Over 4000 union workers from two dozen different agencies across Ontario are demanding the province offer retroactive pay for an unconstitutional wage cap introduced in 2019.

The Union also wants the province to commit to supporting a pathway toward competitive wages and better working conditions to assist in recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce.

Strikers — local workers who support the needs of people with intellectual disabilities — have been on the picket lines since May 25. It does not look like they will be back on the job any time soon.

A July 13 offer to the directors of the various agencies across Ontario to come to the mediation table was mostly ignored.

With the assistance of a mediator, however, OPSEU sought to continue negotiations and work collaboratively toward a settlement.

Union Regional Staff Representative Alex Lane said in a letter to CLPE Executive Director Susan Treverton that bringing together the Employer, the Union, and the province demonstrates a shared commitment to resolving this dispute and restoring stability for everyone affected.

“After seven weeks on the picket line, our members remain determined, but they are also committed to finding a solution. We respectfully invite the Employer bargaining team…to join us in mediation discussions aimed at achieving a renewed collective agreement that supports workers, strengthens services, and ensures the long-term success of the organization,” Mr. Lane wrote.

Bill 124 introduced a three-year, 1 percent wage cap on public sector workers. The Bill was struck down by the Ontario Superior Court and the Ontario Court of Appeal and repealed in February 2024.

Since then, some public sector workers, including college and hospital workers, have received a 6.5 percent retroactive wage increase. Others, like those at CLPE, have been ignored.

On the Local Scene

Local 448 leader Stacey Kinnear told the Gazette that some of the agency directors reached out to OPSEU with follow up questions about a potential meeting with the province.

“We are hopeful (CLPE Executive Director Susan Treverton) will be receptive to meeting with us,” Ms. Kinnear said.

While the ramifications of Bill 124 and its ultimate repeal is the focus provincially, Ms. Kinnear said this strike action is very much about the future. As time goes on, good employees are leaving the sector. The lack funding and support from the province makes working conditions untenable. 

“A lot of the time, we do not have enough staff. We have workers on for double shifts or even 24-hour shifts because there’s no one to cover when someone gets sick,” she explained. “We’re passionate about what we do and who we serve, which is our residents.”

Due to near-skeleton staffing, many residents see their pre-planned events cancelled because there’s not enough staff to facilitate outings. 

For example, a resident might purchase hockey or theatre tickets. But if there’s an illness and no one is available to cover a shift, they can’t go.

“There’s jut not enough staff and these outings and pre-planned events wind up being cancelled and it’s just not fair,” she said.

Meanwhile, Local 448 members are trying to keep spirits high on the line. Over 40 workers have signed up to take part in a blood drive. 

On July 21, OPSEU Local 448 hosted a community barbecue at Benson Park. 

“We will be out here as long as it takes because this is worth fighting for,” Ms. Kinnear added.