(TORONTO) – A tentative agreement has been reached to end an 18-day strike by more than 8,000 community college support staff in Ontario.
The deal, which must still be ratified by college staff members, was reached late Sunday night following two-days of intensive bargaining by negotiators for management and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.
“I applaud the tentative deal reached tonight by the negotiating teams,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “We said all along that a fair and just agreement was only possible when the two sides could sit across the bargaining table from each other and I’m pleased to report that was the case.”
Rod Bemister, chair of the OPSEU bargaining team, said the union managed to secure key contract proposals it had brought forward and will recommend that members approve the tentative deal.
“Our position from the start of contract talks was that this round of negotiations would be about preserving the good jobs our members currently enjoy, while at the same time ensuring that good jobs will be in place for future college support staff. We believe we met those objectives,” said Bemister.
Employees will return to work on Tuesday, September 20.
Details of the agreement will not be available until after a ratification vote. A date for the vote has not been set.
More information:
Rod Bemister
Chair, CAAT Support Bargaining Team
416-779-0669
Greg Hamara
OPSEU Communications
647-238-9933 mobile
416-443-8888 office