SUDBURY – Members of OPSEU Local 677 representing administrative, clerical and technical staff at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine have ratified a tentative contract agreement by a margin of 78 per cent.
The tentative contract now goes to NOSM’s board of directors on Nov. 9. If approved by the board it will bring to an end an 81-day strike at NOSM’s campuses at Laurentian University in Sudbury and Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. The school also operates satellite campuses in Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins.
"First contracts are always the toughest to settle," said OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
"I have nothing but admiration for the solidarity and toughness demonstrated by members of Local 677 throughout the duration of the walkout."
Tyler England, chair of the bargaining team representing more than 150 staff members, said workers made the right decision by endorsing the deal. They had previously turned down an earlier tentative agreement.
"Our members waited patiently for the right deal to come along and today’s agreement was the one they were prepared to support in a democratic fashion," said England. "I am very proud of the solidarity they demonstrated over the past 12 weeks."
Details of the agreement will be released pending approval by NOSM’s board of director next week.