Collective Agreement

As the local 649, we proudly support a wide range of collective agreements (CAs) that encompass various ministries and organizations we represent. To ensure accurate identification, it is crucial that you carefully determine the specific collective agreement that pertains to your ministry or organization. We have thoughtfully curated the following links to assist you in navigating the process of identifying the appropriate collective agreement corresponding to your specific ministry or organization.

By utilizing these resources, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the collective agreement that governs your ministry or organization. Familiarizing yourself with the specific terms and provisions within your collective agreement will empower you to make informed decisions and navigate your employment relationship effectively.

We are committed to providing the support and guidance necessary to ensure that your rights and interests are protected as per the respective collective agreement. Should you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, let us work towards maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment that upholds the principles outlined in your collective agreement.

   Quick Link Resources

BGIS: [BGIS Building Maintenance]

CHML: [Cochrane Highway Maintenance Limited]

OPS Corrections: [Children and Youth Services – Corrections; Solicitor General – Correction] 

OPS Unified: [Attorney General; Children, Community and Social Services; Colleges and Universities; Environment, Conservation and Parks; Health; Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development; Mines; Natural Resources and Forestry; Northern Development; Ontario Clean Water Agency; Public and Business Service Delivery; Solicitor General, Tourism, Culture and Sport; Transportation; Treasury Board Secretariat]

Public Health: [Public Health Ontario]

Timmins: [City Of Timmins]

Links1: [Understand The CA], [Amend The CA], [Bargaining (CA)],  [Ratify (CA)]

 

“Clicking or tapping on the titles will expand the collective agreement details.”

 

   Understanding The Collective Agreement

Navigating a collective agreement can be intricate, but there are strategies to effectively comprehend its complexities. By systematically breaking down the collective agreement, seeking clarification when needed, and connecting its provisions to real-world scenarios, individuals can better navigate its complexities, ensuring a clearer understanding of their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

• Identify Employment Type: When approaching a collective agreement, it’s essential for members to begin by identifying their position, classification, and term of employment (intern, seasonal, fixed, contract, permanent) at the outset. This identification helps in tailoring the focus towards sections most pertinent to the individual’s role, ensuring a more targeted comprehension of the agreement’s applicability to their specific circumstances.
• Start with Key Sections: Begin by reading the preamble, definitions, and scope sections to understand the agreement’s purpose and the terms used throughout. Focus on sections outlining wages, hours of work, benefits, job security, and dispute resolution mechanisms as these directly impact employment conditions.
• Break it Down: Divide the agreement into manageable sections and read it methodically. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to grasp the structure. Take notes or highlight essential points to help retain information and locate sections easily for future reference.
• Understand Definitions: Pay close attention to defined terms and their interpretations. Definitions clarify specific terms used within the agreement, ensuring a precise understanding of rights, obligations, and entitlements.
• Connect with Context: Relate the agreement’s clauses to real-life workplace scenarios. Consider how each clause may affect day-to-day work situations, promotions, leave entitlements, or dispute resolution, which aids in understanding the practical implications.
• Consult Additional Resources: If possible, seek guidance from union representatives or legal professionals specializing in labor law. They can provide insights, explanations, and interpretations of intricate clauses or legal jargon within the agreement.
• Review Updates and Amendments: Stay informed about any updates, amendments, or supplementary agreements that may alter the original document. Ensure you have the most recent version and understand any changes made since the agreement’s inception.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification from union representatives, colleagues experienced with the agreement, or HR professionals. Discussing unclear sections can provide valuable insights and enhance your understanding.
• Take Your Time: Reading and comprehending a collective agreement is a gradual process. Take sufficient time to digest the content, avoid rushing through sections, and revisit clauses as needed to reinforce understanding.

 

  Collective Agreement, Creation And Amendment

The creation and/or amendments of a collective agreement within the OPSEU typically involves a series of steps and negotiations between the union and the employer.

Overview Process:

• Preparation and Planning: Before negotiations begin, both the union and the employer prepare by outlining their priorities and interests for the upcoming collective bargaining process. This involves gathering input from their respective members or representatives to understand their concerns and needs.
• Negotiation Team Formation: Both parties assemble negotiation teams comprising representatives or delegates responsible for bargaining on behalf of the union or employer. These teams often consist of individuals with expertise in labor laws, policy, and the specific industry or sector.
• Commencement of Negotiations: Once negotiations commence, the union and the employer engage in discussions to draft the terms and conditions of the collective agreement. This involves bargaining over various elements, including wages, benefits, working conditions, job security, grievance procedures, and other relevant matters.
• Exchange of Proposals: Throughout the negotiation process, both parties exchange proposals outlining their desired changes or updates to the existing collective agreement. These proposals serve as a basis for discussion and compromise.
• Discussions and Compromise: Negotiations often involve back-and-forth discussions, where both sides present arguments, counteroffers, and compromises to reach mutually agreeable terms. This phase may require mediation or conciliation if there are significant disagreements.
• Ratification: Once an agreement is reached, the negotiated terms are presented to the union members and the employer for ratification. Members vote on whether to accept or reject the proposed agreement, and if accepted, it becomes the new collective agreement.
• Implementation and Enforcement: Upon ratification, the terms of the collective agreement are put into effect. Both the union and the employer are responsible for adhering to the terms outlined in the agreement. This includes providing the agreed-upon benefits, respecting working conditions, and following the established grievance procedures.

The process of creating a collective agreement in OPSEU involves negotiation, compromise, and democratic ratification by union members before it is implemented and enforced between the union and the employer.

 

   Participate In Bargaining (Collective Agreement)

Members of OPSEU have various avenues to participate in negotiating their collective agreements. They can engage by providing input and feedback through surveys, attending information sessions, and participating in shop, unit, and general membership meetings conducted by the union.

Additionally, local members nominate and elect representatives to serve on bargaining committees. These elected or nominated members then actively participate in negotiations, advocating for the interests and concerns of their specific workplace or unit within the larger bargaining process. Through these mechanisms, members contribute to shaping the priorities and outcomes of the collective bargaining agreement, ensuring their voices are heard and represented during negotiations.

The bargaining process typically accommodates three essential roles, ensuring comprehensive engagement and representation. The delegate serves a pivotal function, advocating for members’ interests with full privileges and voting rights at the bargaining meeting. Should the delegate be unavailable, the alternate stands prepared to step in, possessing no inherent rights unless required to substitute. Simultaneously, the observer plays a crucial role, overseeing proceedings, fostering transparency, and gaining valuable insight into the intricate bargaining process.

The assignment of roles—delegates, alternates, and observers—is contingent on the total membership within the local. This allocation strategy ensures equitable representation aligned with the overall member count, fostering fairness in the bargaining process.

• Nominations: Ahead of the bargaining meeting, the local initiates a nominations process where interested members can put their names forward or be nominated by their peers to participate in the negotiation team. Members may self-nominate or be nominated by others within the local.
• Acclamation or Voting: If the number of nominees matches the number of positions available on the negotiation team, those members might be acclaimed, meaning they are automatically elected without the need for a formal vote. However, if more individuals wish to attend than available positions, a secret ballot vote may be conducted to elect the representatives.
• Bargaining Meeting: During the bargaining meeting, all nominated candidates present themselves, and the voting process (if needed) takes place. Members in attendance cast their votes through secret ballot to elect the representatives who will participate on the negotiation team.
• Negotiation Team Formation: Following the vote, the members elected to the negotiation team are determined. These elected representatives will then join the larger bargaining committee, where they will work alongside other union officials to negotiate the terms and details of the next collective agreement.

 

   Vote or Ratify (Collective Agreement)