Our Services

We offer a wide range of services designed to support educators and enhance the educational experience. Our services include professional development programs, advocacy for educational policies, resources for educators, and community engagement initiatives. Our goal is to empower educators with the tools and support they need to succeed in their roles and to contribute positively to the educational landscape in Northeastern Ontario.

What does OSSTF/FEESO do?

Protective Services

Local OSSTF/FEESO representatives provide protective services for our Members that include:

Contract Negotiations,

Contract Maintenance,

Grievances/arbitrations,

Health and Safety Support and Advocacy,

Benefits co-ordination,

Union sponsored training,

and organizing.

 

 

Educational Services and Professional Development

Local union executives provide guidance and support with curriculum, resource books, educational research, and professional colleges.  We also provide  staff development funding and can sponsor professional conferences and workshops.

Leaders also ensure the maintenance of our local District and Bargaining Unit Constitutions, while facilitating Mediation Services.  

Communications and Political Action

Local executives work to ensure that Members are kept up to date with political issues such as equity and diversity, social justice, status of women, educational funding. In addition to representing members' interests with our employers, local leaders also designated to engage with the media in an effort to further our collective interests. 

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Who do I contact?

It is sometimes hard to figure out who can help you get the answers you need to questions and concerns related to your employment. Check webpage specific to your Bargaining Unit for the appropriate contact info.

The Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation (OSSTF) welcomes its new members whether they be teachers or educational workers and strives to provide them with the information needed to work safely and professionally. It is sometimes hard to figure out who can help you get the answers you need to questions and concerns related to your employment. Check webpage specific to your Bargaining Unit for the appropriate contact info.

OSSTF/FEESO, like every union, exists to protect and serve its membership — do not be afraid to ask questions or request assistance.

What do I get for my union dues?

OSSTF/FEESO welcomes its new members whether they be teachers or educational workers and strives to provide them with the information needed to work safely and professionally. We also want to educate our new members as to their rights and responsibilities, both as members of OSSTF/FEESO and as employees.

How much do I have to pay in union dues?

Active members comprise the bulk of our membership. They are members who are currently employed by school boards or other education employers and who pay active member fees to OSSTF/FEESO.

These union dues are currently 1.6% of gross earnings (plus local levies where applicable), comprised of 1.3% allocated toward operations, and 0.3% that is allocated to the MPA (Member protection Account) and are deducted automatically from your pay cheque. Because it is a percentage-based fee, OSSTF/FEESO union dues are geared to your income level. In addition, union dues are also tax deductable.

Do I really have to join this Union?

All Educational Workers who are members of OSSTF/FEESO became members originally by choice, and subsequently, as a condition of employment as outlined in their collective agreement with their respective employers.  If there is a collective agreement in place between your employer and our union when you accept a job, then, yes, you must join our union because it is what is sometimes called "a closed shop," meaning only union members can work where we've organized the employees.

All teachers (as defined in the Teaching Profession Act) are required by law to belong to the Ontario Teachers’ Federation as a condition of teaching in the publicly funded schools of Ontario. The OTF is made up of four unions: OSSTF/FEESO, ETFO, OECTA and AEFO. The specific union to which a teacher belongs is dictated by who hires him/her. All teachers in English-language public secondary schools automatically become members of OSSTF/FEESO. 

How would my job be different without our Union?

Please watch “Union 101” to learn more about what unions do in general, and OSSTF/FEESO in particular.

There is a great deal of discussion, primarily in the United States, about the move to privatize public education and to get rid of unions. The arguments presented consist of vague and unsupportable “myths” about unions; our response to those myths can be found in the document “Union Myth Information Debunked” which lists ten of the most common misconceptions people have about Educations Unions and provides a clear understanding of what OSSTF/FEESO, as a union, stands for and how it works for its members and champions the public education system.

What social media does OSSTF/FEESO use to communicate with members?

Our union's Provincial Office in Toronto uses the following:

 

Local leaders may have their own social media to look for.  Check your Bargaining Unit's webpage.

"The support and resources provided by OSSTF/FEESO District 1 have been invaluable in enhancing my professional practices and advocating for my students' needs."

Anonymous member.

Contact us

Location

District One Bargaining Unit offices are located in Moosonee, Moose Factory, Timmins, and New Liskeard.  See each Bargaining Unit's page on this site for details.