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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  January 25, 1999

Toronto – Last Friday, a majority of Property Assessment workers voted to remain members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. The two thousand workers, formerly employees of the Ministry of Finance, Property Assessment Division, became non-union when they were divested on December 31, 1998 to the Ontario Property Assessment Corporation.

"This vote is proof that Property Assessment staff are confident that OPSEU has the strength and the capability to make sure our interests are looked after during this time of transition," said Property Assessor and OPSEU Transition Team member Bill Henry.

In the months leading up to the divestment, the union had worked hard to improve the initial job offer received from OPAC. Workers were satisfied with the changes, which included, a package that maintained salaries, vacations, statutory holidays and benefits.

"These are pretty stressful times, and we hope this vote is the first step in creating a productive working relationship with our new employer," said Henry.

"It took a union to secure a better offer for our members," said OPSEU President Leah Casselman. "And it will take a union to lock down those improvements and negotiate a fair collective agreement. This vote is a sign that the workers want to move forward and work together to maintain the standards that people have come to expect from the Property Assessment Division."

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For further information, contact: Bill Henry, 705.728.2270, ext. 256, Ellen Gardner, 416.932.0004

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