Welcome to the official website of OPSEU Local 527

Together, we can create positive change and build a better future not only for our members, but for all workers.

Who We Are

We are a composite union local representing members of the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and Broader Public Sector (BPS).

Resources

Access collective agreements, and other important documents.

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Resources

Access collective agreements, and other important documents.

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Latest News

Read news and updates from your OPSEU Local 527.

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opseulocal527

The path to Truth and Reconciliation cannot be tra

The path to Truth and Reconciliation cannot be traversed without a deep acknowledgment of the painful and uncomfortable realities that underpin our shared history. The language we use is a critical factor in shaping our understanding and response to this legacy. By continuing to use colonizing terms like "residential schools," we diminish the true scale of the harm they inflicted. We sanitize the brutality of the system, making it sound as though these were simple boarding schools or places of education. But this terminology is far from neutral—it obscures a darker truth.

Residential schools were, in essence, internment camps, forcibly separating Indigenous children from their families, cultures, and communities. These institutions were designed to erase Indigenous identities, languages, and beliefs through brutal assimilation practices. The aim was not simply to educate but to systematically eradicate Indigenous ways of life, a project that constitutes cultural genocide. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has called for this reality to be recognized, but acknowledgment must go beyond historical analysis. It needs to be embedded in our language, our narratives, and our collective understanding of the past.

By acknowledging these institutions for what they really were—camps of forced assimilation that inflicted untold trauma on generations of Indigenous peoples—we begin the hard work of truth-telling. This truth is uncomfortable because it exposes the extent to which colonialism was built on violence and dehumanization. It forces us to confront the fact that these were not isolated "mistakes" or failures of policy but were part of a broader, deliberate campaign to destroy Indigenous cultures.

Reconciliation cannot begin with half-truths. It requires a reckoning with the full extent of the harm inflicted, and this begins with the language we use. Calling residential schools what they were—institutions of cultural genocide—brings us closer to justice, healing, and the possibility of a future built on mutual respect and understanding. It is only through this lens of truth that reconciliation can take root and grow.

Image credit: @thesolaceartist

*Please join us for our next General Membership Me

*Please join us for our next General Membership Meeting*

Date: October 16, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM (via Zoom).

Among other agenda items, we will be holding elections for Stewards, Officers, and Trustees, voting on amendments to our Local bylaws, and providing updates on bargaining and the Local's finances. We will also be holding a draw for some great prizes!

This meeting is a perfect opportunity for you to become more actively involved and help strengthen our union. We are looking forward to your participation and to working together to shape our future.

Please ensure you register in advance for this meeting. Members in good standing should check their personal email on file with OPSEU for registration details. If you did not receive this information please contact us as soon as possible.

Need assistance or special accommodations? Our team is here to help! Please reach out for any inquiries or required accommodations. We are committed to making our meetings accessible to all members.

In solidarity!

#union #opseulocal527 #opseusefpo #SolidarityForever #Solidarity #ops #cmha #wsiat

Today, we celebrate Labour Day, a day dedicated to

Today, we celebrate Labour Day, a day dedicated to the achievements of workers and the labour movement. The origins of Labour Day date back to the 19th century when workers fought tirelessly for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safer working conditions.

You might wonder why Canada and the United States celebrate Labour Day in September instead of joining the international community on May 1st, also known as May Day. The choice of September was largely influenced by business and political leaders, particularly in the United States, where they sought to distance the celebration from May Day’s associations with more radical elements of the labour movement.

The establishment of Labour Day in September also reflects a broader strategy by those in power to promote a version of labour recognition that was less confrontational. By shifting the focus away from May Day, which was a day of international solidarity among workers, they aimed to create a more domesticated celebration that emphasized cooperation between labour and management rather than international class struggle.

This does not diminish the significance of Labour Day, but it does remind us that the fight for workers’ rights has always involved navigating the interests of those in power. As we reflect on the history of Labour Day, it’s important to recognize the ongoing need for solidarity and vigilance in the face of attempts to dilute the power of the labour movement.

