Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Well, the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Employer heard us, and they have finally let us know when we are to be receiving the wage increases that we’re owed.
Earlier today, they conceded to one of our demands and released a more definitive schedule of when we—and members of other OPS Bargaining Units—can expect our wage adjustment.
However, it’s not good news.
It is unacceptable for our negotiated 1% across-the-board (ATB) wage increases effective April 1, 2024 to be delayed until mid-summer.
A contract is a contract. We are proceeding with our union-wide grievance—legal action against the Employer—for what we see as a violation of our collective agreement.
And we’re going to continue to demand that the Employer process our negotiated ATBs immediately.
That’s a message that I will reiterate when I meet with Employer representatives, including the Deputy Minister of Treasury Board Secretariat next week, and will be the top item at every AMAPCEO-Central Employee Relations Committee meeting until this is resolved.
The Employer has had 18 months of lead time to prepare for the implementation of our negotiated ATBs, and we shouldn’t face the consequences of their poor planning and chronic understaffing that we all know has plagued the OPS for years.
It is also unacceptable for us to have to wait until November to receive our arbitrated remedy for Bill 124. This legislation steamrolled our constitutional rights for years and was struck down—twice—before the government finally rescinded it. This remedy is meant to help make good on that. The cost of living is through the roof and this delay is having real consequences for AMAPCEO members.
Let’s keep the pressure up.
Sign our petition for no more pay delays and encourage all of your colleagues to do the same.
And, as we are starting to see the beginning of bargaining for our next contract come into view, let’s continue to remind the Employer that AMAPCEO members deserve better and that we’re stronger together.
More to come.
Dave Bulmer
President/CEO
If you have questions or are looking for more information about this delay:
To make sure your voice is heard and to share how this delay might impact you, we encourage you to:
AMAPCEO will continue to update members through email and the website as this issue progresses.