OPS members: don’t use your personal vehicles for work travel

Update (February 22, 2023 at 5 pm ET): In conjunction with the other Ontario public sector unions, AMAPCEO has written to the OPS Employer requesting a review and increase of kilometric rates and meal expenses. 

You can view the letter here. 

AMAPCEO formally notified the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Employer late last week that, in light of stagnated kilometric reimbursement rates, the union would be advising its OPS members against using their personal vehicles for work travel.

Over the past few years, with the reduction of government pool vehicles, employees within the OPS have been increasingly encouraged by their managers to use their personal vehicles for work travel.

Reimbursement rates are set by the OPS Travel, Meal, and Hospitality Directive and are outside the purview of bargaining. AMAPCEO has long advocated for the Employer to raise meal rates and kilometric rates. Neither rate has been raised since 2017, despite increases in inflation and the cost of food and fuel. Kilometric rates currently remain set at 40 cents per kilometer for the first 4,000 kilometers.

According to the Directive, when travel by car is required, “the most practical and economic option” should be selected from among the following choices (in order of preference): government vehicle, rental vehicle, and personal vehicle. Given the rising costs, it is no longer economical for an employee to use their own personal vehicle, and as a result, AMAPCEO discourages its members from doing so.

If you experience any issues regarding work travel, especially refusing to use your personal vehicle, we urge you to contact a Workplace Representative.