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OPSEU workers protest, saying government ready to let them walk

Glen Archer says the province has plenty of money to burn on scandals, but continuously tells public-sector workers the cupboard is bare when it comes to contract negotiations.
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OPSEU regional executive board member for Region 7 (left) marches with government workers on Thursday outside the provincial office building on Red River Road in Thunder Bay.

Glen Archer says the province has plenty of money to burn on scandals, but continuously tells public-sector workers the cupboard is bare when it comes to contract negotiations.

Archer, the Ontario Public Sector Employees Union regional executive board member for Region 7, on Thursday joined workers from the Red River Road government building, as well as other provincial employees from around Thunder Bay, on an information picket.
Workers simply want a fair deal, Archer said.

“We’re not exactly happy with the way things have turned out and we’re here to let our employer, the (Kathleen) Wynne government, know,” Archer said.

Contract negotiations are what they are, he added, noting OPSEU members voted in favour of a strike mandate in December.
A strike date has not been set while negotiations continue.

“We ask for something, the government offers something and usually we have somewhere in the middle we can meet. The government this time has started an opening position that’s absolutely horrible, Archer said.

“The Ontario public service has endured years of zero per cent wage increases. We’ve taken our hits. We’re not asking for a lot of money, we’re asking to be treated fairly. We want a good contract.”

Striking is a last option, Archer said.

“But the government seems to be adamant to put us out,” he said.

On Wednesday OPSEU’s provincial spokesman said the government had taken a significant step toward forcing a strike, beginning the process of negotiating the essential and emergency service agreements to determine which workers are and aren’t eligible to walk off the job.

That’s a shot fired across labour’s bow, said OPSEU president Warren (Smoky) Thomas.

"Our teams made it clear at the bargaining table that we would not accept the massive contract concessions the employer was demanding," Thomas said in a release.

"However, we also made it clear we were there to negotiate an agreement, not a strike. The government has completely ignored our position, and has now started the process that will ultimately result in a province-wide labour disruption."

Thomas also accused the province, and Wynne in particular, of employing bullying tactics at the negotiation table.

Archer said it’s clear the EES agreement means the government is prepared to let OPSEU members walk off the job.

“It’s pushing us closer to a strike. The government is pushing that mandate, not the union.”



Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
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