Some of you may have read materials posted on a blog entitled "opseuinsidertoo." On a quick look it is very similar to this blog.
The following is published on the advice of counsel.
The web-based blog OPSEU_Insider has no involvement with or connection to the website identified as opseuinsidertoo.blogspot.com.
No person connected with the publication or maintenance of the Internet blog entitled "OPSEU_Insider" has contributed to, offered suggestions to, or submitted any materials for publication to opseuinsidertoo.blogspot.com, and consequently has no legal responsibility for any postings on that website.
Solidarity
Friday, 29 April 2011
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Faithful Readers
Hello again. The insider knows it has been a while since the last posting. Vacation just was not the time to take OPSEU along. But there is lots to be done still and we all need to be vigilant to keep OPSEU on track. Apparently, there have been rumblings of discontent and, if the rumours can be confirmed, we'll address those rumblings.
Looking back at the Convention through the microscope of time, the electoral decision of the union to overwhelmingly endorse the platform of President Thomas becomes even more significant. A unidimensional approach was rejected. The notion that Thomas was engaging in "back room" dealing and was capitulating or collaborating with the employers to undermine the membership was thoroughly rejected. As one delegate recounted, the simple message from Thomas that stewards in the local workplace need to talk with and have a relationship with the employer was a powerful truth. Sometimes OPSEU needs to picket and "be on the streets" but when that is a primary strategy it dooms the union membership to failure.
The budget debate, where the members voted to use revenues generated by the strike fund to increase the commitment to campaigns against the corporate, anti-union agenda, was a good indicator of what was to follow. There was some serious misinformation and confusion about those funds. Let's look at it in light rather than noise. First a reminder that the 5% of dues going directly into the strike fund does not change. Now, the revenues from interest and dividends. It is simple really and you don't need to be an accountant to get it. If you owned a rental property, it would be one of your assets. The revenue generated from that asset would not have to be plowed back into the asset. You could do that or you could do anything else with those revenues. Even if the property stands empty, the asset is not diminished, nothing is drawn from the asset. Your revenues go down, but the asset holds its value or may even go up if the real estate values increase. Nope -- there never was an attack on the strike fund. It was always a myth (to word it kindly).
Next question. Is it sound fiscal policy to live off your interest and dividend revenues? Only if the asset that generates those revenues is very very secure. And the strike fund is not a secure source of long-term revenue. So, no it is not good long-term policy. The long-term fix lies in higher dues, reduced expenses, or a combination of those. Let's see how the new Board led by Eddy Almeida in the Treasurer's chair stick handles that tough path. We wish him well and success.
Solidarity
Looking back at the Convention through the microscope of time, the electoral decision of the union to overwhelmingly endorse the platform of President Thomas becomes even more significant. A unidimensional approach was rejected. The notion that Thomas was engaging in "back room" dealing and was capitulating or collaborating with the employers to undermine the membership was thoroughly rejected. As one delegate recounted, the simple message from Thomas that stewards in the local workplace need to talk with and have a relationship with the employer was a powerful truth. Sometimes OPSEU needs to picket and "be on the streets" but when that is a primary strategy it dooms the union membership to failure.
The budget debate, where the members voted to use revenues generated by the strike fund to increase the commitment to campaigns against the corporate, anti-union agenda, was a good indicator of what was to follow. There was some serious misinformation and confusion about those funds. Let's look at it in light rather than noise. First a reminder that the 5% of dues going directly into the strike fund does not change. Now, the revenues from interest and dividends. It is simple really and you don't need to be an accountant to get it. If you owned a rental property, it would be one of your assets. The revenue generated from that asset would not have to be plowed back into the asset. You could do that or you could do anything else with those revenues. Even if the property stands empty, the asset is not diminished, nothing is drawn from the asset. Your revenues go down, but the asset holds its value or may even go up if the real estate values increase. Nope -- there never was an attack on the strike fund. It was always a myth (to word it kindly).
Next question. Is it sound fiscal policy to live off your interest and dividend revenues? Only if the asset that generates those revenues is very very secure. And the strike fund is not a secure source of long-term revenue. So, no it is not good long-term policy. The long-term fix lies in higher dues, reduced expenses, or a combination of those. Let's see how the new Board led by Eddy Almeida in the Treasurer's chair stick handles that tough path. We wish him well and success.
Solidarity
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Patty Rout Still a Target For Abuse
This is just so unbelievable that we had to put the pictures into the blog.
