Two days of mediation between the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and striking members of OPSEU Local 677 ended yesterday with limited progress but an agreement to continue talks later this month.
“The toughest issues are still on the table,” said Tyler England, chair of the union’s bargaining team. “Some progress was made but more effort is needed.”
The two sides agreed to resume mediation Sept. 14-17. A communications blackout has been imposed over the talks.
OPSEU Local 677 represents more than 150 administrative, clerical and technical staff at Laurentian University in Sudbury and Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. NOSM also operates satellite campuses in Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins.
Members of local walked off the job Aug. 16 after negotiations, which started in Sept. 2009, broke down. Outstanding issues include hours of work, sick leave, contracting out, family leaves and wages.