Tentative contract deal reached with CMHA-Oxford

WOODSTOCK, ON, Oct. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Mental Health Association-Oxford and members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 133 reached a tentative contract agreement last evening, thereby avoiding a work stoppage that could have started Oct. 6.

"I am pleased to announce that our bargaining team and representatives of the CMHA-Oxford reached a tentative three-year deal on Oct. 2," said Tischa Forster, chair of the bargaining team and president of Local 133 that represents about 50 CMHA workers in Woodstock, Tillsonburg and Ingersoll.

A ratification vote is scheduled for 6:00 pm this evening and replaces the previously-scheduled information rally the workers planned had a deal not been reached yesterday.

Details of the tentative agreement have not yet been released, but the affected workers can expect improvements to wages and benefits effective 2013.

"I applaud both sides for reaching a deal without the need for job action," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "This is a model for labour relations."

SOURCE: Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Tischa Forster
Chair, OPSEU Local 133 Bargaining Team
Telephone: [phone]