Where the parties stand

New Democratic Party response to OPSEU Questionnaire

1. What changes do you propose to make to the Ontario Labour Relations Act to “level the playing field”?

We will repeal all of the Conservative anti-labour legislation, restoring the balance achieved by the NDP’s Bill 40, including a ban on scabs, automatic certification, and effective sanctions against employer intimidation.

Howard Hampton and the NDP will also change the labour laws in Ontario so that:

• A standard work week is 40 hours long.
• Any work over 48 hours a week will require a special permit.
• Overtime will be paid for any work over 48 hours in a week or 8 hours in day.
• Vacations cannot be split except by special permit
• Lunch hours cannot be split except by special permit

2. Will you discontinue the de-certification poster?

 Yes.

3. Will you fix the inability of the Ontairo Labour Relations Board to certify a bargaining unit when an employer illegally intimidates workers?

Yes.

4. Will you ban the use of scabs?

Yes.

5. Will you restore the adjudicative independence of the Ontario Labour Relations Board by upholding a non-partisan appointments process and increasing security of tenure?

Yes.

6. Employees of Ontario’s community colleges are the only group of part time employees that are legislatively barred from unionization. Will you end this inequity?

Yes.

7. Will you restore successorship rights to Crown employees?

Yes.

8. Will you restore the capacity and stability of the Ontario Public Service so it can do its job of serving the public?

Yes. In addition to Walkerton, the recent investigation of Aylmer Meat Packers proves that full time, permanent, and well-trained inspectors are a vital part of maintaining safe food and consumer confidence in our vital agricultural commodities.

9. Will you bring an end to the grossly excessive use of consultants in the Public Service?

Yes. Often, the work contracted out at high prices to the private sector can be done in house by public employees for much less. In addition to reducing waste, public employees provide innovation and a public good that benefits all Ontarians, rather than putting money in a private corporation’s bank account.

10. Will you ensure that ‘unclassified’ staff and other contract staff (like contract meat inspectors) doing permanent public service work are given permanent unionized public jobs?

Yes.

11. Will you reverse the privatization of government services to date and stop it in the future?

Yes.

12. Will you commit to returning the Penetanguishene Jail, the five secure young offender facilities and Camp Turnaround to government operation?

Yes.

13. Will you commit to not using ‘back to work’ legislation in the Ontario Public Service?

Yes.

14. Will you commit to not using scabs in any Ontario Public Service strike?

Yes.

15. The current essential services legislation entitles the employer to use non-essential personnel during a strike. Will you commit to correcting the imbalance in the essential and emergency services regime? If so, how?

Yes. We would negotiate a fair agreement so that only essential personnel are covered.