February GMM – Feb 14, 2024
General Membership Meeting
OPSEU Local 241 is hosting an online General Membership Meeting for all Support Staff members on Wednesday, February 14 at noon. Register for the GMM now!
This GMM will focus on three main items of business:
- Updates on part-time bargaining
- Election of delegates and alternates for OPSEU/SEFPO annual Convention and the Region 2 election meeting. Learn more about delegates and nominate a member.
- Treasurer’s report of year-to-date budget and investments
We will, of course, also hold draws for a bunch of assorted gift cards (Esso, President’s Choice, and Tim Hortons) for those in attendance at the GMM!
Attendance is critical for our GMM, as we need a certain number of members to proceed with the meeting. Both part-time and full-time staff are very strongly encouraged to attend.
We look forward to seeing you at our GMM on February 14!
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women
December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. Today, we remember the 14 young women studying to become engineers at École Polytechnique in Montréal who were shot and killed by a gunman – targeted simply because they were women. Over 30 years ago, this tragedy initiated a dialogue that contributed to tougher gun control laws and improved emergency response. It also brought to light the gender-based violence that women still continue to face today.
Today is a day to reflect, and to recognize that horrific acts of gender-based violence are still happening. It is important for everyone to understand that women across the country face instances of violence, especially intimate partner violence. It is our duty to stand as allies and work toward ending this horrible reality.
Today, we honour the victims of the École Polytechnique mass shooting and reaffirm OPSEU/SEFPO’s commitment to fight for social improvements to prevent all forms of gender-based violence.
Introducing Lunch & Learn Week
Lunch & Learn week from Dec 11 – 15!
OPSEU Local 241 will be hosting a series of engaging and informative events during lunch hour from December 11-15. These sessions are designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of our union, your rights, and the pivotal role you play in shaping our shared future.
Event Details:
- Date: Monday; Dec 11 – Friday; Dec 15
- Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: i125 & Zoom
Agenda:
- Monday: Unions, Collective Bargaining & Stewards
- Tuesday: Demystifying Grievances
- Wednesday: Sick Days & Benefits (Full Time)
- Thursday: Position Description Forms & Classification (Full Time)
- Friday: PT Bargaining Update & Open Forum – Meet Your Stewards!
We will have coffee, snacks and a gift card draw at each Lunch & Learn event.
RSVP: Register for whichever of the learning events interest you today.
We believe that an informed union is a powerful one, and these sessions aim to empower you with the knowledge you need to make the most of your union membership. Feel free to bring your lunch, and let’s make the most of this opportunity to connect, learn, and strengthen our union community!
November Budget Meetings & December GMM
General Membership Meeting
OPSEU Local 241 is hosting an online General Membership Meeting for all Support Staff members on Wednesday, December 6 at noon. Register for the GMM now and add the meeting to your calendar.
We will be voting on our proposed 2024 budget and a spending proposal for a new union management platform.
As a bit of a cherry on top, we will also hold draws for a bunch of assorted gift cards (Esso, President’s Choice, and Tim Hortons) for those in attendance at the GMM!
Attendance is critical for our GMM, as we need a certain number of members to proceed with the meeting. Both part-time and full-time staff are very strongly encouraged to attend.
November Budget Town Halls
Those who are interested in knowing more about the budget, spending proposal, or Local finances in general are encouraged to attend one of our town halls this month. We will be holding two ahead of the December GMM.
- Evening Town Hall: Wednesday, November 22, 6:30 PM Online
- Lunch-Hour Town Hall: Wednesday, November 29, Noon @ Fennell Campus i206 and Online
We encourage you to take the opportunity to attend one of the town halls if you can. An informed Local is a strong Local.
We look forward to seeing you at our Town Halls and our GMM on September December 6!
Blue Shirt Day for Part-Time Bargaining
We’re happy to share that a whole bunch of members were on campus wearing their blue shirts, showing support for our Part-Time bargaining team. Many were even happy to show their support by sending in a photo:
Why were people wearing blue shirts?
Union members were wearing blue shirts to show support for our CAAT-S Part-Time (PT) Bargaining Team.
As you may know, Bill 124, which previously capped our wages at a shameful 1%, was declared unconstitutional in November 2022. This significant court decision, activated our wage re-opener clause and paved the way for renegotiations. Our PT Bargaining Team reconvened with the CEC (College Employer Council) on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
The team went into this meeting prepared to make the case for addressing the soaring cost of living and advocating for a wage increase that reflects the escalating costs we all face.
If you missed the chance to show support with the colour of your shirt, you can still show support by engaging with the Local, learning more about the renegotiation, and talking about these things with your co-workers. The more informed we all are, the easier it is to stand together.
Let’s stand together in hope — not fear! List of No Space for Hate rallies across Ontario
In response to the planned protests today, Wednesday, Sept 20, by a coalition of anti-trans and far-right groups, a united front of parents’ groups, community allies, 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and labour organisations, including OPSEU/SEFPO, are taking part in “No Space for Hate in Ontario” rallies across Ontario.
Let’s show trans children and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community we stand with them against the rise of organised hate targeting them.
Everyone deserves to be who they are and feel safe and supported at school, work, or in their community.
So, let’s stand together on Wednesday with love, solidarity and hope in our hearts — not fear.
Here is the list of known and confirmed peaceful rallies in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities for September 20, 2023.
General Membership Meeting
OPSEU Local 241 is hosting an online General Membership Meeting for all Support Staff members on Wednesday, September 27 at noon. Register for the GMM now.
We will be running elections for Local Officer positions (2-year terms) and delegates and alternates to the Full-Time Divisional Meeting (Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29). Read more about Local Elections and Positions. Nominations are now open!
As an added motivator, we will be conducting random draws for numerous gift cards among those who attended the meeting!
Call for new Stewards
Any member of Local 241 can volunteer as a Steward. Stewards meet once a month at the Local Executive Committee meeting. They help answer member questions and direct them to resources. The more Stewards we have, the better. They provide valuable insight into working conditions across the College. We are especially looking for Part-time members and representatives from the Stoney Creek campus to become Stewards.
Attendance is critical, as we need a certain number of members to proceed with the meeting. Both part-time and full-time staff are very strongly encouraged to attend.
We look forward to seeing you on September 27!
Faculty and Support Staff Welcome Back BBQ
Join the Faculty and Support Staff unions, Local 240 and 241, for a free barbecue to welcome our members back. Reconnect with friends and colleagues from across the college, and start the year off with some great food and solidarity.
Wednesday, September 13, 11:30 am to 1 pm
First floor gallery of the Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation
Fennell Campus.
We hope to see you there!
Labour Day 2023
This Labour Day, the Hamilton and District Labour Council will continue the traditional practice of having a parade followed by a picnic and gathering back at Bayfront Park on September 4.
The parade starts at 10:30 at Bay and Stuart, will travel up to York, down James then finish at Bayfront Park. The family-friendly picnic will be from 11:30 -2:30.
You can read all of the details on the HDLC website
Wearing blue to support bargaining
The Bargaining Team asked Full-Time members to wear blue on Thursday and Friday this week, and Tara showed her support for the bargaining team as they go back to the table with the CEC to negotiate our Bill 124 remedy!
Next Meeting
Thursday September 19, Noon Online
Register now to attend and vote online in Zoom.
Sign Up
Quick Links
About Local 241
OPSEU/SEFPO Local 241 proudly represents all Support Staff at Mohawk College.
Local Stewards and elected Officers are volunteers. We help our members navigate the unionized workplace and understand, exercise, and enforce our rights under the collective agreement.