[Please forgive the quality of the images which are facebook pages emailed to the Insider blog.]
The facebook posting tears a strip off retiring First VP/Treasurer, Patty Rout, for thanking her friends in her farewell address to Convention.
Rout has been the target of several nasty attacks, especially on the Region 2 website. Highly offensive and personal comments were authored by Region 2 Executive Board Members Tungatt, and Grimaldi.
Rout chose to give special thanks to those who supported her. What on earth is wrong with that? Does anyone think she had some obligation to thank those who defamed her? To blame Rout for thanking only those she felt deserved thanks is grotesquely malicious.
Hard to find it in this posting, but as always, Solidarity
Monday, 11 April 2011
We - They!!
Two days ago, a reader passed along a comment which the reader had overheard. It has now been confirmed. The comment was made by one of the Executive Board Members to her supporters: "We still have the Board."
Let's analyze that:
"We" - There is still a we-they mentality among the group that opposed Thomas and Rout.
"still" - Despite what the members voted overwhelmingly to support, "we" will act as before.
"have" - More votes than "they/Smokey" does at the Board level though not the delegates.
"the Board" - "We" can achieve our agenda (not the one Convention endorsed) that way.
I had hoped that work of the OPSEU_Insider blog was over. It's beginning to look more and more like that is not the reality, and reality is what this blog has been all about. Stay tuned.
Solidarity
Let's analyze that:
"We" - There is still a we-they mentality among the group that opposed Thomas and Rout.
"still" - Despite what the members voted overwhelmingly to support, "we" will act as before.
"have" - More votes than "they/Smokey" does at the Board level though not the delegates.
"the Board" - "We" can achieve our agenda (not the one Convention endorsed) that way.
I had hoped that work of the OPSEU_Insider blog was over. It's beginning to look more and more like that is not the reality, and reality is what this blog has been all about. Stay tuned.
Solidarity
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Who used OPSEU money to campaign?
Seems the OPSEU Women's Committee decided it was okay to use OPSEU funding to allow one of the candidates for President to be the keynote speaker to their breakfast gathering.
When several angry participants complained that Nancy Pridham was the keynote speaker, they were told that she had been asked before she announced her run for the OPSEU presidency. So what? It would have been simple enough to advise her that given her announcement it would not be fair to have her fulfil that keynote speaker role. Alternatively, Pridham, could and should have turned back the request in fairness, or at the very least, told the Women's Committee that Thomas would have to be invited as well.
The Women's Committee must be non-partisan. They are funded to advocate on behalf of women and to support women's issues and causes. They are not funded to advocate for a particular candidate in OPSEU elections. They can do that on their own time and their own dime - not on the members' time and money.
The irony is that it was Pridham who, on her Facebook page, falsely accused Thomas of using OPSEU funds to promote his campaign. Turns out she was the one using OPSEU funds for campaigning.
Who else could fill in? Oh, how about Patty Rout who was not running for office but had held the second highest office in OPSEU for the past four years! Patty Rout was an obvious choice. Once Pridham announced her candidacy, she had to replaced unless, of course, partisan politics was the intent of the Women's Committee and their Board advisor. That would be a serious breach of duty.
The women of OPSEU deserve better from their provincial committee. The Executive Board advisor to the committee should have advised the committee members better. There is no excuse.
Solidarity
When several angry participants complained that Nancy Pridham was the keynote speaker, they were told that she had been asked before she announced her run for the OPSEU presidency. So what? It would have been simple enough to advise her that given her announcement it would not be fair to have her fulfil that keynote speaker role. Alternatively, Pridham, could and should have turned back the request in fairness, or at the very least, told the Women's Committee that Thomas would have to be invited as well.
The Women's Committee must be non-partisan. They are funded to advocate on behalf of women and to support women's issues and causes. They are not funded to advocate for a particular candidate in OPSEU elections. They can do that on their own time and their own dime - not on the members' time and money.
The irony is that it was Pridham who, on her Facebook page, falsely accused Thomas of using OPSEU funds to promote his campaign. Turns out she was the one using OPSEU funds for campaigning.
Who else could fill in? Oh, how about Patty Rout who was not running for office but had held the second highest office in OPSEU for the past four years! Patty Rout was an obvious choice. Once Pridham announced her candidacy, she had to replaced unless, of course, partisan politics was the intent of the Women's Committee and their Board advisor. That would be a serious breach of duty.
The women of OPSEU deserve better from their provincial committee. The Executive Board advisor to the committee should have advised the committee members better. There is no excuse.
