June 11, 2019
TO THE LEADERSHIP OF ALL CUPE LOCALS and ALL ONTARIO STAFF REPRESENTATIVES
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
On June 5, 2019, the Ford Government introduced the Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019 (Bill 124) into the Legislative Assembly. If passed, Bill 124 would impose a series of 3- year compensation caps on a variety of our workplaces. The introduction of the Bill follows a consultation period that ended on June 24th.
Throughout this process CUPE has been absolutely clear that we oppose and will fight any interference in the free collective bargaining process. If passed, this Bill would be a gross violation of our members right to freecollective bargaining.
Delegates at the Ontario Division convention passed an Action Plan to fight the Bill and we have begun a series of Regional meetings with our Locals to develop and implement escalating actions in the province. We will be also be working with our Ontario Federation of Labour and other public sector unions to coordinate our fightback to this regressive legislation.
In the meantime, it is important to stress that Bill 124 is not law. It is only a Bill introduced in first reading. It has not been passed and is not in effect. Furthermore, even if the Bill is moved forward through the legislative process it could well be subject to substantial amendments and possible legal challenges. This is why it is important that we do not treat the Bill as if it was law. We need to continue to fight this Bill in every way we can, including, for those Locals in, or about to enter negotiations at the Bargaining table. We should be sure not to modify or amend our bargaining positions on an assumption that the Bill will become Law. In fact, we should make every effort not to be influenced by the introduction of the Bill.
In the meantime, we would encourage you to make every effort to attend the scheduled Regional fightback meetings in your area; the schedule is attached. We will keep you posted of any developments.
Joe Matasic- Ontario Regional Director
Fred Hahn- CUPE Ontario President
An original copy of the statement can be found by clicking here.