FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 11, 2000

ROM part-timers ratify first contract

TORONTO - Part-time workers at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto have ratified a first contract that will more than double the pay of some of them.

The 162 workers, members of Local 543 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, also won sick leave benefits and more control over scheduling, a key issue for all part-time workers.

“It’s a wonderful feeling that a group of young people, mostly students, could have a landmark accomplishment,” bargaining team chair Patrick Simon told the Toronto Star. Simon and co-workers Frances Giampapa, Liz McArthur, and Claire Mummé worked with OPSEU negotiator Rob Field, staff representative Mary Ellen Cassey, and pay equity specialist Janet Wright to wrap up the deal.

“By the end of the contract, this group will have wage parity with the full-time unit [also part of Local 543],” said Field. “We were told it couldn’t be done, and we did it.”

Other features of the new contract include recognition of seniority, entitlements to holiday pay and vacation pay, and rules around job postings.

The new contract, which expires June 30, 2001, is retroactive to Sept. 25, 1998. Back pay for many of the members is in the thousands of dollars.

- 30 -

For more information: Rob Field (416) 450-1204