The labour movement's history is filled with stories of courage and perseverance. From the early strikes that demanded basic rights to today’s efforts to secure fair treatment in a rapidly changing economy, the fight for justice and equity in the workplace continues to be as relevant as ever.

On this Labour Day, let’s take pride in our achievements, but also commit to carrying forward the spirit of those who came before us. Together, we can continue to make strides towards a fairer and more just society for all workers.

In solidarity,
OPSEU Local 527

#LabourDay2024 #LabourDay #LaborDay2024 #LaborDay #MayDay #Union #WorkersUnited #ClassStruggle #OPSEUSEFPO #OPSEULocal527 #Solidarity #SolidarityForever #WhichSideAreYouOn

Join OPSEU/SEFPO at the annual Labor Day Parade on

Join OPSEU/SEFPO at the annual Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 2, 2024! This is a fantastic opportunity to show solidarity, celebrate our collective achievements as a union, and support the broader labour movement.

We'll be meeting starting at 8:00 a.m. on the west side of University Avenue, south of Armoury Street (just south of 400 University Avenue). The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. Free t-shirts and admission to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) are available for all marching members and their guests. Link in bio to register.

#OPSEU #OPSEUSEFPO #OPSEUlocal527 #LabourDay2024 #LabourDayParade #Solidarity #UnionStrong #CNE #CNE2024

After a chilly start to the week, the weather warm

After a chilly start to the week, the weather warmed up just in time for our Local 527 Ice Cream Day! 🌞🍦

We had a fantastic turnout with members coming together to enjoy a sweet treat and some sunshine. It was wonderful to see everyone taking a break, catching up with colleagues, and creating some fun summer memories.

A big thank you to everyone who helped organize the event and to our members who came out to make it a success. Your support is what makes our local strong!

Stay tuned for our next Local event!

#union #opseulocal527 #IceCream #Summer #ops #wsiat #cmha

🍦 Local 527 Ice Cream Day! 🍦 Join us for a

🍦 Local 527 Ice Cream Day! 🍦

Join us for a refreshing Ice Cream Social on August 21 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM! Our ice cream truck will be serving up delicious treats for our amazing members. Come and enjoy delicious ice cream, catch up with colleagues, meet other members, and take a break from the summer heat. Free tickets are available exclusively for our members in good standing, but spots are limited. Keep an eye on your email on file with OPSEU/SEFPO in the coming days for your invite, and secure your ticket before they're gone!

Menu Highlights:
🍦 Ice Cream (Vanilla, Chocolate, Twist)
🥤 Slush (Orange, Grape, Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Lime, Strawberry)
🍭 Popsicles (Rocket, Snow-cones, Strawberry Shortcake, Cry Baby, Chocolate Fudge, Bugs Bunny, Sonic, Pink Panther)
🧊 Mr. Iceberg Special (Slush with floating ice cream and whipped cream)
🍪 Cartwheel Sandwich
🍨 Sundaes (Chocolate, Strawberry, Butterscotch, Pineapple, Cherry, Peanuts)
🥜🍨 Peanut Parfait
🧋 Milkshakes (Banana, Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate)
🍌🛥️🍨 Banana Boats (Choice of three toppings)

#IceCream #Summer #SummerSocial #Union #OPSEULocal527 #opseusefpo

For decades, the Ontario Science Centre has been t

For decades, the Ontario Science Centre has been the heart of scientific wonder in our community. It's where childhood curiosity bloomed, future innovators were inspired, and generations discovered the magic of science.

Now, Doug Ford's government plans to close this invaluable institution under very suspicious pretexts. Our children and future generations will be denied the same incredible experiences that shaped so many of us.

We can't let this happen silently! Join us to #SaveTheScienceCentre.

Bring your stories, your passion, and your voice. Let's show this government what the Ontario Science Centre truly means to our community!

