SUDBURY – Striking office, clerical and technical staff at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine will likely return to work Nov. 15 after the school’s board of directors yesterday approved a tentative contract with OPSEU Local 677.
Members of Local 677 approved the deal last week by a margin of 78 per cent.
“We are in the process of negotiating a back-to-work protocol with the employer but at this point it looks as if our members will be back on the job Nov. 15,” said bargaining team chair, Tyler England.
“Negotiating our first contract has been a long and difficult process but now we’re looking to move forward,” he added.
Members of Local 677 voted in favour of the three-year, effective May 1, 2009, deal which calls for a 3.25 per cent wage increase and contract language that enshrines existing benefits and pension. The agreement also includes a one-time, $2,000 transition payment pro-rated for part-time employees.