Contract negotiations begin between OPSEU and OPSSU staff union

TORONTO, June 13, 2016 /CNW/ - The Ontario Public Service Staff Union (OPSSU) has begun contract negotiations with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). OPSSU represents more than 350 staff members who work for OPSEU.

Staff are holding solidarity events at their workplaces across the province on Monday, June 13, in support of their bargaining team.

"OPSSU is going to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract for our members. It is our expectation that our employer will show respect during negotiations, and demonstrate that they recognize the value of staff," said Bargaining Chair Mirla Alvarado Fenn.

The staff union is serious about this round of negotiations and is ready to do what is necessary to ensure a reasonable outcome. OPSSU voted to increase available strike funds to $1.7 million at a recent General Membership Meeting.

OPSSU members work very closely with OPSEU members, providing support to improve and protect working conditions.

"Staff are proud to work in solidarity with OPSEU members," said Alvarado Fenn.

The current collective agreement expires on June 30, 2016. Four bargaining dates have been set so far: June 13, 14, 29 and 30.

OPSSU represents permanent, part-time, contract/temporary and on-call workers at OPSEU's head office in Toronto and at 19 regional OPSEU offices across Ontario. Staff provide a wide range of services to more than 130,000 OPSEU members.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Staff Union (OPSSU)

Mirla Alvarado Fenn, OPSSU Bargaining Chair: [email protected]; Cameron Walker, OPSSU President: [email protected], 416-433-0817; www.opssu.ca