|
TORONTO – Contract talks between the Ontario government and
their 42,000 direct employees begin tomorrow as OPSEU members across the
province hold events in 19 cities to support their bargaining teams.
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says that this contract
is about continuing to strengthen the public service after years of downsizing
and cutbacks, despite current economic problems.
“After the Harris years, Dalton McGuinty started to rebuild
public services, but there is still a long way to go,” Thomas said. “Although
the economy is in a downturn, this is the time people need public services most
of all. Stable, well-paying jobs help communities in times of economic trouble,
not only with the services they provide, but the money they spend in the
community.”
Two sets of negotiations will take place simultaneously – one
for the Central Unit and the other for the Corrections Unit. Central Team Chair
Eric Morin and Corrections Chair David Kerr say they have the support of their
members to get a fair deal.
“We are being realistic, but at the same time we need to ensure
that our members get the improvements that are long overdue,” Morin said. “We
are still dealing with work overload and short staffing, which hurts the people
that rely on public services.”
David Kerr says that contract improvements and better services
go hand in hand. “Last month, the Premier sent everyone a letter praising our
efficiency and dedication, and said he wanted to attract and keep ‘the brightest
and the best’. We hope that he maintains that stance at the bargaining table.”
The contract for public service workers expires on Dec. 31,
2008. OPSEU has public service members in 5,000 worksites in 276 communities
across the province. President Thomas will attend events in Milton and Hamilton
on Tuesday.
LIST OF
EVENTS, PLACES, TIMES AND CONTACTS
|
 |
|
|
News by Email
Yes, I would like to
receive OPSEU News by email
|
Print this page