Ontario labour unions continue fight to restore loss wages

Labour groups in Ontario say there are some unresolved issues stemming from the wage-restricting legislation that was struck down by the courts four years ago.

While some public sector workers receive retroactive pay, many others have not.

The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), alongside coalition members representing unions impacted by Bill 124, including the Canadian Union of Public Employees Service Employees Union-Ontario (CUPE Ontario) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), want the Ford government to address the issue.

OFL President Laura Walton says it should not take years to correct.

“We’re ready to engage in meaningful discussions to resolve this fairly and efficiently. But workers cannot be expected to wait indefinitely for justice after a law has already been ruled unconstitutional,” says Walton

Workers in healthcare, education and the LCBO were among those to benefit from a retroactive bump up in pay.

Union leaders say thousands of others, including developmental service workers, child protection workers, childcare workers, and addiction and outreach workers, have never received any remedy to wages being limited to a one percent increase.

CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn feels the Ford government is discriminating against those workers.

“They must be given the same respect and the same remedy for Bill 124 as other public sector workers, deserve to be compensated fairly. Not to be locked in unfair low wages,” says Hahn.

“Social services are the foundation of our communities, their work. These workers’ work is required to ensure that we live in a decent and caring province.”

The union leaders say they are prepared to take legal action or labour action in their fight for reimbursement.

JP Hornick, President of OPSEU, estimates that about 25,000 members in 150 bargaining units are deserving of retroactive pay.

Hornick says they sent a letter to the provincial government, indicating their intention of taking legal action to recoup the money for workers.

“We are willing to engage in meaningful discussion with the Ford government to resolve this now before we take this fight back to the courts,” says Hornick.

“These workers had wages stolen. They were affected by Bill 124, and they deserve the remedy now, not three years later, but right now.”