Union dues are an investment, not an expense.

Every worker in a unionized environment automatically shares the benefits and services, so every worker in a unionized environment shares the cost of these benefits and services. In the 1970s, academic staff selected OPSEU as its Union. The Union represents you in negotiations and in day-to-day contract administration, with respect to working conditions, salary and benefits. You are automatically entitled to these services under the Colleges Collective Bargaining Act. If you are a full-time or partial-load professor, instructor, counselor, or librarian here at George Brown College, you automatically pay Union dues.

Dues are tax deductible and are deducted from your pay cheque by the college. However, until you sign an application for membership card, you are considered to be a paying non-member. We encourage you to sign a Union card and join the Union. Application cards and information are available from Madeline McCarthy, Local 556’s Operational Officer (ext 2200).

Benefits of Union Membership

  • Union members participate in the development of Union policy, contract demands for provincial bargaining, etc. and attend and vote at Union meetings.
  • Union members may run for Union office and participate in the election of stewards and officers who direct the activities of the Union local.
  • In the event of a lockout or strike, Union members are entitled to strike pay.

Application for Membership

If you have never signed an OPSEU membership card, you are not registered as a member. Likewise, when you are away from the college on unpaid leave, your membership lapses, and is not reinstated until you have filled in another membership form. Partial load employees need to complete a new application for membership when their employment is interrupted. Should you choose to join (or re-join) the Union, you will need to complete and sign an Application for Membership Card. Contact your steward, or Madeline, Local 556’s Operational Officer for an application cards and information.

Please return your completed card by inter-office mail to the Local 556 office – to Madeline’s attention – or drop by to hand it in and get a chance to meet us.