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A deal has been reached between striking workers and an Ontario group home, the union confirmed Tuesday.
In news releases on its website Tuesday, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) said the bargaining team for Local 249 secured a deal with Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS), based in Oakville, Ont., early Tuesday after two days of mediation.
The union said the deal was reached through a process known as mediation-arbitration. It said mediator Gerry Lee issued a decision, known as an award, in the process and both parties agreed to a return-to-work protocol.
“Workers held the line against all odds. Through their solidarity, they refused to let a vicious employer divide them,” OPSEU said in one release. “Together, they achieved incredible gains for themselves and their sector and their win sets the stage for all of OPSEU/SEFPO.”
OPSEU Local 249, which represents the workers, went on strike Nov. 19. Wage increases and working conditions were at issue.
CWSDS is a provincially funded non-profit that provides a supportive living community for adults with developmental disabilities
The union said members are expected to receive details of the deal in a townhall later on Tuesday and the picket line will come down.
CBC Toronto has reached out to CWSDS but has not yet heard back.
Before the strike began, as a contingency plan, CWSDS closed its various group homes and moved residents living there to its headquarters at 53 Bond St. in Oakville.