nd from 5pm to 7pm.
** Invites will be sent to your personal email accounts, so we need them please **

I have created a special address to send your personal email addresses to. [email protected]

This is a bargaining year as our collective agreement expires at the end of 2021. Please send your first and last name plus your email address to [email protected] as soon as you can so we can get you on the invite list. (Your personal email address will not be shared)

Local 340 sends prayers to our sister and her family and friends

In remembrance of OPSEU member Karen Gottschalk-Millar It is with great sadness that I announce the tragic loss of one of our OPSEU members from Local 448, Karen Gottschalk-Millar.  Karen, a valued and respected Residential Counsellor at a Kemptville group home operated by Pathways to Independence, was the victim of a homicide in her workplace on Frida...

Face Coverings are available.
Now that we have mandatory face coverings/facemasks for certain areas in Durham, we have purchased some cloth face coverings/masks for those who wish to have one or keep one in your desk.

They have non-elastic loops around your ears, are 3 layers and are very breathable. They are black and have a small opseu logo on the bottom. I've gotten some positive comments from mine at the LCBO, who are also OPSEU workers.

Let your local steward know that you'd want one and we will gather orders up and ensure we get one to you. ..And above all, be safe, stay well.. and all the best to you and your family.

The UN has established every June 23 as to underscore the role public services play in our communities. This year, we salute the courage and dedication of public servants, here and around the world, in fighting the pandemic. https://bit.ly/2CAhQ9S

*** Coronavirus COVID-19 Update #1 ***

• Stay Updated with the Ministry of Health Novel Coronavirus Website:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

• IT Staff are receiving the direction to work from home where that capability exists.

• Some M*F staff are receiving direction to work from home where that ability exists – discuss with your manager.

• HR has been given direction to work from home where they can for a 3 week timeline.

• Hand Sanitizing stations have not been ordered yet for the building as they are awaiting corporate direction.

• At work - Wash your hands for 20 seconds or use alcohol based sanitizer. At home - EPA lists Bleach as a viral killer for surfaces – but Vinegar is not listed.

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Learn about how the Ministry of Health is preparing for the 2019 novel coronavirus in Ontario. Find out how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick after you travel and how to recognize possible symptoms. Take a self-assessment Get information in other languages Contact Telehealth Ontario a...

Premier Ford agrees with us – and good on him: Thomas

TORONTO – OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is commending Premier Doug Ford for his words and actions on Friday to fight COVID-19.
“I have in the past and unless there is a shift in direction, likely will have future differences with this government on most issues,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “But I always give praise where praise is due, and yesterday the Premier spoke and acted like a leader. He put aside partisan politics, stepped up to the plate and worked with political leaders of all stripes to find ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Following a conference call with provincial and territorial Premiers and the Prime Minister, Ford said it was imperative that workers who self-isolate be supported, particularly those who don’t have the luxury of working from home. He added the province would “spare no expense” to support families during this difficult time. The collaborative and reassuring tone struck by the Premier, Opposition leader Andrea Horwath and Prime Minister Trudeau was music to the ears of Ontarians and indeed an entire nation. It’s what politics can aspire to be.
Leading an effort to combat community spread, OPSEU was among the first large organizations in Ontario to close its offices and allow staff to work from home to serve its members. The Ontario government followed suit by announcing similar measures for its direct workforce.
“I’m very pleased the Premier has put aside politics because now is not the time for that,” Thomas added. We’re all in this together, and the only way we’re going to fight COVID-19 is to work together. The government announcement regarding its own staff is an example for all employers during these troubled times. We are especially calling on our partners in the Broader Public Sector and Colleges and Universities to follow suit immediately.”
Thomas and other health care labour leaders have called on the provincial government to ensure health care workers have the full protective equipment they need when caring for patients with COVID-19. But they also need time and space to fight a potential crisis in capacity.
“With SARS, we learned our lesson the hard way,” Thomas said. “We have to do absolutely everything humanly possible to protect our health care heroes, lessen their burden, and allow them to carry out their lifesaving work. This is job one for this government. This is job one for our union.
If we continue to collaborate in this way, we will prevail

Important announcement regarding OPSEU operations during the COVID-19 outbreak – OPSEU SEFPO Today the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.  We have and will continue to assess the situation daily and are following expert advice and guidance.  Given the evolving circumstances, OPSEU offices will begin closing effective end of business Wednesday March 11, 2020.  T...

Tickets are available for the Peterborough Pete's game ona first come, first served basis. Tickets are on a $5 suggested donation to help support one of our members whose son was diagnosed with leukemia Dec 24th, 2018. The donation will assist in out of pocket expenses that unfortunately not covered by OHIP.

You can reserve your tickets at the link below, ticket pick up will be the night of the game inside the main box office entrance starting at 6:15 pm. OPSEU people will be inside the doors of the main entrance with the tickets and will collect your donation should you wish to donate.

Peterborough Petes vs Oshawa Generals Join OPSEU Region 3 at the Peterborough Petes annual union night