As part of its collective agreements, the PWU negotiated hiring room agreements with the following employers: “Free and fair collective bargaining without the intervention of the Ford government would have resulted in a better outcome for our members, Ontario Power Generation, and taxpayers,” said Mr. Travers. OPG takes care of the safety and working conditions of all its employees and will continue to move forward in a thoughtful and respectful manner that will also ensure the safety of all Ontarians while recognizing the fiscal realities of the company and the province of Ontario,” said Jeff Lyash, President and CEO of OPG. “Our goal was to negotiate a fair and reasonable agreement with the PWU, which we believe we did in June. We remain ready to settle the arbitration in order to reach an agreement. “During this process, OPG is committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement that recognizes the operational needs of the company,” Kelly said. “For arbitration awards handed down after June 5, but before the law comes into force (November 8), the moderation period applies to the next collective agreement under the collective agreement that makes this arbitration award effective,” the CFO`s office said. “OPG respects the collective bargaining process and will respect the arbitration decision,” said Neal Kelly, a spokesman for electricity provider Kronen, whose employees are covered by Bill 124. Negotiations between OPG and PWU began in January and an interim agreement was reached between the respective negotiating committees on 4 June. The PWU recommended ratification of its members and, at that time, the members refused the offer. The OPG and PWU negotiating committees continued discussions on the interim agreement, but were unable to agree on changes. Another vote on the same offer took place in December, which was again rejected by PWU membership. The collective agreement with PWU, which represents approximately 6,000 OPG workers, expired on March 31, 2018.
OPG produces safe, clean, reliable and cost-effective energy for Ontario. More than 99% of this energy is free of smog and CO2 emissions. OPG`s performance is on average 40% lower than that of other generators, which helps to moderate customer bills. “I have no problem with that. Nor should the government interfere inappropriately in our negotiations if it is to reach an agreement that will lead to long-term stability in this sector,” he said. “In this case, the arbitrator compensated for wage growth with changes to the collective agreement that allow for a less costly transition, since the Pickering nuclear power plant will be closed.” They are preparing a challenge to the Charter because they believe it interferes with the collective bargaining process and violates the constitutional rights of union members to freedom of association. TORONTO, 14.12.2018 /CNW/ – Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has received a strike notice from the Power Workers Union (PWU) pursuant to its collective agreement. A 21-day period therefore immediately opens for both parties to take steps to safely shut down OPG`s nuclear reactors at Darlington and Pickering, as well as for the eventual closure of OPG`s 66 hydroelectric plants. LiUNA and PWU members who work in accordance with Schedule A of the PWU/Hydro One collective agreement are entitled to a refund of travel expenses if their regular stay is located more than 40 kilometres from the workplace. If a member`s normal residence is located more than 97 kilometres from the place of residence, a space and board allowance may be paid, subject to proof of a normal residence financial obligation (e.g.B. property tax bill, mortgage account, lease, lease declaration or up-to-date electricity bill).
