Mediators availability limited as NOSM strike enters Day 5

Little progress has seemingly been made between the two sides involved in a labour dispute that has had Northern Ontario School of Medicine workers on the picket lines for five days now.

On Thursday media reported that NOSM officials were hoping to have a mediator assist them with a resumption of talks. However, word came Friday that the mediators availability is limited over the next couple of weeks. So NOSM says its looking at the possibility of trying to return to the bargaining table without the mediator.

OPSEU officials said they would welcome a return to the negotiating table, but spokesperson Tyler England stressed that the ball is still in the NOSM’s court.

When asked if they had anything new to put on the table that would help spark new discussions, NOSM could only say it is reviewing its position and looking for appropriate dates to restart talks.

The 150 support staff put up picket lines on Monday in a dispute over issues including overtime, workloads, and sick leave.