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'It became more apparent that the employer didn’t appear to be interested in reaching a fair settlement.'
Sudbury (17 Aug. 2010) - More than 150 clerical, administrative and technical staff walked off the job this week after contract talks with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) broke down.
Picket lines have gone up at the school’s two main campuses at Laurentian University in Sudbury and at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. The school also operates satellite campuses in Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie.
“All along we have said we were at the table to negotiate a fair contract, not to negotiate for a strike,” says Tyler England, chair of the bargaining team for Local 677 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE).
“But as the strike deadline drew closer it became more apparent that the employer didn’t appear to be interested in reaching a fair settlement for our members.”
In late July, members of Local 677 voted 97% in favour of strike action if necessary to reach a settlement. Five days of mediation failed to bring about a resolution. Outstanding issues include hours of work, overtime, sick leave, family leaves and wages.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
• NOSM workers vote 97% in favour of strike action
• NOSM employees choose OPSEU as their union