Solidarity
A Sour Taste Left from Women's Breakfast
Each year at the Women's Breakfast, awards are given out for woman activist of the year in each region.
Newly elected Board Member from Region 7, Mary Cory, as the outgoing Region 7 representative to the Women's Committee, made this year's selection.
Astonishingly, Cory selected a woman from a Region 6 local! The very deserving recipient has already been honoured, in fact, by Region 6. The recipient actually was wearing her local 677 tee shirt when she accepted the award.
Can Cory really find no woman from a Region 7 local who merits this award?? What an embarrassment! Not a good beginning for her term. Let's hope she does better from here on.
Solidarity
Newly elected Board Member from Region 7, Mary Cory, as the outgoing Region 7 representative to the Women's Committee, made this year's selection.
Astonishingly, Cory selected a woman from a Region 6 local! The very deserving recipient has already been honoured, in fact, by Region 6. The recipient actually was wearing her local 677 tee shirt when she accepted the award.
Can Cory really find no woman from a Region 7 local who merits this award?? What an embarrassment! Not a good beginning for her term. Let's hope she does better from here on.
Solidarity
VP/Treasurer Voting by Region
Here are the Regional results for the First Vice-President Treasurer position.
Region 1
Almeida 69 (66.99%)
Tocker 34
Region 2
Almeida 129 (84.31%)
Tocker 24
Region 3
Almeida 56 (38.89%)
Tocker 88
Region 4
Almeida 28 (20.14.%)
Tocker 111
Region 5
Almeida 121 (58.17%)
Tocker 87
Region 6
Almeida 43 (41.74%)
Tocker 60
Region 7
Almeida 9 (15.51%)
Tocker 49
Totals
Almeida 465 (50.65%)
Tocker 453
If Tocker's region had been the same size as or even half the size of Almeida's, Tocker would have won. [Keeping the same voting ratio, putting Region 7 at 82 voters - still just half the size of Region 2 - Tocker votes go from 49 to 69, Almeida's from 9 to 13 and Tocker comes out on top.] Of course, that's all "ifs and buts' for Tocker. Almeida ran a good, clean campaign and earned the victory. He is not to be faulted for the reality of Regional differences and "favourite son" votes.
All in all, the VP/Treasurer contest did not match up nearly so much as a choice between two opposing factions as the Presidential race clearly was. There is much less to be gleaned from the delegates' decision. The clear mandate was given to Warren "Smokey" Thomas.
Solidarity
Region 1
Almeida 69 (66.99%)
Tocker 34
Region 2
Almeida 129 (84.31%)
Tocker 24
Region 3
Almeida 56 (38.89%)
Tocker 88
Region 4
Almeida 28 (20.14.%)
Tocker 111
Region 5
Almeida 121 (58.17%)
Tocker 87
Region 6
Almeida 43 (41.74%)
Tocker 60
Region 7
Almeida 9 (15.51%)
Tocker 49
Totals
Almeida 465 (50.65%)
Tocker 453
If Tocker's region had been the same size as or even half the size of Almeida's, Tocker would have won. [Keeping the same voting ratio, putting Region 7 at 82 voters - still just half the size of Region 2 - Tocker votes go from 49 to 69, Almeida's from 9 to 13 and Tocker comes out on top.] Of course, that's all "ifs and buts' for Tocker. Almeida ran a good, clean campaign and earned the victory. He is not to be faulted for the reality of Regional differences and "favourite son" votes.
All in all, the VP/Treasurer contest did not match up nearly so much as a choice between two opposing factions as the Presidential race clearly was. There is much less to be gleaned from the delegates' decision. The clear mandate was given to Warren "Smokey" Thomas.
Solidarity
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Regional Results
Ballot counting is done by region which allows some more detailed analysis of results.
Here are the results:
Region 1
Thomas 60 (58.25%)
Pridham 43
Region 2
Thomas 75 (46.88%)
Pridham 85
Region 3
Thomas 116 (81.12%)
Pridham 27
Region 4
Thomas 134 (95.72%)
Pridham 6
Region 5
Thomas 94 (49.47%)
Pridham 96
Region 6
Thomas 89 (78.07%)
Pridham 25
Region 7
Thomas 53 (92.98%)
Pridham 4
Totals
Smokey Thomas 621 (68.47%)
Nancy Pridham 286
What does it mean? Four years ago Thomas defeated Pridham by just over 100 votes. That margin has now stretched to 335 votes. Thomas took more than 2/3rds of the total.
