A strike by a dozen employees of the Sudbury Counselling Centre that lasted more than two months has come to an end. The counsellors are due to return to work after Christmas and New Year's, on Jan. 3.
The Sudbury Counselling Centre is a non-profit organization that is mostly funded through taxpayers' dollars.
The organization provides therapy to those with mental illness and couples with marital problems. It also delivers court-ordered programs for those convicted of impaired driving or partner abuse, among other services.
During the labour dispute, clients were referred to other agencies in the community.
Carole Lamoureux, executive director of the counselling centre, told Sudbury.com that management came to an agreement with Steelworkers Local 2020, which represents the workers, Wednesday evening.
The workers ratified the deal Thursday.
The counsellors went on strike Oct. 16, on the same day as faculty members at Ontario colleges also hit the picket lines.
The deal is “wonderful news just before Christmas,” Lamoureux said. “It's my best Christmas gift.”
She said the two sides were able to come to an agreement with the help of a mediator. “He really helped us get through this,” Lamoureux said. “I'm very grateful. I think both sides are very grateful to him.”
Lamoureux was reluctant to reveal details of the collective agreement, but said there was a significant salary raise and a signing bonus.
Sudbury.com was not immediately able to reach United Steelworkers staff representative Lynne Descary to speak about the deal.
