A group of OPSEU members protested outside of MPP Vic Fedeli's election campaign office this afternoon to bring attention to Bill 124.
This Bill limits wage increases to a maximum of one per cent total compensation for three years. OPSEU has filed a Charter challenge, alleging the law violates public sector workers’ right to collective bargaining. That challenge will be heard in September.
On January 26, Ontario Public Service’s 26,000 members ratified a new collective agreement, including an annual 1 per cent wage increase retroactive to January 1.
Three months later, even that small increase is nowhere to be seen say the local picketers.
"Where's our money," asked Court Park OPSEU local 634 president. "My members have yet to see a dime. We've asked repeatedly and the response is 'The cheque is in the mail' and that's not flying anymore."
Park, representing 160 members at the MTO, hopes the protest today will spotlight the issue. About 20 workers set up with signs and pizza to send their message.
"With the cost of living going up, last month it was 7.4 per cent, this one per cent wage increase is a basically a 6.4 per cent decrease. Everything is going up except our wages and we'd like to know when we're getting our money."
The OPSEU website says, "By establishing a 3-year wage moderation period and without regards to inflation and the cost of living, Bill 124 effectively cuts our wages for three years. It’s not just blatantly unjust and unfair; it’s unlawful."
"The members aren't happy with the agreement we signed," adds Park. "Unfortunately this is the best we could get because it's capped."
