Wednesday, October 30, 2019
The government moved second reading of Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019 this week. The bill sets wage increases at a maximum of one per cent a year for three years for Ontario’s public sector employees—including unionized workers as their contracts expire.
While it would not impact current AMAPCEO collective agreements, if passed, the Act would affect future AMAPCEO contracts.
In light of Minister Bethlenfalvy’s comments in the Legislature pertaining to the bill, we wish to provide some hard facts of our own.
Fact: Per capita, Ontario’s public service is already Canada’s leanest and most cost-efficient.
Fact: Over the past ten years, public servants have had four years in which they received no across-the-board increases.
Fact: The OPS Employer described AMAPCEO’s current contract as “modest […] fair, and reasonable,” and “in line with current economic and labour market trends.”
Fact: Transition Exit Initiative buyouts in 2019 will ultimately save the government more than $215 million a year.
Fact: Collective bargaining is a constitutionally protected right, and the best way for all parties to achieve fair contracts.
We encourage the government to negotiate free and fair collective agreements with public sector workers. AMAPCEO will work with others to challenge legislation that impinges our members’ Charter rights.