Dear colleagues,
As we move closer to the Jan. 9th deadline for labour action, it is critical that all members of the local keep close tabs on communications and prepare for the possibility of a full work stoppage. To that end, we have compiled the FAQ below that we hope will answer many of your questions.
The FAQ may not cover all the questions you have, so please feel free to reach out to the Local if you have further questions. The nitty gritty of potential picketing schedules and strike pay is still being worked on, so please be patient with us as we ramp up our strike preparation this coming week.
FAQ:
Is a strike inevitable?
No, both sides continue to talk with scheduled mediation dates Monday and Tuesday. Those talks could lead to an agreement or a possible delay of labour action. In addition, labour action can take several forms, from work-to-rule to rotating strikes or a full work stoppage.
When will we know?
The bargaining team will schedule their next meeting with the presidents and bargaining advisory committee members from each local after the final mediation date on the 7th. As soon as we hear anything, we will let you know via email, our website and social media channels.
What should I do in the meantime?
The best thing you can do right now is make sure that you are currently a member in good standing with the union and that OPSEU has your most current contact information. Without this, you will not be able to receive strike pay should we resort to a full work stoppage.
How do I do that?
To be in good standing, you must have a union number and be registered through the OPSEU member portal. If you have not taken this step before, please visit https://hub03.opseu.org/Forms/emaweb# to sign up. You will be asked to provide your personal contact details and banking information so that strike payments can be deposited into your account in the event of a walkout. For those who have already signed up, please visit https://opseu.org/member-login/ and make sure your contact info and banking details are current. Of critical importance is that you provide OPSEU a personal email address that is NOT your Durham College email. The Local will also need the email used for your personal banking in order to facilitate eTransfer payments of the top-up pay, which will be paid separate from the OPSEU strike pay.
What do I do if I am having trouble registering, logging in or updating my account?
For issues related to sign up, please email membershipservices@opseu.org. For issues with the portal itself or updating your information, please contact memberportal@opseu.org.
What should I tell my students about the potential labour action?
As the saying goes, “Our working conditions are the students’ learning conditions.” We would advise caution about sharing information through college channels with your students that could be construed as criticizing our employer, but if asked for information, you can tell your students that the union is hoping the CEC will engage meaningfully in the upcoming mediation dates, but that so far, the colleges are still seeking more than 30 concessions and not showing movement, despite nearly 30 days of bargaining, four days of conciliation, a historic strike mandate, and three prior days of mediation. The labour action notice is a calculated and reasonable next step to encourage the CEC to engage in good faith negotiations. You can also invite students to check out https://opseu.org/sector/college-faculty/ to see the concessions on the table for themselves to better understand how it impacts their learning experience. The bargaining team is also hoping to convene a provincial town hall to reach out to our students directly.
How much is strike pay and what happens if I can’t complete the required hours at Durham College?
We’re getting a lot of questions about this, but please be assured that there are processes being put in place to provide accommodations where needed and to allow cross picketing at other campuses without any loss in strike pay. Information on that will be provided soon if needed. The standard requirement for full strike pay is 20 hours per week.
Our local strike committee is meeting Monday to begin preparations in earnest and establish protocols for picketing. The strike pay, which now includes a local top-up from our contingency fund as approved by the membership, can be seen in the chart below. The top row shows the traditional strike pay amounts from OPSEU and the second row shows the new local top-up.
Can we help with the strike preparation?
Absolutely and yes please! To be prepared for all eventualities we will need members to come forward to act as picket captains for each shift, to help us gather needed supplies, to assist with accommodation and hardship requests, communications, scheduling, finances and much more. Please keep an eye on your email for further details.
In solidarity,
Your Local 354 Executive Committee
Stay connected!
Keep tabs on bargaining and all the latest news from your Local by following our website and social media.
Website: https://opseu354.ca
Twitter/X: https://x.com/354Local
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Local354OPSEU
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opseulocal354/
Members are also encouraged to follow the bargaining team and our CAAT-A divisional executive on social media.
Instagram: @CAATFaculty
X: @CAATFaculty
Facebook: @OntarioCollegeFaculty
Tiktok: @FacultyBargainingTeam
College Faculty Website: collegefaculty.org