The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) recently negotiated a new collective agreement with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA). The agreement, which covers approximately 900 unionized employees, was ratified in early December 2020 and will be in effect until March 31, 2023.

The OPSEU-OCWA collective agreement includes several key provisions, including wage increases, improvements to benefits, and job security measures. Under the new agreement, employees will receive a 2% wage increase in each year of the agreement, as well as retroactive pay for the period between April 1, 2020, and the date of ratification.

In addition to wage increases, the agreement includes improvements to benefits such as an increase in dental coverage and the addition of vision care coverage. The agreement also includes language around job security, including provisions to protect employees from contracting out and a commitment to maintain full-time staffing levels.

One notable feature of the OPSEU-OCWA collective agreement is its emphasis on health and safety. The agreement includes provisions for enhanced training and support for employees to ensure they can work safely and effectively. These measures are particularly important given the essential nature of the services provided by OCWA, which include water treatment, distribution, and wastewater services.

Overall, the OPSEU-OCWA collective agreement is a positive development for both employees and the agency. The agreement recognizes the important work done by OCWA employees and provides them with important improvements in wages, benefits, and job security. Furthermore, the agreement emphasizes the importance of health and safety in the workplace, which is crucial in any essential service industry.

In conclusion, the OPSEU-OCWA collective agreement is an important step forward for both employees and the agency. The agreement provides important improvements in wages, benefits, and job security, while also emphasizing the importance of health and safety in the workplace. As such, it is a positive development for all involved and is likely to have a significant impact on the future of OCWA and its employees.