The union alleged that the employer violated the statutory freeze under section 81 of the Labour Relations Act by failing to pay a 3% wage increase to employees earning under $30,000.
The employer argued that the increase was contingent on funding from the City of Ottawa, which was not provided due to budget constraints.
The Board dismissed the application, finding that the wage increase was not a guaranteed term or condition of employment, and that 'business as usual' for the employer included responding to budget constraints imposed by the City.
