ODHAREFS.COM
ODHMA
The Official Site of the ODHA / ODHMA Officiating Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who We Are

Dear Sisters and Brothers,     

Local 499 began with the merger of the Ontario Public Service Union (OPSEU) more than a year and a half ago. On the evening of March 12th 2006 at the Knights of Columbus Ottawa LCBO employees elected its first local executive and shop stewards as well as member delegates for Opseu’s annual convention.

We have been put to the test by the LCBO immediately after the new executive took over all of the former Ontario Liquor Board Employees Union duties. The employer has continued its attacks on working people with the constant blatant creative scheduling, introduction of temporary workers into the Ottawa Logistics facility and a complete disregard for our member’s health and safety among other local issues.

          Also in our first year as a new local we have seen the Liberal government announce the opening of twenty new agency stores across the province. OPSEU then immediately responded putting together and extensive strategy to combat the LCBO and the governments attempt at back door privatization with a provincial campaign with each local creating anti-agency store teams which I have been fortunate enough to be a part of.   

          As we enter our second year as a new local we again begin with new struggles and new victories.  We at the executive for Local 499 have worked tirelessly sometimes through the night to represent our members to the best of our abilities. We’ve made mistakes and we’ve learned from them. We’ve come together as a team and worked together as a team.

It was been my absolute pleasure to represent this Local as your President and I will continue to fight for our working rights. As we must all never forget that it is our membership who is the strength of our union. Get involved, take part because it’s our workplace and it’s up to us to keep it that way. I look forward working with every member who cares and chooses to take part. United we stand, divided we fall.