OPSEU grieves retro pay delay
OPSEU has filed a policy grievance to get cheques for retroactive pay into the hands of OPS members as soon as possible.
The grievance comes after government reps told the union that the earliest possible date for the retro payout is Oct. 7. This is a clear violation of both the contract and the Memorandum of Settlement signed May 2. Article 79.1 of the collective agreement says that “the
parties agree to co-operate to facilitate the expeditious implementation of this Collective Agreement.” The May 2 Memorandum says that “Retroactive adjustments shall be paid as soon as reasonably possible after ratification by both parties.”
As a result of negotiated pay hikes, OPSEU members in the OPS are owed retroactive pay for the period between Jan. 1, 2002 and the beginning of the OPS strike on March 13. The union will be demanding speedy payment and interest on all money owed from the date of
ratification.
Name suggestions keep coming
Name suggestions for this continuing newsletter continue to flow in through the OPSEU web page (www.opseu.org) and directly to kfitzrandolph@opseu.org.
There is a groundswell to retain Frontlines as a name. Several people have suggested that this bit of history not be abandoned. And Between the Lines has also received emails of support.
Bob Bird of Local (MTO) liked OPSEU Spirit. “We need to continue to build on our solidarity and strength.”
Here are some of the other suggestions since the last edition.
Rosemary Murray of Local 340 suggests The OPSEU Vibe, OPSEU Cadence, The Naked Nerve, Our Cue, or OPSEU Impact.
Bonnie Sweet of Local 429 would like to see it called The Facts. She said the Frontline fact sheets were the “only true source of information” during the strike.
Rowena Clutton of Local (MOH) suggests OPSEU Hotline, Connection, Update, Voice, Link, and Alert.
Julien Marquis, retired former president of Local 508, suggests Communiqué, pointing out that it works in both French and English.
What do you think? Stick with Frontlines? Go with something new?
Does the OPSEU Spirit move you? Give you good Vibes? Make the OPSEU Connection? Do you want a Communiqué?
What do you want this newsletter to feel like? What ideas connect with you? Which ones turn you completely off? Feedback please.
It’s the cat’s meow!
The editor’s black cat, Mr. Purrkins (named for his dominant noise) has received a letter from the premier.
It’s dated May 1, and reads:
Dear Mr. Perkins:
Thank you for writing regarding the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) strike.
We look forward to reaching a collective agreement with OPSEU that is fair and reasonable to taxpayers and employees. We are prepared to negotiate around the clock and we are confident that an agreement can be reached.
I appreciate your bringing your views to my personal attention.
Sincerely,
Ernie Eves
I’m sure it is as meaningful to him as it has been to many OPSEU members who received the same (or a very similar) personal note after emailing Ernie with concerns about the strike.
Original authorized for distribution by Leah Casselman, President.
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