Pridham's nominator was Gino Franche Vice-President of Region 1, but he was unable to deliver his region to her. There were few Smokey pins visible in Region 1 but the support was clearly there. In Region 6, Board incumbents VP Sue Brown and Jen Giroux openly supported Pridham, but they too could not deliver to their choice. Newcomer Jeff Arbus supported Thomas. Newly minted Region 3 VP Pete Wright and new EBM Gord Longhi were both in Pridham's camp, while other newcomer Sara Labelle was on Thomas' side. Wright and Longhi could not convince their region to support Pridham.
Pridham only held her own Region, Region 5, by the slimmest of margins. Pridham's campaign slogan was "OPSEU Can Do Better." Clearly, at this convention OPSEU delegates overwhelmingly thought that OPSEU Would Do Better Without Nancy Pridham as President.
Here are the results:
Region 1
Thomas 60 (58.25%)
Pridham 43
Region 2
Thomas 75 (46.88%)
Pridham 85
Region 3
Thomas 116 (81.12%)
Pridham 27
Region 4
Thomas 134 (95.72%)
Pridham 6
Region 5
Thomas 94 (49.47%)
Pridham 96
Region 6
Thomas 89 (78.07%)
Pridham 25
Region 7
Thomas 53 (92.98%)
Pridham 4
Totals
Smokey Thomas 621 (68.47%)
Nancy Pridham 286
What does it mean? Four years ago Thomas defeated Pridham by just over 100 votes. That margin has now stretched to 335 votes. Thomas took more than 2/3rds of the total.
Pridham's nominator was Gino Franche Vice-President of Region 1, but he was unable to deliver his region to her. There were few Smokey pins visible in Region 1 but the support was clearly there. In Region 6, Board incumbents VP Sue Brown and Jen Giroux openly supported Pridham, but they too could not deliver to their choice. Newcomer Jeff Arbus supported Thomas. Newly minted Region 3 VP Pete Wright and new EBM Gord Longhi were both in Pridham's camp, while other newcomer Sara Labelle was on Thomas' side. Wright and Longhi could not convince their region to support Pridham.
Pridham only held her own Region, Region 5, by the slimmest of margins. Pridham's campaign slogan was "OPSEU Can Do Better." Clearly, at this convention OPSEU delegates overwhelmingly thought that OPSEU Would Do Better Without Nancy Pridham as President.
More to Come
1/ Watch this space later today for the detailed breakdown of region-by-region vote results in yesterday's President and VP/Treasurer elections.
2/ One astonishing report came in on an overheard conversation between one candidate and some of that candidate's close supporters. If we can confirm it, we'll report it to you.
3/ The true story of the OPSEU Live and Let Live Golf Tournament will shock you. More on that soon too.
4/ Thanks to the OPSEU delegates and others who provided this blog with materials and inside information from the regions.
Solidarity
2/ One astonishing report came in on an overheard conversation between one candidate and some of that candidate's close supporters. If we can confirm it, we'll report it to you.
3/ The true story of the OPSEU Live and Let Live Golf Tournament will shock you. More on that soon too.
4/ Thanks to the OPSEU delegates and others who provided this blog with materials and inside information from the regions.
Solidarity
Friday, 8 April 2011
The Members Have Spoken
SMOKEY LANDSLIDE
The delegates this morning Friday, April 8 gave Smokey Thomas a resounding endorsement of his platform and vision for OPSEU.
Thomas out-polled Nancy Pridham 621 votes to 286, more than 2 to 1. It's 68.5% to 31.5% of the 907 valid ballots. Smokey has an undeniable mandate and as he pointed out, it will be up to the regional Executive Members to get on board and see to it that they support OPSEU's membership by supporting the leader their delegates chose.
Thomas took on and beat back his critics and put the foundation in place for the union to move forward with a powerful and strong voice. Thomas' opponent and her supporters claimed that he was not up to the task and that he lacked accountability and transparency. "NO" said the membership, loudly and clearly.
The VP/Treasurer contest was completely different: it was a squeaker. Eddy Almeida came out on top by 465 votes to 453. That's 50.6% to 49.4% of the ballots. Almeida pledged to work with Smokey to keep the union on track and maintain the course set by the Convention. Tocker and Almeida embraced and stood together at the podium. This was Almeida's second run for the #2 position and for Tocker who entered the race late, the first.
Congratulations to both Smokey and Eddy.
