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TORONTO – Contract employees working for the Ontario government
will rally this Wednesday to protest inequitable working conditions and
benefits.
DATE: Wednesday, December 10, 2008
TIME: 1 p.m.
LOCATION: Convene at 25 Grosvenor St. at noon; march to rally
at 77 Wellesley St. for 1 p.m.
Contract, or “unclassified” provincial government employees make
up over 20 per cent of the public service. 90 per cent of these employees work
full-time hours, yet receive no benefits, no pensions and no job security
compared to their “classified” counterparts.
“In most cases, these employees do the exact same job and work
the exact same number of hours as their co-workers,” said OPSEU President Warren
(Smokey) Thomas said. “They have the same responsibilities, and face the same
risks. The government is just trying to save money on the backs of their
employees.”
Thomas points out that in times of economic slowdowns, stable
jobs stimulate communities and the businesses located in them. “Ontario
Government employees live and work in over 5,000 worksites in 276 communities in
Ontario.” Thomas said. “If these workers have secure jobs, benefits and pensions
they will spend their money - instead of having to save it in case they get sick
or lose their job.”
Thomas warns that “contract” jobs hurt the economy and the
Ontario government must lead by example and reverse this growing trend. “This is
all about employers saving money and making profits; unstable jobs benefit no
one else,” he said. “We must fight for stable jobs for all Ontario workers.” He
also said the government relies on a number of students as a source of cheaper
labour, with the majority of students earning less than $10 an hour.
Thomas will address the rally, which is expected to be attended
by several hundred workers. OPSEU is currently negotiating its next contract
with the government. The current collective agreement expires on Dec. 31, 2008. |
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For more information:
Don Ford, OPSEU Communications (416) 788-9104
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