NOSM University, formerly the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, said it is committed to proceeding in good faith and finding common ground in the current labour negotiations with unionized employees at its campuses in Sudbury and Thunder Bay.
It was on Monday that members of OPSEU (Ontario Public Service Employees Union) Local 677 representing NOSM U Faculty and Staff Association (NUFSA), said they had voted 100 per cent in favour of a strike mandate to support their bargaining position.
The union said it was proposing fair and equitable improvements to workload and working conditions to ensure the continued success of teaching, learning, and research at the university — in line with other universities across the province.
"Unfortunately, the university administration is seeking to remove important rights for NUFSA members in the areas of job security and resources for teaching and research, amongst others," said a NUFSA release.
NOSM U has issued a statement saying it values the work of all staff.
"At NOSM University we are committed to transparent communication and constructive collaboration for the betterment of our institution and the entire university community," said the statement.
"We value the dedication and hard work of all our faculty and staff. The concerns highlighted in the press release issued by OPSEU Local 677, Unit 1— which represents 41 full-time faculty, librarians, and professional staff —underscore the importance of a vibrant and inclusive academic environment. We share the common goal of nurturing an institution that upholds the highest standards of education and research," the statement continued.
"We remain committed to proceeding in good faith and to finding common ground aimed at arriving at a fair and equitable resolution that benefits all parties," said the university.
NOSM said its collective mission as Canada’s first independent medical school is to provide an exceptional learning experience and conduct innovative education and research for a healthier North.
Darrel Manitowabi, president of the NOSM U Faculty and Professional Staff Union said on Monday that the unionized membership was disappointed that bargaining was at an impasse.
In a follow-up email to Sudbury.com, Manitowabi said the union was also hopeful.
"We are confident we can return to the table to address the concerns we have raised and we call upon the university administration to return to the table to do so. We expect that issues can be resolved to avoid a strike," Manitowabi wrote.
OPSEU Local 677 was on strike against what was then known as the Northern Ontario School of Medicine for several months back in 2010 as the union secured its first contract with the medical school.
