On August 21st, minutes after midnight, representatives from CUPE 5167 and Good Shepherd Centres Hamilton reached a tentative agreement on a new contract that will ensure labour peace until 2027.

CUPE 5167 represents over 150 workers employed at Good Shepherd Family Centre, Reaching Home and Women’s Services (Martha House, Mary’s Place, Community Supports for Women and Children and Dorothy Day Place).

The workers have been without a collective agreement since March of this year.

“I am thankful we were able to arrive at a tentative agreement before job action became necessary,” said Jason Lucas, CUPE 5167 President. “Our members are compassionate, hardworking professionals whose lives are devoted to supporting Hamilton’s most vulnerable. It would have been a mistake to see their caring as a weakness. We are pleased to have the chance to continue our critical work.

“And while we won’t disclose the details until after our members have had the opportunity to review and vote on the agreement, suffice it to say that I and the bargaining committee feel comfortable recommending it to our members.”