December 5, 2008

Bargaining continues despite government "threat"

Bargaining continued at the Central/Unified table despite a government release that limits increases to MPPs, senior managers and any public servants earning over $150,000 to 1.5 per cent per year.

"We believe that the government was trying to send us a message that 1.5 per cent is now the going rate for wage settlements," says Eric Morin, Chair of the Central/Unified Team. "However, last time I checked, there weren't many of our members making $150,000 a year."

Morin says his team is angry that the government is trying to bargain the contract in the public. "They can come to us with 1.5 per cent, but they had better realize that it flies in the face of all their latest praise for the work of our members."

The biggest contradiction to this government message is a pending settlement with the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario which would result in a three per cent increase per year over a four-year contract.

"The teachers' offer was the government's opening offer," Morin said. "When you also consider that there are lots of BPS groups who have also settled for three per cent, this "threat" of 1.5 per cent is insulting. It shows a total lack of respect for our members and the work they do...work that Secretary of Cabinet Shelly Jamieson said 'affects the quality of life for over 12 million Ontarians' just weeks ago."

Members are encouraged to continue to show visible support in their workplaces so that the employer knows we are standing together.

Corrections pensions should be on the Corrections table

The Corrections Bargaining Team, along with the Central/Unified Team, has requested that the employer move pension negotiations for Public Safety Occupations (as allowed by Federal legislation) to the corrections bargaining table.

Tom O'Neill, Region 4 team member says, "My members live and work in the same community as Federal correctional officers - they should also have the ability to retire early. We perform the identical duties and deserve the same recognition."

The pension issue has been addressed at the corrections table in previous rounds. Yet this time the employer has refused to allow us to negotiate pensions on your behalf. We will not let this issue go and we will continue to pursue the pension issue.

The Corrections Bargaining Team is encouraged by the support it has been receiving from the members during the last week. We know with your continued support we can achieve a fair and reasonable collective agreement for all.

Corrections Quote of the Week

"There are two primary choices in life: accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them"

Dec. 10 is Unclassified Members' "Fight For Your Rights" Day

Don't forget to make plans to attend "Fight For Your Rights" Day this coming Wednesday.

Events are scheduled across the province, with a large event scheduled for Toronto. The Toronto rally assembles at noon at 25 Grosvenor St., then participants march to 77 Wellesley St. for the main rally. The route will take members past many OPS worksites, and we're sure the members will make themselves heard!

Contact you OPS mobilizers for details, or go to www.opseu.org.