On November 20, 2014, the OPS Bargaining Teams received the opening proposals from the employer. The contents were nothing more than drastic cuts to the wages, benefits and entitlements for every employee in the OPS.
Your benefits, wages, job security, and basic contract entitlements are targeted. The employer’s proposals attack the sick and the injured across the Ontario Public Service. Privatization is at the forefront of the employer’s agenda.
For example, the employer’s wage grid proposal would cost an OAD 8 who is just starting their career over $22,000 over 11 years. A Correctional Officer 2 who is a new hire would lose over $53,200 over 11 years. A Probation Officer 2 who is a new hire would lose over $41,000 over 11 years.
As it stands, we cannot use these proposals as a starting point for bargaining. What the employer is seeking will cut our members too far, and too deep. We will not waste time trying to improve on this unacceptable employer opening position. We need your support to force the employer to deliver a reasonable proposal.
Let us be clear. We are here to bargain. We want to protect our members and enhance our agreement, but the employer wants nothing but deep concessions. The members told us to accept no concessions. We are following the demands that were set by the members.
On December 3, 4, and 5, 2014, OPSEU will conduct a strike vote to gain the support of our members to send a clear message that we are not going to accept this. Our members, our communities, and the people of Ontario deserve better!
This does not necessarily mean we are going on strike. A strong mandate gives your bargaining teams greater leverage to fight these concessions and deliver a fair and reasonable contract.
You can contact your bargaining teams at [email protected] and [email protected].
In Solidarity,
Roxanne Barnes, Chair, Central/Unified Bargaining Team
Tom O'Neill, Chair, Corrections Bargaining Team
Related: OPS Bargaining 2014 Index Page