OPSEU/SEFPO files multiple Unfair Labour Practices alleging Ford government is the “ghost at the table”

Skip to Content News Archives Economy Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.HomeGlobeNewswireThis section is The content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire OPSEU/SEFPO files multiple Unfair Labour Practices alleging Ford government is the "ghost at the table"Author of the article: You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.TORONTO, July 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, OPSEU/SEFPO, the union representing 4,000 striking community, health and social services workers from 24 community agencies filed a first wave of Unfair Labour Practice applications regarding the Ford government’s role as a “ghost at the table” in negotiations. More applications will be filed in the coming days. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThe applications argue that while the agencies have claimed they don’t have the necessary funding to provide Bill 124 remedy, they have failed to use all avenues to bring the “ultimate decision makers” to the table. “At the bargaining table and throughout this strike, we’ve heard loud and clear from employers that they simply need more funding from the provincial government,” said JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President. “We have called on employers to take an active role – to stand with us in this fight. This is ultimately about dignity and respect for workers and the people they support.” Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe Unfair Labour Practice applications point to Ontario labour case law, where the government was found to be a “ghost at the table” – an absent party directly that, as the direct funder, was impacting the outcome of negotiations. The ruling stated that the employer had a responsibility to create a direct line to the ministry during negotiations. Workers have been on strike or locked out since late May. While they work across different agencies and sectors – including shelters, autism support services, and mental health – they all support some of the most vulnerable people in Ontario. These workers have also all faced years of wage suppression, including through the Ford government’s unconstitutional Bill 124, and challenges at the bargaining table due to chronic underfunding of their sectors. All of their employers are primarily funded by the provincial government. Throughout the nine-week strike, workers have been stonewalled by Premier Doug Ford and his government. PC MPPs have refused to meet with striking constituents or families whose loved ones are impacted by the strike. “Ford has tried to wash his hands of any responsibility in this dispute,” added Hornick. “You were involved when you passed wage theft legislation. You are involved when you intentionally underfund these sectors while wait lists grow and services suffer.” Workers put forward common demands at the bargaining table, including retroactive wage increases to recover stolen wages under Bill 124. Workers have called for funding for these increased wages to protect services by preventing layoffs and service cuts. Today, striking workers across the province are holding “ghost at the table” themed actions and events at MPP and Minister offices and neighborhoods. For more information contact: Katie Arnup, OPSEU/SEFPO Communications: 647-881-2939 or karnup@opseu.org Jolene Cushman, OPSEU/SEFPO Communications: (416) 518-2368 or jcushman@opseu.org OPSEU/SEFPO Communications Ontario Public Service Employees Union / Syndicat des employés de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (OPSEU/SEFPO) OPSEUCommunicationsDepartment@opseu.org This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.