Minister Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board, issued the following statement regarding a four-year tentative agreement reached with the Professional Engineers Government of Ontario (PEGO) bargaining unit.
“Our government was elected to build Ontario for the next generation, including building more roads, highways, hospitals and homes. This plan to build makes Ontario one of the most competitive jurisdictions in the world. If ratified, today’s four-year tentative agreement with PEGO delivers on that commitment by preventing unnecessary and costly delays to those critical infrastructure projects.
The tentative agreement is good for workers and their families, while underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to stability across the public sector. This deal ensures long-term fiscal sustainability for the people of Ontario and recognizes the unique role of PEGO represented employees.
We look forward to sharing details of the agreement once it has been fully ratified by both parties.”
PEGO-represented engineering and land surveying experts work in eleven ministries/agencies and perform critical project management, oversight and enforcement roles related to the provincial highway network, the Ontario Building Code, land surveying, fire safety, food and workplace safety, clean air, and safe drinking water. In addition to working on the government’s ambitious $185 billion dollar infrastructure building plans, PEGO members also oversee the maintenance of more than $85 billion dollars worth of already existing public infrastructure in Ontario including the 400 series highways.
“More than 18 months of bargaining and PEGO’s first-ever strike action in its 35-year history have brought public attention to the importance of investments in public-sector engineering and land surveying expertise in the delivery of a successful infrastructure agenda. We remain committed to continuing to closely monitor recruitment and retention efforts in the OPS and to advocate for the needs and interests of our members,” read a statement from PEGO.
Featured image: (PEGO)