OSSTF/FEESO: Algoma University Support Staff Ratifies a Two Year Collective Agreement


SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 22, 2011) - On February 23, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) District 35, Algoma University Support Staff ratified a two year collective agreement with Algoma University. These staff members provide office, administrative, physical plant and other vital services for the university.

Paul Elliott, provincial OSSTF/FEESO Vice President and Chair of the District 35, Algoma University Support Staff bargaining team said, "This deal would not have been possible without the support provided by all members of the bargaining unit. The membership stood behind their negotiating team and provided the strike mandate necessary to bring the deal home."

Michael Young, President of the OSSTF/FEESO District 35, Algoma University Support Staff bargaining unit, offered the following statement: "This was a difficult set of negotiations, due primarily to the ill-conceived wage restraint policy of a provincial government determined to balance its budget on the backs of some of the most modestly paid workers in the broader public sector. That policy very nearly precipitated a strike at Algoma University, but in the end we were able to negotiate what we believe is the best deal possible under challenging circumstances."

OSSTF/FEESO, founded in 1919, has 60,000 members across Ontario. They include public high school teachers, occasional teachers, educational assistants, continuing education teachers and instructors, early childhood educators, psychologists, secretaries, speech-language pathologists, social workers, plant support personnel, university support staff, and many others in education.

Contact Information: Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation
Paul Elliott
Vice President
416.751.8300 or 1.800.267.7867