Solidarity
The delegates this morning Friday, April 8 gave Smokey Thomas a resounding endorsement of his platform and vision for OPSEU.
Thomas out-polled Nancy Pridham 621 votes to 286, more than 2 to 1. It's 68.5% to 31.5% of the 907 valid ballots. Smokey has an undeniable mandate and as he pointed out, it will be up to the regional Executive Members to get on board and see to it that they support OPSEU's membership by supporting the leader their delegates chose.
Thomas took on and beat back his critics and put the foundation in place for the union to move forward with a powerful and strong voice. Thomas' opponent and her supporters claimed that he was not up to the task and that he lacked accountability and transparency. "NO" said the membership, loudly and clearly.
The VP/Treasurer contest was completely different: it was a squeaker. Eddy Almeida came out on top by 465 votes to 453. That's 50.6% to 49.4% of the ballots. Almeida pledged to work with Smokey to keep the union on track and maintain the course set by the Convention. Tocker and Almeida embraced and stood together at the podium. This was Almeida's second run for the #2 position and for Tocker who entered the race late, the first.
Congratulations to both Smokey and Eddy.
Solidarity
Today is the Day
From my vantage point which overlooks the Convention floor, the election is Smokey Thomas' to lose. Not a landslide win for the incumbent, but he would have to have a gaffe of major proportions or give a dreadful speech to fall out of office at this point. Nancy Pridham will have to rely on a slip-up because the noisy support of her loyalists won't carry her to the job she obviously covets dearly.
The Jamie Tocker Eddy Almeida race for #2 looks closer -- a tighter horse race and too close to call. Each of the candidates has his loyal supporters. The Thomas team will work to deliver votes to Tocker, and the Pridham group the same for Almeida. In the end, it will be the undecideds who will make up their minds based on the candidates' speeches, who will make the difference. If these "horses" stay true to form, one will rely somewhat more on tone, the other more on content. Tocker's financial experience should see him win by a nose.
A couple of disturbing reports from delegates who were told by one newly elected Board Members that if Thomas was elected, "he would not have the support of 13 Board members." We can only hope that the whole Board will support whoever gets elected. Another 2 years of a politically divided Board would be shameful.
Solidarity
The Jamie Tocker Eddy Almeida race for #2 looks closer -- a tighter horse race and too close to call. Each of the candidates has his loyal supporters. The Thomas team will work to deliver votes to Tocker, and the Pridham group the same for Almeida. In the end, it will be the undecideds who will make up their minds based on the candidates' speeches, who will make the difference. If these "horses" stay true to form, one will rely somewhat more on tone, the other more on content. Tocker's financial experience should see him win by a nose.
A couple of disturbing reports from delegates who were told by one newly elected Board Members that if Thomas was elected, "he would not have the support of 13 Board members." We can only hope that the whole Board will support whoever gets elected. Another 2 years of a politically divided Board would be shameful.
Solidarity
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Support for Treasurer
Delegates vote to add $1.5 million to OPSEU's Fightback
Today at the Convention, the delegates voted by a strong majority to endorse the plan of Treasurer Patty Rout to use some of the interest and dividends from Strike Fund investments to build a stronger fightback campaign.
The Strike Fund will still grow by 5% of the total dues collected which will be about $4 million in 2011. So the Strike Fund will remain healthy and fully resourced to cover any real strike possibilities at $62 million now and - if there are no strike costs - $65 million by year's end.
The Pridham team were vocal in opposing the motion which the delegates passed. Eddy Almeida also opposed the use of these resources to add to the coffers for fightback contingencies. The budget was not yet passed - delayed by a series of "rule-of-order" challenges and the unsuccessful fight to oppose the temporary solution to deficit.
One delegate tried - unsuccessfully - to argue that the BDO Accountant must be mistaken when he advised the Union that they could divert investment income to other budget lines than the Strike Fund.
All four candidates, Thomas, Pridham, Almeida, and Tocker, acquitted themselves well in the Question and Answer session. All candidates were politely received by the delegation. The presidential round ended with a long ovation for Thomas.
Speeches and votes tomorrow.
Solidarity
Today at the Convention, the delegates voted by a strong majority to endorse the plan of Treasurer Patty Rout to use some of the interest and dividends from Strike Fund investments to build a stronger fightback campaign.
The Strike Fund will still grow by 5% of the total dues collected which will be about $4 million in 2011. So the Strike Fund will remain healthy and fully resourced to cover any real strike possibilities at $62 million now and - if there are no strike costs - $65 million by year's end.
