Lockout averted as March of Dime workers in Hamilton reach contract deal

HAMILTON, ON, Aug. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario March of Dimes and its 20 full- and part-time employees in Hamilton represented by Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 262 have reached a tentative contract deal through mediation that averted a lockout by management.

"It was very tough bargaining but as the midnight deadline approached it became apparent that a deal was achievable," said Helen Cassidy, chair of the bargaining team for Local 262. Had both sides failed to reach an agreement, the workers faced a lock out by management at 12:01 Thursday.

The previous contract between the March of Dime workers and their employer expired June 30, 2011. The workers provide assisted living to disabled persons in the disabled person's home.

Details of the agreement cannot be made public pending a ratification vote tentatively scheduled for Aug. 20.

"It's never a healthy labour-management situation when a contract is allowed to expire to the length this one did by over a year," said OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "But at the end of the day I am pleased that both sides were able to reach a tentative deal."

The bargaining team for Local 262 has recommend acceptance of the deal.

SOURCE: Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Helen Cassidy
Chair, OPSEU Local 262 Bargaining Team
905-320-9068