February 1, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Unifor is pleased to announce that the arbitration matter concerning Bill 124 has been declared to be “void and of no effect” by Sole Arbitrator William Kaplan.
The decision, which was rendered by Kaplan on January 30 via Zoom, states that Bill 124 is inoperative and that the employer is directed to make the re-opener payments to all current and former employees within thirty days of the issued date (i.e. January 30, 2023).
The decision comes after a constitutional charter challenge by Unifor and other Ontario unions in late 2022 to overturn the highly criticized Bill. The Bill (i.e. Act) labelled Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, put a one per cent wage restraint on public service workers in Ontario (including unionized and non-unionized workers). Premier Doug Ford had the power to exempt Ornge and other highly skilled workers from Bill 124, but refused to do so.
"Unifor is pleased with the outcome of this award, and will be looking for recompense for our Ornge members," said Tammy Moore, Unifor Local 2002 President. "Ornge prides itself on saving lives, restoring health, creating capacity and preserving dignity; it’s time Unifor members at Ornge be part of the Employer’s mission."
Our members are paramedics responsible for patient care and medical transfers. Ornge operates the largest and most sophisticated program of aero-medical transport in North America. Members provide care to patients in both fixed-wing aircraft and ground ambulances.
Click here to view the award issued by William Kaplan
In Solidarity,
Your Unifor-Ornge Bargaining Committee
Mark Etherington, Chairperson
Keith Simons, Northern Bases
Geoffrey Brown, Southern Bases
Denise Cochrane, Assistant to the Local President
David Cayer, Unifor National Representative
Kelly-Anne Orr, Assistant to the National Officers
For more information, please contact: Denise Cochrane – Assistant to the President
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