OSSTF: Who We Are

• Organizational Structure

• What does OSSTF do for its members?

• Rules, Rights and Responsibilities of OSSTF Membership

Organizational Structure

Members of OSSTF are part of a well-organized union of teachers and educational workers.  The provincial OSSTF is divided into Districts which correspond with the school boards, and each District is made up of bargaining units. Teachers' bargaining units are subdivided into branches or worksites which are the high schools within the District.  Each level interacts with each other and with the members according to the Constitution and Bylaws of the OSSTF.

• Click here for a chart showing the organizational structure.

For more information on the structure of OSSTF, visit the Provincial website.

On the Provincial Website you will find information on:

• The OSSTF Handbook 2005-2006 (includes the Constitution and Bylaws)
• Committees and Councils of the OSSTF
• Links to District OSSTF websites
• Maps of School Board Boundaries
• OSSTF positions on education issues

What does OSSTF do for its members?

Strength

The strength of OSSTF is well known by the public. OSSTF commands respect in all areas: collective bargaining, professional development, educational research and political action. OSSTF members include thousands of educational employees who assist teachers as part of an educational team. When the OSSTF president speaks, whether provincially or locally the community listens.

Democracy

OSSTF prides itself on its democratic traditions. OSSTF was founded as an educational union in 1919, when a courageous group of men and women banded together to try to achieve equal pay for equal work and other basic rights for teachers. Since then, our nearly 50,000 members have become active voices at the school level, at the district level and at the provincial level. We believe in and practise grass roots control, with expert advice available whenever members ask for it.

Protection

Teachers and educational workers are protected by a strong collective agreement, actively enforced through grievances whenever necessary. OSSTF collective agreements guarantee that you will be treated fairly by your employer, including negotiated protections setting out how you will be evaluated, your salary and benefits, and all-important workload provisions which protect learning conditions for all secondary students. Whenever members need help, OSSTF is there with advice and assistance.

Professionalism

Decades of OSSTF research and training have produced a body of publications second to none. The OSSTF Resource Books, available from the Provincial Office, assist thousands each year and are particularly appreciated as a source of ideas and strategies for new teachers. Each year, OSSTF sponsors training workshops and conferences and organizes hundreds of local PD workshops. The provincial office maintains a Research Library which provides reference and research services for members of the Federation. It specializes in materials about educational and labour issues, especially those that are of interest to secondary educators in Ontario. In addition, the Library maintains a collection of legislative materials for Ontario including Acts, Regulations and Bills. Over 8,000 requests for information are answered each year. The majority of the reference questions are from members, district offices, the Provincial Executive, and staff at the provincial office.

How much does it cost?

It is difficult to put a price on protection and security. It is impossible to put a price on respect. OSSTF membership costs 1.30% of earnings. There is no better deal around.

What does my Federation do for me?

As an OSSTF member, you will have ready access to a wide range of services.

The District provides support with:

• staffing issues, payroll problems, contract negotiations and maintenance
• representation available for members in matters involving discipline, violence, harassment, job performance and evaluation, and requests to describe a situation in writing or to act as a witness; other personal and professional assistance
• liaison with Benevolent Council, Provincial Council, Labour Council, Mediation Council, Faculty of Education
• benefits, long term disability, grievance issues
• assistance, information and support for members considering pregnancy/parenting leave, sick leave, medical leave, educational improvement leave, LTD and other leaves
• the work of the District committees of Educational Services, Political Action, Communications and Excellence in Education, Health and Safety, Human Rights and Status of Women, Collective Bargaining, joint Board committees and other committees

The Provincial level provides:

• OSSTF representation, legal, personal and professional assistance, in matters between a member and the Board
• advice in responding to complaints to the College of Teachers
• collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration assistance
• pension information, scholarships, grants, awards for members and students
• assistance with pay equity, health and safety issues, human rights, workers' compensation
• representation on committees developing and implementing policy at the District and Provincial levels re: negotiations, contracts, education and professional development, health and safety, curriculum issues.  
• Certification Rating Statements for salary purposes 
• a voice at various levels of government
• education of the public about issues of importance to members

Rules, Rights and Responsibilities of OSSTF Membership

Rules of Membership

Under the OSSTF Constitution, there are different categories of members:

• Active Members are the bulk of our membership. They are members who are currently employed by school boards or other agencies and who pay active member fees to OSSTF (1.30% of earnings)
• Newly organized members are Active Members who don't have to pay OSSTF fees until they get their first collective agreement.
• Casual or limited term members; eg. occasional teachers, retain membership for 60 days after the last day worked.
• Active Retired Members (ARM) are retired members who pay an annual fee of $50 for limited services
• Associate Members are student teachers at Ontario Faculties of Education

Rights

OSSTF members have all of the democratic and human rights of Canadian citizens and union members. Some key professional rights featured in the OSSTF constitution include:

• the right to participate in the union, attend meetings, vote, stand for office, etc .
• the right to exercise professional judgment
• the right to fair and equitable treatment from employers 
• the right to fair evaluation
• the right to fair representation by the union

Responsibilities 

OSSTF members must:

• comply with the constitution, bylaws and policies of OSSTF. These may be found in the OSSTF Handbook and Policies and Procedures Manual available on the Provincial website;
• uphold the OSSTF pledge and statement of ethics (see OSSTF Handbook);
• act in accordance with the Principles of Professional Conduct (see OSSTF Handbook);
• support their negotiators and participate in all strike activities voted on by the majority of members;
• on making an adverse report on another member, give that member a copy within 3 days (except for reporting suspected child abuse under the Child and Family Services Act).

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District 11 OSSTF Home Page | District Information | Bargaining Units | District Committees  | District Magazine | Site Map | OSSTF Provincial Office

Let us not take thought for our separate interests, but let us help one another.
(OSSTF Motto)

Revised Monday, September 24, 2007

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