In the spirit of capacity building, and recognizing that this extends to the larger OPSEU membership, we have participated in several events over this year to support our brothers and sisters in Local 294 who had been on strike for eight months. The strike ended at the end of November and these members will be returning to work January 9th. They will also be going to Arbitration to settle some outstanding issues not resolved during bargaining.

During the time they were on strike we donated $250.00 dollars to their cause, participated in a rally in May, spearheaded the organizing of a rally that took place in July at Speakers Corner to help raise awareness of their issues, and stood on the picket line with them.
In response to a request to support one of the striker families for Christmas, we purchased food and gifts for each member of one family.
We received the following after our Christmas donations to the striker family were received:

She posted the following day on Facebook with a picture of her Christmas tree that said "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"
I will never forget the kindness and support you have shown this member and this Local. Merry Christmas Ruth to you and your members!