OPSEU Reaches Tentative Deal with Ontario Government

TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2015 /CNW/ - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas has announced that the union's Central/Unified bargaining team has reached a tentative settlement with the Ontario government. Details of the tentative agreement are still to be made public. No date has been set for a ratification vote.

While pleased that an agreement was reached, Thomas was critical of the government. "Almost a year ago, the government made outrageous demands for concessions. Our bargaining team sought a strike mandate from the membership. And they provided a 95 per cent YES.

"To their credit, our bargaining team and our members remained resolute in their opposition to the drastic concessions being sought by the employer. After almost a year, the team was able to hammer out a deal that they feel the membership will ratify.

"The government must now work to repair relations with the workforce and regain their trust and respect. This will not be easy.

"Our collective efforts will now go towards achieving a collective agreement for our members in the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Talks are set to resume on November 7 and 8.

"Concerning Deb Matthews' assertion that we're partners with the government, she needs to be clear that partnerships are built on trust. Clearly, we aren't there yet."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Roxanne Barnes, Chair, Central/Unified Team, 416-809-2791