With Strike deadline approaching at OLG Slots at Woodbine, PSAC REVP comments on termination of Paul Godfrey and appointment of new Interim Chair at OLG

TORONTO, May 17, 2013 /CNW/ - As reported by several media outlets on Thursday, May 16, Paul Godfrey, Chair of the OLG has been terminated from his position. Minister Charles Sousa has appointed Peter Wallace, the secretary of the cabinet and head of the Ontario public service, as the interim-Chair.

"The PSAC calls upon Mr. Wallace to direct the OLG Management to get back to the table with the PSAC and bargain a fair collective agreement." states Sharon DeSousa, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for Ontario. "A strike deadline of May 27 is fast approaching and the OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack General Manager, Dan Gall has already rejected the PSAC's request to pay the benefit premiums of locked-out or striking worker. Mr. Gall has now put workers who are off sick or using benefits in a position to suffer further hardship during a labour disruption, a move which will not improve labour relations between the employer and PSAC members."

PSAC believes they can reach a deal provided the OLG addresses the members concerns, primarily job security, scheduling, and compensation. "If the LCBO, a Crown Corporation, can reach a tentative deal to address similar concerns their workers have expressed, than our expectation is that the OLG, also a Crown Corporation, should do the same."

SOURCE: Public Service Alliance of Canada - Ontario

Lino Vieira, PSAC Communications Officer - 416-577-0238 ([email protected])