New Cabinet, new opportunities: OPSEU President Thomas
TORONTO, June 29, 2018 /CNW/ - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas congratulated Premier Ford and his newly-formed Progressive Conservative government, saying the time has come to get down to brass tacks.
"It's only been three weeks since Election Day, but a new Cabinet means brand new opportunities," said Thomas. "Now that the government has been sworn-in, it's time to meet – it's time for action."
OPSEU had reached out to Premier Ford, while still premier-designate to request a meeting and to share valuable insights about Ontario's public sector.
"It's been a busy time, no doubt," said OPSEU First Vice-President Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida. "I'm not concerned that we haven't heard from Premier Ford yet. I know just how much work it is to take the helm of a ship as big as Ontario, so we'll cut him some slack."
OPSEU, which represents 155,000 members across the Ontario Public Service and Broader Public Service, believes that meaningful dialogue between Premier Ford and the union will produce winning results for Ontario.
"Premier Ford campaigned under the banner 'for the people,'" said Thomas. "OPSEU's work, and my entire life's work, has been for the people; to protect workers – to protect the little guy, so I get that mantra.
"But the little guy needs public services," said Thomas. "Premier Ford should listen to the experts in the field, and that's us. This government may be new, but we've been around a long time, and we can help.
"The slate is clean," said Thomas. "We've got a world of opportunity after fifteen years of Liberal rule, and Ontarians are hungry for change. The task now is to make sure Premier Ford's government is cooking up a dish Ontarians can digest. So, to the premier and his Cabinet, congratulations; our door is open."
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931
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