Government workers protest Liberal event to demand a fair contract

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, April 7, 2015 /CNW/ - Workers in the Ontario Public Service, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, will rally at a Liberal event attended by MPP David Orazietti to protest the government's bargaining position.

Date:	Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Time:	7:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m.
Location:	Delta Hotel and Conference Centre, 208 St Mary's River Drive

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said that at the same time that the Wynne Liberals are slashing funding for much-needed public services, they are wasting billions on private sector contracts and spending billions more on corporate tax cuts.

"After years of austerity, Premier Kathleen Wynne is demanding that the public service accept more wage freezes, cutbacks and concessions," Thomas said. "Government negotiators at the bargaining table appear they would rather push the OPS into a strike than negotiate a fair deal with their employees."

Region 6 Vice-President Jeff Arbus said that the union has repeatedly told Premier Kathleen Wynne that OPS members can provide these services better and cheaper than the private sector, which has been affirmed by Ontario's Auditor General. Despite this, that message is not filtering down to the bargaining table.

"Reports indicate that the Wynne government has either wasted or overspent more than $8.2 billion dollars on private contracts and corporations," Thomas said. "Imagine what this province could do with that money. It's proven that public sector workers can deliver services cheaper, better and fairer than the private sector. If Wynne really wants to save public money and deliver public quality services, halting privatization and outsourcing is the first place to start."

"Our members will now go directly to the MPPs who were elected to best serve the people of Ontario, and demand that public dollars be used for public services," Thomas said. "Our members play a vital role in this province, and they are the best option for delivering services. This government will actually save money by negotiating a fair contract."

OPSEU represents all frontline Ministry employees who work directly for the Ontario government. The current collective agreement expired Dec. 31, 2014.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Ian Turpin, President Local 678: [phone]