Representatives of the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) of the District of Nipissing and Parry Sound and the union that represents its frontline, administrative and support workers met today in North Bay to attempt to resolve the labour dispute that began on December 23.

It is the first time that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and Nipissing and Parry CAS have met since mediation talks broke off on December 20.

“We look forward to resuming negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues between the society and the union and getting our employees back at work,” said Gisèle Hébert, executive director of Nipissing and Parry CAS.

CUPE national representative Fran Bélanger said: “CUPE members are pleased to know that their union and their employer are back at the bargaining table. They are eager to get back to doing the jobs that ensure the safety and well being of vulnerable children and youth in our communities.”

Both the CAS and CUPE will observe normal bargaining protocols and will issue joint communications while talks are ongoing.

The lockout of CUPE members at Nipissing and Parry Sound CAS began December 23.