Unionized workers at the Owen Sound Family Health Organization have reached a tentative agreement to end a strike that has lasted more than three months.
It was announced on Wednesday that the 30 striking nurses, clerical and custodial workers had voted to ratify a new four-year agreement. The doctors who own the clinic are scheduled to vote on the agreement Thursday.
"These workers, who are almost all women, have won an astounding victory against overwhelming odds," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas in a news release. "I couldn't be more proud to be in the same union as these women. They've helped themselves, and they've helped protect family health care for everybody in Owen Sound and, ultimately, right across Ontario."
OPSEU Local 276, which represents the workers, said the tentative agreement addresses many areas of concern including wage increases, pension clawbacks, and improved job security.
The workers walked off the job on May 22 after four years of frozen wages.
If the clinic's doctors ratify the new contract, the workers could be back on the job as early as Monday.
"Strikes are never easy, but they're always important," said Thomas, who added that the striking workers faced threats of violence while on the picket line. "With the community's support, not to mention the support of OPSEU members and of other unions from across the province, their solidarity and strength grew with each passing day."
