SUDBURY, Ont. – On Thursday, August 21st, members of local 4705 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) ratified a new collective agreement with Ontario Library Services North (OLSN). The members voted 100 per cent in favour of this settlement.
Wyman MacKinnon, president of CUPE local 4705, was glad that discussions finally came to a positive outcome. “This was a very difficult round of bargaining” said MacKinnon. “Our people have been subjected to concessions for the past twelve years. I’m glad the members stood together this time around and that we were able to achieve a fair agreement.”
MacKinnon also added that the union gains would allow the staff to do their job in a safe and efficient manner. “In this current round of bargaining, we decided to make sure our members have the right tools for the job, such as cellular phones and adequate vehicles. We were also able to obtain pay increases in line with inflation and the rising cost of living, and travel per diems that actually cover travelling expenses.”
The workers of CUPE local 4705 provide many valued services for libraries and communities, including marketing, developing new revenues, technological assistance and boosting purchasing power through pooling procurement, among other services and expertise.
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For more information, contact:
Wyman MacKinnon, CUPE local 4705 president: (705) 669-8526
Luc Tittley, CUPE communications: (416) 910-2389