Toronto — More Than 600 Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Engage in Work-to-Rule Campaign
The Ontario government is facing a potential crisis as more than 600 professional engineers and land surveyors who work for the province have started a work-to-rule campaign. This job action, which could delay key infrastructure projects, has been prompted by the bargaining association’s assertion that their members’ earnings have fallen significantly behind those of similar positions in municipalities.
Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Job Action
The Professional Engineers Government of Ontario (PEGO) bargaining team has been negotiating with the Treasury Board since July 2023. However, despite numerous bargaining sessions, a fair deal remains elusive. According to Nihar Bhatt, president of PEGO, his members are seeking a significant increase in pay to bring their salaries more in line with market rates.
What We’re Looking For Is Market Alignment
Bhatt emphasized that the goal is not to set unrealistic expectations but to move towards market alignment. "We are behind the market by 30 to 50 per cent," he said. "Obviously, nobody’s logically going to think that that’s what we’re going to get, but we need to start moving in that direction."
The Government’s Response
A spokesperson for Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney stated that the government stands ready to negotiate in good faith at the next scheduled mediation later this month. Liz Tuomi wrote, "Since July 2023, the government has held numerous bargaining sessions with the Professional Engineers Government of Ontario bargaining team in an effort to reach a fair deal at the negotiating table." However, she did not provide details about the government’s offer.
The Impact on Infrastructure Projects
The engineers and land surveyors are employed by several government ministries and agencies. They work on various projects related to the provincial highway network, the Ontario Building Code, land surveying, fire safety, food and workplace safety, clean air and safe drinking water. Bhatt warned that low wages are creating a recruitment and retention crisis, which could lead to delays on government priorities such as Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass.
A Recruitment and Retention Crisis
Bhatt pointed out that 50% of PEGO’s membership has less than five years of experience. He emphasized that this creates a significant issue for recruitment and retention, as senior engineers are leaving to work in lower levels of government. This structural misalignment with the market is causing problems in managing critical infrastructure projects.
A Work-to-Rule Campaign
PEGO has engaged in a work-to-rule campaign, which includes:
- Not doing unpaid overtime or working outside of their set hours
- Not doing work that is supposed to be done by managers within the public service
- Not doing work for more than one position
Subsequent escalation could include strategic withdrawals of labour by certain groups of employees. This could affect the ability to advance and manage critical infrastructure projects.
A Potential Crisis
Bhatt highlighted the potential consequences of a prolonged job action: "We don’t want to do this, but next month, when major milestones are coming up for the Bradford Bypass, and they decide not to review the design requirements, what happens then?" He emphasized that PEGO is not a profession prone to threats. They want to build stuff, do it right, and do it safely.
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