The Pridham team were vocal in opposing the motion which the delegates passed. Eddy Almeida also opposed the use of these resources to add to the coffers for fightback contingencies. The budget was not yet passed - delayed by a series of "rule-of-order" challenges and the unsuccessful fight to oppose the temporary solution to deficit.
One delegate tried - unsuccessfully - to argue that the BDO Accountant must be mistaken when he advised the Union that they could divert investment income to other budget lines than the Strike Fund.
All four candidates, Thomas, Pridham, Almeida, and Tocker, acquitted themselves well in the Question and Answer session. All candidates were politely received by the delegation. The presidential round ended with a long ovation for Thomas.
Speeches and votes tomorrow.
Solidarity
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
100 Years and Counting
The Convention began this afternoon in the new facility - Metro Convention Centre. Unlike the Sheraton, there seemed to be enough space for the delegates, alternates and observers. Plenty of eateries close-by and street meats for those who enjoy that. Not all the delegates are there yet, so we will have to see how crowded it gets.
Andrea Horvath was there arm-in-arm with Smokey Thomas. Both of them took a good and deserved strip off McGuinty and his government, putting to bed the chatter that Thomas is a closet Liberal.
Thomas outlined in detail what happened during the summer and fall when the McGuinty Government held meetings with union and management representatives.
The financial statements were presented and accepted by the delegates. The independent auditor answered several questions and pointed out that while there is a deficit in the general fund, the union has a positive balance over $20 million. That's because growth in the strike fund has significantly exceeded deficits in the general operating funds. Despite the positive balance of total assets, OPSEU is going to have to come to grips with spending over budget.
Solidarity
Andrea Horvath was there arm-in-arm with Smokey Thomas. Both of them took a good and deserved strip off McGuinty and his government, putting to bed the chatter that Thomas is a closet Liberal.
Thomas outlined in detail what happened during the summer and fall when the McGuinty Government held meetings with union and management representatives.
The financial statements were presented and accepted by the delegates. The independent auditor answered several questions and pointed out that while there is a deficit in the general fund, the union has a positive balance over $20 million. That's because growth in the strike fund has significantly exceeded deficits in the general operating funds. Despite the positive balance of total assets, OPSEU is going to have to come to grips with spending over budget.
Solidarity
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Presidential Candidates' Messages
Nancy Pridham's message comes as an mp3 soundbite. She says OPSEU members need: "the facts," "the tools," and "the union support" "to build an effective fightback."
She mentions OPSEU's "amazing resources," then identifies "activists who have the energy and ideas to run powerful campaigns," and "a strong democratic tradition." No mention of OPSEU's staff.
Credit for good use of the medium. Unfortunately no real substance beyond the rhetoric, no real plan as yet. Not even what this "fightback" would be compared to what OPSEU is doing now. Exactly how can OPSEU do better? Details? A plan? Costs? "We need to fightback harder" is not an answer.
A quick look at the OPSEU financials shows that campaigns are extremely costly with member book-offs and related costs, and effective advertising. If the gist of the plan hinted at in the mp3 message is that members are the key, then costs will skyrocket and the deficit will grow. So long as the membership understand and are prepared to pay for that, then fine.
Solidarity
Thanks to delegates who forwarded the messages of Nancy Pridham and Smokey Thomas.
She mentions OPSEU's "amazing resources," then identifies "activists who have the energy and ideas to run powerful campaigns," and "a strong democratic tradition." No mention of OPSEU's staff.
Credit for good use of the medium. Unfortunately no real substance beyond the rhetoric, no real plan as yet. Not even what this "fightback" would be compared to what OPSEU is doing now. Exactly how can OPSEU do better? Details? A plan? Costs? "We need to fightback harder" is not an answer.
A quick look at the OPSEU financials shows that campaigns are extremely costly with member book-offs and related costs, and effective advertising. If the gist of the plan hinted at in the mp3 message is that members are the key, then costs will skyrocket and the deficit will grow. So long as the membership understand and are prepared to pay for that, then fine.
____________________
Smokey Thomas has used the electronic written medium rather than sound or video to send his message.
In 3 sections and in both of OPSEU's official languages, Thomas sets out his plan for the future.
In "Our kind of Union," Thomas commits to more email and phone blasts,and devoting resources to work with sectors in run-off votes and membership drives.
In "Our kind of Fight," Thomas outlines - including resource commitment - specifics of a fightback which involves training staff to improve their efforts in support of the fight.
