Election Results

Good morning OPSEU Local 596 members! 

After the meeting with OPSEU HQ on December 6th, the Grow Strong Through Change team is pleased to share some updates about the next elections. We are equally pleased that all our recommendations were adopted, showing yet again that as a team we are able to get work done and accomplish real change. 

Here is a quick summary: 

1) We pushed for polling stations to be setup for greater accessibility and ease of exercising your right to vote in an open democratic election.

Result: The next election will happen on January 28th. There will be 3 polling station across campus that will be open from 8AM to 4PM on Election Day, staffed with OPSEU HQ members and candidate appointed scrutineers. Tentative locations have been identified but official locations will be confirmed later on via the OPSEU596 website.

2) We pushed for a January election to prevent the current leadership from sitting in office indefinitely. 

Result: We have a January election that is clear and administratively streamlined, showing you the voter exactly how the election period will proceed. 

3) We pushed for closed nomination ballots and a single election date for all positions.

Result: OPSEU HQ agreed to having closed nominations so that candidate names will be on the ballot and you don’t have to write them down. Additionally, you can cast your vote for President, VP, Secretary, and Treasurer at the same time. We believe your time is important so this was very important to be a part of the streamlined election process.

4) We wanted to improve Community Engagement. 

Result: In no small part we were very pleased with our campaign and to see that over 366+ members attended the November 25th GMM. 

5) We wanted more Transparency.

Result: We held 3 town halls and have been on the ground campaigning across campus to provide transparency concerning our platform and to answer our membership’s questions face-to-face. Where the current leadership have been silent we have been answering your questions directly and providing you as much information as possible. We believe in treating you like adults and not sheltering you from making informed decisions. 

6) No Member Left Behind.

Result: Our team has worked to convert a MAC position into an OPSEU position in the Brookfield Institute and are paying very close attention to the goings on in the Faculty of Science. A reminder that the Growing Strong Through Change Team is formed by professionals and are current Stewards of this local continuing to serve you.