Dear LBED members,
Our team wanted to send you a bulletin to update you on some developments in the wake of the Bill 124 court decision.
As you may be aware, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently declared Doug Ford’s Bill 124 legislation, which capped total compensation at one per cent, to be “void and of no effect“.
This is a massive victory for us and for all workers whose wages have been unjustly capped. With inflation at a 40-year high, a wage cap is cruel, and it hurts communities, families, and the public services people rely on.
The wage cap is particularly insulting given the many sacrifices by our members who kept warehouses stocked, and stores open and operating under hazardous conditions during the pandemic.
At the last round of bargaining, your team fought hard for language that – should Bill 124 be deemed unconstitutional, repealed, or amended – both parties would return to discuss an appropriate remedy. We’re pleased to tell you that is exactly what we’re working on.
Our first date with the mediator is scheduled for Sunday, February 5, so we have moved quickly to meet for two days to prepare as a team at OPSEU/SEFPO headquarters on January 31 and February 1.
Your team is optimistic and focused on fighting for better, fairer wages that reflect the sacrifices you have made and cost of living increases.
This a major precedent for workers, and we’re committed to keeping you informed about any updates or developments as we move through this process.
We are proud to stand with you in this fight for fair compensation.
Your bargaining team,
Colleen MacLeod – LBED Chair/Bargaining Team Chair
Craig Hadley – Bargaining Team Vice Chair
Jeremey Trainor – Logistics Representative
Rachel Brunet – Bargaining Team Secretary
Mike Hamilton – Member at Large