As last reported in the our May 6 Newsletter, the Arbitration Award directed the parties to review the remaining amount of monies to be spent that are allowable under Bill 124. We are happy to report that we have come to an agreement with the Employer on the allocation of these monies and we have spent the full allotment available.
Here is summary of the improvements we were able to achieve in these discussions, in addition to the items already agreed to and the wage increases awarded:
Effective April 1, 2020:
- the evening premium in Article 18.1 is increased by 19 cents per applicable hour (members will receive retro on this amount within 90 days)
- naturopath benefits in Article 21.4.8 are increased to a maximum of $35 per visit.
Effective April 1, 2021:
- the weekend premium in Article 18.3 is increased by 19 cents per applicable hour (members will receive retro on this amount within 90 days)
- chiropractor benefits in Article 21.4.8 are increased to a maximum of $35 per visit.
Effective April 1, 2022:
- the weekend premium in Article 18.3 is increased by 1 cent per applicable hour (members will receive retro on this amount within 90 days);
- physiotherapist benefits in Article 21.4.8 are increased to a maximum of $35 per visit;
- masseur benefits in Article 21.4.8 are increased to a maximum of $30 per visit;
- speech therapist benefits in Article 21.4.8 are amended from a maximum of $25/half hour to $50/visit; and
- psychologist benefits (which includes Master of Social Work) in Article 21.4.9 are amended from a maximum of $25/half hour to $50/visit.
The paramedical benefit increases above will not be provided retroactively and will come into effect July 1, 2022.
Bill 124 Charter Challenge Update
Our Arbitration Award stated that the Arbitration Board shall remained seized to reopen compensation issues, should the constitutional challenge of Bill 124 be successful or be repealed.
The initial set of hearings for the Charter Challenge are scheduled to begin on September 12, 2022.
As more information becomes available on the Charter Challenge, OPSEU/SEFPO will keep members up-to-date with the latest developments on the OPSEU/SEFPO website.
Stay Connected
Thank you again for your incredible support and patience over the past two years. The solidarity we have felt from you has driven us forward throughout the bargaining process. This solidarity will take us far as we return to the bargaining table in 2023.
As always we encourage all our PHO members to stay connected. Be sure to visit our Facebook page or get in touch with us directly!
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team:
Omid Nouri, Local 545 (Toronto), Bargaining Team Chair, [email protected]
Casey McGuire, Local 412 (Ottawa), Bargaining Team Vice-Chair, [email protected]
Shah Nawaz, Local 545 (Toronto), [email protected]
Selfa Pyentam, Local 113 (London), [email protected]
Cathy Masterson, Local 522 (Toronto), [email protected]