Wednesday, March 09, 2022
Update from March 14, 2022:
The Presidents of AMAPCEO, OCAA, ALOC, and OPSEU received a response from Secretary of Cabinet Michelle DiEmanuele to their joint letter from March 4.
Response from the Secretary of Cabinet re: OPS Return to Workplaces - Received March 14, 2022
It’s been a week.
Like many, I have found it reinvigorating to begin to connect with colleagues and loved ones in person once again.
Yet, I also recognize that for many—and especially those who are immunocompromised, have children under 5, or who are caring for vulnerable loved ones —the pandemic still presents a serious risk.
Try as we might, we’re not out of the woods just yet, and it’s going to take some time for everyone to acclimatize to our new normal.
Which is why I was frustrated to learn —through the media— of the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Employer’s intent replace their gradual plans for a return to the workplace with an accelerated approach that’s light on details. I know this has also caused many of you a great deal of uncertainty and stress this past week, which is why I reached out to senior leadership along with my fellow Presidents at ALOC, OCAA and OPSEU. Just this past Friday, we collectively shared our concern by joint letter to the Secretary of Cabinet, urging reconsideration and a change of course back to the original plan for a gradual return.
A rushed return to the office happening coincidental to the onset of bargaining, during which hybrid work (a balance of office and remote work) is being discussed, is disconcerting to say the least.
Learn more about how you can take action right now to further strengthen our position in bargaining.
It’s been an uncertain week in other ways, as well.
The news from Ukraine of the long-feared invasion of a sovereign, democratic countrywith close ties to Canada seems surreal. So many innocent people are being affected, and the unspoken threat of nuclear war weighs heavily on my mind.
On Monday, the AMAPCEO Executive considered and approved an emergency donation of $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross’ Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis, a number that will be matched by the Canadian government and hopefully bring aid and comfort to refugees fleeing the chaos.
And finally on a more personal level, I am still reeling from the unexpected passing of my predecessor and good friend, Gary Gannage. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to read about this leader who was instrumental in getting our union to where it is today. Whether it was during his tenure as AMAPCEO President, as a civil servant, or an activist, Gary made an indelible mark on this province. My deepest condolences to his two children, Nathan and Aubrey, of whom he was incredibly proud, and to all those who will miss him. He was a good man by all measures.
It is during weeks like these that I remind myself that, for all its stress and pain, uncertainty can serve to remind us of what we value most.
I reminded of the importance of friends and family, health, resilience and the truism that we are always stronger together.
Dave Bulmer
President & CEO