OPSEU members at the Owen Sound Family Health Organization have ratified a collective agreement that provides decent wages and working conditions that will ensure quality family health care in Owen Sound and across Ontario.

The doctors who own the clinic are scheduled to vote on the agreement Thursday.

"I couldn't be more proud to be in the same union as these women. They've helped themselves, and they've helped protect family health care for everybody in Owen Sound and, ultimately, right across Ontario."said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "Strikes are never easy, but they're always important. I'd like to extend sincere thanks to the people of Owen Sound for their respect and encouragement through this," said Thomas.

The OPSEU Local 276 members went on strike on May 22 after four years of frozen wages.

But in the new four-year agreement, the doctors addressed many of the workers' concerns, providing substantial wage increases, no pension claw backs, and significantly improved job security.

 "This isn't just a victory for workers. It's a victory for every adult, senior, and child in Owen Sound," said OPSEU First Vice-President / Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida.

The workers could be back on the job as early as Sept. 10.

source: media release, OPSEU