In "Our kind of World," Thomas gives specifics about on-going and new campaigns, and use of Facebook, You-tube, and emerging social media.
Thomas' plan includes the College part-timers ballots, the fair tax campaign, mobilizing for the upcoming elections, "hound McGuinty," "more funding for public service, and much more.
There are gaps in Thomas' plan -- nothing mentioned about OPSEU's global role in supporting workers in the Third World, and in States along our southern border, or of our part in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Thomas too does not address how OPSEU keeps doing all it does and controls costs and/or amends revenue streams.
Thanks to delegates who forwarded the messages of Nancy Pridham and Smokey Thomas.
Those Who Were There Tell The Truth.
Having studied the following letter closely, I felt it was too important and compelling not to post it verbatim. It needs no further comment. Be sure to read all the way to the last paragraph.
Solidarity.
_________________________
Hello Smokey, we the undersigned felt that it was important that we not sit by and watch the membership be ill informed about what happened during the wage freeze discussions with the Ontario Government. We have decided to send you a message to set the record straight. You can share this accounting of the facts as we witnessed them with the membership if you wish.
People have been providing information that is unsupported and unsubstantiated. As a matter of fact, it is quite disconcerting how people, who were not even present, are trying to convince the membership of what happened during these meetings with distorted information. We were present. As leaders of the different sectors we were asked to be present at each and every one of those meetings representing our respective membership. There were several other people in attendance at those meetings. The majority of them were staff and of course OPSEU’s lawyer David Wright. Board member Gino Franche was also present. Board member Claire Rowatt joined us at one of the meetings. Each and every one of us heard how you were crystal clear with the government representative about where the union stood; forcefully you told them that if the talks were to continue, they would only do so if the government stated their intentions in a clear and transparent manner.
This all commenced August 9th, 2010. The first meeting was just a set up meeting. So we thought. Actually the govt. had the intention that we would be staying there for a week until we hammered out a deal, even if we had to work night and day at it. They even provided us with a schedule as to how they planned to wrap up these discussions with each and every union and the timelines they had established for themselves. You advised them, again in no uncertain terms, that that was not going to happen.
During those frustrating discussions, we heard you advise the govt. rep. that the group that was present was there only to listen to what they had to say, they were not there to make any deals on behalf of the entire union. The group present was simply the conduit between the parties. You kept hammering at the govt. rep. asking why their decision makers were not present and why they sent a functionary.
At those meetings, there were about 40 to 50 people present, composed of 13 from OPSEU, representatives from various management groups and only 3 govt. reps. After that first meeting we as the Division leaders requested an all "executive" meeting. It was at that meeting that the Division leadership made a recommendation to the Board to have an All Presidents meeting. The Board at that time approved the September 13 meeting that would include the Sector/Division leadership and Equity Groups.
It was further decided that a conference call with the OPSEU board was in order to go over what went on and what the next steps should be. It was confirmed that a meeting of the local presidents would keep them informed and that they would give input as to what direction should be taken.
On Sept. 13, 2010, OPSEU called a local president’s meeting. We won’t re-iterate what went on that day, over 600 people attended. In the end, all the various members, with the exception of the corrections group, agreed that we should carry on and consult with the government to see what they had to offer.
September 30, 2010 was the date of the so called consultation meeting. It was obvious, at that time, that the McGuinty Government did not have anything substantive to discuss or continue to consult on. The rest is history.
After being present at all those meetings Gino Franche made the comment that ” Smokey was a much better man than him in getting the government to say that they did not have more for OPSEU.”
It is mind boggling how people could think, that you, as the elected leader of this large union, having as every other member only one vote, could usurp the course of these meetings. It is important for the membership to know that this was a multi step process and it took the time that was needed to attain approval for the second and last meeting with the government.
People have a right to make statements, but they must be able to back them up with facts rather than distort and misrepresent those facts!
In Solidarity
Jamie Ramage, Chair BPS All Chairs Committee
Roxanne Barnes, CERC Chair OPS
Benoit Dupuis, CAAT Academic DIVEX Chair
Betty Cree, CAAT Support DIVEX Vice-Chair
Coming down to the wire
NEWSFLASH!! Just as I was about to post the comments below, the email came to me from a delegate with the attached letter from the Chairs of the BPS All-Chairs, the OPS CERC, the CAAT A, and the CAAT S Divisions. If you have not got it yet, be sure to read the letter from these leaders. It speaks volumes and confirms the conclusion the Insider reached without being at the table as these respected members were.
