A MESSAGE FROM THE OPSEU SOLIDARITY GROUP

OPSEU
THE OFL IS THE UNITED VOICE FOR LABOUR IN ONTARIO
OPSEU has been part of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) for more than 30 years. The OFLs role is to speak with one strong voice for working people in Ontario. They also conduct educationals, campaigns, lobbying and network with the wider community. A united labour movement is key to stopping the McGuinty cuts and defending free collective bargaining in the public sector.

BELONGS IN THE OFL

Divided we fall!

Governments and business are united behind the austerity agenda. Its time for OPSEU and the rest of the labour movement to unite, too. We need to work together to win the fight to save good jobs and quality public services. Solidarity is the bedrock of successful unionism. United we stand! Governments, business and the media are all propping up the 1%. Workers are facing unprecedented attacks.
2011 OFL Convention. Instead, we stopped paying our dues, boycotted the convention and held our own conference. Thats no way to build a stronger labour movement. The OFL needs OPSEU as much as we need the OFL. OPSEU should be at the table in the OFLs new governance review process. And we should return to full participation at the OFL.

CONVENTION MUST SEND A STRONG MESSAGE

OPSEU is a member-driven union. The convention is our highest decisionmaking body. Delegates can send a clear message to our leadership. OPSEU should be at the OFL table now. We should not disengage, withdraw, or limit our participation. Together we can build solidarity and stand up for the 99%.

OPSEU SHOULD FOLLOW ITS OWN CONSTITUTION

OPSEU MUST WORK FOR CHANGE FROM WITHIN THE OFL

The best way to fight for working people and against the austerity agenda is within the OFL. OPSEU could have raised any concerns about the OFLs governance, dues structure, delegate counts and leadership at the

OPSEUs Constitution clearly states that once our convention votes to affiliate to labour bodies like the OFL, it is the Unions responsibility to pay any and all dues (A.10.1). Its unfair and wrong for OPSEU to pay zero. Our OFL dues are less than 1% of our annual budget. We cant afford division that bleeds off resources and energy better spent fighting our true adversaries.

OPSEU belongs

in the OFL Vote to return OPSEU to full participation in the OFL. UNITED WE STAND!

OPSEU belongs in the OFL | OPSEU Solidarity Group

LETS RETURN TO THE OFL FAMILY

THE OPSEU BOARDS RESOLUTION
In October, OPSEU stopped paying OFL dues and boycotted the November OFL convention. Then in March, the OPSEU Board approved the following resolution for debate at our convention. Passing this resolution could keep us on the sidelines at the OFL. Be it resolved that OPSEU continue to work with sister unions and labour councils in defending the role Quality Public Services play in ensuring social and economic justice for Ontario, and Be it further resolved that OPSEU work with sister unions in promoting the need for a comprehensive review of the OFLs mandate, role, governance and the integrity of its dues structure, and Be it further resolved that OPSEU not re-engage with the OFL until a meaningful review process has been established that will include all CLC affiliates in Ontario.

THE OFLS GOVERNANCE REVIEW

The OFL Board has ALREADY voted to set up exactly the kind of review process that OPSEU wants. The OFL leadership has invited OPSEU to be a full member of its review committee. In January, the OFL Executive Board passed this motion: Be it resolved that the OFL Executive, in consultation with the leadership of affiliates and labour councils, conduct a comprehensive review of the OFLs structure, mandate and governance. Be it further resolved that this review include but not be limited to an examination of dues revenue and services. Be it further resolved that the Executive provide a report of its review, with recommendations, to the [OFL] Executive Board and that any proposed constitutional amendments be brought to the 2013 [OFL] Convention.

OPSEU SHOULD BE PART OF THE PROCESS

Now is the time for OPSEU to show its commitment to building a stronger OFL. We need to be part of the OFLs review process. Its time for OPSEU to return to the OFL Board, too. That way we can work with our labour allies to support recommendations that will improve the way the OFL works. And its time OPSEU returned to full participation in the OFL. We need a united fight back against the McGuinty cuts. Together we can build a powerful campaign to defend quality public services and good unionized jobs in both the public and private sectors.

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!

VOTE TO RETURN OPSEU TO FULL PARTICIPATION IN THE OFL!

For more on OPSEU, the OFL and the OPSEU Solidarity Group
Check out the OSG blog: http://opseusolidaritygroup.wordpress .com/ Send us an e-mail: opseusolidaritygroup@gmail.com