A Message from our President, Nick Argyros
As I end my tenure after an incredible 10-year journey with OPE, in which I served two years as VP and the past eight years as President, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for what we have achieved together. Working on initiatives to serve our members alongside a passionate Executive Board Team has been an honor and a privilege.
Together, we have made significant strides in improving working conditions for all OPE employees, fostering professional growth, and enhancing our members’ working conditions and competitive wages. I want to highlight some of our key accomplishments:
COPLD – Central Office Professional Leadership Development
We launched the Comprehensive Organizational and Professional Leadership Development (COPLD) program, which has equipped our supervisory and executive-level employees with advanced leadership skills, ensuring our readiness to face the changing demands of the workplace. Before COPLD, OPE provided self-funded leadership training to all supervisory personnel in the OPE Bargaining Unit
Successful Negotiations
We have successfully negotiated improved wage contracts that ensure fair pay, enhanced benefits, and safeguards for our members. In addition to the master agreement, we implemented Memorandums of Understanding that provided extra compensation to members who work beyond their regular hours in emergency situations. We negotiated the inclusion of comp time into the OPE Master Agreement.
Collaboration with the Superintendent and other BCPS Leadership
We developed solid and cooperative partnerships with multiple superintendents and their teams, collaborating closely to tackle our members’ issues and push for essential improvements. The partnerships have been instrumental in fostering a more supportive and productive work environment for OPE employees. The support from the superintendents has allowed us to implement various initiatives to improve our work environment and ensure that our voices are heard at the highest levels.
Enabling Remote Work Opportunities
Recognizing the need for flexibility, especially during challenging times, and with the backing of BCPS leadership, we effectively implemented remote work options for our members, ensuring that certain OPE positions suitable for remote work can operate from home, leading to increased employee satisfaction.
Ombudsman Services
We introduced Ombudsman services to provide our members with a confidential, neutral, and independent resource. This service has addressed workplace concerns, resolved conflicts, and promoted a healthy work environment.
Membership Growth
Over the years, OPE has shown impressive growth in its membership, which is a testament to its unwavering commitment to improving the professional lives of our employees. Starting from humble beginnings, our Bargaining Unit has continuously expanded its base, growing from a small group of dedicated members to a strong and influential organization
As I pass the reins to the next team, I am confident that the foundation we have built will serve as a strong platform for future growth and success. I remain committed to supporting the transition and am excited to see our Bargaining Unit continue to prosper.
Thank you for the trust, collaboration, and unwavering support you have shown me over the years. Together, we have made a difference, and I am confident that the future holds even greater things for us.
With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for the future,
Nick Argyros