December 1, 2022
NOTE: THE CONTENT OF OECTA PROVINCIAL BARGAINING UPDATES IS CONFIDENTIAL TO
MEMBERS. PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS INFORMATION OR POST IT ONLINE.
Provincial Bargaining Continues; Additional Information on Bill 124
On November 29 and 30, the OECTA Provincial Bargaining Team (PBT) met with representatives of the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA), to continue
negotiations for the renewal of the central terms of our collective agreement.
Talks are progressing and the sides are committed to continuing dialogue at future bargaining sessions.
The following tentative dates have been set to continue discussions: December 5, 13, and 20.
Additional Information on Bill 124
On Tuesday, Ontario Superior Court Justice Markus Koehnen declared Bill 124, the Ford government’s wage restraint legislation, to be unconstitutional. In a written decision on OECTA et al. v. His Majesty the King, Justice Koehnen ruled that Bill 124 “substantially interfered” with a free and fair collective bargaining process, and thus violated Section 2(d) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the right to freedom of association.
In response, President Dobrowolski released a statement hailing the decision as a major victory for the rights of workers, and all Ontarians.
What Happens Next?
At the request of the parties, Justice Koehnen deferred making any decisions with respect to remedy – financial
or otherwise – for those affected by the legislation. Discussions of remedy will be considered at a future date, yet to be determined, and will involve all parties.
It is important to note that the Government of Ontario has 30 days to appeal the Superior Court’s decision, and
Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey has indicated the government’s intention to do so.
In short, it will take some time before any final resolution on this matter is reached. The Association will keep
you updated with relevant information as it becomes available.