OPSEU and province reach tentative agreement

Ontario Public Service Employees Union
News Release

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TORONTO – The Ontario Public Service Employees Union has reached a tentative agreement for a new collective agreement between the Government of Ontario and 38,000 of their direct employees. At 3:45 a.m. on Dec. 24, the Central and Unified Bargaining Teams did what many said couldn't be done: They signed a tentative four year deal for a new collective agreement. And they did it without a strike vote, and before the current contract expired.

"We have made huge strides in OPS bargaining," said Eric Morin, Chair of the Central/Unified teams. "From the beginning, we told the employer and our members that all we wanted was a fair and reasonable offer. We believe that we have it, and are happy to recommend our members accept it. This historic agreement would not have happened without the incredible work of some very dedicated people.

"I want to thank our teams," said Eric Morin. "They worked very hard and made a lot of sacrifices to get to this agreement. I also want to thank our members for their incredible support. This new contract is truly their victory."

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas praised the bargaining teams for their tremendous work, and points out the significance of this achievement.

Thomas said. "We appreciate that the government was able to negotiate in good faith to come to an agreement that is fair and reasonable."

This agreement is for all Ontario Public Service members except those in the Correctional Services bargaining unit. That unit has not yet reached a tentative agreement.

No details on the contract are being released at this time. It is expected that a ratification vote on the tentative agreement will take place in late January

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