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Union to develop a comprehensive social map of the membership with the aim to create more inclusive policies, programs and services in all areas of union business
Toronto – (25 March 2009) – After much anticipation and planning, a proposal to complete a ‘Social Mapping’ of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) was passed by the union’s Executive Board on March 4, 2009.
The genesis of the project comes from a 2008 OPSEU Convention 2008 social mapping resolution calling on the union to develop a comprehensive social map of the membership. Looking at OPSEU as a service provider and employer, the aim is to create more inclusive policies, programs and services in all areas of union business and to have a workforce that is more representative.
The proposal adopted by OPSEU’s Executive Board calls for an external consultant to be hired in the next few months to ensure the union has the necessary confidentiality and expertise to complete the project.
With the assistance of staff and the Chairs from OPSEU’s various Equity Committees, a formal tendering process will be completed. At the same time, representatives from the union’s equity groups, the Board, other divisions and sectors as well as representatives of staff bargaining agents will be selected by their constituent groups to form the Committees that will oversee this two-year project. Experience and understanding of barriers facing equity-seeking groups, as well as knowledge of OPSEU systems are key criteria for Committee selection.
The union hopes to have committees and the consultant in place by early May, with the goal of organizing our first meetings in June. Stay tuned for regular updates on this project.