Internal investigation underway at Hamilton Community Legal Clinic after rupture with Indigenous committee

Job opportunity at COPE Ontario

 LABOUR RELATIONS SPECIALIST (NORTHWEST ONTARIO) AND EDUCATION LEAD

 The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Ontario (COPE Ontario) is seeking a full-time Permanent Labour Relations Specialist. COPE Ontario is a grassroots union with multiple workplaces across the province and is seeking to hire a Labour Relations Specialist. The Labour Relations Specialist works with their assigned Locals’ main contact for servicing at the members’ workplaces. Applicants should have demonstrated experience in, and an extensive knowledge of unions and labour relations to assist and expand the union’s capacity through bargaining strong collective agreements and representing members in workplaces.

REQUIREMENTS:

The selected candidate must be able to perform the following duties and other related duties:

1. Membership Service: The Labour Relations Specialist is a resource person and advisor for members with work-related problems. In this regard, the Labour Relations Specialist shall a) provide assistance and accurate advice with grievances and discipline; b) advise members as to their rights and obligations under relevant legislation and regulations, their Collective Agreement, COPE Ontario constitution and the Local’s By-laws.
2. Grievances, representation, arbitrations, and other legal matters: The Labour Relations Specialist advises and represents members; investigates, prepares, presents, and represents members in grievances with the assistance of Stewards and Executive officers; and assists with arbitrations, Labour Relations Board (or equivalent) proceedings and makes determinations on the merit and filing of grievances or resolving workplace/policy issues in alternative formats.
3. Contract Negotiations: The Labour Relations Specialist, in conjunction with the local union, is the Chief spokesperson for sub-local bargaining teams, and is the lead for all tasks associated with contract negotiations, including research, drafting of contract proposals, bargaining, organizing around the bargaining process, conciliation, mediation, and preparation for job action.
4. Resource to the Local’s Executive: The Labour Relations Specialist is a resource person and advisor to the local Executive and assists it in the carrying out of its duties. The Labour Relations Specialist shall provide support and mentorship of local executives and stewards. The Labour Relations Specialist will, unless otherwise advised, attend monthly Executive meetings, and shall report to the meeting, as deemed appropriate by the Executive. When requested, the Labour Relations Specialist shall attend membership and sub-local membership meetings, and Local committee meetings. Help organize general membership meetings, steward meetings, joint labour- management meetings, and arrange on-site location unit visits.
5. External Liaison: The Labour Relations Specialist, in conjunction with the local union, is a liaison between the Local and the Local's Employers and other affiliated groups, including unions, political organizations, associations, students’ unions, etc.
6. Administration and Training: The Labour Relations Specialist will aid the Local President and other officers to ensure the efficient operation of the Local’s Office in all administrative matters. Conduct workshops, presentations, and training as required.
7. Education: The Labour Relations Specialist (Northwest Ontario) will be the Education Lead, responsible for revising educational materials appropriate for online training, as well as materials needed for in-person training for COPE members. They will also deliver and/or coordinate the delivery of online and in-person education.
8. It is understood that the emphasis placed on the tasks in this job description may vary from time to time based on the needs of the locals. The setting of priorities shall be done in consultation with COPE Ontario’s Director.
9. This job requires the employee to travel to different parts of the province and to work evenings and the occasional weekend as required.

Young Workers Committee at COPE Ontario

Big Wins For Local 468 Members

 

Congratulations to the more than 400 members of COPE Local 468 who work at London Health Sciences Centre. 

Last week, they overwhelmingly ratified a new collective agreement that provides significant salary increases retroactive to 2024 and going forward for two years. 

There were also benefits improvements and changes to the vacation approval system.

Thanks to the bargaining team of Local 468 for a job very well done!

The Black History of Canada

This year marks 30 years that we have been celebrating Black History Month.

But Black people have been part of the history of what we know as Canada. When the Europeans met the Mi’kmaq on the east coast hundreds of years ago, there were Black faces among the newcomers.

At every stage in the history of Canada, Black people have been there, in historic communities in Ontario, Nova Scotia and  elsewhere – building, contributing, making the country what it is today.

Too often, Black stories are erased. On this 30th history of celebrating Black History Month, we acknowledge that history and the journey toward fairness and equality.

That struggle continues along with the contributions of Black people in Canada – past, present and future.