The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 677 (Unit 2), representing 132 staff, are pleased to announce the ratification of their fourth collective agreement.
Both OPSEU Local 677 (Unit 2) Members and NOSM's board of directors voted in favour of ratifying the new collective agreement Jan. 19.
The agreement covers four years and is in effect from May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2024. Negotiations were subject to Bill 124, which limits overall compensation increases to the agreement.
Both parties also agreed to enhancements of pension and benefits, all in compliance with Bill 124. In addition, in light of COVID-19 measures requiring staff to work from home, both parties agreed to work together to establish a new Alternative Working Arrangements Policy during the term of this agreement.
The term of the last contract ended on April 30, 2020, and due to the pandemic, both parties agreed to defer negotiations of a new collective agreement until a future date when parties could meet in person.
As the pandemic situation did not improve, both parties agreed to commence negotiations in November 2020.
This was the first time that a NOSM collective agreement was negotiated via video-conferencing.
The negotiations were led by chief negotiators Garth O’Neill (NOSM) and Len Mason (OPSEU). NOSM and its board of directors look forward to the continuation of a strong and productive partnership with OPSEU Unit 2 over the next four years, and are appreciative of their Members' contributions in advancing the school’s growth and innovation through its new Strategic Plan, The NOSM Challenge 2025, said a press release.
On behalf of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine board of directors, Robert Haché, chair, thanked the members of both negotiating teams for their hard work in reaching an agreement that will ultimately benefit learners and communities across the North.
Jason Lind, bargaining chair and vice-president of OPSEU Unit 2, also extended his appreciation for the work of the teams and the support of Members in reaching an agreement.