Solidarity
Thanks to "Building a Stronger OPSEU" for the comments. Easy to see that you're one of the anti-Smokey spin doctors. I am not a spin doctor myself, but I can appreciate a good read.
I carefully examined your comment that I was finding more fault in the Pridham campaign than in the Thomas campaign. You were quite right. Could be a couple of reasons for that. One is that there is more fault to find. The other is that we are not looking hard enough. I'll take a good close look at that to ensure fairness in the closing days.
You also say that this blog "heaped praise" on Jamie Tocker. The only comment on Tocker's campaign was entitled "Jamie Who" - hardly an indicator of praise to follow! Sure enough, the comment was on Tocker leaving his name out of his literature -- "a heap of praise." We doubt Tocker thought so!
What I really want to thank "baso" for though is explaining the rationale for claiming that Thomas was in favour of framework agreements. The Insider read the minutes of the Sept 13 Board meeting and came to the only logical conclusion.
The proof is in the pudding - so is the truth.
Solidarity
Solidarity
Thanks to "Building a Stronger OPSEU" for the comments. Easy to see that you're one of the anti-Smokey spin doctors. I am not a spin doctor myself, but I can appreciate a good read.
I carefully examined your comment that I was finding more fault in the Pridham campaign than in the Thomas campaign. You were quite right. Could be a couple of reasons for that. One is that there is more fault to find. The other is that we are not looking hard enough. I'll take a good close look at that to ensure fairness in the closing days.
You also say that this blog "heaped praise" on Jamie Tocker. The only comment on Tocker's campaign was entitled "Jamie Who" - hardly an indicator of praise to follow! Sure enough, the comment was on Tocker leaving his name out of his literature -- "a heap of praise." We doubt Tocker thought so!
What I really want to thank "baso" for though is explaining the rationale for claiming that Thomas was in favour of framework agreements. The Insider read the minutes of the Sept 13 Board meeting and came to the only logical conclusion.
- The government said it wanted framework agreements.
- In consultations with all unions, they would propose such agreements.
- On September 13, local presidents, CERC, MERC, DIVEX and Equity leaders were advised about the government's agenda.
- OPS, CAAT A, CAAT S, and the OPS said go to the consultations. Corrections said no.
- The OPSEU Board voted to follow the members direction.
- The original Board motion to consult was silent on framework agreements.
- That silence left the door wide open to such framework agreements.
- The amendment to refuse any framework agreements unless the bargaining units voted for them, closed that wide open door.
- Those who voted against that amendment were re-opening the door to framework agreements, by removing the restriction.
- The OPSEU Board majority gave Thomas what he needed -- the way to say "NO" to framework agreements - which not coincidentally is exactly what happened.
Did the government offer OPSEU an OPS framework agreement? YES
Did OPSEU ever offer the government any encouragement to further discuss framework agreements? NO
Are there any OPSEU framework agreements? NO
Are bargaining units getting zero and zero? NO - 76.1% of OPSEU settlements exceed zero
The proof is in the pudding - so is the truth.
Solidarity
The Final Four
Election week! Let's hope that the election is clean and that every candidate focuses on the issues and on the positive.
The Tory attack ads, mimicking those of the Republicans south of the border, show us the depth to which politics can sometimes descend. Fortunately, we have seen no more from "realitycheck." But remember, the more subtle jibes and insinuations can be just as sinister and more invasive.
Let's hope that no candidate follows that path. Rumour and innuendo only pull the union down. Accusation and denunciation say more about the purveyors and whisperers than the subjects of their barbs and slinging.
As always, our advice is to listen carefully, and to remember that guilt is not established by accusation - smoke does not always mean there is fire, sometimes it's just smokescreen.
The plan is to keep on blogging right up to the big event.
For those who are going, enjoy your Convention.
Solidarity
The Tory attack ads, mimicking those of the Republicans south of the border, show us the depth to which politics can sometimes descend. Fortunately, we have seen no more from "realitycheck." But remember, the more subtle jibes and insinuations can be just as sinister and more invasive.
Let's hope that no candidate follows that path. Rumour and innuendo only pull the union down. Accusation and denunciation say more about the purveyors and whisperers than the subjects of their barbs and slinging.
As always, our advice is to listen carefully, and to remember that guilt is not established by accusation - smoke does not always mean there is fire, sometimes it's just smokescreen.
The plan is to keep on blogging right up to the big event.
For those who are going, enjoy your Convention.
Solidarity
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