🗓️ Rally and March:
Sunday, July 14th, 12 pm to 2:30 pm
Ferrand Drive Park
251 Ferrand Drive, Toronto

Sign the Letter to Doug Ford: Link in Bio ↗️↗️↗️
Keep Calling the Premier’s Office: 416-325-1941

Together, we can keep the spirit of discovery alive in Ontario! For more information, visit @savesciencecentre. #OnPoli #ToPoli #OntarioScienceCentre

LCBO workers are drawing a line in the sand to sto

LCBO workers are drawing a line in the sand to stop Doug Ford's attempts at a wholesale sell-off of Ontario. The LCBO contributes $2.5 billion in revenue to Ontario’s public services every year. The money from their alcohol sales goes toward health care, education, housing, public infrastructure, and more. Now, Doug Ford is putting it all at risk and forcing LCBO workers to strike. Ford would rather this money go to pad the pockets of his already wealthy cronies. Who do you think will have to make up that shortfall? Tell Doug Ford to invest in our communities, keep alcohol sales public, and end Ontario’s dry summer! Linktree in bio.
#lcbo #strike #keepitpublic #lcboworkersfightback #onpoli #solidarity

Rights and freedoms aren't granted to marginalized

Rights and freedoms aren't granted to marginalized groups by asking nicely—they are won through resistance, direct action, and solidarity. As we celebrate Pride this weekend, let's remember its origins and recognize that the battle is far from over. Gender and sexual minorities still endure hateful rhetoric and the constant threat of violence simply because of who they are. Despite the victories, the fight continues.

#Pride #PrideTO #PrideToronto #Pride2024 #TheFirstPrideWasARiot #Stonewall #LoveIsLove #TransRights #TransRightsAreHumanRights

Toronto Pride Calendar of Events:

June 28, 2024 – Trans March: Church and Hayden Streets, 7 pm Rally

June 29, 2024 – Dyke March: Church and Hayden Streets, 1 pm Rally; 2 pm March

June 30, 2024 – Annual Pride Brunch hosted by OPSEU/SEFPO’s Coalition of Racialized Workers: OPSEU/SEFPO Membership Centre, 31 Wellesley St. E., 10 am

June 30, 2024 – Pride Parade: Bloor Street and Ted Rogers Way, 4 pm

June 30, 2024 – Pride BBQ hosted by OPSEU/SEFPO Region 5: OPSEU/SEFPO Membership Centre, 31 Wellesley St. E., 6 pm

Public sector workers, including our members, are

Public sector workers, including our members, are being mandated to return to the office, but what about the transit workers who make that commute possible? If our governments want people commuting, they need to treat transit workers with the respect they deserve. That means wages that at the very least keep pace with soaring inflation and the outrageous cost of living in this city. It means adequate staffing and safe working conditions. A fair deal is not only in the interest of TTC workers, but also riders, businesses, and other employers who depend on public transit to move people around Toronto.

📝 Take action now! Send a letter to support TTC workers: Linktree in bio.

#Solidarity #FairWagesNow #TTCStrike #ATUStrongerTogether #SupportTransitWorkers #PublicSectorSolidarity #UnionStrong #KeepTransitMoving #StrongerTogether #YearOfTheWorker #onpoli #onlab #opseusefpo #opseulocal527 🚍🚌

In Ontario, many, including those without permanen

In Ontario, many, including those without permanent resident status, lack access to healthcare, causing unnecessary suffering and straining the system. A stop-gap program during the pandemic was abruptly cut in March 2023, leaving many without vital care. Immediate restoration of this program is crucial, but true universal healthcare is urgently needed, ensuring equal access to OHIP
for all.
Link in bio.
#healthcare4all #healthcareforall #onpoli

The Injured Workers' Bill of Rights outlines the M

The Injured Workers' Bill of Rights outlines the MINIMUM rights that the provincial government must guarantee to ensure just and non-discriminatory treatment for #InjuredWorkers.

