THUNDER BAY — A strike that impacted services to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community is over after 11 weeks.
Members of CUPE local 2073 across Ontario, including three workers in Thunder Bay, are returning to their jobs with a new three-year collective agreement with Canadian Hearing Services.
The not-for-profit organization describes itself as Canada's leading provider of programs, services, education, and products that enable deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to overcome barriers to participation.
Its counsellors, audiologists and interpreters provide a variety of specialized services.
CUPE 2073's president, Mara Waern, welcomed the ratification of the agreement by an overwhelming majority of the 200-plus workers.
"From the beginning, we wanted a contract that gave us and our clients stability," she said. "The initial offer was for a one-year deal. I'm proud we have a new three-year contract that provides increases to our pension and benefits, better wages, mileage rates and a meal allowance."
Waern added that the contract provides the members with "some peace of mind."
Canadian Hearing Services issued a brief statement saying it's pleased to have reached an agreement with its unionized employees.
