Q: I have heard that the employer’s proposed takeaway on sick time is a “triple threat.” What does that mean? A: The employer’s proposal on sick time is actually three takeaways rolled into one. First, the employer wants to cut sick pay from 75 per cent to 66 2/3 per cent for sick time taken between 6 days and 124 days. Second, the employer will only allow you to top up your pay during this period (with credits) to a maximum of 75 per cent (current you can top up to 100 per cent). Third, the employer will only allow … Continue reading →

The bargaining teams go to the table next week to start the process of negotiating our next contract. In the first PS Let’s Talk installment of Question of the Week, we have a look at what’s on everyone’s minds: zero. Zero wage increase, that is. Q:   Are we expected to accept a wage freeze and/or concessions in our contract?  A:    The teams haven’t sat down with the employer  yet, so there isn’t a wage freeze (or anything else) on the table right now. What we WON’T accept is the suggestion that privatization is what’s best for Ontario. We know … Continue reading →