Sign this bill of rights, by injured workers, for injured workers- linked in bio.

An injury to one, is an injury to all. Today, we

An injury to one, is an injury to all.

Today, we solemnly remember those we've lost and those forever impacted by workplace accidents and occupational illness.

For trade unions, there's no greater purpose than ensuring worker safety. It's unconscionable that these tragedies remain a daily reality, treated as an inevitable cost of doing business. We must do better. We must not only reduce, but ultimately eliminate these needless tragedies.

#dayofmourning #nationaldayofmourning #aninjurytooneisaninjurytoall #safetyfirst #noworkerleftbehind #solidarity #union #opseusefpo #opseulocal527

Scabby the Rat showing up at the @agotoronto picke

Scabby the Rat showing up at the @agotoronto picket line @iatse @iatse873 @opseusefpo #strike #solidarity #shutitdown #onedaylongeronedaystronger

Support AGO staff! Management is MIA at the bargai

Support AGO staff! Management is MIA at the bargaining table and has hired SCABS to replace workers. Local 527 stands in solidarity and we urge AGO management to get back to the table to negotiate in good faith. Fair wages, job security, and better working conditions are necessary for a vibrant cultural hub. Join us in advocating for fairness and use the hashtags #FairWagesForAGOWorkers #SupportAGOStaff #ArtForAll #opseu #opseusefpo #opseulocal527 #solidarity ✊🎨

Donations to the strike fund can be sent to:
OPSEU Local 535 - Art Gallery of Ontario
c/o Pauline Cheslock
OPSEU/SEFPO Staff Representative
31 Wellesley St E
Toronto, ON M4Y 1G7

Region 5 will be hosting an educational event on M

Region 5 will be hosting an educational event on May 25 and 26, 2024. Both in-person and online courses are available. Link is in our bio to apply. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 12, 2024 at 16:00 (4 pm).

Education and organizing is at the heart of OPSEU/SEFPO’s vision of unionism. The Education and Organizing Unit works with staff and members throughout OPSEU/SEFPO to provide educational programs that empower our members to effect meaningful change in their workplaces and their communities.
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#union #unionorganizing #education #solidarity #opseulocal527

The dedicated workers at the Regent Park Community

The dedicated workers at the Regent Park Community Health Centre provide invaluable services to their community and deserve a contract which reflects that work. Local 527 is proud to stand in solidarity with @opseulocal5115 with a donation to their strike fund. Send a message to RPCHC management to give these workers the fair contract they deserve with the link in our bio. If you can, come out to their picket line and show your support. Donations to the strike fund can be made out to OPSEU Local 5115 Regent Park Community Health Centre, and sent c/o Haran Thurairasah, OPSEU Staff Representative, 31 Wellesley St E, Toronto, ON M4Y 1G7.
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#union #unionstrong #rpchcworkers #strike #opseu #opseulocal527 #opseulocal5115 #solidarityforever

Please join us on Monday, January 15 at 6:00 PM fo

Please join us on Monday, January 15 at 6:00 PM for our next Local 527 general membership meeting. The agenda includes the election of new stewards, filling executive officer vacancies, and electing delegates, alternates, and observers for OPSEU Convention 2024, Toronto and York Region Labour Council, and the OPS Bargaining Conference.

This meeting is your opportunity to exercise your democratic rights, and ensure your voice is heard at the local, regional, and provincial level of our union.

Enjoy your holidays and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!

If you are a member and you did not receive the meeting invitation please send us a DM, or contact opseulocal527 at gmail com

Our first holiday party in eons, and not our last!

Our first holiday party in eons, and not our last! Attendees generously donated to the @dailybreadto Food Bank, in exchange for a night of games, prizes, laughs and libations. ‘Tis the season!

