OPSEU and USW issue open letter to Ontario Premier for consultations before cuts

Working Together for a Prosperous, Compassionate Ontario

An open letter to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty

Premier McGuinty:

Ontario faces a monumental challenge. How can we preserve quality public services, which are the foundation of healthy families, thriving communities and a just society, under current fiscal pressures? And in keeping with the recent Liberal campaign slogan, how can we do this together?

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the United Steelworkers (USW) District 6 are ready to help. Our suggestion is simple and based on what we’ve heard in our travels across Ontario.

From main streets to boardrooms, women and men across this province are asking the same questions. Where is the leadership to lead us out of the current downturn? Why can’t we build a province that is both prosperous and compassionate? Why should we let a misguided drive for austerity turn us into a society of winners and losers, with very few winners?

Premier, periods of peril can be periods of opportunity if we enter into respectful discussion with those who make our economy work.

Our suggestion is simple: before committing Ontario to years of pain, take a short pause for consultation.

We believe the time has come for a round table discussion that includes business, government and labour. Convening this meeting would show leadership. What this province needs is a new kind of accord to chart the best way forward. Respectful discussion and serious thought can build a prosperous – and compassionate – future. We hope you agree that this is the path that can move our economy to greater heights.

To get there, Ontario needs a progressive economy with an industrial strategy that produces winners. Ontarians also need quality public services. And we need greater income equality, not a society of haves and have-nots. Premier, we ask you to convene a meeting soon. Become a visionary leader. If you take this step, we can move forward together. We await your response.

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President, OPSEU

Wayne Fraser, Director, USW District 6