OPSEU sets March 13 strike deadline

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union has set a strike deadline.

Its 45,000 members, including 800 in the Sault, are set to walk off the job at 12:01 a.m. next Wednesday, March 13.

OPSEU members voted last week 88 per cent in favour of strike action if necessary to get a contract with the Ontario Government.

Workplaces that could be affected locally include the Court House, the Sault Jail, Community and Social Services, Northern Treatment Centre and the Ministry of the Environment.

The union considered a revised management offer received yesterday to be "totally inadequate."

"We're prepared to negotiate with the government for as long as necessary," said bargaining team chair Marg Simmons.

"We still have plenty of time to get an agreement if they are serious about bargaining," Simmons said.

The union says points of disagreement include wages, job security and surplus pension funds.

David H. Tsubouchi, chair of Management Board of Cabinet, said the Government offer is similar to agreements already signed by two other provincial bargaining units.

Included is a 1.95 percent wage increase in each year of the three-year agreement, with productivity incentives and an updated benefits package.

"OPSEU's demands represent a 43 per cent increase and will cost the province $900 million over the life of a two-year contract," Tsubouchi said.

"The average OPSEU employee already earns $44,900 compared to the Ontario average earnings of $36,900. OPSEU's salaries are competitive especially when combined with generous benefits and pensions."

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