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.

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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.

Solidarity


Thanks to delegates who forwarded the messages of Nancy Pridham and Smokey Thomas.