Sources inside the SEIU (Service Employees International Union), both on the picket line and in the executive, have indicated that there has been a breakthrough in negotiations between union representatives and management of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie Motherhouse.
Grace Ghunaim, head of strategic communications with the SEIU confirmed to BayToday Thursday evening that "we have reached a tentative settlement with the employer, and as a union, we are recommending it to our members.
"There will be a vote tomorrow, and the results will be known very shortly after 8 p.m. Friday," advised Ghunaim.
Earlier Thursday, Rich Ladouceur of the local SEIU chapter had confirmed by telephone that negotiations and talks had started up again between the two parties. Ladouceur would not go as far as to say that a meeting or vote had been planned for Friday, although that was what one of the striking workers said they expected to happen.
Ladouceur was hesitant to elaborate further, saying, "Unfortunately, I've got members that don't even know what's going on right now," referring inquiries to Ghunaim.
The 44 striking workers, whose positions at the Motherhouse include personal support workers, dietary aides, housekeepers, and maintenance, have been working without a contract since 2015.
Wages and contract language have been the major roadblocks to securing a new agreement. The union is seeking a 2 per cent increase, while management initially offered 1.1 per cent.
Also causing friction is the union's contention that the Motherhouse is a for-profit retirement home, while the Ontario Labour Board has ruled that the home is privately funded by the Sisters.
As late November turned to December, not only did the early winter weather experienced by picketers thaw but so has the animosity between the union and management. The picket line was reportedly an unpleasant area in the early days of the strike, and allegations were made that utilities had been tampered with. Despite the divide, the two sides seem to have moved past the tension of 10 days ago and could be headed for an agreement Friday.
BayToday will provide updates when results of the vote are known.
