Bill 195 Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know

Bill 195, also known as the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, was introduced by the Ontario government in July 2020. It aims to provide a flexible framework for the province`s response to the COVID-19 pandemic while allowing businesses and the economy to reopen and grow.

One of the key aspects of Bill 195 is how it impacts collective agreements between employers and unions. Here`s what you need to know:

1. Temporary Changes

Bill 195 provides temporary changes to collective agreements that were made before March 17, 2020. These changes include extending the term of an agreement or modifying its provisions to respond to the pandemic.

2. Notice Requirements

The Act also changes the notice requirements for unions that wish to bargain collectively. Specifically, unions must give written notice to employers at least 45 days before the expiry of a collective agreement. This is an increase from the previous 30-day requirement.

3. Return to Work

Bill 195 also allows employers to recall employees who were laid off due to COVID-19 without having to negotiate with unions or seek their approval. This applies to employees who were laid off after March 1, 2020.

4. Health and Safety

Finally, Bill 195 provides protections for workers` health and safety during the pandemic. Employers are required to take all reasonable steps to protect their employees` health and safety in accordance with public health guidance. This includes providing personal protective equipment, training on proper hygiene and sanitization, and implementing physical distancing measures.

In summary, Bill 195 provides temporary changes to collective agreements, changes to notice requirements for unions, allows employers to recall laid-off employees without union approval, and provides protections for workers` health and safety. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it`s important for employers and unions to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and understand how Bill 195 impacts their collective agreements.