Government workers take their protest directly to local MPPs

OTTAWA, Dec. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Workers in the Ontario Public Service, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, will take their protest over the government's bargaining position directly to their local MPP.

Date:	Wednesday, December 17
Time:	11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location:	MPP Bob Chiarelli's office, 2249 Carling Ave., Ottawa

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said that the opening offer from the government is nothing but a blueprint to completely dismantle Ontario's public services, and punish the workers who provide them.

"The Auditor General has confirmed that privatization and outsourcing is an $8 billion waste of taxpayer's money," Thomas said. "We have repeatedly told this government that our members can provide these services better and cheaper than the private sector. Yet, Premier Kathleen Wynne wants to eliminate more public sector jobs, and outsource more of the services."

Despite wasting billions on outsourcing and contractors, Thomas said the government feels it needs to cut wages and benefits to Ontario's 35,000 direct Ministry employees, a move that runs completely counter to the thrust of the Auditor General's report.

"If the government spent even a fraction of that money directly on public services and public service workers, we would have better, more reliable and more accountable services for everyone who works and lives in this province," Thomas said.

"Our members will now go directly to the MPPs who were elected to best serve the people of Ontario, and ask them why they hate public sector workers so much," Thomas said. "They know our members play a vital role in this province, and they are the best option for delivering services. So why treat them so poorly at the bargaining table?"

OPSEU represents all frontline Ministry employees who work directly for the Ontario government, including 1,500 members in the Ottawa area. The current collective agreement expires Dec. 31, 2014.

SOURCE: Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Ben Triedlinger: (cell) 613-299-2083