Government business came to a halt Thursday, at least over the lunch hour, when over a hundred OPSEU members blocked entry and exit from Ministry of Transportation offices and the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre on Exeter Road.
The union says the government is forcing it into a strike situation, and members say they're prepared to strike if there is no movement in negotiations.
Ron Elliott of the Ontario Public Service EemployeesUnion (OPSEU) says, "We thought we could try and get a collective agreement with this government but it seems like they've evoked the next step, without really trying to bargain."
That next stage is an essential services agreement, where the government and OPSEU decide just how many of the union's 35,000 members need to stay on the job to keep Ontario running, in case of a labour disruption.
"The union's job is to minimize essential services to ensure there's a meaningful strike," he says.
And OPSEU says there will be a strike if the government doesn't change its offer, which includes claw backs and wage freezes.
OPSEU's Len Elliott says "We're burning this offer that [Ontario Premier] Kathleen [Wynne] has on the table because we're not taking concessions!"
Leslie O'Leary, director of communications for Deputy Premier Deb Matthews said in an email statement "The government remains committed to negotiating an agreement with OPSEU that is fair to our employees and to taxpayers.
"At this point in the process, the negotiation of an essential services agreement is the responsible next step. By law, the government is required to negotiate an agreement to ensure that critical government services continue to be delivered in the event of a labour disruption. We remain at the table, willing and able to negotiate with OPSEU while essential services negotiations are going on."
But the sentiment among union members is clear, 'No concessions, no zeroes.'
Dick Nieuwland was one of dozens trapped in the government complex over the lunch hour, after trying to take a driving test.
But despite his 45 minute hold-up, he says he stand behind correctional officers in this battle.
"I think they have a legitimate beef. I don't think they're getting a fair shake, it's a pretty important job that they're doing and they deserve to get a break."
Corrections is still in negotiations with the government, but if the central unit, which covers all of OPSEU, doesn't reach a deal, they'll be out on the picket line too.
In the case of an general strike of the Ontario Public Service, correctional officers will be forced to work and so will their managers. Sources tell CTV News that those managers will earn about $1,700 a day, or nearly $10,000 a week.
The union has been without a contract since Jan. 1, but OPSEU still hopes a deal can be reached.
OPSEU says it is prepared to take the battle to the front steps of the legislature - and every jail in Ontario - if it means getting a contract signed.
