Friday, March 04, 2016
Dear AMAPCEO members,
Much of my time, and that of the Board over the past few weeks has been focused on changes to AMAPCEO’s governance structure.
We have been given a clear direction by delegates to move forward with a new system that will feature 12 Districts and directly elected members of a new unified Board of Directors based on the principle of representation by population. The new governance system will help us build a stronger AMAPCEO by focusing on member development, engagement and services.
Last week, the Minister of Finance unveiled the 2016 budget. This year’s budget will be balanced for the first time since 2008. Having lived through the government’s ill-conceived “wage constraint” policy since 2010, including zero and below-inflation across the board increases, public servants have certainly done our part to help balance the budget. In a few weeks, AMAPCEO will be unveiling advertisements in subway stations near Queen’s Park and in North York addressing the value of public service and the work of public servants. We will also be mailing copies to be posted on bulletin boards. Keep an eye out for both!
The end of this month will mark the half-way point in our OPS Collective Agreement. On April 1st, AMAPCEO members will receive our first across the board increase since 2012, when wages will be adjusted by 1.4%. We will receive a further 1.4% on April 1, 2017. As we prepare to bargain again in 2018, I know that AMAPCEO members will be focused on protecting our collective agreement and building for the future, including catching up on wages that have been deferred in recent years. Work has begun on preparing for bargaining in 2018. This includes research, economic and benefits analysis, and preparation for mobilization and communications efforts, as well as an OPS membership survey later this winter.
Throughout this winter and spring, I will be busy visiting workplaces and attending general membership meetings - I look forward to seeing you at one of these events!
All the best,
Dave Bulmer, President