Thursday, March 26, 2015
It was a year ago today, on March 26, 2014, that AMAPCEO and our members in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) bargaining unit took an historic stance that will resonate for years to come.
In a demonstration of extraordinary unity, OPS members participated in an unprecedented mobilization campaign and turned out in record numbers for our first-ever strike vote. The result was a resounding yes with over 94% of our members asserting their right to freely bargain a fair collective agreement. For more than seven months, our membership took action on a weekly basis, both before and after our historic vote, to defend provisions of the OPS Collective Agreement.
It’s not every day that we have something to celebrate, however, this one-year anniversary should be a poignant reminder to all of us of what is possible when we mobilize, unite and resist unfairness and injustice!
All of AMAPCEO’s accomplishments would not be possible if it hadn’t been for the work of activists and members – just like you.
During this past year, in our negotiations with the OPS, the Ontario Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Ontario Racing Commission, we have seen what happens when our union and our membership are united – we’ve seen that we can push back against concessionary demands and proposed cuts and that we can achieve successful outcomes.
In reflecting on our successes, I also want to acknowledge all of those who have gotten us to this point. We owe a sincere debt of gratitude for all of the individual and collective efforts of members, retirees and elected leaders. The amount of volunteer hours that have been dedicated to our mobilization campaigns and the ongoing representation to defend members and express solidarity with others, such as OPSEU in their current negotiations, is truly remarkable.
Many may not be aware, but the month of March also has great significance in the broader history of AMAPCEO for another reason. On March 29, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Voluntary Recognition Agreement. Although activists founded AMAPCEO in 1992, it was not until we achieved voluntary recognition in 1995 that AMAPCEO was established as a formal bargaining agent. Today, we have expanded from a single bargaining unit in the OPS to represent seven additional workplaces in the broader public sector. We’ve come a long way in twenty years.
Whether you are a member of a joint Health and Safety committee, a Workplace Representative, an Information Coordinator, a Chapter Chair, a Delegate, a member of a Committee or a member of the Board of Directors - I want to thank you for making a difference.
AMAPCEO is stronger both a year later, and 20 years later, because of our collective unity and the ongoing efforts of all of our workplace activists. This is our AMAPCEO – let us continue to work together to be the voices of equity and fairness for all.
In solidarity,
Dave Bulmer
President