The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is one of Ontario’s largest and most powerful unions, representing approximately 180,000+ members across the public sector.

OPSEU advocates for employees in:
✅ Government
✅ Education
✅ Colleges
✅ Crown Corporations
✅ Healthcare & Public Services

…ensuring fair wages, benefits, pensions, job security, and working conditions for all members.

 

Why OPSEU?

Lower Union Dues – 1.375% Since the 1980s

• One of the lowest dues rates among Ontario unions

• Kept low by member votes since the 1980s

• More union power and resources for less cost than DPERWA

• Important: If we switch to OPSEU, dues will continue to be remitted, but at the new rate of 1.375% (lower than DPERWAs current rate).

Proven Strength & Influence

• Decades of experience negotiating strong collective agreements

• Protects wages, benefits, pensions, and working conditions

• Large membership gives real influence over employers and policy decisions

Who OPSEU Represents

• Education: EAs (Educational Assistants) & Early Childhood Educators

• Colleges: Faculty, support staff, and other college employees

• Government: Provincial ministries, boards, and agencies

• Crown Corporations: Employees at LCBO, MPAC, Ontario Pension Board, and other public-sector corporations

• Public Services: Hospitals, social services, and other large-scale public-sector organizations

Being part of OPSEU means your voice is heard and respected at every level.

 

Your Current Rights Are Fully Protected - BY LAW!

We understand change can feel uncertain. Switching to OPSEU does NOT mean starting over. You carry over everything you currently have, exactly as it is.

Legal Protections – Section 86 & the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB)

• All current rights carry over exactly as they are, including:

  • Wages

  • Hours of work

  • Benefits (health, dental, etc.)

  • Pension & retirement contributions

  • Job security & seniority

  • Any other rights, privileges, or entitlements

• No employer can change any of these without union & member approval

• Your current collective agreement stays in place exactly as it is — nothing is lost

• The Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) oversees the process to ensure all protections are enforced

Everything you have now is fully protected, and OPSEU cannot collect dues until we have successfully negotiated and ratified our first OPSEU contract.
Your current agreement will serve as the baseline to move up from — not down.
Only after this successful transition will OPSEU begin bargaining your next contract, always starting from the protections you already enjoy today.

 

Your Current Collective Agreement

• Expires August 31, 2026, but you do not lose any benefits

• OPSEU will use your existing agreement as the foundation to negotiate stronger protections

• No changes can be made without union & member approval

• Hours, wages, pensions, benefits, and job security remain fully intact

Nothing is lost — everything is protected — and the future only gets stronger!

 

Why Switch to OPSEU?

• Stronger voice: OPSEU’s size & reputation give you influence over your workplace

• Lower dues: 1.375% of your salary; dues continue to be remitted at OPSEU's lower rate!

• Comprehensive protection: All rights, wages, hours, benefits, pensions, and job security carry over

• Expert support: OPSEU staff guide you through every step of the union change and bargaining process

• Proven success: OPSEU has a long history of negotiating strong contracts for members

Switching is not a risk — it’s an opportunity to secure stronger representation while keeping everything you currently have.