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ARTICLE · 29 AUGUST 2012

Ontario's Austerity Measures And The Limits Of Charter Protected Bargaining Rights

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The recommendations of the Drummond Report , released earlier this year, have guided the Ontario provincial government's recent public sector austerity measures.

CanadaEmployment and HR
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The recommendations of the Drummond Report, released earlier this year, have guided the Ontario provincial government's recent public sector austerity measures.  After months of unsuccessful negotiation with its teacher unions, on August 16, 2012, Ontario announced the Putting Students First Act, 2012 (PSFA).  The provincial legislature has been recalled for the introduction of this bill on August 27, with the aim to pass it by August 31, when the current collective agreements expire.

The PFSA, if passed, would include an imposed wage freeze and a prohibition against any strikes or lock-outs for a two-year period on virtually all Ontario public sector teachers and support workers.  School boards and local bargaining units of teachers and support staff would have until the end of the year to sign local agreements consistent with the priorities reflected in the Memorandum of Understanding reached between the government and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers'

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