The Ontario Federation of Labour and coalition members held a press conference at Queen’s Park calling on the provincial government to resolve outstanding Bill 124 remedies after years of wage suppression.
Bill 124 was ruled unconstitutional by the courts, but thousands of workers represented by OFL affiliates have not received the retroactive or prospective wage and benefit adjustments they are legally owed.
Delays creating financial hardship
“This should not be taking years to fix,” said Laura Walton, president of the OFL. “Once a law has been ruled unconstitutional, workers should not be forced to wait, pressure, or fight for remedies they are already owed.”
The government has resolved the issue for some workers, but many have been left behind, according to Walton. She said delaying remedies has real consequences for workers and their families as the cost of living continues to rise.
Unions prepared to escalate
JP Hornick, president of OPSEU/SEFPO, said workers are prepared to continue fighting until remedies are delivered.
“OPSEU/SEFPO is ready to do what it takes to get Bill 124 remedy for our members – that includes legal action and labour action, if necessary,” said Hornick. “We are calling on the Ford government to come to the table and resolve this now.”
Front-line workers facing financial strain
Candice Callender, an OPSEU/SEFPO member and developmental services worker at Central West Specialized Developmental Services, said low wages are creating a heavy burden.
“I’m passionate about the work I do supporting people with developmental disabilities, but too many of us are struggling to make ends meet, working multiple jobs just to get by,” said Callender. “We need more funding for community and social services, and we need remedy from Bill 124.”
Funding gap for social services workers
Fred Hahn, president of CUPE Ontario, said the government has funded remedies for virtually all other public sector workers in health care, school boards, the Ontario Public Service and the LCBO.
“It’s impossible to ‘protect Ontario’ when the Ford Conservatives openly discriminate against social services workers, who are primarily women and women of colour, by refusing to fund remedy for Bill 124,” said Hahn.
Social services workers include child care workers, developmental services workers, child welfare workers and community health workers.
Labour leaders are urging the government to resolve all outstanding Bill 124 remedies without forcing workers back to court.
The OFL coalition includes CUPE Ontario and OPSEU/SEFPO representing workers impacted by Bill 124.
