Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation
26 Upper Canada

Susan Thorpe


 WORKSITE:  Occasional Teacher
 JOB TITLE: Teacher
 BARGAINING UNIT: OTBU

My name is Susan Thorpe and I am running for OTBU Chief Negotiator/Grievance Officer.

With 16 years as an occasional teacher, most of those on your OTBU executive as Health & Safety Officer, I understand the diverse needs of occasional teachers, whether you're a career occasional teacher, looking for a contract, retired, a daily OT, or LTO.

By representing you as Health & Safety Officer and, since 2019, at the bargaining table, I have gained extensive experience and training in bargaining and advocating for members. I helped develop the Occasional Staff Handbook and continue to advocate for its use in all schools!

When elected, I will fight for better access to jobs through UCARRIS and fair equitable use of the system. I will fight for fair resolutions when your jobs are assigned to unqualifieds when a qualified occasional teacher is available.

Additionally, I will bargain for a personal leave day for LTOs and sick days for daily OTs, so that your working conditions are similar to your TBU colleagues.

As an occasional teacher, I have worked in schools across our board as a daily OT and LTO, so I understand the challenges you face.

I will do my best to ensure equity in bargaining and I will use the tools available for negotiations. I will only sign a fair equitable agreement that supports you and I will only accept fair grievance settlements.

In the upcoming round of bargaining, you need a Chief Negotiator who understands you and your needs and will fight for fair improvements to your working conditions.

Vote Susan Thorpe for OTBU Chief Negotiator/Grievance Officer!