Today Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Minster of Education held a meeting with representatives from ETFO, OSSTF and CUPE.
The OCEW was not invited.
We are deeply disappointed with the government’s lack of respect for our members. The rationale provided for our exclusion was that only those unions currently in a legal strike position and conducting job actions were included.
Subsequent to the meeting, Premier Wynne announced the government will take action against ETFO, OSSTF and CUPE members if settlements are not reached by November 1, 2015. These actions include a reduction in pay and other changes in the terms of employment.
We have sought and received assurance from the government that these actions DO NOT apply to members represented by the OCEW.
The OCEW met in Toronto with the Council of Trustees Association and the Crown on October 22nd and 23rd and made some progress at the bargaining table.
OCEW continues to bargain in good faith and have scheduled additional central negotiation dates for October 29th and November 3rd.
In solidarity,
Kathy Whipple
OPSEU Sector 3 Chair, Boards of Education and Cultural Institutions
OCEW Executive Member
The Ontario Council of Education Workers (OCEW)
The Ontario Council of Education Workers is a partnership of unions committed to achieving a strong central collective agreement for its constituent members who do critical work in Ontario’s education sector.
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
COPE Ontario and its Locals 103, 429, 454, 527 and 529
Educational Resource Facilitators of Peel
Essex & Kent Counties Skilled Trades Council
Labourers International Union of North America, Local 837
Maintenance and Construction Skilled Trades Council