🏫 Held at the historic Ontario Heritage Centre

🍛 Festive feast catered by @mengrai_thai

We are less than a week away from our holiday cele

We are less than a week away from our holiday celebration! Catering by award winning Thai chef, Sasi-Meechai from @mengrai_thai, delicious custom cocktails, a raffle draw for some amazing prizes, and of course, great company. Please check your email for details and how to secure one of the few remaining tickets.
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#union #holiday #celebration #opseulocal527 #opseu #solidarity

OPS Unified members are saying Enough is Enough. T

OPS Unified members are saying Enough is Enough. They're fighting back after years of stagnant wages and Doug Ford's wage-capping Bill 124. They're organizing for fairer wages and better working conditions so they can provide quality public services to the people of Ontario! Join their fight, send a message to your MPP and Premier Ford 👉 link in bio
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#union #opseu #opseulocal527 #enoughisenough #bill124 #solidarity

On Monday, November 6, more than 420,000 public se

On Monday, November 6, more than 420,000 public sector workers in Quebec are poised to hold a one-day strike, just one of many steps towards what could be an unlimited general strike in the province.

Like Ontario workers, they’re fighting for pay that keeps up with inflation–after years of stagnant or frozen wages–and better working conditions and good public services.

The workers represent all parts of the public sector: health care, education, social services, municipalities, colleges and universities, and more.

Join us for a solidarity rally to support their fight. If they win, we all win!

<< Solidarité avec nos camarades au Québec ! >>

Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes
(Toronto office)
400 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
TTC: St. Patrick

On October 4th, Local 527 held its first in-person

On October 4th, Local 527 held its first in-person general membership meeting in almost 4 years! A full house and great energy in the room. Thanks to the Textile Museum for being such gracious hosts, as always. RTO is BS, but it sure is nice to see all of you.
In solidarity!
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#union #syndicat #opseulocal527 #opseu #solidarityforever

The OPS Unified Bargaining Team is heading back to

The OPS Unified Bargaining Team is heading back to the table on September 23 and they’re fighting for a REAL wage increase that reflects the skyrocketing cost-of-living and the wages that were lost during the Bill 124 era.

The Ford government’s recent scandals tell us exactly who they’re working for: real estate developers and corporate donors. Ford isn’t for the people. But there is power in numbers. That’s why we’re hosting a rally outside the wage re-opener as a show of support for our demands that will send a clear message to the Ford government: enough is enough! To have impact, we need your support. Will you join us?

When: Saturday, September 23 at noon

Where: Sheraton Centre Hotel at 123 Queen St W. (across from Nathan Phillips Square)

#union #opseu #bill124 #onpoli #fairwages #fairpay #solidarity #enoughisenoughON #opseulocal527

Happy Labour Day! #LabourDay #LabourDay2023 #Labou

Happy Labour Day!
#LabourDay #LabourDay2023 #LabourDayParade

Walk with OPSEU/SEFPO at the 2023 Toronto Labour D

Walk with OPSEU/SEFPO at the 2023 Toronto Labour Day Parade on Monday, September 4
Free T-Shirts for all and free admission to the CNE!
Link to RSVP in bio
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#labourday #laborday #parade #opseu #opseulocal527 #union #unionstrong #solidarity #solidarityforever #workers #workersunited #cne #ciasto

Local 527 stands in solidarity with striking Metro

Local 527 stands in solidarity with striking Metro workers ✊. Metro takes in massive profits but refuses to pay their employees a fair wage. Enough is enough!

If you would like to help support their fight, please send a strike fund donation to:
Unifor Local 414
1-274 Alliance Rd
Milton, ON L9T 2V2

@metroontario pay your employees what they deserve!

#strike #solidarityforever #solidarity #unionstrong #fairwages #fairpay #unifor #opseulocal527 #opseu #enoughisenoughON #enoughisenough #workersunited

OPS workers force Ontario government to recognize

OPS workers force Ontario government to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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#TruthAndReconciliation #ops #opseu #amapceo #aloc #ocaa #pego

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