UOIT staff choose OPSEU in momentous organizing victory
TORONTO, June 29, 2018 /CNW/ - Nearly 350 full-time administrative, professional, and technical staff from all campuses of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) have voted to join OPSEU in a momentous organizing victory.
"In addition to our 20,000 new members in the college support sector, this group of UOIT staff is one of the largest groups of workers in the Broader Public Service to organize in recent years," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "I have no doubt that our victory in the colleges was a trailblazer for organizing.
"OPSEU is absolutely the union of choice for workers in Ontario's post-secondary institutions," said Thomas. "With the prospect of better job security and with OPSEU's reputation for providing excellent service and representation, the choice was clear.
"I want to welcome our newest members on behalf of OPSEU's entire Executive Board," said Thomas. "As we enter a new political era in Ontario, it's more important now than ever for all workers to have the protection of a union. Choosing OPSEU was a smart and timely choice, and we're thrilled because it reflects a growing trend."
"Change is on the horizon in this province," said OPSEU First Vice-President Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida. "But, this group now has the full strength of our 155,000-member strong union behind them, and that's a victory in and of itself."
"These staff keep the university running; their invaluable work is helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow," said Kella Loschiavo, Chair of OPSEU's Universities sector. "As OPSEU members, they will now have a voice at the bargaining table, and a strong voice with our new government at Queen's Park.
"We welcome each and every new member to our growing sector," said Loschiavo. "With more than 5000 workers in Ontario's universities, we continue to build new bridges, and we are now stronger than ever."
UOIT prides itself on providing a unique and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, which challenges students to push the boundaries of innovation and discovery and prepares graduates to excel in the global, knowledge-driven economy of the 21st century.
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931
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