1910s

1911

• The Civil Service Association of Ontario is created as a coal-buying cooperative and social club and to discuss ways of improving the civil service. About 200 attend the initial meeting. Women are not invited. They agree to get the government's approval before proceeding further. The provincial government then had about 1,000 employees. Salaries were set by the Lieutenant Governor. Pay increased with service, and long-term employees got first crack at promotions. There was no overtime. Ministers could fine staff up to $20 for misbehaviour. There was no appeal. There was no retirement age. A pension of one month's salary a year was granted to old-timers let go for ill health and widows of career officials.

1912

• Delegation from CSAO meets Premier Whitney to talk about pensions. They also want shorter summer hours to start in June rather than July.

1914 - 1918

• The First World War dominates everything.

1918

• Inflation during the war years puts pay on CSAO's agenda. Working through “channels” achieves a $360 bonus for the lowest-paid workers. Single men and women get half that. Those making more than $3,000 get nothing. CSAO relates to the government through letters to cabinet and meetings with the premier, not negotiations.